International pathway programmes
Prepare for your degree
Studying a pathway programme is an excellent way to start your international education journey. Pathway programmes are expertly designed to prepare you for a smooth transition to university study. Often taught at an International Study Centre on campus, pathway programmes are available for progression to both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at our partner universities.
What is a pathway programme?
A pathway programme is a preparatory course designed to prepare international students for studying at university in the UK, US or Ireland. These courses focus on improving subject knowledge, developing academic and language skills, and building employability skills for graduate career success.
Who are university pathway programmes for?
Students who:
Would benefit from additional academic and English language preparation.
Want to start enhancing their career skills even before their university studies
Do not meet the direct entry requirements and would benefit from additional personalised support.
Want time to adjust to living and studying abroad.
Benefits of a pathway programme
- Grow your confidence in English language with specialised teaching.
- Progress to a top university and gain a distinguished degree.
- Academic preparation in your chosen subject route.
- Help with study skills, such as time management and research.
- An introduction to the style of teaching and learning in universities in the UK, Ireland or US.
- Prepare for your future career by developing valuable transferable skills.
- Expect a learning environment that's all about you, with smaller classes and a curriculum that serves as an introduction to campus life.
Pathway programmes
International Year Two – Scotland only
The International Year Two pathway allows you to progress to the third year of an undergraduate degree. This means if you have already achieved a higher level of academic achievement in your home country, you can complete your foundation course and undergraduate degree in just three years in Scotland.
Why choose the International Year Two?
- Progress to the third year of a four-year undergraduate degree
- Develop your subject knowledge and academic English skills.
- Improve your English language skills.
- Explore student life on campus.
- Benefit from smaller class sizes and a tailored curriculum.
International Foundation Year – UK and Ireland only
The International Foundation Year is an excellent stepping stone for students looking to start their higher education in the UK or Ireland. It is specifically designed to deliver additional academic and English language support to prepare you for an undergraduate degree.
Why choose the International Foundation Year?
- Choose from a range of subjects.
- Improve your English language skills.
- Gain career skills to impress future employers.
- Develop your academic study skills.
- Benefit from a tailored curriculum.
- Create a base of knowledge in your course subject area to prepare you to progress onto your degree of choice.
The foundation that we study at the International Study Centre is really helpful. The presentation skills we learn help to ease us into university life. If I had gone to University College Dublin directly, I don’t think I would have been eased into university life, as the ISC helped with that
Nikita from India
Studied International Foundation Year in Business, Economics and Social Sciences
Progressed to BSc Economics at University College Dublin
Pre-Masters
The Pre-Masters is a one-, two-, or three-term or semester programme designed to prepare you for postgraduate study abroad. Pre-Masters programmes are available at a selection of our UK and US universities, with the addition of the Master’s International Year exclusively at the University of Hartford International Study Center.
Why choose a Pre-Masters programme?
- Develop your academic subject knowledge and English language skills.
- Get help adjusting to a new education system.
- Benefit from a tailored course and smaller class sizes.
- Develop enhanced subject knowledge.
- Improve your career prospects by building your experience and academic skills
Choose where you'd like to study
UK
Ireland
US
* Pathway programmes for progression to the University of Leeds are delivered at Leeds International Study Centre.
** Pathway programmes for progression to University College Dublin are delivered at Dublin International Study Centre.
The International Study Centre will provide you with all the support you need to complete your undergraduate studies, it will build your foundation, your confidence in English. It is basically one of the greatest decisions I have made coming here.
Yousef from Saudi Arabia
Studied International Year One in Business
Progressed to BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance
I found it very helpful that I did the foundation year, everyone around me was in the same boat, so we were all having the same experience. The foundation year helped build my confidence, so I felt that it was very necessary for me.
Sara from Bahrain
Studied the International Foundation Year
Progressed to BEng Medical Engineering
Studying at the International Study Centre was an excellent experience. They have different courses which can help us in our postgraduate studies, including academic writing, research methods, mathematics and statistics.
Fahad from Oman
Studied Pre-Masters Programme in Engineering and Sciences
Progressed to MSc Applied Physics