International pathway programmes

Start your international journey with confidence.

The Smartest Choice

Choose the right starting point for your university journey. Depending on your qualifications and goals, you can begin with degree-level study or a preparation programme, both designed to build the skills and confidence you need for success.

Our programmes are built for international students, combining expert teaching, smaller classes and academic English support to help you adapt quickly and thrive at university.

They are the smarter, more supportive way to begin your degree.

Degree-level study

International Year One

A full first year of undergraduate study with guaranteed progression to Year 2. You’ll study the same modules as the first year at your university but with more personalised support, academic English skills, smaller class sizes and no extra cost or duration.

Learn alongside students from around the world. Build friendships and grow within an international community that understands your journey. It’s a stronger, more confident start to degree‑level study.

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Degree preparation programmes

International Foundation Year

A university preparation year that builds strong academic English and study skills, and confidence for progression to Year 1. You'll gain the foundation you need to adapt quickly and perform well.

You can also choose to study the Bellerbys Foundation Programme in China, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea or the UK.

Pre‑Masters Programme

A focused transition into postgraduate study for ambitious learners. You’ll prepare not just for your Masters-level success, but for your future career.

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Benefits of university pathway programmes

Academic English Language preparation: Develop strong academic English skills to feel confident in lectures, discussions and assignments.
Academic adjustment: Learn essential study methods such as researching, essay writing, presenting and effective time management.
Confidence building: Start in a smaller, close-knit community with other international students, building friendships and self-assurance before entering university.
Enhanced support: Receive more intensive academic and personal support, helping with both study and settling into life abroad.
Improved success rates: Students who complete a pathway programme are more likely to succeed in their chosen degree.
Guaranteed progression: Successfully complete your programme and meet progression requirements and you're guaranteed to progress.
Professional and personal development: Gain exposure to industry, life skills and cultural experiences that prepare you for global career opportunities.

What are International Study Centres?

Study in a supportive campus hub

Our International Study Centres, located across the UK and Ireland, provide a welcoming environment for international students. Based on or near our partner university campuses, each centre offers tailored programmes designed to prepare students for academic success. With dedicated teachers and support staff, students benefit from expert guidance, smaller class sizes and a welcoming international community – helping you progress with confidence and fully prepared for academic study.

What is a combined visa?

One visa, smooth transition

To make the study abroad process even simpler, we offer a combined visa (iCAS) at five of our UK International Study Centres for selected pathway programmes.

With an iCAS, students need just one visa for the entire duration of their study. This covers the length of their pathway programme and university degree, allowing a seamless transition to university. As students do not need to return home between their study programmes, this makes the iCAS a cost-effective and time-efficient option.

The iCAS is offered at:

University of Aberdeen International Study Centre
University of Huddersfield International Study Centre
Liverpool John Moores University International Study Centre
Royal Holloway International Study Centre

2,500+ progression degree options

available via our undergraduate and postgraduate preparation programmes

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.}

Explore university pathway programme options

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Undergraduate

Discover the different types of undergraduate pathway programmes and begin your study abroad experience today.

Gain the advantage

Postgraduate

Build on your undergraduate knowledge while preparing to progress to a postgraduate degree abroad.

Pre-Masters programmes

World-class education within your reach

Start your international education journey with our expertly designed programmes

Enquire now