A Sussex ISC student in the library

International pathway programmes

Prepare for your degree

Studying a pathway programme is an excellent way to start your international education journey. The programmes are expertly designed to help you smoothly transition into university teaching style. Often taught at an International Study Centre, pathway programmes are available for progression to both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at our partner universities.

Who are university pathway programmes for?

Students who:

Would benefit from additional academic and English language preparation.

Want to learn in a supportive environment through small class sizes.

Do not meet the direct entry requirements and would benefit from personalised support.

Want time to adjust to living and studying abroad.

What is an International Study Centre/College?

Our International Study Centres are often located on campus at our partner universities. The centres are led by friendly and welcoming teachers and professionals committed to supporting students through every step of their educational journey. From personalised academic guidance to assistance with adjusting to life in a new country, the teams at our International Study Centres are focused on creating a supportive environment.

Combined visa

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
  • Teesside University International Study Centre

Choose where you'd like to study

UK

  • Aberdeen logo
  • Cardiff logo
  • UCD logo
  • Durham logo
  • Huddersfield logo
  • Kingston logo
  • Leeds Beckett logo
  • Leeds logo
  • LJMU logo
  • RHUL logo
  • Sheffield logo
  • Strathclyde logo
  • Surrey logo
  • Sussex logo
  • Teesside logo

US

  • Hartford logo
  • JMU logo

* 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.

Benefits of a pathway programme

  • 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.
  • Professional and personal development: Gain exposure to industry, life skills and cultural experiences that prepare you for global career opportunities.

Explore university pathway programme options

Durham ISC students chatting in a hallway

Undergraduate

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

A RHUL student on campus

Postgraduate

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