Undergraduate pathway programmes
High-quality learning and progression support
There are various undergraduate pathway programmes available to support you on your journey to graduate abroad. The one you wish to study will depend on a few factors, including:
- Entry requirements
- The level of study and support you need
- Where you want to study
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
International Year One
The International Year One prepares you for the second year of an undergraduate degree. Equivalent to studying the first year of a Bachelor’s degree, the programme provides additional academic and English language support to help you thrive at your university of choice.
Why choose the International Year One?
- Progress to the second year of an undergraduate degree. In 2023/2024, 93% of students who completed their International Year One programme were eligible to progress to the university of their choice.
- Improve your academic study skills.
- Condensed class sizes for maximum tailored support.
- Explore a custom-built curriculum.
- Get an introduction to the British education system.
- Discover university culture and student life.
There are also programmes available at selected U.S universities, including:
- International Pathway Program (University of Hartford)
- International Year (James Madison University, Texas A&M University Corpus Christi)
- Global Pathway Program (Western Washington University)
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.
“As soon as I transferred from the ISC to JMU, we started taking classes with American students. The ISC prepared me for that, because otherwise it would have been overwhelming for me. I really appreciate that I didn’t have to compete with native speakers, that one year gave me the opportunity to adjust to the new atmosphere and find myself.”
Arash from Iran
Studied Economics and Mathematics at James Madison University
UK
A beacon of academic excellence, rich cultural heritage with a vibrant, cosmopolitan lifestyle.
Ireland
Rich history is reflected in iconic castles and lively festivals. A high-quality Irish education is recognised globally.
USA
Home to many of the world's top universities, campuses in the US provide a range of clubs, societies, and activities.