Durham ISC students chatting in the hallway

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? 

Gain confidence and connections 

Join a supportive learning environment where you’ll study alongside fellow international students. Small class sizes, expert tutors and personalised mentoring help you grow in confidence so you’re ready to thrive at university and beyond. 

Achieve academic excellence with personalised support 

From day one, you’ll benefit from focused academic support, additional contact hours and teaching that’s tailored to your needs. With a curriculum aligned to your chosen degree, you’ll gain the knowledge and skills to excel in your second year – all while receiving individual guidance every step of the way. 

Preparation every step of the way 

Your future success starts here. As part of the International Year One, you’ll develop essential academic and career skills, such as critical thinking and teamwork. With dedicated support, you’ll feel confident and prepared to take your next step – and every step after that. 

In 2023/2024, 93% of students who completed their International Year One programme were eligible to progress to the university of their choice. 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.
Durham ISC students walking through campus

UK

A beacon of academic excellence, rich cultural heritage with a vibrant, cosmopolitan lifestyle.

Dublin ISC students talking on campus

Ireland

Rich history is reflected in iconic castles and lively festivals. A high-quality Irish education is recognised globally.

A Florida Atlantic University student on campus

USA

Home to many of the world's top universities, campuses in the US provide a range of clubs, societies, and activities.