English language programmes
Our Online English programmes are designed for undergraduate students who do not currently have the English language level required to study the International Foundation Year or International Year One.
Semester dates
Find semester dates below for the International Foundation Year, International Year One, Pre-Master's and English Language Programme.
International Foundation Year
The International Foundation Year prepares students for undergraduate study.
September 2025
| Start | Finish | |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | 21/9/2025 | 15/1/2026 |
| Semester 2 | 18/1/2026 | 11/6/2026 |
November 2025
| Start | Finish | |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | 23/11/2025 | 30/4/2026 |
| Semester 2 | 3/5/2026 | 27/8/2026 |
January 2026
| Start | Finish | |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | 11/1/2026 | 30/4/2026 |
| Semester 2 | 3/5/2026 | 27/8/2026 |
Please note: For the November start - after the 3-week Enhanced Induction you will join your main academic programme which starts in January 2026.
Accelerated International Foundation
The Accelerated International Foundation is an intensive, 22-week pathway, preparing students for undergraduate study.
March 2026
| Start | Finish | |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | 8/3/2026 | 27/8/2026 |
International Year One
The International Year One is equivalent to the first year of an undergraduate degree, with extra support and English language preparation.
September 2025
| Start | Finish | |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | 21/9/2025 | 15/1/2026 |
| Semester 2 | 18/1/2026 | 11/6/2026 |
November 2025
| Start | Finish | |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | 23/11/2025 | 30/4/2026 |
| Semester 2 | 3/5/2026 | 27/8/2026 |
January 2026
| Start | Finish | |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | 11/1/2026 | 30/4/2026 |
| Semester 2 | 3/5/2026 | 27/8/2026 |
Please note: the first intake for the IY1 Journalism, Media and Culture will be in January 2026.
Pre-Master's programme
The Pre-Master's prepares postgraduate students for Master's-level study at Cardiff University.
2 Semester
November 2025
| Start | Finish | |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | 23/11/2025 | 30/4/2026 |
| Semester 2 | 3/5/2026 | 27/8/2026 |
January 2026
| Start | Finish | |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | 11/1/2026 | 30/4/2026 |
| Semester 2 | 3/5/2026 | 27/8/2026 |
Depending on your level of English, you may require one or two terms of English. Check the entry requirements page for more information.
| Weeks | Start date |
| 10 | May or September 2023 |
The English Language Preparation programme is not available for students who are aiming to study Medicine, Dental Surgery, Optometry, Medical Pharmacology, Pharmacy, Journalism and Communications; Journalism, Communications and Politics; Media and Communications or Media, Journalism and Culture.
| Programme length | Start date |
| 6 weeks | 26/6/2023 2/10/2023 |
| 10 weeks | 29/05/2023 04/09/2023 |
| 16 weeks | 17/04/2023 24/7/2023 |
