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International Year One

Make a strong start to your degree

The International Year One is an intensive programme that leads to year two of an undergraduate degree at Cardiff University. The programme is tailor-made for international students who are not ready to apply direct to the University, but don’t want to delay their studies. Support focuses on easing the transition to the UK higher education system and improving your English skills. You will graduate with a degree after only three years.

Key facts

Entry requirements

Check our academic and English language entry requirements

Fees

Visit the Fees page for full details.

Programme is subject to approval

Why choose the International Year One?

Guaranteed progression to year two
Successfully complete this programme and move confidently into the second year of your degree with certainty about your progression.

A more supported first-year university experience
Learn in smaller classes with more teaching hours and personalised support, helping you achieve stronger results than many direct-entry students.

Study first-year university modules
Follow the same academic content as students who enter directly but with extra support that builds your confidence and accelerates your progress.

Academic English and study skills support
Develop the essential skills for university success, giving you a real advantage when you move into year two, including:

  • Academic writing
  • Research skills
  • Critical thinking

No extra cost or time, and all the extra support
The programme matches a traditional first year but includes additional support that direct-entry students don’t receive.

Future-ready preparation for year two and beyond
Strengthen your independence, communication and study skills so you enter year two confident, capable and ready to do well.

A global classroom
Learn alongside students from around the world. Build friendships, share experiences and grow within an international community that understands your journey. 

Who is the programme for?

The programme is designed for international students with a strong academic profile and a good level of English.

What will I study?

You will study a range of modules relating to your chosen degree, giving you broad subject knowledge and transferrable skills for when you graduate and start your career.

85%

of students who completed their International Year One programme at Cardiff International Study Centre were eligible to progress to a degree course at Cardiff University in 2025.

Sajidah from Malaysia

I applied to the International Study Centre first because it had a January intake, and I wanted to start as soon as possible. And also, I just wanted to be surrounded by international students. Because the International Study Centre offers smaller classes instead of huge lectures, so I can form relationships with teachers or closer friends. So the ISC has given me that opportunity, and I used it to the maximum.

Sajidah from Malaysia
Studied the International Year One in Accounting and Finance
Progressed to  BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance

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Accounting and Finance

Study modules in accounting and finance alongside Academic English Skills. You can choose from undergraduate degrees that have the option of a professional placement year.

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Business Management

Get the business skills and knowledge you need to progress to an undergraduate business degree at Cardiff.

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Computer Science and Cyber Security​

Develop technical and analytical skills to understand computing systems, protect digital environments and prepare for a wide range of future‑focused technology careers.

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Engineering

Develop your knowledge of engineering and polish your English skills. Choose from degrees including Architectural Engineering and Civil Engineering, all with the option of a year in industry.

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International Relations

Expand your understanding of the most important issues facing the every-changing modern world, as well as gaining valuable English language skills.

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Journalism, Media and Culture

Explore how media, journalism and culture shape our understanding of the world through modules like Media, Culture and Society, Foundations of Journalism and Advertising and Consumer Culture.

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Law

Build your skills and subject knowledge for the LLB Law. Gain practical experience and study areas including criminal law and public law.

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Psychology

The International Year One in Psychology expands your skills and knowledge to the level required to progress to the second year of an undergraduate degree at Cardiff University.

Join us today

We're here to support you throughout the application process. Use our online application form and our student enrolment advisors will be available to answer your questions.