Students working on laptops in lecture hall

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 Points: September, November (Enhanced Induction) or January
Length: Two semesters

Entry requirements

Check our academic and English language entry requirements

Fees

Visit the Fees page for full details.

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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.

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.

86%

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 2024.

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

Choose from seven subject routes

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.

Business Management

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

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.

International Relations

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

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.

Law

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

Cardiff University ISC students sat together in class

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.