Student reading in the library

International Year One

Prepare to join the second year of a degree at the University of Leeds

What is the International Year One?

The International Year One is a two-semester programme that is equivalent to the first year of an undergraduate degree. It aims to help you develop the skills you need to join the second year of a related degree at the University of Leeds, by building on your pre-existing English language skills and supporting you through the introduction to a British-style university curriculum. Our teachers work closely with students to bring you a tailored, personal studying experience and allow you to seamlessly enter an undergraduate degree.

What you will study

On this programme, you will study a blend of core and subject-specific modules. Your modules will be tailored depending on your choice of subject pathway so your learning suits your career goals. As part of the International Year One, you will also study dedicated English language content that is focused on improving your speaking, writing and academic language skills.

Key facts

Two semesters

Find out the specific term dates for this programme.

Biological Sciences/International Relations/Business Management/Business Management with Marketing - September, November (with Enhanced Induction) or January

Civil Engineering - September only

Find out more about the entry requirements and course fees for this programme.

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. 

94% of students

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

Your subject pathway options:

A lab on the University of Leeds' campus.

Biological Sciences

Open up a wealth of career opportunities across many professional fields. Benefit from exciting modules from across the biological world.

Four students collaborating in a shared work space.

Business Management

Gain valuable career-focused skills on this pathway. You'll learn about modern businesses and explore economics, accounting, and entrepreneurship too.

A student sat in a shared working space.

Business Management with Marketing

Develop marketing fundamentals, knowledge of human behaviour and business settings, and accounting skills in this engaging subject pathway.

Engineering student smiling at camera

Civil Engineering

Develop your understanding of architecture, engineering, structures and materials for progression to a degree at the School of Civil Engineering at the University of Leeds.

Two students engaged in a lesson.

International Relations and Global Development

Learn about politics, trade, social studies, and modern history on the International Relations pathway.

Assessments during your programme

Our teachers will monitor your progress closely, ensuring you are on track with your studies. You will take part in group projects, presentations and essays, in addition to undertaking exams as part of your overall assessment.

Study plan options

You will begin your International Year One programme at the start of term, in September or January depending on your choice of subject pathway. Upon successful completion, this will allow you to join the second year of a degree at the University of Leeds the following September.

Semester structure for your programme

English language levelSemestersStart dateEnd dateProgress to the University of LeedsRoute
IELTS 5.52 semestersSeptemberMaySeptemberAll routes
IELTS 5.52 semesters and Enhanced InductionNovemberJulySeptemberBiological Sciences and International Relations only
IELTS 5.52 semestersJanuaryJulySeptemberBiological Sciences and International Relations only

Join us today

Our Student Enrolment Advisors are available to answer any questions you may have and help you with your application. We can't wait to meet you!