Prepare for your Bachelor's degree at Newcastle University
Want to study an undergraduate (or ‘Bachelor’s’) degree in the UK, but need extra preparation before you begin? Our undergraduate pathway programmes help you develop the academic, English language and study skills you'll need to succeed at undergraduate level.
Why do I need a pathway programme?
What are my undergraduate pathway options?
International Foundation (iCAS available)
Your guaranteed route to Year 1 of an undergraduate degree at Newcastle University. iCAS pathway programmes combine your pathway and degree in a single study plan, on one visa – with no need to return home in between.
Subject options include: Accounting | Architecture | Biology | Biomedicine | Business | Chemistry | Computer Science | Computing | Data Science | Economics | Engineering | Humanities | Law | Management | Marketing | Mathematics | Media | Nutrition | Pharmacy | Physics | Planning | Psychology | Politics | Social Sciences | Sport Science
An International Foundation pathway will help you:
- build the academic knowledge and English language skills you need for undergraduate success
- bridge the gap between high school and university and learn how to study like an undergraduate student
- secure your place on a wide range of Bachelor’s degrees at Newcastle University
- prepare for university at your own pace, with flexible start dates and a choice of programme lengths to suit your English level.
International Year One (iCAS available)
Your guaranteed route to Year 2 of an undergraduate degree at Newcastle University. iCAS pathway programmes combine your pathway and degree in a single study plan, on one visa – with no need to return home in between.
Subject options include: Accounting | Architecture | Business | Computer Science | Engineering | Finance | Management | Marketing
An International Year One pathway will help you:
- complete your pathway and degree in as little as 3 years, saving time and money
- ease into your UK university experience – it's equivalent to the first year of your degree, but in a supportive international environment
- develop your confidence in smaller classes, with opportunities to join university students for selected modules
- build the academic knowledge, English language and study skills you need for undergraduate success
- secure your place on a wide range of Bachelor’s degrees at Newcastle University, continuing straight to your second year
- prepare for university at your own pace, with flexible start dates and a choice of programme lengths to suit your English level.
International Foundation | International Year One | |
|---|---|---|
Who is it for? | Students who need additional preparation before starting their undergraduate degree. | Students who meet the requirements for degree-level study, but would benefit from extra support in their first year. |
What will I study? | Academic modules related to your chosen degree, plus English language and academic study skills. | Degree-level modules equivalent to the first year of university, with academic and English language support. |
Which subject areas are available? | Choose from a wide range of subjects, including: accounting | architecture | biomedicine | business | computing | data science | engineering | law | marketing | media | nutrition | pharmacy | psychology | politics | science. | Choose from a wide range of subjects, including: accounting | architecture | business | computer science | engineering | finance | management | marketing. |
How long will it take? | 4 years in total (1-year pathway + 3-year degree*). | 3 years in total (1-year pathway + Years 2 and 3 of your degree*). |
When will I join Newcastle University? | At the start of the first year of your undergraduate degree. | At the start of the second year of your undergraduate degree. |
Will I receive extra support? | Yes – enjoy a wide range of dedicated support as you prepare for university and adapt to student life in the UK. | Yes – you'll study at degree level in an international environment, with smaller classes and more one-on-one support. |
What are the benefits? | Gain the skills, confidence and academic preparation you need for undergraduate success. | Save time and money by completing your pathway and degree in the same amount of time as a standard UK Bachelor's degree. |
Does it guarantee my place at Newcastle University? | Yes – when you complete your pathway successfully and meet all university requirements. | Yes – when you complete your pathway successfully and meet all university requirements. |
Can I study both programmes on the same visa? | Yes – iCAS options are available, meaning you can complete your pathway and degree in a single study plan, on one visa. | Yes – iCAS options are available, meaning you can complete your pathway and degree in a single study plan, on one visa. |
* Programme lengths may vary depending on your chosen pathway and English language level.
Your route to a UK undergraduate degree
Start with an International Foundation or International Year One pathway at Newcastle University International Study Centre. Once completed to the level required by the university, you'll continue to your undergraduate degree at Newcastle University.
Ready to take the next step?
Frequently asked questions about Newcastle University's undergraduate pathway programmes
An undergraduate pathway programme is designed for international students who do not meet the requirements for direct entry to Newcastle University. It helps build the academic knowledge, English language and study skills needed to begin a Newcastle University undergraduate (or 'Bachelor's') degree.
An International Foundation pathway programme prepares students to enter the first year of their undergraduate degree, while an International Year One is equivalent to the first year of their undergraduate degree.
With an International Year One pathway programme, eligible students may progress directly to Year 2, enabling them to complete their pathway and degree in as little as 3 years.
Yes. Newcastle University International Study Centre offers undergraduate pathway programmes that provide an alternative route to a Newcastle University degree, designed for students who do not meet the academic or English language requirements for direct entry.
Yes. If a student successfully completes their International Year One pathway programme and meets all requirements, they can continue directly to the second year of their chosen undergraduate degree.
iCAS programmes combine a pathway programme and degree into a single study plan. This allows students to move from their pathway to their degree without needing to return home or apply for a new visa, provided they meet the progression requirements.
Successful completion of an undergraduate pathway programme at Newcastle University International Study Centre guarantees a place on an eligible degree at Newcastle University. Specific progression requirements vary by pathway programme and chosen degree.
Study length varies depending on a student's chosen pathway programme and degree.
International Foundation students typically complete a 1-year pathway programme, then join Newcastle University at the start of the first year of a 3-year degree. This means they can graduate 4 years after beginning their pathway programme.
International Year One students typically complete a 1-year pathway programme, then join Newcastle University at the start of the second year of a 3-year degree. This means they can graduate 3 years after beginning their pathway programme – the same amount of time as a typical UK Bachelor's degree.