UK University Pathway Courses

About These Courses

University pathway courses are for international students who want to study a degree in the UK, but do not have the academic or English qualifications for direct entry to a university. They teach a combination of English language, study skills and academic subjects and most offer guaranteed entry to a degree program on successful completion. You can apply online for any university pathway course on our website.

Undergraduate Degrees

In general, UK Universities do not accept school qualifications from outside the EU¹. International students who want to study a bachelor's degree in the UK must first study a foundation course or A Levels.

University Foundation Courses

For most international students, a University Foundation Course is the fastest and most direct route to a UK university. Courses start in January, February, March or September and take less than one year. On successful completion, you are guaranteed entry to selected degrees at a wide range of universities. These courses are perfect for international students who want to study subjects such as business, computing, engineering, law and science.

A Level Courses

These courses are studied by British students who want to go to university. They are accepted by all UK universities and many international universities too. Top A Level grades are required for entry to Medical School and elite institutions. If you want to study subjects such as Medicine or Dentistry, or for access to top universities like Oxford and Cambridge, you will need to study an A Level Pathways.

Master's Degrees

For direct entry to a master's degree, you will need a good bachelor's degree (minimum second class or 55%) and an English level equivalent to IELTS 6.5. If you don't meet these requirements, then a Pre-Master's Course may be the best option for you. These courses teach a combination of English and academic subjects and provide direct entry to a master's degree after 3 - 9 months.

Acceptable qualifications from outside the EU include: Malaysia (STPM), Ghana (OND), Hong Kong (HKDSE), India (HSSC) and Nigeria (OND). The International Baccalaureate (IB) is also accepted.