Imagine being in a classroom full of international students, each one bringing their unique perspectives and ideas. Exciting, right?
Yet, a small voice inside your head holds you back – you worry about not having the right qualifications to study abroad or lacking confidence in your English skills.
That’s where a pathway program can help. It bridges these gaps, giving you the opportunity to achieve your dream of studying in the UK, a top destination for international students.
What is a pathway?
Pathway programs are preparatory courses designed to help international students gain the academic and English language qualifications needed to enter a UK university. These programs bridge the gap between the students’ current knowledge and the requirements for undergraduate or postgraduate study.
An undergraduate pathway typically lasts for 9 months, while a pathway for prospective postgraduate students can be completed in 3–12 months, depending on your qualifications. Once you’ve successfully completed your pathway program and achieved the university’s entry requirements, you’ll be eligible to begin your chosen degree program.
Types of pathway programs
There are three types of pathways to choose from depending on your qualifications and desired study level: International Foundation, International Year One and Pre-Master’s.
At INTO, each pathway program is designed with and validated by our partner universities to ensure you acquire the necessary knowledge and English language skills for that university.
The International Foundation and International Year One are both for students aiming to progress to an undergraduate degree. However, the International Foundation leads to Year 1 of an undergraduate degree, while the International Year One allows you to enter directly to Year 2.
Read this blog to help you decide which undergraduate pathway is right for you.
The Pre-Master’s pathway is designed for bachelor’s degree holders. This program enhances students’ academic knowledge, research skills, and English proficiency required for postgraduate studies. INTO also offers expert support throughout the university application process, ensuring students choose the best UK university for their chosen field of study.
INTO offers a wide range of Pre-Master’s courses at top UK universities. Want to know more?
What are the benefits of studying a pathway?
1. Preparing you for success at a UK university
University preparation is a major advantage of studying a pathway. In the 2024 INTO Annual Student Experience Survey, 89% of students expressed they felt prepared for their university studies.
Timothy from Indonesia says that his pathway and his teachers at INTO University of Exeter helped him transition smoothly with his improved academic and English skills: “The change from high school to university is drastic, but the International Year One helped me adapt. I had full attention from my teachers, and my English improved too.”
Applying for a Master’s degree also involves meeting higher academic standards, finding the right university and completing extensive paperwork for your university application. Many international students choose to take a Pre-Master’s or Master’s Preparation program (MPP) for expert support and to gain practical research skills essential for success in their postgraduate studies.
Yui from Japan, who took the Master’s Preparation Program at INTO Manchester, says “MPP taught me how to conduct research, analyze data with software like SPSS and produce a comprehensive dissertation. I didn’t learn these in my undergraduate studies and MPP helped me learn the skills I needed when I do my master’s degree.”
2. Getting unrivalled 1:1 support
A pathway program offers the opportunity to experience university-style teaching, but with the benefit of additional academic and personal support. It also gives you ample time to adapt to life abroad, ensuring you’re well-adjusted by the time you enter university.
Binh from Vietnam, who studied Humanities and Social Sciences, commented: “Studying abroad is a big step for me. I knew that getting into university while adjusting to living alone in a completely new country is difficult, so I chose to study a foundation year first. INTO Manchester provided me with support in terms of living in the UK and how to perform well academically.”
3. Enhancing your employability skills
INTO, together with our partner universities, is committed to nurturing career-ready alumni who will emerge as leaders in the future workforce. That’s why we’ve launched Get Work Ready – to develop your employability skills and career goals during your pathway.
Shynggys from Kazakhstan, who studied the International Foundation in Computing, Science and Engineering, says that the employability module at INTO City, University of London was incredibly helpful. He explains: “It gave me a solid understanding of what to anticipate when applying for jobs and internships. Plus, it taught me the secrets to crafting a standout CV. Thanks to this module, I got a part-time job as a tennis coach assistant and I’m planning to apply for internships that align with my passion for technology.”
Watch this video to learn more about Get Work Ready, INTO’s online employability program for international students.
4. Make friends from all over the world
Learning with people from different backgrounds expands your worldview, fosters your open-mindedness and sensitivity – and can help you navigate cultural and language barriers. These are valuable skills essential to your future global career, plus you’ll make lifetime friendships and connections.
Natali from Venezuela, who studied the International Foundation at INTO Newcastle University, shares “I met students from different parts of the world which helped me expand my network and connect easily with my colleagues at work.”
Media Studies student Phoebe from Vietnam reflects on her journey at INTO University of East Anglia. She says that making friends from different countries helped her gain more values. “I have a lot of friends not only from Britain but also Nigeria, Korea, China and Malaysia. Interacting and meeting students from different cultures provides me with a lot of different values about other cultural settings.”
5. A time for personal growth and self-discovery
Living by yourself in an unfamiliar setting could be challenging, but it pushes you to get out of your comfort zone – according to Zona from Taiwan, China who studied the International Foundation and progressed to The University of Manchester.
“Back in Taiwan, my parents took good care of me, and moving to Manchester forced me to become more independent. I experienced doing laundry and cooking for myself for the first time. It was difficult at first, but once you learn how to do it, it is quite enjoyable and stress-relieving,” she explains.
For Sheng Yang from Malaysia, who studied the International Foundation at INTO Newcastle University, it was the perfect time to grow personally and discover himself.
“INTO was a good step into the UK and it taught me how to adapt in a foreign environment. The way INTO was structured helped me shape a routine for progressing with my work, and to realize which areas I was strong in.”
Studying a pathway program provides you with a comprehensive foundation for academic success and personal growth. With the right pathway program at INTO, you can confidently embark on your dream study abroad adventure.
Remember that support is always available. If these students made it, so can you!
You can start planning your study abroad by following this living cost guide. You may also like to read this blog that will help you prepare for your big study adventure.
Ready to start your study abroad journey?
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