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Durham University International Study Centre offers a choice of pathway programmes, depending on whether you want to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level. Each pathway programme leads to a wide range of degrees at Durham University.

International Foundation Year

The International Foundation Year is a preparation programme that leads to entry to the first year of a degree. As well as learning about your subject, you will get help with study skills and English language. After completing the International Foundation Year and achieving the required grades, you will progress to the first year of your chosen degree.

• Business, Economics, Accounting and Finance
• Humanities, Law and Social Science
• Science and Engineering

Pre-Masters

The Pre-Masters programme will prepare you for a masters degree, with a combination of subject-specific teaching, study skills and English tuition.

• Business, Economics, Accounting and Finance
• Science and Engineering

English Language Preparation

Improve your English reading, writing and listening skills and build confidence before entering your pathway programme.

• English Language Preparation (a one or two-term programme before you start the International Foundation Year)
• English for Pre-Masters (a one-term programme before you start your Pre-Masters programme).

You will need to live in the UK for the duration, as programmes are not available online.

If you would like to study at Durham University International Study Centre, you will need to meet our English language and academic entry requirements.

You can join an English language preparation course first if you need to improve your language skills before starting your pathway programme.

You will have the opportunity to take an active part in seminars, tutorials and lectures to prepare you for the style of teaching and learning you will experience at the University. Our class sizes are small, with no more than twenty-five students per class, so that you can receive individual attention from our experienced and highly qualified tutors. You will also have individual support from an academic personal tutor.

When considering studying in the UK, you need to consider the tuition fees and accommodation costs, as well as your living costs. There are no scholarships available at this time.

Accommodation fees vary according to the length of stay and which residence you are living in. 

If you are under the age of 18 when you start your programme, you will live in Endeavour Court. Over-18s live in either Endeavour Court, Infinity House or Rialto Court.

Endeavour Court is located on Queen's Campus, with Infinity House and Rialto Court just a short walk away.

Alternatively, (if over 18 years old) you can arrange private off campus accommodation.

Explore accommodation and fees.

You can book accommodation once you have accepted your offer of a place and paid the confirmation payment.

You will need a Tier 4 (Student) visa to study in the UK. Find more information on the visa process.

The first step is to apply, receive an offer of a place, and accept your place by paying a deposit and Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) payment. You will then receive a CAS and can start the visa application process online.

You can apply for a UK visa up to three months before the start date of your programme, once you have received an offer of a place, paid a deposit and received your Certificate of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).

Make sure to start your application early, to give it enough time to be processed before you need to travel to the UK.