International Year One
Take a confident step into your university journey
The International Year One (IY1) is designed to give you a strong, supported start to university life and a direct route into the second year of your Durham undergraduate degree. You’ll study the same academic content as first year university students, but with personalised guidance, smaller classes and teachers who understand your goals. Because you progress to Year 2 without adding extra time or cost, you begin your degree feeling prepared, supported and already one step ahead.
Why choose the International Year One
Guaranteed progression to Year 2
Successfully complete the programme and move directly into the second year of your Durham undergraduate degree with confidence and no uncertainty.
A more supported first year experience
Learn in smaller classes with more teaching hours and personalised support, helping you achieve strong results and settle into university life more easily.
Study real first year university modules
Follow the same academic curriculum taught across Durham undergraduate courses, but with additional guidance that builds your confidence and accelerates your progress.
No extra time or cost
The programme mirrors a traditional first year while providing extensive support that directentry students do not receive.
Join a global community
Learn alongside students from around the world. Build friendships, share perspectives and develop the global outlook valued by universities and employers.
Develop essential academic skills
Strengthen your Academic English, critical thinking, research and writing skills that many international students find most challenging. Shaped around your individual starting point, instead of a one-size-fits-all model — you’ll study in a group matched to your ability, with focused support to strengthen your academic writing, reading, speaking and wider study skills.
Who is the programme for?
The programme is designed for international students with a strong academic profile and a good level of English. It’s an ideal route for international students who want structured support before progressing into a Durham undergraduate degree programme.
What will I study?
You will study a range of modules relating to your chosen degree, giving you broad subject knowledge and transferrable skills for when you graduate and start your career.
