international

Degree preparation courses

As an international student, you might need to take a degree preparation course before attending university abroad. Sometimes these types of courses are necessary because of differences in national education systems, or to help you improve your academic skills, and language skills if required.

The University of Essex offers degree preparation courses in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. These programmes, called pathway courses, allow international students to progress to an undergraduate or postgraduate degree at the University of Essex, when you pass your course at the required level with good attendance.

You can choose to study the following pathway courses, depending on your current qualifications:

Each course requires you to have a minimum English language level.

If you do have the academic level required for your degree course but do not have the English level required, Pre-Sessional English courses are available for students who specifically need to improve their English level for university.

University of Essex International College (UEIC)

All degree preparation courses are studied at the University of Essex International College. The College is situated on the University’s Colchester campus, giving you the chance to feel like part of the University before progressing to your degree. During your studies, you’ll also have access to all the University of Essex’s facilities and resources.

The welcoming staff at the College are there to make your experience as rewarding as possible. They will guide, inspire and help you make the most of your time at the International College. You’ll even get to enjoy organised social events and activities including sports tournaments and visits to local attractions, giving you lots of opportunities to make friends and explore the city.

Foundation Certificate

If you would like to study an undergraduate degree but don't yet meet the entry requirements for direct admission, you can study a Foundation Certificate. On this course, you'll improve your subject knowledge and, if required, your English language level. If you pass at the required level with good attendance, you're guaranteed entry to your chosen undergraduate degree at the University of Essex.

International Year One

International Year One (IYO) is a great study option for international students who have finished high school with good grades. This is because an IYO course allows you to progress straight to the 2nd year of your undergraduate degree if pass at the required level with good attendance. The course will help you improve your subject knowledge and study skills, as well as your English if necessary.

Pre-Master's

Pre-Master's courses are for international students who have already completed 3 years of higher education or equivalent, but don’t quite meet the entry requirements for a postgraduate degree. The course will help you improve your subject knowledge and study skills, as well as your English if necessary. When you complete your Pre-Master's course with the required grades and good attendance, you are guaranteed a place on your chosen master's degree.

How to apply

If you would like to join one of the degree preparation courses available at the University of Essex International College, you can apply here or contact the expert education advisers at Kaplan International Pathways.