Every programme in this guide carries one of these route labels. “Direct entry” means you start the degree itself; a pathway adds a preparation stage first. A combined offer or single visa does not turn a pre-master’s into direct degree entry.
English preparation
For students who meet the academic entry but not yet the English score.
Pre-sessional English or other English preparation
- EnglishEnglish course
- DegreeYour degree or pathway programme
University or college English courses before the main programme, so you do not need a new IELTS test if you pass.
Entry to the main programme depends on reaching the required English level.
- Typical length
- 6 weeks to 1 year
- Who it suits
- Students who meet the academic entry but not the English score
Bachelor’s routes
Four ways into a UK bachelor’s, from a foundation year to the final year only.
Foundation leading to a bachelor’s
- You haveSchool certificate
- PreparationFoundation year
- DegreeBachelor’s degree, from year 1
An International Foundation Year at a pathway college, then year 1 of the degree.
Progression depends on passing the foundation year with the set grades.
- Typical length
- 2–3 terms, then the 3- or 4-year degree
- Who it suits
- Students finishing 11 years of school, or who need higher grades or English
International Year One or other advanced entry
- You haveSchool certificate
- PreparationInternational Year One
- DegreeBachelor’s degree, from year 2
A first-year programme at a pathway college that replaces year 1 of the degree; you join year 2 at the university.
Progression depends on passing the first-year programme.
- Typical length
- 2–3 terms, then years 2 and 3
- Who it suits
- Students with a strong school certificate or a first year at university at home
Direct-entry bachelor’s
- You haveSchool certificate
- DegreeBachelor’s degree, from year 1
You start year 1 of the degree at the university.
- Typical length
- 3 years (4 in Scotland, or with a placement year)
- Who it suits
- Students with A-levels, IB or a recognised 12-year school certificate with strong grades
Undergraduate top-up
- You have2-year diploma or HND
- DegreeFinal year of a bachelor’s
The final year of a bachelor’s, for students who already hold a 2-year diploma or HND.
- Typical length
- 1 year
- Who it suits
- Diploma holders who want a full bachelor’s degree
Master’s routes
Three ways into a UK master’s, from a preparation stage to starting the degree directly.
Pre-master’s leading to a master’s
- You haveBachelor’s degree
- PreparationPre-master’s
- DegreeMaster’s degree
A preparation programme at a pathway college, then the master’s. Pass with the set grade and you progress.
Progression depends on passing the pre-master’s with the set grade.
- Typical length
- 1–3 terms, then the 12-month master’s
- Who it suits
- Graduates with a lower grade, a 3-year diploma, a different subject or English below the master’s level
Integrated or combined pre-master’s and master’s
- You haveBachelor’s degree
- PreparationPre-master’s
- DegreeMaster’s degree
The pre-master’s and the master’s are packaged into one offer and one visa (INTO calls this iCAS). It is still a pathway: you must pass the first stage.
One offer and one visa, but progression still depends on passing the pre-master’s stage.
- Typical length
- Pre-master’s plus the master’s
- Who it suits
- Students who want one visa for the whole plan
Direct-entry master’s
- You haveBachelor’s degree
- DegreeMaster’s degree
You start the master’s degree itself, with no preparation stage. Awarded by the university; some are taught at a London campus or partner centre.
- Typical length
- 12 months (15–24 months with a placement or Advanced Practice term)
- Who it suits
- Bachelor’s graduates with the required grades and English (usually IELTS 6.0–6.5)