Royal Holloway International Study Centre Pathway Programmes: Foundation, Year One & Pre-Masters

Are you an international student aiming to study in London and earn a prestigious UK degree? The Royal Holloway, University of London International Study Centre (RHUL ISC) offers a range of UK university pathway programmes that prepare you for undergraduate or postgraduate study at Royal Holloway. Through small-group teaching, academic support, and English language training, these pathway courses equip you with the skills and qualifications needed to succeed in a degree program. With a wide selection of subject routes across three preparatory programmes – the International Foundation Year, International Year One, and Pre-Masters – you’ll be ready to progress to a variety of undergraduate or postgraduate degrees at Royal Holloway . Situated on a beautiful campus in Surrey with easy access to central London, Royal Holloway gives you the best of both worlds: a close-knit academic community and the excitement of studying in the UK’s capital . In this guide, we introduce all the academic pathway programs at RHUL ISC, along with their entry requirements, subject pathways, progression opportunities, and the extensive support services and scholarships available to help you succeed.

International Foundation Year (IFY) – Undergraduate Preparation Programme

The International Foundation Year (IFY) is an intensive undergraduate preparation programme designed for students who have finished high school and want an extra year of academic and English preparation before starting the first year of a degree. This fast-paced programme lasts two semesters (approximately three terms) and introduces you to UK university-level study in your chosen field . Multiple start dates are offered (typically September or January, with an early-start option in November that includes an enhanced induction) to provide flexibility . By the end of the IFY, you will have built subject knowledge, improved your English and study skills, and gained familiarity with British university life – ensuring you meet the requirements to join an undergraduate course at Royal Holloway.

Subject Pathways: IFY students can choose from three academic streams: Social Sciences, Arts & Humanities, Management & Economics, or Sciences. Each pathway includes subject-specific modules and electives that align with related degree options at Royal Holloway. For example, the Social Sciences/Arts route prepares you for degrees in fields like law, politics or media, the Management & Economics route leads to business-related degrees, and the Sciences route covers subjects for science and engineering degrees . This allows you to focus on a field of interest while meeting the general requirements of your future undergraduate degree in the UK.

Entry Requirements: To enroll in the International Foundation Year, you normally need to have completed at least 12 years of schooling (high school) with good grades in relevant subjects . The minimum English requirement is typically an IELTS 5.0 (UKVI) overall, with no lower than 5.0 in writing (or equivalent proof of English proficiency) . If you meet the academic criteria but fall short of the English requirement, English Language Preparation courses are available to help you reach the required level before starting the foundation programme . Students must be at least 17 years old at the start of the course .

Progression Opportunities: Upon successfully completing the IFY with the required grades, you are guaranteed the opportunity to progress to the first year of an undergraduate degree at Royal Holloway in your chosen subject area . Degree progression is conditional on achieving specific grades in your pathway modules, but the vast majority of students meet these targets. In fact, 85.2% of students who completed the International Foundation Year at RHUL ISC in 2024 were offered a place to continue their degree at Royal Holloway – a strong testament to the programme’s effectiveness. From there, you will join Year 1 of your bachelor’s programme alongside domestic and other international students, fully prepared for the rigor of UK higher education.

International Year One – Accelerated First-Year Pathway

The International Year One programme is an accelerated pathway that lets qualified international students enter directly into the second year of an undergraduate degree at Royal Holloway after completion. This programme is ideal if you already have a higher level of academic preparation (for instance, you finished high school and possibly started university in your home country) and want to transfer into a UK university at an advanced stage. The International Year One (IY1) is equivalent to studying the first year of a Royal Holloway bachelor’s degree, covering the same core content as Year 1 but with additional support tailored for international students . It is a two-semester programme with intakes in September, November, and January, allowing multiple entry points per year . Throughout the IY1, you will take academic courses in your chosen discipline while improving your academic English and study skills, so that you can seamlessly progress into Year 2 of your degree upon successful completion .

Subject Pathways: The International Year One is offered in four subject pathways – Business and Management, Computer Science, Economics, and Electronic Engineering – aligning with some of Royal Holloway’s most popular degree fields. Each pathway’s curriculum is designed to introduce key concepts of the discipline and ensure you meet the prerequisite knowledge for second-year university courses. For example, the Business & Management IY1 covers fundamentals of marketing, accounting, and organizational behavior, preparing you for business degrees, while the Electronic Engineering IY1 includes math and engineering principles needed for electronics or electrical engineering degrees . You’ll study alongside other international students focusing on the same subject, which creates a supportive cohort experience as you adjust to UK academics.

Entry Requirements: Admission to the International Year One generally requires a higher entry bar than the foundation year. Students are expected to have good high school graduation grades plus at least one year of additional study (e.g. a year of university or a recognized foundation programme) in a relevant subject area . In other words, you should be academically qualified beyond high school level in order to handle the accelerated curriculum. The English language requirement is typically IELTS 5.5 overall (with minimum 5.5 in each component) or an equivalent accepted test . If your English is slightly below this, you might be given the option to take an English preparation course or a version of the IY1 programme with extra language support. Students must be at least 17 years old to join this programme (as with any undergraduate-level study).

Progression Opportunities: After finishing the IY1 and meeting the progression requirements, you will enter Year 2 of your chosen undergraduate degree at Royal Holloway. This means you save time by not having to redo a foundation year or first year – you effectively transfer into the second year of university, having earned the credits through the International Year One. You will need to achieve specified module grades (which will be clearly communicated during your course) to be eligible for progression. Thanks to the individualized support and alignment with Royal Holloway’s curriculum, IY1 students are well prepared – a large proportion successfully progress to their degree programs each year. You will then complete Year 2 and Year 3 at the university to earn your bachelor’s degree. By providing an entry route into second year, the International Year One is a great option for those who want an undergraduate preparation in the UK that accelerates their path to graduation.

Pre-Masters Programme – Postgraduate Pathway to a UK Degree

For students aiming to pursue a Master’s or other postgraduate degree in the UK, the Pre-Masters Programme at RHUL ISC offers the perfect bridge. This is a postgraduate preparation programme intended for international students who have already completed an undergraduate (bachelor’s) degree and need to enhance their academic or English skills before entering a UK master’s programme. The Pre-Masters is a full-time course lasting two terms (approximately 8–9 months) with start dates typically in March and September . Through this programme, you will focus on advanced subject knowledge in your field, research and study skills at the postgraduate level, and any language or academic writing skills required for success in a Master’s environment . You can choose a pathway that best fits your background and career goals, ensuring you get specialized preparation for your intended degree. By the end of the Pre-Masters, you will be well-equipped to embark on a Royal Holloway Master’s degree with confidence.

Subject Pathways: The Pre-Masters Programme at Royal Holloway ISC is offered in three broad subject streams: Business and Management, Computer Science and Electronic Engineering, and Arts, Humanities, Economics and Sciences . Each pathway covers a cluster of related disciplines and leads to a variety of postgraduate degree options at the university. For instance, the Business and Management Pre-Masters pathway will prepare you for master’s degrees in fields like international management, marketing, finance, or entrepreneurship . The Computer Science/Electronic Engineering pathway equips you for technical MSc programs in areas such as information security or engineering management, while the Arts, Humanities, Economics and Sciences pathway is quite broad, encompassing preparation for degrees ranging from economics and psychology to music or history (depending on your chosen progression degree). In all pathways, you will take a mix of subject-specific modules and Academic English Skills modules to refine your language proficiency for postgraduate study . Small class sizes and seminar-style teaching ensure you get personalized attention as you delve into advanced topics.

Entry Requirements: To join the Pre-Masters Programme, you must have a recognized undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification from your home country (a “first degree”) in a related field . The program is designed for students who have the academic background but need preparation for the UK context, so strong grades in your prior studies will be expected. In addition, you should be at least 20 years old when the course begins . The English language requirement is usually IELTS 5.5 (with no skill below 5.5), or an accepted equivalent, since the Pre-Masters involves advanced academic language use . If your English scores are lower, Royal Holloway offers an English Language Preparation for Postgraduate Studies – an online course to improve your English before starting the Pre-Masters . This ensures that all students in the programme can participate fully and keep up with the coursework.

Progression Opportunities: The Pre-Masters Programme provides a direct route into Royal Holloway’s postgraduate degrees. After you complete the programme and achieve the required grades, you will progress to your chosen Master’s degree (MA, MSc, MBA, etc.) at Royal Holloway in the next intake semester . You’ll go through the standard university admissions for the master’s program, but as an ISC student you benefit from dedicated guidance to help you transition. The success rate for Pre-Masters students is high – 87.5% of students who completed the Pre-Masters at RHUL ISC in 2024 earned an offer to continue onto a Royal Holloway postgraduate degree . This demonstrates the effectiveness of the programme in preparing graduates for advanced study. By progressing to a Royal Holloway Master’s, you’ll join a global research university community and earn a UK postgraduate qualification that can significantly enhance your career prospects.

Comprehensive Student Support and Services

One of the hallmarks of Royal Holloway ISC is the extensive support network in place to ensure you not only meet the academic requirements but also thrive personally and professionally. From day one, you’ll be studying on campus as part of the Royal Holloway community, with access to all the university’s facilities and resources. Below are some of the key support services for international students at the ISC:

CareerAhead Professional Development: All pathway students at RHUL ISC benefit from the CareerAhead programme – a structured professional development plan aimed at boosting your employability skills . Through CareerAhead sessions and activities, you will identify your strengths, develop key skills sought by employers, and get guidance on career planning. This initiative helps ensure you graduate with more than just a degree – you’ll have a strong CV, interview experience, and a clear understanding of how to succeed in the global job market. Royal Holloway’s focus on careers means you’ll start preparing for the world of work from day one of your pathway programme.

English Language Support: If you need additional English help, the ISC provides English Language Preparation courses (delivered online) before you begin your academic programme . Depending on your level, you can take a 6, 10, or 16-week course focused on improving your reading, writing, listening and speaking skills in English . These courses also introduce essential academic study skills so that you’re comfortable with UK university-style learning. Throughout your pathway programme, Academic English Skills modules (part of your curriculum) continue to support your language development, ensuring you can confidently participate in classes and complete assignments in English.
Personalized Academic Support and Tutoring: At the International Study Centre, classes are kept small – typically no more than 25 students – allowing for personal attention from teachers . You will be assigned a Personal Tutor who monitors your progress and provides one-on-one guidance throughout your studies . In addition to regular classes, the ISC offers Booster Classes and Academic Tutorials to reinforce learning each week . Booster Classes are extra small-group sessions (an additional hour per module) focused on key topics or skills, giving you a chance to review and ask questions on that week’s material . Academic Tutorials are short one-to-one meetings with your subject tutors, where you can discuss your individual progress, clarify doubts, and get feedback on your work . This comprehensive academic support system is designed to keep you on track and help you achieve the best possible results in your pathway programme.
Pre-Arrival Orientation and Integration: To help you settle in and adjust to life in the UK, Royal Holloway ISC provides valuable orientation programs. Prepare for Success is a free online preparation course you can take before you even arrive on campus, which offers practical advice on academic culture, study skills, and living in the UK so that you are ready to succeed from day one . For students joining in certain intakes, the centre also runs an Enhanced Induction – a three-week on-campus induction programme (typically offered in November for January starters) that covers English practice, academic conventions, and life skills in the UK . During the Enhanced Induction, you’ll attend workshops on topics like digital learning tools, time management, understanding UK teaching methods and assessments, and adapting to British culture . You’ll also have opportunities to socialize, make friends, and get to know the campus and staff before your main classes begin . These preparatory initiatives give you a head start in adjusting to your new environment, so you can hit the ground running when your programme begins.
University Integration and Campus Life: A big advantage of RHUL ISC is that it is fully integrated into the university. The International Study Centre is located in the historic Founder’s Building at the heart of campus, and as an ISC student you are considered part of Royal Holloway from the day you arrive . You will have access to the same libraries, IT facilities, laboratories, cafeterias, sports centres and clubs as degree students. In fact, you are encouraged to join student societies, participate in campus events, and make use of the university’s support services (like the health centre and counselling services) during your time at the ISC . This integration means you won’t feel isolated – you’ll be mixing with the wider student community and getting a genuine UK university experience even while you are in the pathway stage. The campus itself provides a safe, friendly environment with everything you need close by, helping international students feel at home quickly . By the time you progress to your degree, you’ll already be familiar with the campus and well-adjusted to university life.

Scholarships for Pathway Students

Royal Holloway and the International Study Centre are committed to helping talented students achieve their goals. There are several scholarships available for ISC students, both during your pathway programme and upon progressing to the university. These funding opportunities can help reduce tuition costs and reward academic excellence. Key scholarships and financial support include:

Global Scholarships (ISC Pathway Scholarship): The International Study Centre offers Global Scholarships – partial tuition fee scholarships for students enrolling in ISC pathway programmes. These scholarships are available to self-funded international students who hold an offer to study at RHUL ISC, and are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis (often varying by region) . A Global Scholarship can help offset the cost of your Foundation, Year One or Pre-Masters tuition. Interested students should inquire early, as availability is limited and these awards are very competitive. (Note: Students sponsored by a government or company are usually not eligible.)
Royal Holloway ISC Progression Scholarship (10% Fee Reduction): All International Study Centre students who successfully complete their programme and progress to a degree at Royal Holloway receive an automatic Progression Scholarship as a reward for their hard work. This scholarship is a 10% reduction in the tuition fee for the first year of your undergraduate or postgraduate degree at Royal Holloway . The 10% fee discount is applied by the university when you enroll in your degree program, and no separate application is required. Essentially, it’s a guaranteed tuition fee discount acknowledging your achievement in the pathway course. (Terms and conditions apply – you must meet the progression requirements and be a self-funded international fee-paying student to qualify) .
RHISC Excellence Scholarship: Royal Holloway offers an additional prestigious award for the top-performing ISC students each year. The Royal Holloway International Study Centre Excellence Scholarship provides a £3,000 tuition fee reduction on the first year of undergraduate or postgraduate study at Royal Holloway . Ten of these scholarships are available annually for students progressing from the ISC, and they are awarded based on academic merit and a scholarship application. To be eligible, you must be completing an IFY, IY1 or Pre-Masters at the RHUL ISC and have an offer to continue into a Royal Holloway degree programme . Successful applicants can combine this £3,000 award with the automatic 10% progression discount, giving an even greater financial benefit . The Excellence Scholarship is highly competitive – typically, you will need strong academic results and may need to submit a personal statement or essay as part of the application . This scholarship recognizes outstanding achievement and can significantly help with your first-year university tuition fees.

Bonus: In addition to the above, Royal Holloway offers many other scholarships and bursaries to its degree students (for example, scholarships for certain nationalities or subject areas). As an ISC student progressing to the university, you are welcome to explore those opportunities on the Royal Holloway scholarships webpage . The combination of ISC-specific awards and general university scholarships means you have multiple avenues to seek financial support for your studies in the UK.