International Year One
What is the International Year One?
Study our International Year One programme and develop the skills to join the second year of your undergraduate degree – allowing you to graduate in the typical three years and get a head start in your career.
When you successfully complete the course, you can progress into the second year of your degree, provided you achieve the required grades. The diverse, essential skills you will develop on this programme will majorly benefit you at university, as well as later on in your career and life. In 2024, 96% of students who completed their International Year One at the University of Sussex International Study Centre were offered a place at the University of Sussex.
Who is this programme for?
The Sussex International Year One's aim is to fully prepare you to be successful in the second year of your chosen undergraduate degree and beyond. You will study a combination of core and subject-specific modules that focus on teaching you the English language, study skills, employability and academic areas most relevant to your chosen degree at Sussex.
Course length
- Two semesters
Entry points
- September, November (Enhanced Induction) and January
Find out more about specific semester dates for this programme.
There are requirements you must meet to study an academic programme at the University of Sussex International Study Centre. Find out more about the specific entry requirements for this programme.
Your course fees will vary depending on the programme you choose to study. Find out more about fees at the University of Sussex International Study Centre.
Choose your subject route
Business and Management
Expand your business knowledge with the International Year One in Business and Management. This pathway programme will give you the vital knowledge to study a business degree at the University of Sussex.
Computing
The International Year One in Computing is your route to a variety of Computer Science and Computing degrees at the University of Sussex. Study a range of subjects including programming, computer systems and algorithmic thinking.
Engineering
Delve into the world of engineering with our pathway programme at the International Study Centre. You will study a range of modules that will give you the academic and study skills you need to succeed in your degree.
Film and Media
Further your knowledge of film and media with the International Year One at the University of Sussex International Study Centre. This pathway will develop your skills in areas such as media analysis and production.
Finance and Accounting
Topics such as accounting, economics, finance, investments, management, maths and quantitative methods are taught within the programme modules, alongside English language and career skills.
Finance and Technology
Gain essential FinTech skills for a career in tomorrow’s financial institutions with the International Year One in Finance and Technology. Build expertise in FinTech programming, learn about financial markets, and explore how computing advancements apply to the modern financial sector.
International Relations and International Development
Study International Relations and International Development at the University of Sussex, the number one ranked university in the world for Development Studies.
Why study the International Year One?
If you choose to study this programme, you will better your understanding of the British education system by accessing an internationally-tailored introduction to your degree. Additionally, throughout the International Year One, you will benefit from an increased focus on employability skills and a strong support system implemented by our staff.
Other reasons to study include:
Focus on your career
We know that you may already be thinking about your future career, which is why we have integrated a careers element into our academic courses at the International Study Centre. CareerAhead will guide you towards making the right choices and give you the tools you need to stand out in the competitive graduate job market.
Assess your progress
We will assess your progress regularly to ensure you are on track to complete your course successfully, so that you can go on to study your chosen degree at Sussex. You may take part in exams, seminar discussions, group projects, presentations, laboratory practicals, software exercises and essays as part of your overall assessment.
Improve your English
Need to improve your English language or raise your IELTS score? You can study one of our English language courses online before the International Year One, or Language Lift – studied simultaneously with your course.
Language Lift is a 6-week course designed for students who need to improve the level of their written English. It will run alongside your other modules as a conditional requirement for International Year One if you have IELTS 5.5 overall and 5.0 in writing.
Study plan options
| English language level | Semesters | Start date | End date | Progress to the University of Sussex |
| IELTS 5.5 overall with no less than 5.0 in writing (4.5 with the condition of Language Lift, 6-week course alongside their other modules, at extra cost) and no less than 4.5 for other skills | 2 semesters | September | May | September |
| IELTS 5.5 overall with no less than 5.0 in writing (4.5 with the condition of Language Lift, 6-week course alongside their other modules, at extra cost) and no less than 4.5 for other skills | 2 semesters plus 3 weeks of additional study and life skills | November | August | September |
| IELTS 5.5 overall with no less than 5.0 in writing (4.5 with the condition of Language Lift, 6-week course alongside their other modules, at extra cost) and no less than 4.5 for other skills | 2 semesters | January | August | September |
Join us today
Our Student Enrolment Advisors are available to answer any questions you may have and help you with your application. We can't wait to meet you!