International Year One (IY1)

Who is this programme designed for?

This programme is designed for international students who do not quite have the academic grades and/or English level to start the first year of an undergraduate degree in the UK, but have a stronger profile than a UFP student.

All students who achieve the required mark for progression are guaranteed progression* to Year 2 of a selection of business-related undergraduate degrees at Birkbeck. This programme is set at level 4, and is equivalent to the first year of an undergraduate business degree in the UK.

How long will I study for?

The duration of the programme is one academic year (nine months). The year is divided into three terms of seven to eight teaching weeks, one reading week, and an examination week. On average, you will undertake 23 (and up to 28) hours of classroom-based study per week.

English Language forms up to six hours of your timetable, is compulsory for students who are below the required level for progression, and will be integrated into the teaching of academic subjects as well as being taught separately if you need additional support. Students who are at or above the required English level for progression are likely to follow a reduced timetable.

Students will be expected to timetable self-study hours in addition to the classroom-based hours.

What will I study?

All students will take English, and six academic modules relating to business and management. The academic modules are:

• Business Environment
• Principles of Management
• Academic & Professional Skills for Business
• Marketing and Advertising OR Management Accounting
• Quantitative Methods for Business Decision Making
• Financial Accounting

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed by a variety of methods during your time with us. The intention is that you have a chance to experience the full range of assessment methods that you might experience at university when you start the second year of your chosen degree.

Assessments will normally include coursework, essays, reports and other structured assignments, oral examination, and unseen written examinations.

* Guaranteed progression is subject to achieving a Merit (60%) overall and 6.5 IELTS (external IELTS with no single element less than 6.0)

Programme details:

Course length: 3 terms or 4 terms (which gives you an additional term of English language tuition)
Minimum age: 18 within three months of starting the programme
Hours per week: up to 28

Dates and Fees:

All programmes are subject to a £300 registration fee and a £2,200 refundable deposit.