Your ultimate guide to undergraduate pathways in Scotland 

World-class universities, magical landscapes, affordable living, vibrant culture, promising career opportunities… There are so many great reasons to study in Scotland.  

But that’s not all! One thing that sets Scotland apart from the rest of the UK is its unique higher education system and flexible degree offerings. 

If you want to study in Scotland but don’t hold the right qualifications or are still choosing which course to take, you could study a pathway program. 

Here, we’ll look at the different pathways available and learn a bit about the Scottish higher education system – which will help you decide which program is right for you. 

Scotland’s higher education system explained 

A typical undergraduate degree at a Scottish university usually takes 4 years to complete – compared to the 3-year undergraduate degrees in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

However, if you’re studying on a pathway course before your degree, you will study for the same number of years overall – regardless of whether you are in Scotland or England.

Although they last a year longer, Scottish degrees have many advantages. They provide a very well-rounded education with much more flexibility, encouraging students to self-discover their passions and build a career for life.  

During your first 2 years in Scotland, you’ll explore subjects outside your chosen field, before choosing a specialism for your final 2 years. This approach is very different to the rest of the UK, where students specialize from Year 1. 

So, if you realize your initial choice isn’t the perfect fit, you can easily change your course before you study any specialized modules.

If you’re planning to take an undergraduate degree with an International Year One or International Year Two pathway route, it’s best to know what course you really want to take. This way, you can transition smoothly from pathway to university.

How could a pathway program help you? 

Pathway programs are designed to bridge the gap between high school and undergraduate study. They help you meet the necessary academic and English language requirements to secure your place at a top Scottish university. 

INTO offers 2 main undergraduate pathway programs leading to Scottish universities: International Year One and International Year Two. Each program offers guaranteed progression for successful students*, with options at the University of Stirling and other leading universities in Scotland. 

So how do you choose between them? 

International Year One vs. International Year Two 

1. Preparation for different undergraduate entry levels 

One of the main differences between International Year One and International Year Two is the degree entry point these programs prepare you for. 

As its name suggests, the International Year One is equivalent to Year 1 of a 4-year undergraduate degree at a Scottish university. After completing this program, you’ll have specialist knowledge, language and study skills ready to start Year 2 of a 4-year degree in Scotland. 

Here’s what your International Year One journey could look like: 

International Year Two is equivalent to Year 2 of your bachelor’s degree course in Scotland, with additional English language and academic support to fully prepare you to continue directly to Year 3. With no additional study time, you’ll complete your degree in the same amount of time as domestic students. 

Here’s what the pathway-to-university route for International Year Two students could look like:

2. Academic qualifications and requirements 

Your academic qualifications and requirements will determine the best pathway program for you. 

	International Year One	International Year Two
Age requirement	At least 17 years old	At least 17 years old
English language requirements	IELTS 5.0 (with a minimum of 5.0 in each subskill), depending on the course	IELTS 5.5 (with a minimum of 5.5 in all subskills) or equivalent, depending on the course (our INTO center also offers a supporting Academic English and Pre-sessional English course if you don’t meet this requirement)
Academic requirements	Have completed 12 years of schooling in their home country to the standard required for entry to their chosen International Year One program. Explore our courses for further information.	Have completed A-levels, a recognized International Foundation program, or In the first year of a relevant undergraduate degree in their home country, but don’t meet the academic or English language requirements for entry to a UK university
Additional requirements		A portfolio depending on the program or if required by the center, which will give admissions officers a deeper understanding of your abilities.

3. Seamless progression from pathway to university with a single visa 

International Year One and International Year Two can be combined with your undergraduate degree in a single 4-year iCAS (integrated Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies)* program. If you choose iCAS, you’ll only need 1 visa for the duration of your study plan, avoiding the hassle and additional costs of visa renewal. 

If you don’t qualify for an iCAS program, you can still apply for a standalone pathway program. Choose from the International Foundation (equivalent to the International Year One) or the International Diploma (equivalent to International Year Two), which both offer the same route to the University of Stirling.

* Progression is subject to the completion of relevant modules and satisfactory English language grades. 
** Subject to meeting the requirements of the university. Other conditions may include criteria such as retaining your status as a non-UK or EU student. For full details, see www.intostudy.com/terms.