By Jakir Hossain
Many students live with the idea that obtaining an international degree is somewhat difficult and costs a fortune. The Northern Consortium of UK Universities, also known as NCUK, has been offering educational guidance for students who are finding it difficult to get entry to a well-reputed university.
The NCUK International Year One in Bangladesh programme is a globally recognised pathway service. They have expertise in accessing students with an alternative route to obtaining a prestigious degree from a list of first-world countries.
The programme is designed to prepare international students for direct entry into the second year of undergraduate studies at top universities in the UK, Australia and New Zealand. This year-long program contains intensive courses, offering a comprehensive syllabus, expert faculty, and a supportive learning environment to aid students in transitioning smoothly into the university environment.
We will be diving into details about the International Year One from Bangladesh programme, and explore its scope for foreign students.
Fast track to higher study: NCUK
NCUK was formed by a group of 10 UK universities during the late 80s. The main reason for forming such an organisation was to provide an easier way for international students to get higher education in the UK and other top-ranking universities globally. Students who have done their A-levels but did not achieve good results, or passed higher secondary that is not recognised as an equivalent standard for university entry or students with multiple years of study gap may need to do an additional year of study to become eligible. Students as such can seek assistance from this pathway organisation and undertake the International Year One programme.
It is a fast-track study intensive course offered by NCUK, taught at their certified study centres. There are multiple study centres globally that provide the same level of education, as many top-ranking universities are in partnership with this organisation, providing academic materials to study centres. Completing this course successfully with good grades will provide students with the opportunity to travel directly to the University's home country and continue their second year of study from there. This saves a year of study time and cost that may otherwise significantly affect the decision to study for higher education.
Purpose of International Year One in Bangladesh
Providing an alternative pathway:
The Year One-course program is tailored to offer an alternative solution to access higher studies at the university level. After successfully completing this course, you can transfer your credit and join the second year from an NCUK-certified educational institution for your bachelor’s degree.
For International students:
The pathway provider mainly specialises their academic support for Internationals. Especially foreign students, who are willing to undertake a bachelor's course at a shorter time.
First-year equivalent study:
The International Year One program is equivalent to the first year of university study. It covers the same curriculum and academic content as the first year of a bachelor's degree at an NCUK University Partner.
Benefits of International Year One
Giving you a second chance:
The academic pathway provided by the Year One programme is a blessing for many students who are struggling to fulfil the entry requirements for joining a top-class university. Many students abandon their journey of pursuing their dream careers and many completely lose hope of even studying further.
To provide equal access on getting higher opportunities to study higher academics, NCUK has introduced the International Year One programme. A university in partnership with The Northern Consortium means you can utilise the path and get a second chance to pursue your degree in the shortest term.
Guaranteed 2nd-year entry:
Passing this programme guarantees you admission to the second year of bachelors relating to your subject area. For example, if you have studied and completed law-based subjects in the International Year One programme, then you could get direct entry to the second year or Level 5 of LLB study. All your first-year credits will be transferred to your educational progress records.
In order to avail second-year entry feature, a candidate must obtain an average of 50% or more on their International Year One term result.
Graduate with a full bachelor’s degree:
You will be glad to find that students graduating from a partner university through the International Year One academic pathway will get the same level of accreditation as full-time internal students. You will be given a separate certificate for passing the International Year One from Bangladesh programme which opens a wide range of study scope in choosing your preferred study destinations.
Comprehensive academic services:
Pathway exclusive study centres are trained to provide the same level of study support as their partner Universities. In addition, students undertaking this course are given extra care and guidance to perform better. The class sizes are compact in contrast to big lecture halls in the universities, giving the tutors at study centres more chance to engage with students personally and assess their performance.
Flexible degree choosing:
By completing the Year One course with appropriate marks, a student can choose to transfer their progression and continue the second year at their preferred university or can choose to study at a different university in partnership with NCUK. Currently, there are 300+ degree courses offered by 30 renowned universities from the UK, Australia and New Zealand. You can have the flexibility in choosing the right degree from the lists of partner universities that fit your requirements.
Flexible study location options:
Pathway Study centres provide you an option to study the first-year modules from your home country as an external student. Some countries have multiple study centres, which provide the same standard of education. Students have the flexibility to select which location they intend to study. This will not affect their academic experience in any way, as all the Study centre maintains central regulatory standards and are also equipped with ample of resources and experts.
Cost Saving:
The International Year One pathway programme also helps to minimise the study cost of an entire year of University. You will be getting the same quality of educational guidance from NCUK-certified Study Centres at a fraction of the cost compared to the yearly cost of living and studying at foreign universities.
Partners for International Year One Programme
There are currently 30 leading universities from Australia, New Zealand and the UK, that are accepting the International Year One in Bangladesh programme status. They are:
UK | New Zealand |
Australia |
Aston University |
The University of Auckland |
The University of Western Australia |
University of Birmingham |
Auckland University of Technology |
RMIT University |
University of Bristol |
University of Canterbury |
Swinburne University of Technology |
University of Bradford |
Lincoln University |
|
De Montfort University |
Massey University |
|
University of Huddersfield |
University of Otago |
|
Keele University |
Victoria University of Wellington |
|
University of Leeds |
University of Waikato |
|
University of Kent |
|
|
Leeds Beckett university |
||
University of Leicester |
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Liverpool John Moores University |
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University of Manchester |
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Manchester Metropolitan University |
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University of Salford |
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University of Sheffield |
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Sheffield Hallam University |
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University of West of England |
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University of Westminister |
Global Network of Study Centres
International Year One teaching is given through registered study centres, working in partnership with NCUK universities to deliver pathway programmes. Also includes study support for International Foundation Year, International Year Two programme and Master’s Preparation.
These centres receive academic materials and support from partner universities and are located in various countries representing a global network of pathway branches. The main purpose of these study centres is to provide the necessary academic and language support to help international students prepare for university study.
South Asian countries such as Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Bangladesh have multiple study centres at convenient locations where students can benefit from. In Pakistan, there are currently 6 educational institutions offering the Year One courses. They are Riphah International University, The Royal Colosseum, International Centre of Excellence, DenCo Global Institute, Centre for Learning Law and Business and Beaconhouse International College with multiple branches in major cities. There is only two certified institution in Sri Lanka named Asia Pacific Institute of Information Technology and Campus One situated in the capital.
MIE Pathways
Bangladesh on the other hand is fairly new in introducing the International Year One pathway programme. MIE Pathways (Matrix International Education Pathways) is the only reliable institution providing NCUK standard academic guidance. There are currently 2 branches of MIE Pathways situated in the capital city Dhaka, giving students the same level of educational support as the universities would do, preparing students to develop the English language and in their relevant subject areas. The academics are well-trained and are instructed to prepare students for pursuing a university degree.
Entry Requirements
Students who are interested in studying the Year One pathway programme must show certain qualification requirements, in order to enrol at one of the five courses offered. They are
- At least two ‘D’ grades from the International Foundation Year or two ‘D’ grades at A-levels.
- IELTS 5.5 level or equivalent. See more
- For Bangladeshi students
- Limited Progression Options Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC)
- Successful completion of the first year of a bachelor's degree in a relevant subject from a recognised university
Courses Offered
At present, NCUK study centres are providing study support on 5 main subject areas with an intensive course plan that typically lasts one academic year, which is around 9 months Your university progression options will vary depending on the subject route that you take in your International Year One programme.
1. Accounting & Finance
- 8 modules (4 per semester).
- 120 credits.
- 25% coursework and 75% exam.
- Prepares students to acquire knowledge and skills in learning business accounting and financial management.
- Career fields: Chartered Accountant, External Auditor, Forensic Accountant, Stockbroker and many more.
2. Business Management
- 8 modules (4 per semester).
- 120 credits.
- 25% coursework and 75% exam.
- To gain knowledge and skills in all areas of business.
- Career fields: Management Consultant, Corporate Investment Banker, Project Manager, Stockbroker and more.
3. Law
- 5 modules (3 modules over both semesters).
- Total 120 credits.
- 50% coursework and 50% written exam.
- Ideal for pursuing a legal profession.
- Career fields: Paralegal, Solicitor, Barrister, Detective, Crime Investigator, Security Service, Legal Advisor, Law teacher, Prosecutor etc.
4. Events Management
- 8 modules (4 per semester).
- 120 credits.
- 25% coursework and 75% exam.
- Helps to build students’ knowledge and skills in the Events Management field Career fields: Conference Centre Management, Event Manager, Hotel Manager, Wedding planner, Sports Event planner, Charity fundraiser, Marketing Executive, Public Relations Officer etc.
5. Electrical & Electronic Engineering
- 7 modules (5 modules across both semesters and an additional module per semester).
- 120 credits.
- Practical exam-based assessments and coursework.
- Gain practical skills and an understanding of systems within engineering.
- Career fields: Electrical Engineer, Sound Engineer, CAD Technician, Software Engineer, Clinical Technologist, Acoustic Consultant etc.
Scholarship Options
Universities in partnership with our pathway organisation offer many scholarship options for international students who are progressing from the pathway to 2nd year of the undergraduate programme. Most noticeably, The NCUK Partnerships scholarship (ranging from £3,000 single year to £5,000 multi-year), NCUK Undergraduate Excellence Scholarship (£3,000 discounts)and NCUK International Excellence Scholarship (up to £5,000).
In addition, you as an international student may become eligible for many more scholarship programs such as the Global Excellence Scholarship, Global Scholar Award and other merit-based scholarships. Each university offers a different amount of scholarship award. So make sure to check the university website for their ongoing scholarship programs.
Studying the Year One programme offers a unique and simplified pathway for international students who are aiming to secure a place at leading universities worldwide. In short, this programme equips you with the essential academic and language skills that are recommended for prospering in a university environment.
By successfully passing this year-long programme, you can get direct access to the second year of your preferred bachelor's degree at any partner university, ensuring a smoother transition and a head start in your academic journey. With its global recognition and fast-track extensive support network, the NCUK International Year One in Bangladesh programme can be the right decision for your future career run.
FAQ
Q. What is the length of the NCUK International Year One programme?
Ans. One academic year term or nine months is the duration of the NCUK International Year One programme (containing two semesters).
Q. How many Universities in Australia are accepting International Year One certification?
Ans. There are currently 3 world-class universities situated in Australia, accepting Year One progression. They are The University of Western Australia, RMIT University and Swinburne University of Technology.
Q. How can you qualify for the NCUK International Year One programme?
Ans. As a student intending to undertake the NCUK International Year One programme, you need to show at least two ‘D’ grades from the International Foundation Year or two ‘D’ grades at A-levels and a minimum score of 5.5 band on IELTS or any other equivalent English proficiency certificate if English is not your first language.
Q. Is NCUK International Year One a credit-bearing programme?
Ans. Yes, it is a pathway programme with short length and intensive study which is equivalent to the first year of a bachelor’s degree at NCUK partner universities. Finishing Year One with the required results will give you a guaranteed placement in the second year of your field of study.