Getting into Durham straight from school is hard for many international applicants, and this centre exists to bridge that gap. Run by Durham University with Study Group, it teaches foundation and pre-master's programmes with extra English and academic skills built in. Students who reach the progression grades move on to a named Durham degree. It is a demanding route, since Durham's own entry standards stay high.
Durham, United Kingdom
Official website: durhamisc.com
Pathway centre run with Study Group
Durham University
Foundation and pre-master's
£20,000 – £26,000
International students, pathway programmes, per year
£11,000 – £14,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on durhamisc.com before you apply.
International Foundation Year (Business, Economics and Finance)
FoundationDuration
9 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 5.5
International Foundation Year (Science and Engineering)
FoundationDuration
9 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 5.5
International Foundation Year (Humanities and Social Sciences)
FoundationDuration
9 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 5.5
Pre-Master's (Business, Finance and Management)
Pre-MastersDuration
6 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0
A route into a highly selective UK university.
Foundation teaching with English and study skills folded in.
Access to Durham's college system once you progress.
Students who meet the grades progress into Durham undergraduate or master's degrees.
Durham degrees are well regarded by UK graduate employers and finance recruiters.
After graduating you can stay in the UK on the Graduate visa.
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Rolling
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Rolling
Durham is a small cathedral city built around a loop of the River Wear, with the cathedral and castle on the hill in the middle. Students make up a large share of the population, and most things are walkable.
Newcastle is about fifteen minutes away by train, with bigger shops, nightlife and an airport. Living costs are lower than in southern England, though Durham rents have risen with student numbers.
CAS from Durham University
Proof of funds for fees and living costs
English test at B2 level or above
TB test certificate, if required
Immigration Health Surcharge payment
Valid passport with blank pages
Applications are accepted through the year, but places are limited and popular routes fill. Apply at least three months ahead of your start date to allow time for the CAS and visa.
Most programmes start in September or January; the humanities foundation usually starts only in September.
You'll apply for a Student visa. Durham University gives you a CAS number once your offer is unconditional and the deposit is paid. You can then apply online up to six months before the course starts, with bank evidence and the Immigration Health Surcharge.
Business, economics and finance pathways are the most popular, followed by science and engineering. Foundation entry needs strong secondary school results and IELTS around 5.5; the pre-master's needs a good bachelor's degree and IELTS 6.0. Progression grades into Durham are demanding.
Study Group offers some merit scholarships on pathway fees. Awards change by intake, so ask when you apply.
