A student using a microscope.

International Year One in Engineering

Find out more about International Year One in Engineering.

Your pathway to the second year of an engineering undergraduate degree

The programme includes academic modules, study skills and English language training, providing complete preparation for your undergraduate degree.

Is this programme for me?

  • For electrical engineering, you will study circuit analysis, physical principles of electrical and electronic systems, and transistors and the small-signal equivalent circuits.
  • For mechanical engineering, you will study fundamental principles of mechanical engineering design, and how to apply the laws of thermodynamics to open and closed systems. You will also strengthen your mathematics and computation skills.

If studying these engaging, forward-thinking topics interests you, the International Year One in Engineering is a great choice for you.

Key facts

  • Two Semesters
  • October, November* or January

*Enhanced Induction

View course-specific entry requirements and course fees.

If you do not meet the English language requirements for your pathway programme, you can join an English language preparation course first.

With multiple entry points throughout the year, visit our semester dates page to see when you can join us.

Why study the International Year One in Engineering?

  • Progress to the second year of an Engineering undergraduate degree at LJMU, ranked in the UK top 25 for Civil Engineering and Mechanical Engineering (The Guardian University Guide 2024).
  • Improve your engineering knowledge so you can join the second year of your undergraduate degree with confidence.
  • Continue to develop your English language levels, ready for life in the UK.

What will you study?

Over the two-semester programme you'll study core modules that will allow you to boost your subject and English knowledge. As part of the programme, you will also choose from a range of optional modules, so you can go on to LJMU with the skills you need for success.

Core modules

You will be provided with an introduction to a computer algebra system as a learning tool for basic algebraic techniques. You will be taken through a revision of elementary coordinate geometry, trigonometry and complex numbers. The module provides a foundation in engineering mathematics for students in mechanical and electrical engineering. Specialised software will support the delivery of this module.

Academic English Skills aims to provide thorough training in the language and related academic skills which will enable international students to best achieve their academic potential at university. Our Academic English programme is validated by UK ENIC, the UK government agency responsible for providing information and expert opinion on qualifications and skills worldwide. 

You will develop awareness and competency in a range of language-related academic skills, including the processes of academic writing, effective and extensive reading strategies, effective participation in seminars and delivery of presentations, and listening to and recording information effectively from lectures. You will also develop the accuracy and range of written and spoken language required to use language effectively and appropriately, with clarity and confidence in an academic context. 

Alongside your classes, your studies will be supported by an online learning platform, providing you with a range of tasks and activities specifically designed to develop and extend your language and academic skills outside the classroom and to give you more control over your own learning. 

Optional modules

The module aims to provide an introduction to diodes, transistors and the small-signal equivalent circuits as well as the use of operational amplifiers.

This module will introduce the essential principles of applied mechanics. Students will cover principles such as kinematics and dynamics, work, energy power, impulse and momentum.

The module aims to provide an introduction to Boolean Logic and the operation of combinational and sequential digital logic circuits.

The module aims to enhance knowledge and understanding of the essential mathematics underpinning electrical and electronic engineering. The module will develop intellectual abilities in selecting and applying appropriate circuit analysis techniques for analysing various electrical and electronic circuits.

You will learn how to safely carry out a range of basic workshop procedures using standard processes, and you should be able to demonstrate a commitment to undertaking the on-going personal development required to become a professional engineer. You will also carry out an experimental procedure in a range of different engineering disciplines and process data collected during an experiment to produce a formal written report with conclusions.

The module aims to introduce the essential principles of material science and engineering with reference to an essential element in mechanical design and materials section. 

The aim of this module is to introduce electromechanical systems focusing on applications in the areas of Mechanical Engineering. The module covers the essential concepts of electrical circuits including AC and DC systems and digital electronics.

The students undertaking this module will gain lab experience within the university. They will gain experience in practical design of electronic circuits including prototyping and PCB design and manufacture as well as develop ability in data manipulation.

The aim of this module is to provide an overview of the operation of modern microprocessors/microcontrollers and the mechanisms used to represent and process information in both low level and high level languages.

You will be taught how to apply the laws of thermodynamics to open and closed systems, and how to analyse heat and work transfers during thermodynamic processes and cycles. You will also analyse hydrostatics and fluid flow, and apply the governing equations of fluid dynamics for simplified flow.


Study plan

English language levelSemestersCourse lengthStart dateEnd date
IELTS 5.5 (5.5 in all skills)2 semesters27 weeksOctoberMay
IELTS 5.5 (5.5 in all skills)2 semesters30 weeksNovemberAugust
IELTS 5.5 (5.5 in all skills)2 semesters27 weeksJanuaryAugust

Catch up now

Watch a recording of our recent webinar about your subject pathway.

Watch on demand

16th in the UK for Building

(The Complete University Guide 2025)

20th in the UK

for General Engineering

(The Complete University Guide 2025)

Progression degrees

Successful completion of this programme leads to a range of undergraduate degrees at LJMU, subject to achieving the required grades. As well as achieving the grades necessary, you will be required to take an Academic English Studies (AES) test at the end of your course. Once you successfully complete this, you will be ready to start your degree at Liverpool John Moores University.

Along with being invited to attend a graduation ceremony organised by the International Study Centre, students who successfully complete their pathway programme will be provided with a transcript and certificate. The award of any certificate is made in line with the Final Transcripts and Awards Certificate Policy and the Certificate and Transcripts for Students on Collaborative Programmes Policy, which are available via the Policy Centre.

Degree Programme NameAwardOverall GradeEnglish GradeGrade Module
No Results

For more information on your specific choice of degree, please visit https://coursecatalogue.ljmu.ac.uk/.

Please note:

*The English language entry requirements stated are for information regarding entry to the programme. If you require a UK visa to study, depending on the type of visa you need, the English language requirements and valid English tests to satisfy the UK visa criteria may differ.

If you are applying to study in the UK under the Student visa route it may be necessary for you to submit a Secure English Language Test (SELT) as part of your visa application.

Progression to MEng possible, only once student is at university and meets specific conditions:

  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering BEng (Hons)
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How to apply

See how to apply for a programme at the International Study Centre and view the documents you need to provide with your application.

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International Study Centre

LJMU International Study Centre offers a range of pathway programmes to progress to undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at LJMU.

An LJMU student on graduation day.

Prepare for Success

Join our online preparation course at no extra cost, so that you are ready to thrive academically and culturally in your new environment.

Join us today

Our student enrolment advisors are available to answer your questions and help you with your application. We can’t wait to meet you.