International Year Zero in Law, Media, Psychology, and Social Sciences
at Bangor University
Gain a strong foundation in law, media, psychology, and social sciences while developing the academic and English skills needed to progress to your degree at Bangor University.
Course Overview
Build a strong foundation in law, media, psychology, and the social sciences while preparing for undergraduate study at Bangor University. This programme helps international students develop the subject knowledge, English language ability, and academic study skills needed to succeed in a UK university environment.
Through engaging modules, you will explore key ideas that shape society, communication, behaviour, and justice, while strengthening critical thinking, research, and academic writing skills. After successfully completing the programme, you will progress to a range of undergraduate degrees at Bangor University.
Bangor University International College
Bangor is nestled on the North Wales coast, between the foothills of Snowdonia and the Menai Strait. It offers the perfect balance of nature and city life, with mountains, sea and green spaces right on your doorstep. The city is compact and well connected, making it easy to explore local attractions or travel further afield across the UK.
- A welcoming, student-friendly community with strong local culture and rich heritage
- A safe and welcoming environment where you can explore on foot or by bike with confidence
- Bangor offers a low cost of living, with affordable rent and everyday expenses that make it one of the most budget friendly university cities in the United Kingdom.
Top University in Wales
in the University Compare Rankings 2026.
Course modules
The language learning content is skills based and maps against CEFR and IELTS level descriptors in Writing, Reading, Listening and Speaking. (30 Credits)nModule Code: BIC-0001n
This module gives you a basic introduction to how laws are made in England and Wales. In terms of sources of law, it covers the basic roles of Parliament, courts, judges and case law, and gives an overview of the impact of retained EU directives on the legal system in England and Wales. It looks at the workings of the legal system, including processes related to civil and criminal cases; the different types and levels of court; the jury system; and the roles of judges, barristers, solicitors and court officials. The module will also familiarise you with some of the special vocabulary of the law. This module is available only to students who choose to progress to a law-related degree. (10 Credits) nModule Code: BIC-0016
The module provides you with a basic introduction to government and society in the UK, including the main features of democracy, the role of the Crown, the institutions of government and the role of parliament. It explores ideology in British politics in relation to the main political parties in the UK. The module also examines the relationship the UK has with the rest of the world, looking at the global institutions the UK is part of, including the UN, and the the UK’s international obligations in areas such as human rights. This module is available only to students who choose to progress to a law-related degree. (10 Credits) nModule Code: BIC-0010
This module focuses on the study of film and television, with an emphasis on storytelling through fiction. It explores film and TV language, including the use of image, sound, music, mise-en-scène, sets and settings, as well as genres and their conventions. The module also examines the stages of film and television production and the roles of studios, broadcasters and independent filmmakers, including issues of finance, distribution and creative values. In addition, it considers the relationship between filmmakers and audiences, audience expectations and interpretation, and places film and television within a wider cultural context. This module is available only to students who choose to progress to a media-related degree.n(10 Credits)nModule Code: BIC-0021
This module explores the role and impact of the media in political, cultural and socio-economic contexts. It introduces key media concepts and theories and examines their relevance to contemporary media texts. Particular attention is given to news media and the impact of technological change, including the internet, digitalisation and social media. The module also considers issues such as press ownership, balance and bias, censorship and media ethics. This module is available only to students who choose to progress to a media-related degree.n(10 Credits)nModule Code: BIC-0017
This module explores the historical development of psychology as an independent field of study and examines key approaches used to understand the mind and brain, along with their limitations. It introduces contemporary topics such as antisocial behaviour, memory and brain function, including the effects of brain damage, and theories of cognitive development across childhood. This module is available only to students who choose to progress to a psychology-related degree. n(10 Credits)nModule Code: BIC-0020
This module examines how science is defined around the world and considers whether psychology fits within these definitions. It introduces key research concepts, including experimental design, measurement, control and ethical considerations in psychological research, as well as APA formatting used for reporting research. The module also covers qualitative and quantitative research methods, different types of data, and how data can be presented effectively using graphical formats. This module is available only to students who choose to progress to a psychology-related degree. n(10 Credits)nModule Code: BIC-0038
Meet Farubi, a student from the Bangladesh
I took my foundation classes and something clicked. I started looking forward to my business and economics lessons more than anything else … Changing direction wasn’t easy, but it was the right move. I discovered what I love, and now I’m excited for the future.
Bangor University
Bangor University is one of the United Kingdom’s most respected institutions, recognised for high-quality teaching, impactful research and a strong sense of community. With its stunning coastal location between the mountains of Snowdonia and the Menai Strait, Bangor offers a unique study experience in a safe and welcoming environment.
You will benefit from expert teaching, personalised support and opportunities that help you develop valuable skills and confidence for your future career. Bangor is a place where ambition meets opportunity, where you are encouraged to explore ideas, challenge yourself and achieve your full potential.
Why choose the Bangor University
Top university in Wales
Named the top university in the UK based on a combination of verified student reviews and key performance metrics in the 2026 University Compare Rankings.
Best university in the UK
Ranked 15th best University in the United Kingdom by University Compare 2026.
Medicine and Dentistry in the UK
Ranked 1st in the UK in the subject-specific rankings, reflecting the highest of student satisfaction in these disciplines by University Compare Rankings 2026.
Entry Requirements for
Global requirements
4 GCSE grades A-E or Three GCE AS Levels (Grade D-E)
| Test | Requirements |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 3-terms : 5.5 (with no individual score lower than 5.5) |
| Oxford ELLT | 3-terms : 5 (with no less than 5 in each skill) |
| For a full list of accepted English Language requirements for Global Academic Qualifications, visit the Entry requirements page | |
Student Tuition Fees
Tuition fees for available courses are shown below, with a breakdown by study option and
fee type where applicable.
| Study Route | Tuition Fees (2025-26) | Tuition Fees (2026-27) |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Master | 2-term – £15,195 GBP 1-term – £11,755 GBP |
2 terms – £15,195 GBP 1 term – £11,755 GBP |
| International Year Zero | £17,845 GBP | £17,845 GBP |
| International Year One | £17,845 GBP | £17,845 GBP |
| Fees are not inclusive of scholarships. All applications are subject to a non-refundable admin Fee of £220. Stated fees are for the pathway only and do not include tuition applicable to degree courses continued at the university. For more information on progression degree fees, please visit the university website directly: www.bangor.ac.uk/international/fees | ||
Scholarships at Bangor University
Up to £6,000 scholarships for 3-term pathway
Please contact your Oxford International representative for more details on scholarships available to you. All scholarships are subject to availability and may be amended or withdrawn without notice..
Up to £6,755 scholarships for 1-term pathway
Up to £9,695 scholarships for 2-term pathway
Please contact your Oxford International representative for more details on scholarships available to you. All scholarships are subject to availability and may be amended or withdrawn without notice.
Scholarships cannot be combined; you may choose one of the following:
- Minimum guaranteed progression scholarship – £4000 per year
- ‘Higher achievers’ progression scholarship – £6000 per year, based on the following performance at BUIC:
- 90% attendance across all terms of programme at BUIC
- Overall average of 65% in the end of programme results at BUIC
Please contact your Oxford International representative for more details on scholarships available to you. All scholarships are subject to availability and may be amended or withdrawn without notice.
Up to £6,000 scholarship for 3-term pathways
Please contact your Oxford International representative for more details on scholarships available to you. All scholarships are subject to availability and may be amended or withdrawn without notice.
Up to £5,000 scholarship for 1-term pathway
Up to £5,500 scholarship for 2-term pathway
Please contact your Oxford International representative for more details on scholarships available to you. All scholarships are subject to availability and may be amended or withdrawn without notice.
£3,00 for the first year of study undergraduate degree at Bangor University
£2,000 for the first year of study postgraduate degree at Bangor University
Please contact your Oxford International representative for more details on scholarships available to you. All scholarships are subject to availability and may be amended or withdrawn without notice.
Oxford ELLT
English Language Level Test
Oxford ELLT is a trusted English language test that assesses reading, listening, writing and speaking skills for international study and admissions.
- 150,000+ students tested
- 250+ accepting institutions
- Delivered worldwide
