International Stage One – Computing
at Edinburgh Napier University
Develop your knowledge of programming, software engineering, systems, and networks while building the academic and English skills needed to progress to a computing degree at Edinburgh Napier University.
Course Overview
The International Stage One (IS1) in Computing provides a strong foundation in key areas such as programming, software engineering, computer systems, and networking. You will gain essential technical and analytical skills while enhancing your academic and English language abilities for university-level study.
Equivalent to the first year of a four-year Scottish undergraduate degree, this programme is studied over three terms. After successfully completing the pathway, you will progress directly to the second year of your chosen computing-related degree at Edinburgh Napier University.
Edinburgh Napier University International College
Edinburgh Napier University International College (ENUIC) is a dedicated college for international students to start their studies. We offer integrated and standalone pathway programmes which develop your academic and English language skills.
Our international college is part of the university campus so you will have access to all the same university spaces, facilities and community so you will feel like you are part of the university from the day you start.
- Located on the main university campus
- Small classes offering a high-quality academic experience
- Supportive college staff who will help you settle into life as a student at Edinburgh Napier University
- University student status from day one with access to sports, societies, campus facilities and the university student services.
Course modules
The ESUS module raises your awareness of the critical importance of English language competence in all four language skills areas within an academic context and provides English language preparation for continuing study onto the later stages of an undergraduate degree programme. Emphasis is also placed on developing the study skills you require for success, for example, research, critical assessment of sources, academic writing, team working, and your understanding of the conventions of higher education and of the need for good academic practice. (30 Credits)
This module assumes no prior experience on your part and provides an introduction to software development. You learn to develop, run and debug programs. The first half of the module focuses on the foundational algorithmic constructs of sequence, selection, and iteration, through the use of flowcharts/pseudocode and their implementation in the Java language. Fundamental data structures such as arrays are introduced and you learn how to choose a data structure that is fit for purpose. The second half of the module introduces you to areas of software development that are related to low level systems and machine programming and introduces programming in the C/C++ language. (30 Credits)
The primary aim of the module is to familiarise you with the basic operating principles of modern computer systems. This includes understanding the basic components of a computer, how data is represented and operated on, and how programs are executed at a low level. You learn how computers communicate with each other and how this may be achieved with regard to security. (20 Credits)
The module covers basic mathematical concepts, such as basic discrete mathematics, Boolean and other logics, set theory, and number theory. The aim is to improve your computational competence (i.e. the ability to implement and evaluate functions for basic visualisation, modelling and processing tasks) as well as introducing you to “basic mathematical thinking” (i.e. the ability to model problems and their solutions). The emphasis is on a practical, programming-oriented introduction to the materials you will study and use. (20 Credits)
The aim of this module is to introduce you to the architecture, structure, functions, components, and models of the Internet and other computer networks. They then progress through the fundamental concepts of Ethernet, network media and the protocol layer model before the structure of IP addressing is introduced. By the end of the module, students will be able to build simple LANs, perform basic configurations for routers and switches, and implement IP addressing schemes. (20 Credits)
Meet Hania, a student from the Pakistan
My Dad supported me to be independent, and now I make decisions for myself. I speak up. I stand on my own. Studying in the UK didn’t just teach me academic skills, it taught me who I am. I know my dad’s proud.
Edinburgh Napier University
Edinburgh Napier University is one of Scotland’s top modern universities, recognised for career-focused teaching, world-class facilities and strong links with industry. Based in the heart of Edinburgh, the University offers the perfect balance of academic excellence and practical experience in one of the United Kingdom’s most dynamic and inspiring cities.
You will learn from experts who bring real-world experience into the classroom and benefit from courses designed to develop the skills employers value most. Edinburgh Napier is a university that supports your ambition, helping you gain confidence, build connections and prepare for a successful future.
Why choose the Edinburgh Napier University
Student satisfaction in Edinburgh
Edinburgh Napier University has been rated top in the city by the National Student Survey five years in a row.
UK modern university for Biosciences
Ranked 4th in the UK for Biosciences in The Daily Mail League Table 2025, reflecting our strong reputation for teaching, research and career prospects.
Hospitality, Event Management and Tourism
Ranked 5th in the UK among modern universities for Hospitality, Event Management and Tourism by The Guardian University Guide 2025.
Entry Requirements for
Pass Baccalauria with a minimum of 70% overall OR
Pass Technical Certificate with a minimum of 50% overall (or 60% if studied at Kardan Institute of Higher Education)
Pass Licence (Bachelor degree) with a minimum of 60% overall **OR** Pass Bachelor of Science (Engineering) degree from Kabul University with a minimum of 50% overall
Pass Baccalauria with a minimum of 60% overall
Pass Baccalauria with a minimum of 60% overall
International Student Fees
You can find the applicable international student course fee for your chosen pathway study route listed below.
| Study Route | Tuition Fees (2025-26) |
|---|---|
| Pre-Masters (2 terms) | Business / Healthcare* – January, March, June, November – £12,385 Computing – January, March, June, November – £12,670 |
| Pre-Masters (1 term) | Business – March, June, September – £9,445 Healthcare* – June, September – £9,445 Creative Industries – June – £9,445 Computing – March, June, September – £10,075 |
| International Stage Two | Computing – January, September, November – £16,375 Business / Hospitality, Tourism, Festival and Event. – January, March, September, November – £15,955 |
| International Foundation | Nursing – January, September – £15,955 |
| International Stage One | Biosciences / Engineering – January, September, November – £17,425 Business / Mass Communications – January, September, November – £15,325 Computing / Digital Media – January, September, November – £15,645 |
| Stated fees are for the pathway only and do not include the tuition applicable for degree course continued at the university, for more information on progression degree fees please visit the university website directly. Fees are not inclusive of scholarships. All applications are subject to a non-refundable admin fee of £220. | |
| *The Healthcare pathway includes two routes: IIM Healthcare, which progresses to the MSc Healthcare Management (January, April, and June intakes), and IIM Public Health, which progresses to the Master of Public Health (MPH) (September, January, April, and June intakes). | |
| International Stage One (Standalone) Business and International Stage One (Standalone) Computing have the same fees as International Stage One stated above. | |
Scholarships at Edinburgh Napier University
Up to £6,000 scholarship for 3-term pathways
Reach out to our admissions team for details about scholarships available to you.
Up to £3,500 scholarship for 1-term pathway
Up to £4,000 scholarship for 2-term pathway
Reach out to our admissions team for details about scholarships available to you.
£3,000 per year* for student who completed IS1 Business, Digital Media, Engineering, Computing and Mass Communications
*Available for all countries for all continuation degree options on the IS1 Business, Computing Digital Media, Engineering and Mass Communications programmes. Not available for the BA (Hons) Business Management programme
£3,000 per year* for student who completed IS2 Computing and Business
*Available for all countries for all continuation degree options on the IS2 Computing programme. Not available for BA (Hons) Business Management programme and BA (Hons) Business Management with Entrepreneurship.
£3,000 per year for student who completed IIM Arts and Creative Industries, Business, Computing and Healthcare
*Available for all countries for all continuation degree options on the IIM Arts and Creative Industries, Business, Computing and Healthcare programmes. Not available for the MSc International Business Management programme
Reach out to our admissions team for details about scholarships available to you.
