International Year Zero in Social Sciences & Law
at University of Greenwich
The International Year Zero (IYZ) is the first year of a four-year integrated degree course. Your first year is taught at the college where you will gain extra skills in your subject area, as well as English Language, before you continue to year one of your chosen undergraduate degree course.
Course Overview
This course aims to prepare you with a foundation of law, humanities and political knowledge and introduce you to various topics such as international relations and psychology.
Our pathway course in social sciences and law introduces you to the core
knowledge necessary for the study of disciplines such as Politics, International Relations and Law.
This pathway provides a route to various degrees such as psychology, sociology, politics and law. Studying Law at Greenwich offers lots of opportunities, from training to offer legal support in our Legal Advice Centre to volunteering to investigate alleged wrongful convictions of individuals. In addition, the Complete University Guide 2022 ranks Greenwich joint 5th in the UK in Politics for Graduate Prospects (Outcomes) and joint 2nd in London in Politics for Student Satisfaction.
University of Greenwich International College
University of Greenwich International College (UGIC) 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 the University of Greenwich
- University student status from day one with access to sports, societies, campus facilities and the university student services.
Course modules
This course looks at business structure and the impact of internal and external factors on business growth and development. It introduces students to approaches to management and leadership within businesses and how thinking about management has developed over time. The course also considers the ways in which businesses have impacted on society and the environment and the need for businesses to behave in an ethical and sustainable way. It considers the impact of modern technology on businesses and how they need to respond to change and innovation. (10 credits)nnModule Code: BUSI1683
This course enables students to enhance their basic IT skills in terms of use of preparation and use of documents and spreadsheets using Microsoft Office, presentation skills using PowerPoint. It further helps them both to develop the research skills through appropriate use of the Internet and to show them how using the VLE and social media can enable them to communicate effectively with their tutors and fellow students during their studies. (10 credits)nnModule Code: COMP1788
The overall aim of this course is to enable students to apply data to work towards solutions of real -life problems in the contexts of their chosen field of further study. To achieve this, students are introduced to basic statistical concepts, topics and methods. They are also introduced to statistical packages to help them collate and present data in forms that help them analyse and interpret it effectively. (10 credits)nnModule Code: COMP1789
The development of the English skills of international students joining the International Year Zero with the aim of achieving the equivalent of IELTS 6.0 for continuation onto the further levels of degree study at the University of Greenwich. Through this course the students are made aware of the critical importance of English competence in the context of their on-going academic studies. (30 credits)nnModule Code: ENGL1147
This course aims to introduce students to the skills required to plan, research, prepare for, write up and deliver a project within their subject area. They have the opportunity to study all aspects of a project related to their particular field of study and to identify and develop a range of skills to enable them to realise the project, from the original concept, the research methods most suited to the topic chosen, the consideration of the problems involved in its implementation, the investigation of the project from a number of perspectives, including project design and management, social and environmental impact and sustainability (depending on the subject area) and reporting their findings both in written form and through a presentation. (20 credits)nnModule Code: RESE1160
The aims of the course are to provide students with a basic introduction to government and society in the British Isles, including a historical element showing briefly how Britain has changed and developed since 1945. The course seeks both to explain the main features of British democracy, the Crown, Parliament, Cabinet government, devolution in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, local government and the role of the civil service and to introduce students to the key features of British society and of how changes have taken place in recent decades around issues of class, ethnicity, gender, rights and obligations. The course further aims to consider external pressure on government – lobbyists, pressure groups, NGOs and the role of the media and, in its concluding weeks, to consider in summing up the state of British democracy in the early 21st century and how Britain relates to, influences and is influenced by the wider world. (10 credits)nnModule Code: SOCI1130
This module continues to build the students’ basic knowledge of biological topics in preparation for their studying further years of related degree subjects. It aims in particular to provide students with an introduction to the organisation and integration of physiological processes in nature but with a particular reference to animals and with an emphasis on mammalian, especially human, anatomy and physiology. Students consider the skeletal structure of humans, bone and muscle types and a number of physiological processes including the cardiovascular, respiratory and digestive systems. (10 credits)nnModule Code: ANAT1103
This course aims to provide students with a basic introduction to the legal system of England and Wales, its principles and processes. Although the focus is on the contemporary situation there is a historical element showing briefly how the legal system has developed over time. The course describes the main features of the court system, the different types and levels of court, the jury system and the roles of judges, barristers, solicitors and court officials. It explains the different processes around civil and criminal cases, shows how laws are made and the contributions of Parliament, judges’ decisions and case law and it considers briefly the impact of EU directives and the role of European courts within Britain in the context of the Brexit negotiations. (10 credits)nnModule Code: LAW1245
The aim of this module is to provide students with an understanding of core concepts in public health and the way that mathematical terminology and statistical data are used to understand key issues in Public Health and Psychology. The module is designed to equip students with the mathematical skills to tackle statistical public health and psychology problems and introduce students to the ways in which quantitative health data can be collected, described, interpretated and presented. Students will therefore learn core quantitative skills and terminology relevant to public health and psychology and have the opportunity to explore how issues such as communicable disease, mental health crises and community health problems can be approached. (10 credits)nnModule Code: MATH1202
This course provides an introduction to the study of International Relations, includes some historical and theoretical background to current world problems and looks at the concept of globalisation, considering supra-national organisations and the influence of multi-national companies. There is consideration of key concepts in the relations of states such as sovereignty, the nation state and national self-interest, the notions of the ‘balance of power’ and of hegemony. The historical origins of the field of study are studied through the development of the theoretical framework underpinning it. The consideration of the inter- play between conflict and co-operation between states and responses to current problems are reviewed as are the economic aspects of globalisation and the relations of States and companies with global organisations and businesses. (10 credits)nnModule Code: POLI1058
This course introduces students to the main theoretical approaches to Psychology and considers its historical development as a field of study. Students are made aware of key ideas and concepts. The areas on which this course focuses are Social, Cognitive and Developmental Psychology. (10 credits)nnModule Code: PSYC1124
The module aims to broaden the students’ understanding of a wider range of approaches within the subject and focuses on Bio-Psychology, considering the key area of stress. Abnormal behaviour is also studied with an emphasis on two areas of abnormality, schizophrenia and eating disorders. Students also review the methods employed in research within Psychology and consider the ethical issues raised in conducting research with human and animal participants. Particular emphasis is placed on confidentiality, informed consent and deception. Current debates and relevant ethical guidelines around psychological research practice are reviewed. (10 credits)nnModule Code: PSYC1125
Meet Rizwan, student from Bangladesh
Studying at Greenwich isn’t just helping me grow academically, it’s helped me find my voice, build confidence, and support others along the way.
University of Greenwich
The University of Greenwich is a modern, inclusive university with a global outlook. Founded in 1890, it’s home to students from over 100 countries.
You can study at one of three campuses: historic UNESCO World Heritage site Greenwich, green and leafy Avery Hill, or Medway in Kent with its mix of old and new.
Its degrees are career-focused, with strong industry links and real-world experience built in. Wherever you choose, you’ll find expert teaching, great facilities and a welcoming community.
Why choose University of Greenwich
Best university in London
Ranked as the 3rd best university in London by StudentCrowd 2024.
For sustainability
Ranked 2nd London University for sustainability by Times Higher Education Rankings 2024.
Won gold for teaching excellence
Recognising outstanding performance in student experience and outcomes – Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023.
Entry Requirements for
Achieving Dëftesë Pjekurie (Secondary School Leaving Certificate) with a minimum grade 6 AND UKVI IELTS minimum 5.5 overall and a minimum grade 5.5 in each skill
Achieving Bachelors with a minimum grade 5
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 (1 term) | Computing – September – £9,895 Business & Management / Engineering – September – £9,895 |
| International Year Zero | January, September – £16,195 |
| Pre-Masters (2 terms) | Computing – January – £12,995 Business & Management / Engineering – January – £12,995 |
| International Year One | January, September – £16,895 |
| 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. Pre-sessional English (PSE) fees are in addition to your pathway fee and is not available on all pathways. If PSE is required, you will progress onto the pathway programme once this has been successfully completed. Contact our admissions team for more information. | |
Scholarships at University of Greenwich
Up to £7,000 scholarship for IYZ Science pathway
Up to £7,000 scholarship for IYZ Engineering pathway
Up to £6,000 scholarship for 3-Term pathways
Reach out to our admissions team for details about scholarships available to you.
Up to £4,000 scholarship for 1-Term study
Up to £5,500 scholarship for 2-term study
Reach out to our admissions team for details about scholarships available to you.
£3500 scholarship for the first year of study at the University of Greenwich
£1000 scholarship for each year of study at the University of Greenwich after the first year
*Conditions apply. Please reach out to your agent or representative for more information
