International Year
The International Year offers you the unique opportunity to spend a year studying abroad at a leading European University in France, Spain or Austria. The year abroad takes place between years two and three of your degree, extending your degree to a four year programme.
You can combine science with learning French, Spanish or German in a very different cultural context, alongside students from all over the world.
Please be aware that study abroad, compulsory year abroad, optional placements/internships and integrated year in industry opportunities may change at any time for a number of reasons, including curriculum developments, changes to arrangements with partner universities or placement/industry hosts, travel restrictions or other circumstances outside of the university's control. Every effort will be made to update this information as quickly as possible should a change occur.
From our students
"Taking a year abroad has been without a doubt one of the most challenging, eye- opening, and rewarding experiences I have ever undertaken. Not only has it opened so many opportunities to me, I have made some amazing friends that I otherwise would never have met and that I hope to keep all my life.
Meeting so many people from so many backgrounds, and seeing the different ways how people live their lives, the different kind of aspirations that they have, it all seems to open a lot more possibilities that you may never have considered. I have especially enjoyed the courses offered to me at AgroParisTech; I was able to choose some that held interest for me but in areas that I had never studied before, such as my current topic on ‘sociology and management of international enterprises’ which I absolutely love.
Paris is an incredible city, it’s the most multicultural place I’ve ever been to and there is so much amazing history. During the time I’ve spent here it’s felt like the centre of the world, and although I am looking forward to returning to Nottingham, it’s hard to imagine going back to normal life after this unbelievable and exciting year."
BSc Environmental Science student, studied abroad at AgroParisTech, Paris, France
About the programme
Destinations
Eligibility
- Open to all undergraduate students in the School of Biosciences (both BSc and MSci), with the exception of MNutr Nutrition and Dietetics and BSc/MSci Food Science and Nutrition
- Apply in year 1 and complete a Course Transfer Form to transfer their course to "...with an International Year" prior to the start of year 2
- Note that the International Year cannot be combined with the Year in Industry
- Applicants are normally required to have attained a GCSE in the target language, although beginners can be considered for France and Austria
The following options are possible:
- One year at an International Institution partner under the International Year Europe programme
- Multi-country options:
- Autumn Semester on "International Exchange Year 2" plus International Year in Europe programme
- Autumn semester at UNM Year 2 plus International Year in Europe programme
- Note: Successful applicants for the "International Year in Europe programme" cannot take any other study abroad option that exceeds 6 months. This is because at least 50% of the teaching and learning that comprise the course has to take place at one of the UoN UK campuses
Academic requirements
All students must:
- Take and pass 20 credits of language classes at the University’s Language centre in the target language during Year 2, attaining a minimum of 50%
- Register for and pass a minimum of 50 ECTS = 100 Nottingham credits during Year 3 abroad
- Ensure all courses to be taken are approved in advance by the School of Biosciences
- Take modules abroad in the target language (depending on language level)
- For France and Austria, you will also have the option of being able to study some modules in English
- Take and pass a language module in the target language during both semesters whilst abroad
- Register for and complete online Cultural Awareness NOOC as part of the Nottingham Advantage Award whilst abroad
Finance
How to apply
You should initially apply for the BSc or MSci degree programme of your choice. You then apply internally to the International Year during the second semester of your first year of study at Nottingham. Successful applicants will then transfer course.
The name of your degree programme will change to include the statement ‘with an International Year’, for example BSc Agriculture with an International Year. This is a four year course.
The application deadline is in March/April each year. Students will be invited to an information session during Semester 1 of Year 1 to find out more about the programme and how to apply. Please apply in year 1 in order to study abroad during year 3.
Online Application for First Year students to apply to study abroad in 2024/25. Application deadline Tuesday 2 May 2023.
Further information
For more information, contact Rachel Jessop