Alvis Pathway has officially launched the NCUK International Foundation Year (IFY) in Newcastle, delivered in partnership with Knowledge First, expanding opportunities for international students seeking progression to leading universities in the UK.
The launch took place on Friday 4 September at the Newcastle centre, bringing together representatives from Alvis Pathway and Knowledge First, alongside international education partners. Attendees included Alejandra Vicencio, CEO of Alvis Pathway; Sam Fenwick, Director of Academic & Quality Assurance; Maryam Knowles, Director of Knowledge First; Rebecca Whitehead, Academic Manager; other members of the Knowledge First team; and Hassan Al Ruwaidi, a Saudi Arabia-based education agent. Alvis Pathway’s wider international agent network was also invited to join online.
Reflecting on the launch, Alejandra Vicencio, CEO of Alvis Pathway, said:
“I am very proud and excited about our center in Newcastle. As an adopted Northerner (Geordie!), I am pleased we can showcase this fabulous destination and work with Knowledge First colleagues to support international students’ career development and widen access to high-quality education.”
Maryam Knowles, Director at Knowledge First, added:
“From all of us at Knowledge First, we are excited about the fantastic opportunity to work with Alvis Pathway and NCUK to educate and prepare international students for further education. Together, we will help brighten their future!”
A personal approach to international education
A key theme of the launch was providing international students with individual attention and personalised support. The Newcastle centre’s smaller, dedicated team will allow staff to get to know students individually and understand their academic, language and pastoral needs.
Maryam Knowles highlighted that the team’s role extends beyond delivering academic modules — students will also develop wider skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, independent learning, research and academic communication, building the confidence needed to succeed at university.
Alvis Pathway works closely with its delivery partners to ensure that students develop the academic skills and graduate attributes needed for university study. The International Foundation Year provides an important bridge between school and higher education, gradually introducing students to new approaches such as independent learning, critical thinking, research, and academic communication. This supported transition helps students adapt to university-style learning without being overwhelmed by multiple changes in expectations and study methods at the same time.
Studying in Newcastle
Newcastle is an established and welcoming university city, with a large student community and a wide range of academic, cultural and social opportunities. The centre’s central location allows international students to experience life in the heart of the city while benefiting from the close support of a smaller academic team.
Business and Finance pathways
The Newcastle centre will offer pathways for students wishing to progress to undergraduate study in Business and Finance-related disciplines, combining subject knowledge with the academic and analytical skills required for university study.
Newcastle is particularly well placed for students with these ambitions, with Newcastle University and Northumbria University offering highly regarded Business and Finance-related degree options. Students may therefore begin their international education journey with Alvis Pathway and Knowledge First and potentially continue their undergraduate studies in the same city, subject to the progression and entry requirements for their chosen degree.
Through NCUK, students can also access a much wider range of progression opportunities at universities across the UK and internationally.
Greater flexibility for international students
The programme also offers greater flexibility for international students through Hybrid and six-month Fast Track delivery options. The Hybrid pathway allows students to begin their studies online from their home country before completing the remainder of the programme face-to-face in Newcastle, while the Fast Track option enables the International Foundation Year to be completed in the UK within six months.
