this programme is set at nqf level 4 and is equivalent to the first year of an undergraduate degree in the uk. it is designed for international students who do not quite meet the academic grades and/or english level to start the first year of their degree but who do have a stronger academic profile than an undergraduate foundation programme student. by successfully completing the international year 1, a student is guaranteed progression* to year 2 of the chosen undergraduate degree at aston university.