The IYZ is a gateway programme providing specialist pathways into many DMU Dubai degree programmes in the areas of business and law, social science, engineering, computing and art and design.

Course overview

The IYZ is a gateway programme providing specialist pathways into many DMU Dubai degree programmes in the areas of business and law, social science, engineering, computing and art and design.

Each pathway’s curriculum will prepare students for entry to their chosen undergraduate degree by developing their English language proficiency, study skills and specialist subject knowledge. The curriculum will also help to students to familiarise themselves with DMU’s approaches to teaching, feedback and assessment, which will in turn ready them for the challenges of their degrees and future success.
Students will choose their destination degree when they apply for the IYZ but can change to another programme within their chosen field if required.

Students will study English for Academic Purposes (EAP) to achieve a minimum 6.0 (6.5 for Psychology) equivalent IELTS score to progress to their degrees

Key features of the programme:

• A curriculum that will offer those new to a discipline with a firm foundation from which to build key skills and the portfolio of work necessary for successful progression and entry into their chosen undergraduate programme
• For students with more experience in their chosen degree discipline, the curriculum will consolidate and augment their existing knowledge and skills
• The programmes offer innovative teaching and learning, with specialist pathways into a range of subject areas  
• The English (EAP) curriculum focusses on the acquisition of language skills and discipline-specific knowledge. The curriculum is unique in its design and focused on the UN Sustainability Goals (SDGs) - De Montfort University is the only higher education institution in Britain to be a global hub for one of the Sustainable Development Goals –SDG 16 to promote peace, justice and strong institutions
• The teaching staff for specialist areas will also teach on the degrees and so this will provide IYZ students with a strong link to their destination departments and the campus as a whole
• The diverse community of students will provide a unique opportunity for wider networks and broader cultural perspectives both during the IYZ year and during its graduates' subsequent degrees and careers

Programme pathways

Pathway Course (Programme)

Art and Design - BA Architecture, BA Interior Design

Business and Law - BA Accountancy & Finance, BA Business & Management, BA Law (LLB)

Computing - BSc Cyber Security

Engineering - BEng Mechanical Engineering

Social Science - BSc Psychology

Course structure

Each specialist pathway has its own term 2 programme of study that finally prepares students for their chosen degree.

English for Academic Purposes Modules

It is essential that you can communicate in English and that you can understand your tutors and lectures. You will therefore study English during both terms in modules that integrate with your academic study skills and specialist pathway modules, supporting your learning – and progress to your degree.The English for Academic Purposes (EAP) module is terms 1 and 2 will develop your English language skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking. This curriculum will be integrated and contextualised within a content-based syllabus, which uniquely uses the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a topical teaching framework.

Academic and Study Skills Module

This term 1 module helps students make the transition from their previous educational context to studying in British Higher Education with particular focus placed on studying at De Montfort University. Students are provided the opportunity to practice and develop a range of academic study skills essential for successful university study, whilst supporting learner self-awareness and giving them insight into the use and effectiveness of learner platforms and academic forums.

Specialist Pathway Study Skills Modules

In term 1, all Business & Law, Engineering, Computing and Social Science student will study a bespoke curriculum of maths and statistics that will consolidate existing knowledge and support students’ learning for their subsequent modules and their degrees. Art and Design students have different requirements and so study a separate module that introduces them to a range of technical and skills-based art and design processes that form an essential part of a shared creative practice ‘toolkit’ for Level 4 study and beyond.

• Internships, Careers and Placement

DMU Dubai careers department aims to assist the University students and
graduates to make informed career choices by providing a professional, high quality
careers guidance and information service for students and recent academic
schools to support students by developing the skills they need to maximize their
employability. This includes a number of sector specific careers fairs and insight
events, organized at DMU Dubai Campus throughout the academic year. The aim of
these events is to make students aware of the work experience, internship and
permanent positions available. We also encourage earlier years to attend such
events as a useful way to develop their understanding of industry.

• The Student Council

The Student Council at DMU Dubai includes an elected Student President,
Academic School Representatives, School Officers and individual Class
Representatives. Student Representatives for non-academic services such as
extra-curricular activities, sports, social clubs and events coordination are also
included.