Higher Education in UK
The UK is the global leader in International education. In 2012, over 420,000 international students from 200 nations chose to study in the United Kingdom for their higher education, joining over two million local students.
With outstanding teaching and facilities, UK universities and colleges offer you a world-class higher education and qualifications that are respected by employers and academics worldwide.
UK higher education students are generally aged 18 or over (17 in Scotland), and have usually already achieved further education qualifications, such as A-levels, the International Baccalaureate, Scottish Higher or an equivalent qualification from the UK or another country. Many have completed a foundation or access course too.
UK higher education is split into Four levels:
The benefits of studying in the UK
Why UK?
In most of the world university rankings carried out by Times Higher Education World Ranking; QS Best college ranking and few others to name; they have consistently ranked most of the UK institution in the top rank. These rankings are announced after assessing quality of the faculty, infrastructure facilities, student satisfaction, job opportunities and placement facilities, administration and many other aspects that make UK universities lead in the chart. This all makes the UK best study abroad countries in the world.
Gain a world-class education:
UK education is all about giving you inspiration to develop your knowledge and skills, freedom to be creative, and support to help you achieve your best.
UK schools, colleges and universities offer you a world-class education – the chance to follow your passion for learning and gain qualifications that are respected by employers and academics worldwide.
On a UK course you will benefit from excellent teaching and facilities. In order to accept students, UK education centers must meet strict quality standards set by the UK government and education bodies.
Did you know that…?
UK education is all about giving you the inspiration to help you develop your skills, the freedom to be creative, and the support you need to achieve your best.
UK universities and colleges invest in excellent facilities – from libraries, computer and science labs to sports centers, theatres and art studios. Class sizes are restricted to ensure that you have access to equipment and enough time to talk to your tutors and lecturers. Achieve an internationally recognized qualification: UK higher education qualifications are recognized and respected by employers and academics worldwide.
UK colleges and universities reputations:
With a strong reputation for research, innovation and creativity, UK universities and colleges attract some of the world’s leading academics and industry professionals. You will be encouraged to express your own ideas and think for yourself. UK degree courses develop your critical thinking, decision-making and creativity – skills that are valued by employer’s worldwide. This attention to quality is reflected in the UK’s excellent results:
Further education courses and qualifications
Undergraduate qualifications, which include bachelors’ degrees, foundation degrees, HNDs and more.
Postgraduate qualifications, which include masters’ degrees, PhDs, MBAs and more. This level is for students who have already completed their undergraduate studies, and want to gain a higher qualification.
What is an undergraduate qualification?
An undergraduate qualification in the UK is an academic step up from A-levels or 12th Grade (or their equivalents) and is typically gained by completing a program of study at university. There are three broad types of course:
Structure of Bachelor degree:
Studying for a Bachelor’s degree at a UK university will enable you to develop a thorough understanding of one or more subjects. Your choice of subject will determine the precise name of the qualification. Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BSc) are the most common, but there are others such as Bachelor of Education (BEd) , Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and (BEng) Bachelor of Engineering.
Your course will usually last three or four years, although some subjects such as medicine will take longer. (In Scotland a degree will last four years)
A number of courses, for example languages, may include a year studying abroad, while there are also fast-track degrees that can be completed in two years by working through the summer.
Most of these degrees involve attending lectures, seminars and tutorials, with assessment through exams and coursework. Tuition fees for an International students will be from £9,000 a year.
Integrated Master’s: An Integrated Master’s (IM) degree is a four year programme which combines undergraduate and postgraduate study into a single course. It lasts to five years if has one year of placement or internship which is part of the program.
Advantages of doing Bachelor degree in the UK?
Why foundation course?
Foundation courses are designed for those of you whose school-leaving qualifications do not meet the requirements for direct entry to undergraduate program (If the student do not secure 65% or above).
What is a Foundation course?
If you are an Indian student finishing your high school exams, have completed less than 13 years of education and would like to take your first degree in the UK, you will need to study a foundation course at a UK university or college if you do not meet the required marks. A foundation course is a one-year preparation course, designed for international students.
Normally it is for school-leavers who have studied a non-British curriculum but wish to pursue a degree at a UK university. The foundation course acts as a bridge between your current qualifications and UK university undergraduate entry requirements and is designed to plug academic gaps, improve your English and familiarize you with UK life and culture in preparation for university.
International foundation year one
This course is designed in such a way that you will not lose a year for the foundation course where as you will be studying the First year of your undergraduate course and foundation course at the same time and will be allowed to progress to the second year if you achieve the required score.
Why Postgraduate qualifications in the UK?
Increasingly, employers are looking to recruit students with an international outlook who are aware of other cultures and have the skills to work with colleagues, stakeholders and customers from around the world. Governments also recognize the importance of international study for graduates. Singapore has long had a more open approach to highly-skilled immigration, offering post-study work opportunities to its international students. Other countries like Canada, China, Malaysia, Japan and Thailand all have big plans to attract international students. So, employers and governments agree that international study can be a good thing, but what, in concrete terms, are the benefits of doing your masters abroad? I have studied and worked in several countries and first of all, despite the range of exotic destinations open to students, a masters abroad is NOT a holiday abroad! You will have to work hard, be sensitive to local practices and get used to not having access to things you normally do (like your favorite food or a cinema that shows films in English). To begin a postgraduate degree in the UK, an undergraduate qualification is usually required. In rare circumstances where this is not the case, like an MBA or business course, a great deal of work experience relevant to the program is needed as an alternative.
Postgraduate degrees in the UK last just one year compared to two-year courses offered in other countries. You can therefore save money and time, returning to work within one year. A study by the Higher Education Statistics Agency carried out in 2013 showed that 85 per cent of those who completed postgraduate degrees were in full-time employment following graduation, compared to 73 per cent of first degree graduate
Advantages of doing Master degree in the UK?
- It will help you expand your horizons, discover a new country and culture and enhance your personal development
- Internationally recognized qualifications of the highest standard
- Ability to build a strong network of contacts
- All the master program in the UK is one year stream of study
- They have paid placement has a part of the course up to one year.
- Taking up the opportunity of a sandwich year whilst studying for your degree could be a huge benefit to you when it comes to job-hunting after graduating from university. A ‘sandwich’ degree refers to a course whereby you have the opportunity to spend time with a company in the industry of your field of study. In most cases, your university careers service will offer support in applying for industry placements and offer further support throughout your placement You will be exposed to a new study environment, learning and teaching methods as well as academics who have a different perspective
- It will “internationalize” your CV and show you are mobile.
- You will gain language skills.
- Your career opportunities will be enhanced
Types of Postgraduate degree
Taught courses generally last for just one year or 18 months depends on the course and University. Universities do offer 1 year or 6 months’ placement for certain courses. Students will be assigned a tutor, and then weekly seminars and lectures will take place, divided into modules. Assessment will be via exam and/or dissertation.
Research degrees are completely different to taught degrees in that students will take much more responsibility for their work and schedule. The study is based around a substantial research project – often reaching up to 80,000 words – written as a thesis which then must be defended in an oral examination. A PhD is the most well-known research degree.
How much does a Postgraduate degree cost?
Postgraduate schools in the UK are far less expensive than graduate schools in the USA. The cost varies by course and institution, but can be from 30 per cent to 60 per cent cheaper than American equivalents.
Why a pre-master’s course is required?
Take a pre-master’s course if:
- If you do not meet the required level of qualifications for postgraduate study
- If you want to take a master’s degree in a different subject from your undergraduate degree
- If you need to improve your study skills or academic English
- If you have not studied for some time and want extra preparation
- If you want to become more confident before your master’s