The Higher Education system in the United Kingdom
The higher education system in the UK is one of the most renown educational systems in the world. It has an emphasis on professional practice, theoretical teaching, group work, interesting and creative work and the developing of key skills that will help students make better strategic decisions in their professional and private lives.
The UK higher education consistently performs extremely well in world rankings. In the Times Higher Education World Rankings 2018, UK universities have:
- 3 in the top 10 (with the University of Oxford and University of Cambridge being the top 2 universities in the world).
- 7 in the top 50.
The concept of higher education allows graduates of British universities to find a job within a maximum of 6 months. They are highly valued by employers all around the world.
Quality Assured
- The UK has a global reputation for quality assured education. All universities and colleges in the UK are held to strict standards by the UK government so you know you are getting the best teaching, support and resources available.
- The UK government publishes lists of officially recognized universities and colleges, so you can be sure that the one you choose has passed all the tests for quality assurance.
- You will also have access to the latest facilities due to the UK’s reputation for world-class research. The UK leads the world in quality research having overtaken the US to rank first by field-weighted citation impact – an indicator of research quality International Comparative Performance of the UK Research Base, Department of Business, Innovation and Skills
- Some universities or colleges are called ‘listed bodies’. These can offer courses that can lead to a degree from a recognized body. This means you can study here, but a recognized body will set and examine your final examinations or coursework.
UK teaching style
- The UK teaching system is designed to encourage you to ask questions, debate and come up with your own ideas.
- UK universities and colleges combine practical learning with lectures and seminars and embrace innovative teaching methods and high-tech learning environments.
- There is a wide range of opportunities to gain practical experience. Many courses have options for work placements and internships that count towards your degree. Many offer the chance to gain professional accreditation too.
Freedom of choice and flexibility
- One of the best things about UK higher education is the chance to really pursue your interests.
- There are a wide range of courses on offer, from the traditional to the cutting-edge, from Computer Games Development to Entrepreneurship. Find the right course for you.
- Many courses also include ‘modules’. These are different options that allow you to choose from a range of subjects within your course to build a programme that suits you.
International student experience
- The UK has the highest international student experience satisfaction ratings for English-speaking countries, with over 90 per cent of students happy with their experience.
- As a student in the UK, you will enjoy a great lifestyle: beautiful countryside, historic sites, city life and music and culture.
Types of higher education institutions in the UK
- Universities (universities) are diverse in terms of size, mission and history. Are managed autonomously, with the right to determine and allocate degrees.
- Colleges (colleges) and Institutions of Higher Education (Higher Education Institutions)-these are the colleges that offer vocational courses and academic within the narrow specialization.
Read the experiences of some International students currently studying in the UK: https://www.edu4u.ltd/blog
Types of UK University qualifications
Undergraduate courses are for students who want to study a first degree. Postgraduate courses are for students who already have a first university degree and would like to pursue further education.
What is an Undergraduate Course?
Undergraduate students study bachelor’s degree programmes that usually last for 3 to 4 years. Many courses offer a mix of academic and career-based study with options to take a placement year. Students undergoing an Undergraduate course typically have 6 to 14 hours’ worth of lectures per week including seminars.
What is a Placement Year?
A placement year is an opportunity for you to spend a year gaining valuable work experience during your time at University. Placement years are totally different from the work experience you did at secondary school. If you undertake a placement you will be employed by an external company undertaking a role very similar to a graduate level position. Placement years are very popular in UK Universities and are offered as part of many undergraduate courses.
What is a Postgraduate Course?
If you have already got your first degree, then a postgraduate course is for you. Postgraduate courses in the UK include Master’s (MSc and MA), MBAs and PhDs.
You will specialize in your subject with help from world-class tutors and research facilities.
- Master’s Course
A Masters degree is a level 7 qualification – above Bachelors degrees but below PhDs and the course usually lasts 1 to 2 years. Study is intense and typically involves completing a series of modules and writing a dissertation.
- PhD Course
A PhD, or Doctorate, is the highest level of degree that a student can achieve. PhD students independently conduct original and significant research in a specific field or subject, before producing a publication-worthy thesis typically 80,000-100,000 words in length.
While some Doctorates include taught components, PhD students are almost always assessed on the quality and originality of the argument presented in their independent research project.
A PhD course in the UK usually lasts 3 to 4 years and requires the student to possess a Master’s Degree as a pre-requisite to begin the course.
What is a Foundation Course?
The local high school certificate from some countries is not accepted for entry into a bachelor’s degree in the UK. Many universities offer a Foundation course which normally lasts one year and enables you to progress to the bachelor’s degree. If you are unsure whether you would need to take a Foundation course, please contact your preferred universities for advice.
Read the experience of an International student that went through a foundation year at a UK University and his overall experience whilst living in the UK: https://www.edu4u.ltd/blog/pablo-cardone
What is a Pre-Master’s Course?
Pre-Masters are university preparation courses similar to a Foundation Year and are designed to assist students to enter a preferred Master’s degree.
Pre-Masters enable international students to improve their chances of meeting graduate degree admission requirements. Students receiving intensive English speaking training, academic skills preparation, as well as introductions to their chosen subject, meant to satisfy the academic expectations of a future Master’s degree. In addition, student that graduated with a Bachelor’s degree but did not achieve the score needed to progress onto a Master’s also have the possibility of doing a Pre-Masters.
Edu4u Student Advice
Along with many other benefits, Edu4u is also committed to support you by offering you advice on:
- Possible careers that will suit you best according to your interests and future plans
- Choosing the best University based on your desired type of degree.
More information on what Edu4u offers can be found at https://www.edu4u.ltd/
