20 Jan 2023
Understanding UK’s Education System
There are around 145 universities which provide the opportunity of higher education and because of intense competition amongst the education providers the quality has greatly improved over the years. In the UK most undergraduate degree programs take three years to finish. However, the “sandwich course” is increasing in popularity, which is four years and involves one year in the workplace (normally in your third year). In Scotland the courses are four years for undergraduate programs.
Graduate or master’s programs are generally shorter in length, i.e. generally 1 year and undertaken after completion of an undergraduate program. Some professional degrees like medicine, veterinary, law etc., have longer programs that can take as many as five years.
UK’s education system can always boast when it comes to ranking of their universities as per the Times Higher Education World University Rankings of 2017/18 the University of Oxford and University of Cambridge rank number one and two respectively, with Imperial College London at number eight. Moreover, UK ranks highly for quality of education, student satisfaction and global reputation.
Besides, the UK Research and Innovation’s (UKRI) works in partnership with universities, to create the best possible environment for research and innovation to flourish which in turn provides more opportunities for research-oriented students.
Qualifications framework
There are two parallel frameworks for higher education qualifications of UK degree-awarding bodies, one for Scotland and one for the rest of the UK. These are:
The Framework for Higher Education Qualifications of Degree Awarding Bodies in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (FHEQ)
The Framework for Qualifications of Higher Education Institutions in Scotland (FQHEIS).
These frameworks are the principal national reference points for academic standards in UK higher education.
Fee structure
The tuition fees for UK higher education varies depending on, your location, course and level. However, in general, the fee structure for undergraduate ranges from £10,000 to about £18,000 per year. For the postgraduates, it depends on the university and the course options.
Scholarships
There are many funding options for international students like Scholarships, grants, bursaries, fellowships, financial awards, and education loans. However, it can be very hard to find funding. Mostly, it is provided to research students.
Teaching and learning style
The system of imparting education in UK is through tutorials, lectures, workshops and seminars. It focuses on research-based learning, self-learning and group works, hence encourages independent learning. There will be a lot of emphasis on the creativity. There will be more focus on critical and analytical thinking which develops a deeper understanding of the subject at hand and the communication skills needed.
UK universities will emphasize on interactive learning. Students share ideas, organize activities and get involved in many co-curricular activities which makes them more confident when they come out in the job market. For more information one can visit Prepare for Success website.
Higher education
There are three main types of higher education, which lead to bachelor, master and doctoral degrees.
Pathway programs
Those who do not directly qualify for undergraduate can go through foundation or pathway courses, after which there is a direct entry into the bachelor’s level. These ensure students receive the extra support and assistance they need to succeed.
Bachelor or undergraduate degrees
The undergraduate course is known as the Bachelor’s degree which can be either of 3 years or 4 years (Honors Program) full time course.
Postgraduate study
The master’s program in UK can be of two types, either the taught or research. The taught programs are generally a one-year full time course. Research master’s programs usually offer M.Phil. degrees and are quite intensive. They usually take 18-36 months to complete.
Academic year
In UK universities, there are three major intakes, January, June and October. Though there are no fixed application deadlines, it is preferred that the applications are made three months before the course commencement date. For the Research students there are no fixed intakes or application deadlines.
Learning English
Basically, international students have to go through English language testing systems like the IELTS to get entry into the main course. But for those students who do not qualify, can get enrolled in an English language course before the main course
Many English language courses are also offered by universities and colleges to help international students prepare for a degree course in the UK. Universities use the term ‘pre-sessional English courses’ for these degree preparation programs.
IELTS Academic, IELTS General Training and IELTS Life Skills are accepted by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) as proof of English proficiency. However, for the students, it’s the Academic IELTS that needs to be done.
After graduation
There are many students who would like to continue their stay in the UK even after the completion of their studies. For such students the UK Government has schemes related with Post Study Work Visa which the student needs to oblige for further stay even after graduation. UK’s education system has got you covered from quality education to getting a job that you like.
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