Credit by Lonely Planet
Education in the United Kingdom
The UK education system offers an excellent standard, a wide range of English language, pathway, undergraduate (bachelor) and postgraduate courses and fantastic teaching facilities.
English language schools and pathway providers offer pre-university preparation either through English language courses or foundation-level courses. These can help you to achieve entry to university or to prepare for university-level studies in the UK. Additionally, English language schools offer stand-alone courses for students wishing to improve their English for personal, academic or business reasons.
Undergraduate (bachelor) degrees in the UK are essential for many top-level careers and are normally studied over three years in England and Wales and four years in Scotland. They are mainly taught degrees, with teaching varying in format but usually taking place in large group lectures and small group tutorials.
Postgraduate degrees in the UK can be academic or focused on a particular industry you are looking to enter. You will generally need to have achieved an undergraduate (bachelor) degree or equivalent to be accepted into a postgraduate course.
There are two types of postgraduate study:
– Postgraduate Taught (such as Master’s degree by coursework) are usually one year in length.
– Postgraduate Research (such as PhDs) can be three or more years in length.
Cost of Studying
Studying in the UK offers excellent value for money and although the UK is sometimes thought of as expensive, the reality is quite different
Shorter courses
Courses in the UK are often shorter and more intensive than in other countries. This will help you to save on tuition fees and living costs.
Course fees may cover a range of things you might not expect, including library access, sports, student union membership, and other practical facilities.
Part-time employment opportunities
If you enter the UK on a Tier 4 student visa, you may be able to work a certain number of hours per week during term time and in the holiday/vacation period. If you go to the UK on a student visitor visa, child visitor visa, or prospective student visa, you will not be eligible to work in the UK. For the latest detailed information visit: the UKBA website.
Access to discounts
As a full-time student in higher education you will have access to a National Union of Students (NUSA), card which gives a range of discounts on study essentials, travel, entertainment, clothes, food and drink, shopping and more. Student rail (train) and coach (long distance bus) cards can provide excellent discounts.
Employment Prospects in the UK
By studying in the UK, you will have opportunities to develop important workplace skills and your ability to think independently, which will significantly increase your chances of employment.
English is the international language of business, science and technology. By studying and living in the UK, the home of English, you will be immersed in the language and have the opportunity to improve your communication skills. Many professional bodies and employers may require evidence of your English language skills.
During your studies
You can work part-time, volunteer or complete a work placement or sandwich course during your time in the UK, all of which are valuable work-based experiences that can provide an edge and build your résumé.
Most universities and educational institutions in the UK have a dedicated careers centre that can advise students on all aspects of gaining employment during and after their studies.
For information on employment prospects and career tips and advice visit www.educationuk.org.
Health and Safety in the UK
All international students enrolled on a course for more than six months qualify for free medical treatment under the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), which removes concerns over any potential healthcare bills and is a significant benefit of studying in the UK.
Support services
UK institutions have excellent support services, which include a dedicated international students office, international student societies, academic support, counselling support and personal tutors.
Health and wellbeing on campus
The campuses are alive and busy with lots of social and sporting activities. There are excellent sports facilities on or near to most university campuses and clubs and societies catering to a range of interests. This is an excellent way to meet students from the UK and around the world as well as learning about different cultures and lifestyles.