The UK is renowned around the world for its teaching excellence. Let’s find out why.
The UK has a good record when it comes to world university rankings.
In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge rank first and second respectively, and Imperial College London ranks eighth. Across all global ranking systems, standards and research areas, the UK ranks highly for educational quality, student satisfaction and global reputation.
Additionally, the UK has a strong reputation for innovation and world-class research, and here you’ll benefit from state-of-the-art facilities alongside a long academic tradition. Many students choose the British higher education system to perfect their English and enhance their employability skills.
How it works
In the UK, responsibility for education is delegated to four jurisdictions: England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. The four countries differ in their existing education systems, the qualifications they offer and how they are regulated. This difference is most pronounced in general and secondary education. Therefore, there are a number of different qualifications and credit frameworks.
Qualifications Framework
There are two parallel frameworks for higher education qualifications from degree-awarding institutions in the UK, one for Scotland and one for the rest of the UK. all these are:
Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ) for degree-awarding institutions in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
Framework for Qualifications for Higher Education Institutions in Scotland (FQHEIS).
These frameworks are the main national reference points for academic standards in UK higher education. There are 160 universities and colleges in the UK authorized to award a variety of degrees to suit most educational aspirations.
Tuition fee
Tuition fees for higher and further education courses in the UK vary and depend on:
Where you choose to study in the UK (England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales have different rules)
Your level of learning.
For undergraduates, tuition fees range from £10,000 per year to around £18,000 per year, depending on the course and institution. As with all postgraduate courses, tuition fees vary depending on the course provider.
Scholarships, bursaries, bursaries, bursaries, financial awards, loans – there are many financial support options for international students wishing to study on UK courses. The demand for scholarships always outweighs the supply; to maximize your chances, you should apply as early as possible.
You can check the specific websites of schools and universities that interest you. The best time to ask for financial support is before your course starts. Finding funds can be difficult, especially in the middle of the school year.
Teaching style
British education has an excellent reputation, and most international students rate the quality of teaching they receive highly. You can expect to be taught in many different ways. Most students attend lectures and seminars and sometimes tutorials and seminars.
During your course in the UK, you may be given a lot of freedom to explore your ideas and be creative. You may be required to be an active member of the teaching process, and you may conduct your own research or collaborate with other student groups on certain projects. British universities encourage the development of critical and analytical thinking in every subject, which can be a bit daunting at first for some international students. However, this can lead to a deeper understanding of the topic at hand and the communication skills required.
Education in the UK is also very interactive. Tutors will encourage you to share your ideas and may organize activities such as debates, discussions and quizzes. The idea is that by having fun and participating, you will learn more successfully. This style of learning can be daunting at first, but students should have great support from their tutors and, with a little time, you’ll soon feel at ease.
The Prepared for Success website is a great resource, providing students with a wealth of information about UK curriculum and teaching, as well as advice on how to succeed.
Higher education
Most destinations offer multiple pathways for domestic and international students to transition into further education; these programs are often called bridging or foundation programs.
Students can take higher education courses to gain an advanced degree and continue their studies in the UK. There are three main types of higher education, namely bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and doctoral degree.
Bachelor’s or undergraduate degree
Academic studies in an undergraduate degree are designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of a subject. Degrees are either general or honors. An ‘Ordinary’ degree is usually a three-year full-time course, while an ‘Honours’ degree is usually a four-year full-time course.
Postgraduate study
If you’re about to complete your bachelor’s degree, how do you know if postgraduate study in the UK is your next step? Deciding to pursue graduate school is a big step. This means sacrificing more time and staying out of the workforce for longer, but it is also an investment well worth it in the long run.
Pathway courses
There are also a number of higher education pathway courses available for international students, including foundation studies and English language preparation courses. These ensure students receive the extra support and assistance they need to succeed.
School year
In the UK, the standard academic year starts in September or October and lasts until June or July. However, some courses are more flexible and offer a range of start dates. The typical deadline for applications to undergraduate universities starting in September is the month before that year. January enrollments are also lower, with limited undergraduate, master’s, PhD and foundation courses. Private pathway providers may also offer additional start dates throughout the year.
Learning English
The UK is the world’s top destination for English language learning (Study Travel Magazine, December 2012). The UK has long been at the forefront of language teaching and pioneered many of the techniques used around the world today. The emphasis is on learning through fun and participation rather than just listening to the teacher. Lessons include games, problem solving, and discussions. Students can also listen to songs, watch TV, or read magazines to practice their comprehension skills. Universities and colleges also offer many English language courses to help international students prepare to study degree courses in the UK. Universities use the term “pre-semester English course” for these degree preparation courses.
The UK government has announced major changes to language testing for visa applications, reducing the number of tests accepted for visas and introducing new requirements for how the tests are administered. IELTS is the world’s most popular high-stakes English test for higher education and global migration, and is approved for use on all UK visas that require applicants to provide evidence of English proficiency.
IELTS Academic, IELTS General Training and IELTS Life Skills are accepted by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) as proof of English proficiency. However, the purpose of students coming to the UK determines which IELTS test they need to take.
After graduation
Many international students hope to stay in the UK after graduation and put the skills they have learned into practice. Students can extend their stay if they meet the requirements of a scheme run by the UK Government.
The most important programs for students completing their studies include the following.
- Level 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur)
Targeted at recent graduates and postdoctoral researchers with a Tier 2 immigration permit who have “genuine and credible business ideas and entrepreneurial skills” and whose UK college or university is prepared to support them under the scheme to help them develop these ideas.
- Level 1 (Entrepreneur)
This requires students to invest in a business in the UK. Students do not need a sponsor or accrediting agency.
- level 2
The main way for students to find employment. The minimum salary for the scheme is £20,800, but depending on the job, the salary can be higher. In most cases, employers do not need to prove that they have posted the position and that no one else can do it before offering the position to a student (resident labor market test).
- Level 5 (temporary workers)
These programs allow students to work in specific types of work in the UK for one or two years, depending on the program. They must have a Level 5 sponsor under a student-related scheme. A student’s Level 5 sponsor must issue them a Certificate of Sponsorship before they can make an immigration application.
Student Pathways PhD Continuation Program
This allows new PhD graduates to work in the UK for a year or be self-employed after completing their studies. Students must apply before completing their Ph.D.
