The advantages of education in the UK

You get an international certificate

British diplomas and certificates are recognized and accepted worldwide. Education received in the UK – a solid foundation for your future and career, guarantee a high salary. Modern training methods, the latest equipment and professional instructors British universities, colleges and schools help you fully realize potential. Teaching quality of UK institutions are famous all over the world, and they are constantly reaffirm their reputation: their programs regularly consists of serious test compliance to the most stringent criteria. Many countries are now trying to follow the example to the UK.

education in the UK

The acquired knowledge will make you a world-class specialists

Against the background of ongoing globalization of the world economy there is a need for specialized knowledge and skills. Companies need employees who are able to make effective, creative and independent decisions. UK institutions pay special attention to the development of these qualities in their students. Through a variety of teaching methods and assessment, students will acquire independent thinking and the ability to deeply and thoroughly know the subject of study.

Graduate students have a lot to read and analyze what they read, openly discuss their views on the workshops and interviews. Professional courses exist in order to prepare you for work in the modern world.

The knowledge gained in the courses of English, will form the basis of your future career. Throughout the world, English is used in business, science, information technology and the Internet. Studying in the UK will allow you to immerse themselves in the language, learn to speak and think in English.

In the UK you can get all knowledge

In the UK there are more than three thousand educational institutions that accept foreign students. Before you open a lot of ways to get education. Given your goals, needs and level of training, you can always choose an appropriate school and training system. On many courses you can study without leaving home.

In the UK, you can always find a course that best suits your inclinations and interests – from programming computer games, ocean engineering, meteorology, music technology and underwater photography to multimedia design, anthropology, the study of women and the family (women’s studies), hotel management and dance .

Study in the UK is interesting and fun

UK – is a multinational country. For many thousands of families from UAE to Australia, it has become a second home to which they brought their culture, customs and traditions. In the UK there are more than a quarter of a million foreign students.

Brits love to have fun and relax. All major cities have a lot of theaters, concert halls and art galleries. Every weekend there are sports competitions, and as pubs and restaurants, then they can be found just everywhere.

UK – is the perfect place to travel

Coming to the UK, you come to four countries – England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Each of them has its own history, culture and nature. They are all located close by, so it was not much effort to attend. By plane, train and bus you can get to anywhere in the UK, so you do not have to rent a car, as it has done in some other countries. Moreover, almost all forms of transport for students have special discounts and offers.

From the UK you can just as easily go traveling to Europe. Train, plane or ferry to take you a few hours in any European city. UK and Europe institutions  have close ties, so you always have the opportunity to work and undergo training in Europe under various exchange programs.

The knowledge gained in the courses of English, will form the basis of your future career. Throughout the world, English is used in business, science, information technology and the Internet. Studying in the UK will allow you to immerse themselves in the language, learn to speak and think in English.

Study in the UK is inexpensive

British program for undergraduate degrees and master’s degrees only last 3 and 1 year, respectively, compared with 4 and 2 years in other countries. Thus, you save on tuition and living expenses, so you can start early to work and earn money. British program for a degree shorter by its intensity and saturation, and therefore more profitable in terms of time, money and efficiency.

Medical aid for international students is usually free. Chances are, you can enjoy all the benefits of the UK health system, including treatment, the concessional prices, dental and eye exams.

UK institutions offer thousands of scholarships and grants for international students. Every year more than 21 thousand people annually receive scholarships from the British government.

Thanks to the new rules, foreign students in the UK are entitled to work up to 24 hours a week while studying and full time during vacations.

The UK offers a warm welcome

Foreign students in the United Kingdom are happy to be in the walls of the educational institutions . You will be provide comprehensive assistance in solving all problems from the time of application – until the end of the learning process.

For example, before you leave at your local branch, the British Council can help you choose the most suitable and interesting for you to rate and complete an application. Through the Commission for admission to universities and colleges (UCAS) you will be able to apply simultaneously to multiple schools. If desired, applications are made, even over the Internet.

Many institutions accepted that their representatives meet you at the airport. Typically, you will provide housing for the first year. In universities and colleges, there are international departments, public international students, a variety of events, there are assistance programs, and serves as special advisor and consultants. All of this is paying off: the number of students expelled from UK institutions, the lowest in the world.

Former graduates of British schools

The list of British educational institutions including leading politicians, thinkers and business people with influence in the world. Among them – the  U.S. President Bill Clinton, South African President Thabo Mbeki, Archbishop and human rights activist Desmond Tutu, a famous fashion designer Rifat Ozbek, the Nigerian writer and Nobel Prize winner for literature Wole Soyinka, the founder of the corporation easy Group Stelios Haji-Ioannou and the former captain of the national team Pakistani cricket, now popular politician Imran Khan.

International recognition.

British scientists and institutions received 90 Nobel Prizes for scientific achievement. British artistic elite – scientists, designers and programmers – are considered one of the best in the world. They bring an annual income of 112 billion pounds.

International culture.

Perhaps you have long felt the influence of British culture in music, film and television. Now you have a chance to be a part of it. Do not forget the UK – is the home of Robbie Williams, Randy Travis, Dido, Radiohead, Michael Owen, David Beckham, Jude Law, Joseph Fiennes and Kate Winslet.

Part-time education in the UK

It may not occur to seriously consider distance education as a way of earning a degree or higher qualification. However, this form of training is becoming more popular, and being progressive and the most accessible, is developing rapidly. Distance learning programs offer an efficient, cost-effective and convenient method of improving education.

At the heart of distance learning programs is the principle of autonomy. Some courses (eg, part-time program at the University of London) allow students to build learning on your own. Curricula of other high schools, such as the Open University, are flexible and well-structured. Usually, students take home, based on a number of specially designed educational packages. Teachers are available by mail or e-mail. For the purpose of distance education are usedtelevision, video, Internet. Courses are ready to obtain qualifications that meet national and international standards, so you need to find out whether you received qualification recognized in your country. Some correspondence schools still require at least a brief training at a university or other educational centers in the UK.

More than 50 universities offer distance learning programs of post-graduate training. The greatest demand is for courses of commerce, law, natural sciences and engineering, and medicine. At the British Council, you can get the necessary information about distance education, curriculum, duration of study, teaching methods and amount of payment.

The cost of MBA courses can vary from 6,000 to 28,000 pounds per year, but more often than not kept in the range of 8,000 to 15,000 pounds. More information can be obtained from reference books “The Association of MBAs Guide to Business schools” or “Business Schools directory”.

Universities of distance education

Correspondence University of London offers high standards of training. There are undergraduate and post-graduate courses. Diploma can be a minimum of three years, maximum – six. Postgraduate training continues for at least two and not more than five years.

University of London offers no clearly defined program. The system of communication or consultation, as opposed to the Open University, is not practiced. Using the provided teaching materials, students organize their studies at their discretion. Some are preparing for exams only on their own, others are of the training programs designed by London University or other colleges and universities. More information can be obtained from the University of London by correspondence.

National College of Further Education offers more than 150 courses leading to a degree, “A-levels”, secondary and vocational education. These courses are popular with international students. They can do at any time, individual advisory assistance for the duration of training.

The Open University offers distance learning courses in the MBA program for international students. Founded in 1969, the Open University in the present – the largest UK university, where both trains about 150 thousand students. He is recognized worldwide for its high level of training, the effectiveness of part-time training methods.

MBA in UK

Training course for master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA)

In recent years, notably in the UK has increased a popularity of professional manager. Especially large number of students studying for their master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) – each year it is received more than 8000 students.

There are two main types of MBA courses, general and special, although their structure is basically the same. General MBA course consists of three parts. The first provides students with the basic knowledge needed for business (marketing, human resources, information systems, financial and management reporting, etc.). The second part allows students to choose the most interesting things and concentrate on them (as a rule, they are the basis for future professional specialization). The third and final part of the course MBA – a project that students carry out collectively. This is either a solution of administrative problems, or project management – and then write the work, summarizing the experience. Special MBA courses have the same structure, but, being narrower thematically, they are designed for students who have mastered the theory and basic business. Areas of specialization – finance, marketing, management of the public sector of the economy, etc.

Almost all universities in the UK offer MBA courses, but different forms of learning.

Program full-time course is designed primarily for a year, at least – by two. Due to the large volume of the material under study full-time courses are intensive and time-consuming. Learning  usually takes at least two years, classes are held in the evenings or on weekends. During the in-service training of the student is obliged once a semester to highlight the “business days” – about a week, during which classes are visited daily.

There are also so-called “modular” and “administrative” MBA courses when the course is divided into separate units of full-time training. Training material then being developed individually, the intervals between periods of study may be extended.

“Modular” and “administrative” MBA courses are intended primarily for those who are on manag positions, for whom long-term absence from work is impossible. The entrance requirements for MBA courses to some extent depend on the school that organizes them. As a rule, it is preferable to have a first degree level (bachelor’s degree) and at least two years of work experience.

However, with five years of experience in senior administrative positions you can be taken at the MBA courses without sufficient academic qualification. In most cases, candidates also have to pass an entrance test in Management (General Management Admission Test, GMAT) and score at least 500 points. However, not all schools use GMAT for this purpose: there developed even like him, but their own examination papers.

Applicants whose native language is not English must take the exam IELTS, having not less than 6.5 points. Since MBA courses belong to the post-graduate programs of training, receiving the application is submitted directly to the schools.

The cost of MBA courses can vary from 6,000 to 28,000 pounds per year.

System Ucas in UK

Application form at the University

Statements prepared on the basis of performance, outstanding teachers, and prospective examination assessments, which will be announced in August, are served by centralized UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admission Service)-Reception in national universities and colleges.

You need to fill the application form UCAS, which points to the six options of preferred school (if you want to study medicine or dentistry – up to five). UCAS gives detailed guidance on the receiving system, including the provision of information of interest to the selection committee.

Cost of UCAS application is: 5 pounds for one option school, £ 14 – for the 6 options, payment by bank transfer. Four-page application form at first glance seems complicated, but you get it together with the ‘instructions to help international students “to be carefully studied to avoid mistakes when filling. This form is available at the British Council or directly in UCAS. Schedule of UCAS designs for each academic year.

Preparatory courses

If your score does not quite meet the requirements of the receiver, the university has to offer foundation courses. The length of this training is usually from six months to a year. There are courses that provide substantive training, but most of their goal – to improve the English language respectively academic requirements, as well as fostering the skills of learning. As a rule, the courses work closely with certain university, so those who have successfully completed training course, guaranteed a place at school. In Scotland, the preparatory courses for international students who intend to enter the first stage of the Scottish universities, organized in colleges of further education Scottish international training program (Scottish International Foundation Programme – SIFP). One component of such a course is an intensive program of learning English.

Tips for entering higher education institutions UK

Determine for yourself what degree you need, make sure that your qualifications match the entry requirements, no mistake in choosing a college or university, to accurately estimate the cost of tuition and accommodation, to apply for admission through UCAS.

Tuition payment in UK

Academic course on the basis of secondary education for the degree of Bachelor costs for foreigners:

  • Lectures Classes: 5,300 – 7,300 pounds
  • Laboratory studies (science): 5.800 – 9.000 pounds
  • Practical: 14,900 – 17,400 pounds

Try to find out whether the co-payment required for the use of laboratories and offices. Additional payment for the work materials: for example, for the course of design – photographic materials.

Additional costs

books and textbooks: 300 – 500 pounds

clothes: 400 – 500 pounds

Accommodation

in London, Oxford and Cambridge: 7.500 – 9.000 pounds in other areas of the UK: 6,500 – 8,000 pounds.

Choosing a college or university in UK.

 

Information Service ECCTIS + offers a CD containing accurate information on all the courses of higher education in the UK. This program allows you to search by subject, location, method of study and institution.

You may find that a dozen different schools offering the same course. Note that the depth of coverage of theoretical discipline in the programs of different universities may vary. If the same rate somewhere fit in a shortened term, ask, does the program all you need partitions.

Perhaps the most important criterion for choosing a specialty – whether it Like you. The fact that the method of teaching in the UK is that the responsibility for learning success largely rests with the student. The entire research work, the lion’s share of a university course, performed independently, and therefore need a lot of work. Without enthusiasm is not enough. Choosing a majors “not in love”, but for reasons of prestige, you run the risk of failure – then the course is complex and attractive for you can be a great intellectual stimulus. Living conditions, which are provided by the university, is as important as his proposed curriculum. Choosing a place to study, pay attention to the following:

Does the institution own home? If yes, are guaranteed a place for international students?

Does your school library? Library – is the heart of the university. If it is poorly equipped, will take time and money to get the required book through the inter-university library service. In the old universities for many years of collected a lot of books, a new more modern foundations have applied orientation.

Is there a school for sports facilities? If not, can I use the ones that are close by?

Is there a career guidance course for beginners? He paid or free?

Higher Education in UK

University education in the UK dates back to the XII century. When there were based Oxford and Cambridge universities. Several universities are based in Scotland – for example, in St. Andrews (1411g.), Glasgow (1451), Aberdeen (1495) and Edinburgh (1583).

Industrial revolution sweeping the UK in the XIX century. It brought the country to have to prepare experienced managers and administrators. The University of London was founded in 1836., University of Manchester – in 1851., In Birmingham – in 1900., In Liverpool – in 1903., In Bristol – in 1909., To Reading – in 1926. These universities have become known as the “red-brick”: built of brick, they were markedly different from the ancient stone walls of Oxford and Cambridge.

Century of technical and technological progress dictated the demands. After the Second World War, the country’s universities were founded in Nottingham (1948). Kiel (1949), Exeter (1922g.), Sussex, Warwick, Kent and Essex (60th year). Until recently, they were called “new” or “glass” – because of modern buildings.

“Newest” wave “universitization” came in 1992. Differences between old and new universities gradually disappear, but still exist. New universities are closely associated with the industrial and commercial enterprises, tend to form their own training programs, require from employers. Old universities are also coming on this road, trying to make connections with the local and national economy. However, they even now dominated theoretical disciplines – philosophy, literature, history, natural science. Older universities have always attracted to his foreign students, which is why they are well known, but not so new. Now this trend is changing.

Degrees

Degrees in the UK are awarded to students who successfully complete the course. Formally, the degree of the same value obtained in the different universities, do not differ from each other, but in practice their “weight” is determined by the reputation of their university .

Degree system has absorbed a lot of traditions. For example, the word “bachelor”  derives from the days when the universities studied only boys. Presumably, they were not married while studying was hard.

Here are some degrees awarded by universities in England and Wales:

  • BA – Bachelor of Arts;
  • BEd – Bachelor of Education;
  • EEng – Bachelor of Engineering;
  • BSc – Bachelor of Science;
  • LLB – Bachelor of Laws;
  • BMus – Bachelor of Music;
  • BM – Bachelor of Medicine.

Names of degrees at universities sometimes are different, there are exceptions to the rule. In some Scottish universities owner of the first degree in the Humanities – MA (MA) rather lower than bachelor’s degree (BA). The qualification of Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Cambridge is lower than  Oxford degree.

To acquire a bachelor’s degree, you have studied for three (England and Wales) or four (Scotland) year. However, there is an extent which is necessary to obtain more and practical experience – training period increased accordingly. Future designers, for example, is required to pass a preparatory course and then – the main three. For a degree in medicine, dental and business architecture you must learn up to 7 years.

Academic course on the basis of secondary education for the degree of Bachelor (Undergraduate Education / UG-rate)

Entry Requirements

For admission to a university in the UK, you must pass exams “A-levels”. According to the British Council, the standard eligibility requirements are as follows:

Certificatesof three exams “A-levels” GCE and four exams GCSE (with a minimum grade “C”).

Depending on the course, these requirements may vary.

Colleges and universities in the UK recognize your existing Certificate of Education (received in your country). The easiest way to find out – get in touch with the institution. If this is not possible, contact the nearest branch of the British Council, or write to the National Information Centerof  British official recognition of educational certificates (NARIC). If you already have a diploma of higher education, keep in mind that, as an academic qualification, it is somewhere in between “A-levels” GCE and a bachelor’s degree. However, in different schools admission requirements are so different. “Cost” of your diploma is necessary to clarify the selection committee of the university where you want to do. There is an International Baccalaureate (1B) – a two-year training course, which includes the study of the six disciplines. There are schools that offer training courses, after which you get a certificate 1B.

British Certificate of Education

Certificate of Secondary Education

  • Grade 10 – considered improper standard GCSE
  • Grade 11 – in general, comparable to the standard GCSE (mark A, B and C) in all subjects, except English.
  • Diploma recognized by the relevant vocational qualification certificates of the Association of Trade Unions “City and Guilds” first level.
  • Diploma of secondary specialized educational institutions usually comparable to national diploma BTEC / NVQ / SVQ third level or GNVQ / GSVQ advanced.

National curriculum

In the UK national curriculum includes subjects prescribed for students 5-16 years old. The main disciplines are English, mathematics and science. Other compulsory subjects – drawing and engineering, computer science, geography, history, physical education, art and music. Modern foreign language is introduced into the program at the age of 11-14 years. Compulsory courses for students 14-16 years: English, mathematics, natural sciences, engineering sciences, foreign language, physical education. Religious education and, in high school, sex education is not included in the list, but also necessary. The same applies to vocational training. Much attention is paid to the current state of information and communication technologies.

Exams in British Schools

School examinations

Examination system in the UK is complex. There are three main types of training:

  • a strictly academic – “academic” (theory of knowledge),
  •  professional – “vocational” (with an emphasis on practical skills)
  • and professional advanced level “semi-vocational” (Theory + Practice).

In the past, the British independent schools were strictly of classical education with a focus on theoretical training, and now, specializes in all those “academic” subjects. Independent schools are entitled to build a training program at their discretion, in accordance with the dispositions of students. For the exams at the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) and the Certificate of Secondary Education Advanced Level (GCEA-level) are good independent schools offer a choice of at least 20 subjects.

A distinctive feature of the British educational system is the written examinations at the end of the course.

British schools exams

Theoretically (“academic”) PREPARATION

Common entrance examination for admission to high school British independent school students start at 13.

Examinations for General Certificate of Secondary Education (General Certificate of Secondary Education, GCSE) usually go at the age of 15-16 years.

As a rule, the average student rents 8.6 items, and always for work and further education are considered math, English and foreign languages. Independent Examinations Commission is preparing for the exam questions and evaluates the results. For thefinal mark are taken into account written tests, practical work, and current estimates for a certain period of time.

Satisfactory mark are “A”, “B” and “C”. Good result exam GCSE – 6 satisfactory marks and more – allows qualification, required for admission to employment or to enroll in the future in higher education.

The examinations for the General Certificate of Education Advanced Level (GCE “A-levels”)

Minimum of three” A-levels “is necessary in order to open a path to higher education. Scientific disciplines can be taken at any set, but most prefer the ones that are included in the registration at least for selected specialty (be it practical or theoretical training), so things are usually handed over either natural science or humanities.

By the age of 16, the student must select three items that will determine his future career. In this respect, the British education system is different from the others, where the subjects taught in high classes, much more.

HSCE (Higher Scottish Certificate of Education) – this is the Scottish equivalent of the “A-levels”. Students prepare for this exam only one year, from 17 to 18 years. It is believed that it is somewhat lower standard “A-levels”, which have to be prepared for two years. For university in Scotland (take back to 17 years old) enough to pass at least two exams HSCE. Accordingly, the university studies usually lasts a year longer than in England and Wales.

Examination for the General Certificate of Education (GCE), “AS-levels”

Typically, these tests pass after the first year of studies at a college for high school students. Takes into account the current estimates and results of written tests. Students who wish to continue to study a larger number of subjects are often tested on “AS-levels” – which is equivalent to the advanced level, but the material on the subject has been covered by a half. Two “AS-levels” equal one “A-levels”.

ADVANCED TRAINING

Total national examinations for Vocational Qualifications (General National Vocational Qualification – GNVQ)

This has recently introduced the students pass the exams full-time students aged 16-18 years. Letting them indicates the presence of a solid preparation for a variety of professional disciplines, as sufficient for admission to higher education institutions. All three levels of GNVQ beginner, intermediate and advanced. Advanced level requires two years of study and qualify for a certificate, which is equated to the floor and read tests on two academic disciplines in the advanced level of secondary school (two “A-levels” GCE). These exams may be taken in combination with others, such as, “A-levels” GCE or GCSE.

GSVQ (General Scottish Vocational Qualification) – this is the Scottish equivalent of GNVO, meets the demands of the 16-19-year olds in schools and colleges. Like the previous, GSVQ can be viewed as a stepping stone to higher education or further training.

TRAINING

In England and Wales adopted qualification standards of training. Individuals who have demonstrated an appropriate level of knowledge and practical competence of work qualification certificates are issued. This is a great incentive for professional development throughout their lives.

National Vocational Qualifications (National Vocational Qualification, NVQ) based on the national qualifications framework. It has five levels. Evidence of the first level involves the development of controlled simple working, while the fifth certificate entitles you to borrowing positions implies the complex management functions. NVQ / SVQ Similar Scottish Vocational Qualifications

In BTEC examination system includes more than 200 items. Professionally oriented, they often take the exams instead of GCSE and “A-levels”. BTEC Certificates and Diplomas have three levels: BTEC – 1 (equivalent to GCSE) – training for one year; BTEC – National (the equivalent of “A” – and “AS-levels”)-two years of training, and BTEC – the highest national (comparable with two years of study at the university.)

Secondary education in the UK (part 2)

Features boarding school UK

Although all boarding schools  provide the conditions for residence during the school year, including holidays, the recent common practice among students live all week at school, leaving home for the weekend. Most independent schools accept international students on a full board. Total in boarding schools are learning about 100 thousand children aged 7 to 18 years, including most of those 17 thousand foreigners who are studying in British independent schools.

Most of the students live at school. One of the advantages of this practice is that the board provides a general education in a time when communication with the staff and teachers are not limited to the lesson. But the teachers and tutors do not replace parents, so communication with them via email, phone, fax, email is an important part of students’ lives. Modern communications allow them to stay in constant contact with the parents.

The institutional structure of any school – a group (“Houses”) led by the senior tutor (Housemaster or Housemistress). Younger students sleep in dormitories. Composition bedrooms sometimes forms on the “family principle” when the group included children of different ages, sometimes the whole group consists of the same age. Seniors have the right to “privacy” in separate rooms. Teachers and educators, on the one hand, strictly enforce the rules of hygiene, safety and discipline, on the other hand, encourage the manifestation of independence. Many schools allocated a space where children are allowed to go about their business. Class work consists of primarily social activities and entertainment events, which are organized within a group or between them. In addition, high school sports teams and community art lovers take part in competitions and contests between the schools.

Special Schools in UK

The most famous are church and school choirs, music, ballet, drama school. In most of these learning opportunities there are hostels. Many have extensive experience working with students from abroad. In addition, there is a network of schools for blind children and children with disabilities.

Semesters and study time at school

The school year begins in September and is divided into three terms, each lasting about 13 weeks. The winter semester runs from September until the Christmas holidays, which start around December 15. Spring – the first or second week of January to March, and the summer begins in April and ends in June and July. In some schools during the spring and summer vacations there are supplementary classes. In Scotland, the school year runs from mid-August until the end of June. At present school term dates are reviewed by the UK government. School day in most schools (kindergarten does not count), usually begins at 9 am and continues until 4 pm. Saturdays at some private schools offer sports activities.

Age requirements Admission to the British school

7 years is a lower age limit. From 7 years old children are accepted at most of the preparatory schools. If you decide to give your child a complete education in the UK, this is the age at which you can begin. Pass important exams at the age of 11, 12 and 13 years.

10-11 years. While most schools are trying to take students of all ages, do not think that the delivery is automatic. Selecting a school, contact the British Council in advance and consult on how best to prepare the child. It’s in his best interest. However, for most children entrance test – no contest “will-not-pass.” Typically, this is done to send a child to the respective class.

13 years. Entrance exam, which all children pass at the age of 13 is required for admission to secondary school. In most schools, it consists of texts in English, mathematics and science. Two or three years of trainingto get a good knowledge of the language. Education at the age of 13-16 years is very intense, and although special language courses will help students keep up with classmates, children, foreigners can still play compared to the other, most of them residents of the UK. In addition, you must pay attention to the significant differences in the curricula of UK education programs in other countries, and therefore the British Council encourages parents in advance to get all the necessary information.

If you start training at the age of 16, you can be set off grades received at home. Student takes a while to get used to the new program, a new environment, a new language and culture. The curriculum of the second year in 6th grade is hard enough to catch up.

Having a high school diploma, every student can be admitted to the college for high school students. Admission is based on the school report card, but independent boarding schools in the UK are showing the admission of foreign students more flexibility.