Why Uk

UK education is all about giving you inspiration to develop your knowledge and skills, freedom to be creative, and support to help you achieve your best. UK schools, colleges and universities offer you a world-class education – the chance to follow your passion for learning and gain qualifications that are respected by employers and academics worldwide.

On a UK course you’ll benefit from excellent teaching and facilities. In order to accept students, UK education centres must meet strict quality standards set by the UK government and education bodies.

With a strong reputation for research, innovation and creativity, UK universities and colleges attract some of the world’s leading academics and industry professionals. You will be encouraged to express your own ideas and think for yourself. UK degree courses develop your critical thinking, decision-making and creativity – skills that are valued by employers worldwide.

Top Colleges:

The UK education system is world-renowned, internationally recognised and its qualifications are well-respected in the employment world as they are invariably of the highest standards. It combines the best elements of tradition and modernity which contributes towards academic excellence.

Four of the top six universities in the world are in the UK (Source: QS Rankings).

Value for Money:

Many UK higher education courses are shorter than in other countries. For example, bachelor's degrees typically take three years to complete (compared to four years or more in many countries), and most master's degrees take just one year. This means you can start your career sooner, getting a head start with real professional experience.

Career Opportunities:

One of the reasons employers value UK qualifications is the focus on skills for the workplace. The UK ranks second in the world for university-industry collaboration (Annual Innovation Report, BIS, 2012). Over two thirds (70%) of businesses in the UK have links with universities, with over a third (37%) partnering with universities for research and innovation (CBI/Pearson Education & Skills Survey 2014).

Many UK courses are designed in partnership with businesses and are taught by industry professionals, so you will gain real experience for your future career. Some courses give you the chance to do a work placement as part of your studies too, working for a business, charity or public sector organization (check your visa status allows you to do this).

The UK’s location between the American and Asian time zones has helped it to become a global hub for business and industry. Many international financial institutions have their European or global headquarters here, so the opportunities for students and employees to build their experience are unparalleled. The UK is also the number 1 destination for inward investment in Europe (UKTI).

Student Satisfaction:

Student satisfaction in the UK is higher than ever, with 86% of students satisfied overall with their course (National Student Survey).

Life and Diversity:

The cultural diversity of life in British higher education is unrivalled. From cosmopolitan cities like London, Cardiff, Belfast and Glasgow, to historic counties like Warwickshire and Yorkshire, the UK is a place of contrasts and culture, where ancient buildings sit alongside contemporary architecture.

 Life in UKDownload Guide

Every year close to 500,000 students from 200 nations come to the UK to study at a school, college or university and 600,000 more come to do an English language course.

In addition, over 500,000 international students each year take a UK qualification overseas – for example, online or at a UK overseas campus.

The UK has a long history of welcoming international students from around the globe. And with a reputation for academic excellence, it’s easy to see why so many international students choose a UK education.

Many UK schools, colleges and universities have an international society to help international students settle in and make friends.

International societies tend to offer:

• Social activities such as parties, meals and meet-ups.
• Trips to visit local tourist attractions
• Support, friendship and advice.

Ask your school, college or university what resources they provide.

 Higher Education system

UK universities and colleges offer thousands of excellent courses, leading to qualifications that are respected by employers and academics worldwide. When you think of UK higher education qualifications, you might think of bachelor’s and master’s degrees, MBAs and PhDs. There are, however, many other types.

At undergraduate level the main qualifications offered are:

• Bachelor’s or undergraduate degree: Academic study designed to help you gain a thorough understanding of a subject. Full-time, this normally takes three years to complete (four in some cases). There are different titles of degree, such as: Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Education (BEd) and Bachelor of Engineering (BEng). Degrees are classified as either Ordinary or Honours – this can vary between universities and colleges. Generally an 'ordinary' or 'unclassified' degree may be awarded if a student has completed a full degree course but hasn't obtained the total required passes sufficient to merit a third-class honours degree. In Scotland, an 'ordinary' degree is usually a three-year full-time course, whereas an 'honours' degree is usually a four-year full-time course.
• Foundation degree: The equivalent of the first two years of an honours degree, this may be studied full- or part-time, and consists of academic study integrated with relevant work-based learning undertaken with an employer. It may be studied as a standalone qualification or upon completion, you may progress to the final year of an honours degree.
• Diploma of Higher Education: Two year, full-time DipHE courses are normally equivalent to the first two years of a degree and can often be used for entry to the third year of a related degree course. They can be academic, but are mainly linked to a particular job or profession such as nursing and social work.
• Certificate of Higher Education: Focuses on either a particular job or profession, or academic study. Equivalent to the first year of a full honours degree, they are the most basic level of qualification that can be gained in higher education and show that you are capable of studying successfully at university level. You can use a CertHE to gain confidence to study successfully at university level, change careers or progress your current career, or to achieve a foundation degree, DipHE or full honours degree through additional study.
• Higher National Diploma (HND): A two-year course which, if completed with high grades, can lead to the third year of a degree.

At postgraduate level, the main qualifications offered are:

• Masters Degree: A master’s qualification gives you the opportunity to further your knowledge of a particular subject or to go in a completely different direction using the skills you’ve gained from your undergraduate studies. A master’s degree is an academic qualification awarded to individuals who successfully demonstrate a higher level of expertise in a particular field of study. You can study one in almost any subject, but there are two main types of master’s: taught and research.
• MBA courses: A Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree is an internationally recognised qualification which gives you the skills you need for a successful management career. MBA courses cover topics such as business policy and strategy, operational and strategic management, marketing, market research, finance and accounting, IT, human resource management, leadership, entrepreneurship and international trade.
• PhDs/doctorates: A Doctor of Philosophy, or doctorate (PhD/DPhil) is the highest academic level a student can achieve. These degrees are very demanding and often lead to careers in academia. Doctorate courses can be applied for by students who achieve at least a 2:1 result at undergraduate level. Although you don’t necessarily need a master’s degree, it is usual practice to undertake one before a PhD.
• Postgraduate diplomas and qualifications For those wishing to continue their studies beyond an undergraduate degree, a variety of options are available. Postgrad certificates and diplomas allow students to study something new or build on the skills and knowledge already gained during their first degree.
• Professional and vocational qualifications. A professional or vocational qualification is usually taken to improve skills or gain attributes required by specific jobs. Most awards will involve practical training, giving you the opportunity to experience a job first-hand.
• Conversion courses: A conversion course is a vocational postgraduate qualification usually taken by graduates wanting to change subject area after their first degree and better prepare themselves for the job market.

Taught postgraduate programmes consist of a series of lectures and exams and/or coursework assessment. Research postgraduate programmes involve in-depth study of a specific field, usually over a period of two or three years. You then report on your research by writing it in the form of a thesis or dissertation.