BENEFITS OF BRITISH HIGHER EDUCATION
A degree from Britain is renowned all over the
world for its academic strength. British universities have been
the training grounds for some of the greatest administrators, businessmen
and scientists around the world. From Nehru to Lee Kuan Yew to Bill
Clinton, many of those who have studied at British universities
have proceeded to great careers. Employers worldwide appreciate
the skills that British universities offer. Students also love British
universities for their range of courses, flexibility, excellence,
affordability, cosmopolitan cultural and social atmosphere. University
campuses now have an international ambience as thousands of students
from more than 150 countries come to Britain to study every year.
If you have looked into studying abroad, you may
have considered other countries too. Studying in Britain is cheaper
than studying in America. It is also easier to obtain a visa and
clear immigration in Britain; anyone who goes through to American
visa process in an American Consulate can attest to that. Britain
offers a more cosmopolitan atmosphere than some American universities,
which can be located in isolated areas. The British system also
permits students to work outside the campus and also allows spouses
to work, something that America doesn' t allow.
Studying in the UK is good value for money because
British degree programmes are more intensive and are generally shorter.
A full-time undergraduate degree usually takes only three years
to complete in the UK compared to four years in the United States
or Australia. A full-time postgraduate (masters) course in the UK
can take only one year to complete compared to two in the United
States or Australia.
THE RIGHT EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION
Higher educational institutions in Britain are
classified as private colleges, colleges of further education, colleges
of higher education and universities.
Private colleges offer courses that prepare students for professional
and technical courses as well degree courses. Their fee are usually
high because they do not get any government funding.
Colleges of further education (CFE) offer a vast range of professional,
vocational and qualification courses including GCSEs, AS, A levels,
access courses, BTEC and GNVQs.
Colleges of higher education (CHE) usually offer courses leading
to degrees, postgraduate qualifications, professional and vocational
qualifications, and diplomas of higher education. They include CFE,
institutes of higher education as well as school and academies of
music and drama.
Universities offer higher educational qualifications (diploma, degree,
masters and doctoral) as well as other professional qualifications.
The Sunday Times university ranking for 2007
1. University of Oxford
2. University of Cambridge
3. Imperial College, London
4. London School of Economics
5. University of Warwick
6. University College, London
7. University of York
8. University of Durham
9. University of St. Andrews
10. University of Loughborough
The Guardian ranking of British universities for 2005
1. University of Oxford
2. University of Cambridge
3. Imperial College, London
4. School of Oriental and African Studies
5. London School of Economics
6. King' s College, London
7. University College, London
8. University of York
9. University of Warwick
10. University of Edinburgh
THE APPLICATION PROCESS
Applying to most of the educational institution
in the UK is simple and straightforward. You can apply to some institutions
online.
The British Council
The British council offices around the world offer free guidance
to students wishing to study in Britain. The British Council has
direct contacts with academic institutions in Britain. The counsellors
at the British Council can also assist students with their enrolment
and give further guidance on visa, funding and accommodation matters.
Private recruiters
Many British universities have official agents working on their
behalf in many countries around the world. These agents are usually
trained educational counsellors and can assist students with enrolment
procedures. Most agents offer their services free of charge like
Learn Global Education Ltd.
UNDERGRADUATE COURSES
UCAS system
All students applying to study for an undergraduate degree in the
UK will have to go through the UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admission
System). All colleges and universities that are in the UCAS scheme
are recognised by the British government.
If you are applying from outside the UK you can apply any time between
1 September and 30 June, except for courses at Oxford or Cambridge
University or for courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary
science.
UCAS will acknowledge each of your application within six weeks,
and another six weeks you will be notified of the success of your
application from each of your chosen institutions. Depending on
the outcome you will receive an unconditional offer, a conditional
offer, or a rejection.
Clearing
UCAS runs a special service called 'clearing'
during August and September. All available places in courses that
have not been filled are listed. Late application may be eligible
to go through the clearing process.
POSTGRADUATE COURSES
For postgraduate courses you need to apply directly
to the department' s admissions tutor. You will find the name and
address of this person in the university prospectus, or alternatively
you can apply directly to the international office who can organise
things for you. You can apply for as many different courses in different
universities as you wish.
Full time or part time
EEA nationals can study part time. However , non-EEA nationals are
not permitted to study in the UK on a part time basis if they are
in the UK on a student visa/entry clearance.
