The UK is a country of elite education. World-renowned universities such as Oxford and Cambridge are located here. But even gaining a British higher education outside of elite institutions opens the way to your future. Diplomas from local educational institutions are highly valued by employers around the world. So if you are planning to be educated in the UK or another country in the UK, you can be sure that your candidature will be considered in any company.
Advantages of a UK education
There is a reason why higher education in the UK is considered elite, as the education system here is considered to be of the smallest detail. There are many advantages to studying in the UK. Let's look at them in more detail. A perfect combination of classical and innovative techniques . By enrolling at a British university, you will appreciate all the historical values of local education combined with the latest material and technological base. Location. Higher education in the UK is comparable to that in the USA, but unlike the USA, the UK is closer to Europe. Due to this, transfer will be cheaper and take less time. The intensity of the educational programme. Studying in the UK, you will be able to obtain a diploma much faster than in many other countries. Prestige. Whether you have received pre-school, school or higher education in the UK, you will be appreciated in a completely different way at the next stage of your education or in the workplace. Language practice. Education is provided in the local language, so on completion of your studies you will not only have gained specialist knowledge, but will have learned English as well.
The structure of education in the UK
It is defined by the Bologna agreement. At the same time, the universities themselves have the right to organise the educational process in their own way. As part of your studies at a British university, you can obtain the following degrees.
Bachelor's degree
Most UK courses at this level take 3 years - 6 semesters of study. This difference is due to the fact that the first year of the programme for acquiring knowledge of foreign universities is studied by English-speaking students in preparatory courses for a-levels or foundations. Some universities organise sandwich courses, compulsory industrial practice, for their graduates.
In higher education institutions, students independently develop their own educational programme. Depending on the chosen specialism, each subject has a basic set of subjects to be studied. However, they are not sufficient to obtain the number of student loans required for a diploma. Students therefore choose relevant subjects for themselves within each semester. This interdisciplinary approach broadens horizons and allows students to think outside the box to find non-trivial and innovative solutions.
Master's degree
It takes 1-2 years to obtain a master's degree. At the same time, the programme does not necessarily have to be in the same direction as the bachelor's degree. Instead, many students choose to go in a different direction and improve their skills in other areas.
There are two types of education programmes that can lead to a master's degree.
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Education (teaching courses).
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Research-oriented activities (research programmes).
During the educational period, students attend theoretical and practical courses. After completing the course, it is necessary to prepare for the diploma project and to pass the state examinations. Only after that is the student awarded a master's degree
Doctoral degree
This stage is intended for students who plan to pursue research activities in their field. The programme is designed for 2-3 years. It does not actually provide theoretical and lecture material. Students are mainly engaged in practical activities and work in their field of specialisation. After completing the course, the student has to prepare a thesis and publish his findings in a special publication. Afterwards, he can defend his thesis.
How to go to college in the UK
The current requirements for students from countries outside the UK's European Economic Area have been in force since 2012. If you are attracted to study in the UK, you must meet the following criteria.
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Age - from 16 years.
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Fluent in English.
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Secondary education in the UK.
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Entry to university from a list published on the official UK Foreign Office website.
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In addition, students need to document the stability of their financial situation living in the UK.
If you are interested in studying in the UK, you will only be able to enter college if you have a good academic record. A points system is used when selecting applicants. If your knowledge test gives a result of 30 points and your financial situation is estimated at 10 points, you can study in the country. Otherwise you will not be accepted.
Cost of education in the UK
Higher education in the UK is paid for by everyone: both for themselves and for foreigners. But it can be more expensive for visiting students!
British citizens have a unique right to receive loans for higher education. You can give it away not immediately, but after you have earned your diploma and successfully applied for a job. Even the minimum wage of £21,000 a year will help to cover the debt.
You'll laugh, but the whole travesty of the situation is as follows: if you don't get a diploma or don't get a minimum wage job, you don't have to pay off the debt!
Here are approximate prices so that you can really assess your financial capacity and the capacity of your parents. Thus, an academic course of post-general secondary education will cost foreigners .
One class - 5,000-7,000 GBP .
Laboratory course (natural sciences) - 6,000-9,000 GBP .
Practical education - 15,000 - 17,000 GBP .
Before enrolling, try to find out if you will have to pay extra for the use of classrooms and laboratories at your chosen university. Some universities have surcharges for the use of working materials (e.g. photographic materials in design courses).
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Don't forget the additional fees when planning.
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Use of books and textbooks (300-500 GBP per year).
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Accommodation (depending on the place from 6000 to 9000 GBP per year).
A top 15 colleges in the UK.
Cardiff Sixth Form College
Cardiff Sixth Form College is an independent, private, co-educational Sixth Form College for boys and girls aged 16-19. The school offers full-time education and boarding. A total of 300 students study here. The school is located in the heart of Cardiff, the capital of Wales and one of the most beautiful cities in the UK. Heathrow International Airport is 180 kilometres from the hotel. London is 200 kilometres away and is approximately 3 hours away.
Cardiff Sixth Form College was established in 2004 and is considered to be one of the best Sixth Form Colleges in the UK. The College regularly leads the way in A-level and GCSE exam results, among independent providers in the UK.
The majority of students at Cardiff Sixth Form College are foreigners. There is a working atmosphere where everyone is focused on getting the maximum grades and getting into prestigious universities. The entry requirements and pace of study here are high. This should be taken into account when choosing an educational institution.
Here they are prepared to enter the highly competitive medical, dental, veterinary, pharmacy and optometry schools.
Abbey College Cambridge.
Abbey College Cambridge is part of Abbey DLD College and offers students aged 14 to 19 the opportunity to complete their secondary education or prepare for entry to a UK university.
Each year 400 students from over 40 countries study at the college. Unlike the other two colleges in the Abbey DLD group, the student body in Cambridge is almost entirely international, meaning that education takes place with additional language education and adaptation included.
According to recent statistics, 71% of graduates from a-levels gained A*-a grades and 83% gained grades in the A*-B range. At least 80% of graduates received at least one offer from a Russell Group university. Over 70% of students on the Foundation Programme also received an offer from a Russell Group university.
Cats College Cambridge.
Cats College Cambridge is a private, independent, co-educational sixth form college for boys and girls aged 15-25. The college offers full-time education and boarding. A total of 260 students study here. The college is located in the famous student city of Cambridge, about an hour's drive from London.
Stafford House Tutorial College, as it was once known, was founded in 1952 in London. Over the years of its existence, the company has opened 3 colleges, as well as many language schools and summer courses. At the CATS Academy the first international students were accepted and educated under the University Foundation Programme. Stafford Courses are conducted according to a methodology developed by the company itself.
CATS College Cambridge is housed in an ultra-modern building equipped with the latest scientific technology. The college is located within walking distance of the famous Cambridge University. In addition to him, the city is home to dozens, if not hundreds, of various educational institutions, language schools and courses. Everywhere you look, students are scurrying around. Studying here is not only a high quality education, but also an opportunity to plunge into a legendary urban environment.
Abbey DLD College London.
The Abbey DLD Group of Colleges is a group of private colleges in three UK cities: London, Manchester and Cambridge. Each of these departments works very autonomously, with its own specificities, but the universities combine common quality standards and working principles. The universities have high ratings and are renowned for the high quality of their education.
The Abbey Dld Group of Colleges originated from the merger of Davies Laing and Dick College (DLD) and Abbey College. DLD College was founded in 1931 in London. The merger later led to the opening of schools in Manchester (1990) and Cambridge (1994). The level of education received at these colleges enables you to successfully continue your studies at top universities in the UK and around the world.
Classes are held in small groups, which allows teachers to pay more attention to each student. Students regularly write tests and papers which help to absorb the material and learn effectively.
From the moment of admission, each student has their own tutor. He helps with settling in, choosing subjects, solving everyday problems, monitoring academic progress and communicating with parents.
University education aims to develop strong personal and leadership qualities in addition to academic education.
All the colleges in the group are modern educational centres with excellent conditions for an innovative and high-quality learning process, comfortable and cosy living and interesting leisure.
King's College St Michael's England.
King's College St. Michael's is an international boarding school offering international students education to continue their studies at a UK university. King's College St Michaels positions itself as a school for the in-depth study of the English language, culture and traditions. The academic part of the curriculum is interspersed with practical classes and research, as well as projects prepared by the students themselves.
King's College St Michaels is accredited by the British Council and is a member of the British Schools Association. Over 25 countries and nationalities are represented at the College. The education is based on the traditional British GCSE and A-Level curriculum. In addition, the College offers an intensive one-year international IGCSE course, as well as a university foundation course for students who have completed their secondary education in their home country and are planning to attend a UK university. Each year, graduates from this school successfully pass their exams and become students at prestigious British universities: Manchester University, Bristol University, Cardiff University, Birmingham University, Nottingham University, King's College London.
While studying at the boarding school, students are deprived of direct parental supervision, however, they are under the constant supervision of experienced teachers and College staff who are always ready to help students. The College also has an excellent security system throughout its territory and students do not feel constantly 'watched'. Students can choose their own accommodation options during their studies: in a home equipped with everything they need to live and study comfortably, or in a house with an English-speaking family.
MPW College Cambridge.
Mandel Portman Woodward College (MPW) was founded in 1973 by three Cambridge University graduates - Robert Woodward, Rodney Portman and Nicholas Mandel. The MPW Group is one of the UK's most prestigious and respected independent colleges. MPW consists of three colleges - London, Birmingham and Cambridge - and accepts children aged 14 to 19 years.
The education is conducted in small groups (less than 10 students), which allows you to focus on each student individually.
The MPW Academy in Cambridge is located not far from the city centre on Brookside Street. It was founded in 1987 and offers co-education for boys and girls at GCSE and A-level. It accepts around 190 students each year.
Admissions: In order to gain entry to the University, all students must pass an entrance interview. Usually interviews are held in the UK, but in some cases students can be interviewed via Skype. Students for whom English is not their first language must provide the results of an internationally recognised English language proficiency test. English proficiency must be in line with IELTS 5.5 - 6.5 (depending on the course chosen) or equivalent.
In addition, students must provide results from the last two years of previous study locations. On entry, students must have an understanding of the UK education system and a clear plan for university entry and careers, which will be discussed at interview.
Curriculum: One of the key strengths of MPW is the wide range of GCSE and a-level courses and the flexibility to choose a unique combination of subjects to meet the student's individual academic goals. MPW helps students choose the subjects and exam boards that best match their talents and university aspirations.
The education is delivered in small groups - with a guaranteed class size of less than ten students. The small size of the groups means that each student receives sufficient individual attention and has the advantage of learning in a group setting. All students in the same group are preparing for the same examinations.
Classes are very focused on the requirements of the course and the skills required to pass exams. Students' progress is measured through frequent and regular tests, papers and mock exams.
Bellerbys College Brighton
Bellerbys College (Brighton) is a department of Bellerbys International Sixth Form College and is co-educational for ages 13-19. The school offers full-time education and boarding. In total there are approximately 650 students studying here. The school is located in the resort town of Brighton, on the south coast of England, in East Sussex, about two hours' drive from London.
The college is owned by a private company, Study Group International, which also has a network of Embassy language schools. The Bellerbys Group of Colleges was founded in 1961.
All three colleges specialise in teaching foreign students. In addition to traditional courses, there are also specialist courses available, including short courses to prepare for university entrance or to pass professional examinations.
Bellerbys College Brighton is the newest of the Bellerbys branches and is located in the heart of the seaside resort town. Students are housed in a magnificent residence (375 rooms with all facilities), as well as with host families. The college premises are well equipped to meet the requirements of modern education.
St Clare's College Oxford.
St Clare's Oxford is an independent, private, co-educational international college for boys and girls aged 16-19. The school offers full-time education and boarding. In total the school has around 500 students. The school is located in Oxford, Oxfordshire in central England, about an hour's drive from London.
St Clare Oxford was established in 1953 as an international school offering education to British and European students. The college is a unique educational institution based on its organisation and the list of courses it offers. It offers a standard two-year International Baccalaureate (IB Diploma) programme, a pre-IB preparation programme, language courses, a one-year university foundation preparation programme, a summer programme and a special IELTS exam preparation programme. St Clare'S Oxford is considered to be one of the best international preparatory colleges, not only in the UK, but around the world. The college has maintained close links with American universities dating back to the early 1960s, and many St Clare's Oxford graduates have gone on to universities in the USA. Students from over 40 countries have studied here and many of foreigners have graduated and studied here.
The College aims to create an environment in which students develop their intellect, imagination and independent thinking; learn from and contribute to society; develop environmental awareness; take responsibility for the international community; and learn to value honesty, compassion and cross-cultural understanding and to take personal responsibility for their actions.
St Clares Oxford is regularly inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI), with the last inspection taking place in 2019. According to the results of the inspection, the school meets all the standards proposed for schools in terms of the organisation of the educational process, school management, quality of education and ensuring appropriate standards of education, health, and student education.
Cambridge Tutor Academy.
Cambridge Tutor Academy is a preparatory college specialising in postgraduate qualifications for international students planning to enter a UK university. The high level of professionalism of the teachers and the effectiveness of the educational programme opens the way for graduates to the most prestigious universities in the UK - Oxford and Cambridge, the London School of Economics, the University and Imperial College London.
The college is located in Croydon, south London. Croydon is a wonderful town with many shops, cinemas, theatres, the city library, several swimming pools, art centres and concert halls. A convenient transport system allows you to reach central London in 15 minutes by train. The college is located next to a park and just a few steps away from the lively centre.
The College has a strong focus on successful university admissions. An extensive advice programme is available to students, including presentations by university representatives, meetings with teachers, associate directors of colleges and independent careers advisers. Special attention is given to students planning to attend Oxford and Cambridge universities as well as medical and dental schools.
Bosworth Independent College.
Bosworth College is an international British school that has been operating for over 40 years and has a wealth of experience in teaching promising students. The main mission of the institution is to provide comprehensive and holistic preparation for high school students to enter local and world universities. The school has a family atmosphere and the children are fully supported. The college has a high level of educational quality - over half of its graduates go on to study at one of the top 20 universities in the country. Children aged 13-19 can enrol here and choose their academic courses independently.
Foreign students who study in parallel with the main course receive additional English language education . High school students go on to university: tutors help them choose a university, fill in questionnaires and write essays.
Every week, the children have a varied extra-curricular programme: you can practice art, join discussion clubs, sports competitions, etc. The school has 20 clubs - for its fans, painting, cooking, film, needlework or foreign languages. Bosworth pupils are also introduced to sport: 12 sections are open to them - tennis, football, aerobics and even mountain climbing.