Study in UK

Why study in UK?

With over 100,000 international students studying at UK universities and colleges, you get the opportunity to meet people from all over the world and gain new perspectives. UK education system allows students to select courses that fit their career goals and lifestyles. Other than that, it provides students with an opportunity to pursue their higher education at an affordable cost at world-class institutions.

There are multiple benefits of completing a higher education in the United Kingdom.

The UK's universities have maintained an excellent reputation worldwide since the 11th century. In addition to having over 160 universities and institutions, of which 84 are listed in the 2021 QS World University Rankings, UK’s degrees are valued globally, no matter what industry or location students are employed in.

Studying in the UK is less costly than in other nations because of the country's financial advantages for international students. Moreover, the duration of a degree in the United Kingdom is less than that of other countries, so studying in the country is affordable.

Other than offering many scholarships, bursaries, and grants, the UK is renowned for offering many work opportunities to the international students. They may work 20 hours per week during the term or full-time during non-term periods, as well as do work placements as part of their course or take up internships to enhance new skills, earn money while studying, and prepare themselves for their future profession.

The UK government has recently announced a post-study visa or Graduate Route, which allows international students graduated in Summer 2021 to stay and work in the UK for two years.

Stay Back Period and Post Study Work Permit in the UK

The UK has been ranked as one of the best destinations for international students studying worldwide, with 14 cities appearing in the top 120 (QS Best Student Cities 2018). Oxford, Edinburgh, and other UK cities are considered excellent places to study. Students in the UK can find a diverse and lively student community in any city as UK universities value diversity and welcome students from different countries, cultures, and traditions, resulting in unique and novel experiences for students.

UK also offers various cost-free healthcare options to the international students along with student discounts on shopping, travel, and meals. Other than that, studying as an international student in the UK enables you to visit anywhere in the United Kingdom and experience its rich history and culture. Moreover, while studying there, students can see more of the UK's landscapes, excellent food, inclusive culture, sports events, celebrations, and palaces. Students may also explore the British countryside, which comprises lush valleys, coastlines, shining lakes, and other features.

UK’s education system

According to the National Curriculum, which was introduced in the UK in 1988, its education system is divided into 5 major categories:

1. Primary education
2. Secondary education
3. University preparation
4. Further education
5. Higher education.

In the UK’s education system, students attend school from the age of five to sixteen, which is further divided into various age groups or five key stages.

• Students aged between 5 - 7 are in Foundation year and years 1 and 2.
• Students aged between 8 - 11 are in Key Stage 2.
• Students aged between 12 - 14 are in Key Stage 3.
• Students aged between 15 - 16 are in Key Stage 4.
• Students aged between 17 - 18 are in Key Stage 5.

Primary education

In UK, most of the primary schools are divided between infant to junior levels, between 5 to 11 years. Infant level is for children that comes under 5 years age limit and on the other hand, junior level is for the children that lie between the age of 7-11 years.

Secondary education

UK’s secondary education basically includes two key stages that are (key stage 3 & 4). In this education system, students have to study mathematics, science, English, humanity and a language along with music, art, regional language, computer science, design technology and physical education.

Preparation for University

After secondary school, students may take the Advanced level exams in the UK education system. University preparation takes place in years 12 and 13, when students specialise in 3-4 subjects that are related to the subject areas they want to study at university. Those wishing to take additional subjects can opt for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme offered at independent schools.

Further education

After finishing the secondary school education, moving to the college of further education in the United Kingdom is vocational education. At this level, GCSE and A level courses are available, along with foundation and diploma courses. Furthermore, BTEC courses that develop practical skills and knowledge in a specific subject such as psychology, sports, engineering, business, art, and design, among others, may be taken.

Offerred curriculum & degrees in UK

All four countries of the United Kingdom have unified higher education programmes. However, elementary and secondary education as well as upper-secondary and vocational education programmes are somewhat different in Scotland than in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Bachelor's degrees, also known as first degree courses in the UK, are honours programme that take three years to finish in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, or four years in Scotland. In many cases, practical work outside the college takes four years and some specialty courses, vocational or professional degrees may require more time. These degrees are offered in dentistry, medicine, and architecture and may require six to seven years to finish.

A Master’s degree at a UK university is a one-year graduate degree programme. An MPhil, on the other hand, takes two years to finish. A PhD degree takes at least three years and they are also usually the most difficult to earn. Moreover, universities, colleges, schools, and other institutions offer higher education throughout the UK. They may offer both academic and professional programmes, regardless of their designation. These HEIs in the UK are able to establish their own curricula, programme demands, and grant accredited degrees.