Study in UK comprehensive guide

Study in the UK : Education System

Universities in the UK are generally classified into:

• Ancient Universities

• Red Brick Universities

• Modern Universities

Higher Education in the UK is provided by three types of institutions:

• Universities

• Colleges

Institutions of Higher Education

All universities are autonomous institutions and they determine their own admission policies and requirements.

University education in the UK is divided into two phases:

• The undergraduate program

• The postgraduate program

Undergraduate programs

1. With very few exceptions, undergraduate programs are honours programs at the bachelor's level.

2. Duration: most programs are 3 years, but there are also 4-year undergraduate programs such as the so-called sandwich programs, which include an extra year for work experience through a work placement.

3. Study load: 120 credits per year, for a total of 360 credits for 3 years of study.

4. Assessment: Presentations and essays are commonly used for assessment.

Post-graduate programs:

1. Masters by instruction - This type of program is based on attending a curriculum

2. Master by research - This type of program is based on research and a thesis

3. Duration: Most Masters programs are 1 year in length, and the Master of Philosophy is typically 2 years.

4. Study load: 180 credits for 12 months of study.

5. After completing 120 credits, a student can exit with a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip)

Qualification grading:

British universities use a classification system to indicate a student's performance, with classes based on the average results achieved:

• First class - 70% and above

• Upper second class - 60-70%

• Lower second class - 50-60%

• Third class - 40-50%

The Scottish education system is similar to the education system of England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Undergraduate programs - Honours degrees last 1 year longer than ordinary degrees (4 years and 3 years respectively, in most cases)

Postgraduate programs - Scottish institutions also offer integrated long (5-year) master's programs which effectively combine a bachelor's and a master's, although only a master's degree is conferred in the end.

Why Study in the UK?

There are many reasons why Indian students choose to study in the UK. Some of the popular reasons include:

• Home to globally renowned universities such as Oxford and Cambridge, with centuries-old reputations for excellence in education.

• A well-established and universally reputable education system.

• Strong research infrastructure and curriculum that is aligned with industry needs.

• Flexible master's degree options, typically one year in duration.

• Cheaper tuition fees compared to other English-speaking study abroad destinations such as the USA, Australia, and Canada.

• The opportunity to meet and interact with students from all over the world, which can help to build cross-cultural experience.

• Access to an excellent healthcare system, with free healthcare for all.

• Financial assistance in the form of scholarships for international students.

• The ability to work 20 hours a week while studying.

• A rich culture and history, with many museums, castles, and beautiful countryside to explore.

• Affordable and convenient public transportation in most cities.

• The UK is a world leader in many areas of education, including engineering, science, art and design, business and management, law and finance.

• Many notable figures such as Manmohan Singh, Tony Abbott, Malcolm Turnbull, and Singapore's PM Lee Hsien Loong have studied in the UK. Also, famous Indian personalities like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and few others have studied in the UK.

Study in UK : General Admission Criteria

1. Bachelors degree with a minimum of 55% is the basic requirement for pursuing higher education in the UK.

2. Work experience, if any, should be supported with conclusive evidence.

3. English proficiency test scores such as IELTS with a minimum score of 6.5 bands and no band less than 6 or TOEFL (ibt) with an overall score of 84 and nothing less than 20 is mandatory for most universities. However, some modern universities have waived this requirement for students who have scored 70% or above in Class 12 English.

4. Applications need to be made through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) and students should gather all the required information to apply. This includes:

   • • Test scores and requirements specific to international students (students should check with the university they wish to attend for guidance)

     • A personal statement

     • A reference letter

     • Payment to UCAS.

Applying for UK Student visa

• Eligibility to apply for a Student visa requires claiming 70 points under the tier system, with points allocated as follows:

  • 50 points for Confirmation of Acceptance of Study (CAS)

  • 10 points for meeting the finance requirement/proof of funds

  • 10 points for English language proficiency

• Required documents for visa application include:

  • Academic records such as Class 10, Class 12 and Bachelors/Masters (yearwise, provisional and consolidated)

  • Financial requirements including proof of funds consistently held for 28 days (such as education loan, savings account balance, and fixed deposit)

  • Eligible sponsors for visa include the student themselves or their parents

• The length of time you can stay in the UK will depend on the length of your course, with students allowed to arrive up to 1 week before if the course is 6 months or less, and up to 1 month before if the course is longer than 6 months.

Study in the UK : Masters with placements/internships

• Universities in the UK offer Masters programs that include internships to give students hands-on experience in their field of study.

• Internships provide students and recent graduates with valuable work experience and can be a useful screening tool for employers considering offering a more permanent role.

Post study work / Graduate Immigration Route (GIR):

This route allows international students to gain valuable work experience in their field of study, while also giving them the opportunity to explore different career options and build their professional networks. It also provides them with the flexibility to stay in the UK and work while they continue to look for a job that aligns with their career goals. This is an attractive option for many international students who wish to gain a foothold in the UK job market and make the most of the opportunities the country has to offer. Additionally, the Graduate Immigration Route offers a pathway to permanent residence for students who are able to secure a skilled job and meet the necessary requirements.

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