UK education around the world

In 2012, over 500,000 international students studied for a UK qualification, without travelling to the UK for their course.

There are now fantastic opportunities for you to gain a world-class UK qualification, wherever in the world you are based.

UK transnational education

Studying in the UK offers you valuable benefits – the chance to experience a new culture, immerse yourself in the English language and discover the UK’s countryside and cities. But travelling to the UK for your studies may not be possible for you, if you have family or work commitments.

UK transnational education (UK TNE) is a term that means studying for a UK qualification, outside the UK. There are a number of different ways to study:

• Online/distance learning courses: It is estimated that over 570,000 students each year follow a UK online/distance learning course. For online courses, you download course materials, access your assignments and submit your coursework via a web platform. For other distance learning courses, you receive your course materials by post or on a CD. Studying in this way doesn’t mean missing out on support. For most online/distance learning courses, you are allocated a tutor or tutors – you can contact them by email or phone for guidance and support.
  

• UK overseas campuses: If you’d prefer the full student experience, why not study at a UK school, college or university campus based overseas? There are many such campuses around the world. Most have a real UK atmosphere – typically, lessons are taught in English, and some teachers may be English, Welsh, Scottish or Northern Irish. There might be UK students at the campus too.
  

• UK-international partnership programmes: This is where you study at an international school, college or university that has a partnership agreement with a UK school, college or university. It is estimated that 555,000 students each year follow such a programme. In some cases, the international school, college or university teaches the course on behalf of the UK school, college or university and you gain a UK qualification. In other cases, they develop the course together and you gain a joint qualification from both parties.
  

Benefits of UK transnational education

• Many international students are keen to gain a UK qualification, but don’t want to leave behind their family or friends, or leave their job. Studying for a UK qualification in your own country means you gain a top education, without disrupting your life or your career. 
  

• As well as being good for your family life, this may be more cost-effective for you – for example, you could live with your family while studying and save money on UK travel and accommodation. You can also choose to work part-time alongside your studies.
  

• With a huge range of UK courses on offer across the globe, you can choose to study in a way that suits you.
  

Choosing a quality course

When choosing a course, check that the course provider is a reputable UK school, college or university that is recognised by the UK government and education bodies. 

For online and distance learning courses, the Open and Distance Learning Quality Council (ODLQC) sets standards for distance learning and home study courses. The ODLQC regularly monitors providers of these courses to make sure they are providing a good service. They can give you a list and details of the education providers that they have assessed.

Finding UK transnational education courses

• To find online/distance learning courses, use the Find your UK education tool at the top of this website, or visit UK school, college and university websites to see what they offer.
  
• Finding UK overseas campuses and partnership programmes can be more time-consuming. There is no single source of information at present, summarising all the options worldwide. However, with a little patience, you can find out what is on offer in your country. Contact your local British Council office to ask for information, or consult the list of UK university representatives. Alternatively, visit UK school, college and university websites to see what they offer in your country.
  

Applying for UK transnational education courses

In most cases, you need to apply directly to your chosen school, college or university. You will find application forms and guidance about how to apply on each school, college and university website.

Higher education – Courses and qualifications : Study in UK

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’ degrees. 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.

Subjects and modules

Most higher education courses have a ‘modular’ structure. This means that you can build a personalised course by choosing modules or units of study from different subject areas. For example, if you are studying English literature, for your first year you could choose one module on Science fiction, one module on Children’s literature, and one module on Short stories.
If you are interested in more than one subject, you may be able to study a combination as part of your course, e.g. English literature and psychology. You can often decide for yourself how much time you would like to spend on each subject. ‘Joint’ means the two subjects are studied equally (50/50), ‘major/minor’ means the time spent is usually 75%/25%.

Work experience

Some courses include a year of working in industry – for example, working for a business, charity or public sector organisation. This will usually be for the third year of a degree course or the second year of an HND and, depending on the employer, may be full-time paid employment. The purpose of this is to introduce you to the world of work, while gaining valuable experience in a profession you might consider after completing your higher education course. Check your visa status allows you to do this before applying.

Study modes

Most full-time undergraduate courses take three years to complete (typically four years in Scotland). Full-time postgraduate courses can be from one year upwards.
Part-time courses are normally taken over a longer period, so that you can work alongside your studies or learn at a more relaxed pace. There is no set length of time for part-time courses – it varies from one course to another. If you need a visa to study in the UK, please check your immigration status allows you to do a part-time course at www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk.
As well as studying on campus in the UK, you could choose to study outside the UK – for example, by distance learning or by joining a UK overseas campus.

The academic year

In the UK, the standard academic year starts in September or October and runs until June or July. Some courses are more flexible, however, and offer a range of start dates.

UK study: Find interesting facts

By Career Counselor, Bangalore

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE London is at number three after Cambridge and Oxford in ARWU ranking

THE freedom, combined with a centuries-old tradition of excellence and an innovative approach to teaching makes UK education recognized and respected all over the world. Whatever UK course you study, you will be encouraged to think for yourself and create your own ideas. A UK education will help you gain confidence in your own abilities and equip you with valuable language, creative, analytical and research skills that all employers look for.

The English edge
Close contact between students and tutors is a particular strength of all UK courses. Institutions in the UK also provide excellent English language support for international students. Many offer English classes that focus on the language and study skills you will need to successfully complete your main course.

Learning independently
A UK undergraduate education gives you an amazing opportunity to immerse yourself in a subject that fascinates you. Whether you choose to study for a degree, foundation degree or HND, you’ll learn to think for yourself and work independently. You can choose from thousands of UK courses in science and technology, computing and business, art and design, social sciences, the humanities and many others. The broad range and flexible approach of the UK education system means that you’re free to choose exactly what you want to study.

“Most Master’s degrees and MBAs at UK universities last one year compared to two in other countries, including the USA and Australia”

Academic system
Degrees are the most popular undergraduate qualifications in the UK. They are academic courses, usually studied over three years in England, Northern Ireland and Wales, or four years in Scotland (where the title of Master’s may be awarded). Some degree courses may be extended for a year to enable students to spend time in industry or overseas. Most Master’s degrees and MBAs at UK universities last one year compared to two in other countries, including the USA and Australia. Choosing the UK means you only have to pay tuition fees for one year and you’ll be back before you know it.

While you are here, you will be immersed in English, the world’s most important business language. At the same time, you’ll be part of a truly international community - you may find as many as 50 different nationalities on a single campus.

Accreditation system
Although each UK institution is responsible for the standards and quality of its programmes, the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) regularly carries out independent audits. They ensure that institutions in the UK are providing higher education, awards and qualifications of an acceptable quality and of an appropriate academic standard. Many departments within UK institutions are also accredited by professional bodies that guide the curriculum and carry out review visits. Colleges in Scotland are subject to inspections by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education.

Preparing for the job market
You can make your UK study experience work even harder for your future by gaining some valuable work experience. Getting a job while you study in the UK can improve your language skills and enhance your CV. Your future employer will be looking for smart, creative, team-orientated people – working and studying in the UK could make you the perfect candidate. Your UK place of study will have a careers service to help connect you to the world of work. They will provide a wide range of help and support, including:

• access to job adverts
• help with writing CVs and your job applications
• tips on preparing for job interviews
• Information about what it’s like to work in the UK.

They will also help you get first-hand experience of the workplace, consider career choices and make professional contacts. Many UK institutions also have partnerships with local employers who want students to work for them – so they understand that you’ll need flexibility to work around your studies.

How to apply
Applying for admission is not a tough task Depending on your chosen type of study in the United Kingdom, there are several different ways to apply to institutions. Applications are easy and straightforward if you have the right information. You can even apply online for many UK courses directly. For undergraduate studies, you can apply online or through the Universities and Colleges Admissions System (UCAS) (http://www.ucas.com). For postgraduate studies you can apply online for many UK postgraduate and MBA programmes.

Orientation at campus
Support is always available when you study in the United Kingdom. If you are having trouble getting used to the UK education system or you need some help with your UK course or degree – you only have to ask. Counsellors and academic staff at your place of study will be happy to help. Students can also approach the International Student Union for support. Many UK universities and colleges have specialist international advisers to support you throughout your UK education. They provide advice and information on almost anything; from accommodation through to extending your permission to stay in the UK. You can also take part in an orientation or induction programme organized by your UK institution. These last from a couple of days to a week.

The UK is bursting with energy and has a fascinating heritage ready to explore. As an international student you will fit straight into the UK’s multicultural and vibrant society. So get ready to enjoy a student life full of excitement, fun, creativity and rich learning.  

Interesting facts about studying in the UK

Courses in the UK are shorter compared to other countries. You can complete a Bachelor’s degree within three years and a Master’s degree in only one year, thus saving time and money. Students are allowed to work up to twenty hours per week during term time and full-time during vacations. There are many benefits available to international students that can make life in the UK affordable, such as discounts for books, stationery, travel and entertainment. All international students staying in the UK for a period of six months or more qualify for free or subsidised healthcare through the National Health Service. A number of scholarships are available at the postgraduate as well as undergraduate level. You have a choice of four countries: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland that are geographically and culturally diverse.

The author Suchita Gokarn, is Head-India Services for International Education MArketing, British Council

Most UK students satisfied with courses, poll suggests

This year's national student survey found satisfaction
scores inseveral key areas were better than in 2012

UK students are very satisfied with their colleges and universities, an annual survey suggests.

The National Student Survey (NSS) of 304,000 final-year students found 85% were happy with their courses.

Scores for assessment and feedback, academic support and management were all higher than in 2012.

"It is encouraging to see that the student experience is continuing to improve", said Toni Pearce, president of the National Union of Students.

The high ratings among final-year undergraduates came a year after tuition fees trebled for new students.

The Ipsos-Mori poll for the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) showed that 7% of students were unsatisfied and 7% said they were neither satisfied nor dissatisfied.

High ratings

Students from some 319 further education colleges and universities responded to the survey from across the UK - the highest response rate since the poll was first carried out in 2005.

Some 86% of students said they were happy with the teaching on their course, unchanged from last year.

Assessment and feedback were deemed good by 72% of students, up from 70% last year.

About 84% said that learning resources such as libraries and IT were good, up from 82% last year.

Continue reading the main story

“Start Quote

These strong results continue to demonstrate the high-quality student experience provided by universities and colleges in the UK”

Sir Alan LanglandsChief executive, Higher Education Funding Council for England

The rating for student unions also rose, with 67% saying they were happy with the service provided, against 66% in 2012.

The survey revealed that students at the University of Bath were most satisfied, with 94% saying they were happy with their courses.

St Andrew's University had the happiest students in Scotland, and, with a satisfaction score of 93%, shared overall second place with the universities of Buckingham and Keele.

The Open University scored 92% and was joint fifth overall with Cambridge.

Several smaller specialist institutions were also rated highly by students, among them the Institute of Education (97%), Medway School of Pharmacy (97%) and Brighton and Sussex Medical School (95%).

The institution with the lowest satisfaction rate was Ravensbourne, a specialist design and communication college in south-east London, at 64%.

Ashton-under-Lyne Sixth Form College, in Greater Manchester, and Herefordshire and Ludlow College in Hereford, which both offer degrees, had satisfaction rates of 100%.

Sir Alan Langlands, chief executive of HEFCE, said: "These strong results continue to demonstrate the high-quality student experience provided by universities and colleges in the UK.

'Very encouraging'

"However, institutions must continue to enhance what they offer and respond effectively to the diverse needs of their students."

Dr Wendy Piatt, of the Russell Group, which represents 24 research-based universities, welcomed the survey's finding that 88% of the group's students were satisfied with their courses.

"All our universities work hard to make sure they have high levels of satisfaction and low drop-out rates. We have some of the best university completion rates in the world and we are pleased with this strong endorsement from students themselves".

Universities Minister David Willetts described the rise in student satisfaction as "very encouraging".

Source: BBC News

Northern and Scottish universities 'Top for Nightlife'

Students seeking an active nightlife from their university days should head to institutions in the north of England or Scotland, a survey suggests.

Those wanting an active political scene may do better in London and south-east England, Which University suggests.

Analysis of some 17,500 student ratings of extra-curricular university life reveals which campuses are best for the arts, sport, nightlife and politics.

The ratings were made by UK undergraduates in 2013 and 2012.

The consumer group said the lists were not ranked in order and the scores of the universities within the groups were not necessarily significantly different.

Start QuotWith increased tuition fees, it's never been more important for prospective students to weigh up all the options”
With increased tuition fees, it's never been more important for prospective students to weigh up all the options”

Jenni AllenWhich University

Music venues and demos

Eight universities in the north of England and Scotland were among the top-rated by students for their diverse nightlife in terms of pubs, clubs and music venues.

These were Newcastle, Manchester, Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores, Northumbria, Leeds, Strathclyde and Glasgow Caledonian.

The only university in the south of England to make it into this top group was Sussex.

Continue reading the main story

Would-be politicians may want to head to London, with the School of Oriental and African Studies, the London School of Economics and Political Science, Goldsmiths, and University College London among those considered the best for a political experience. 

This meant that they offered many different political groups and activities, such as meetings and demonstrations, and that politics was a visible part of university life.

But Oxford, Cambridge, Sussex, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Sheffield and Queen's University Belfast also made it into the top-ranked group for political activities.

Students were quizzed over whether sport was a large part of university life, with a wide range of organised sports teams, clubs and facilities open to those of all levels.

Unsurprisingly, Loughborough - well known for its sporting facilities - was considered among the best universities, alongside St Mary's University College, Bath, Stirling, Brunel, Durham, Leeds Metropolitan, Cardiff Metropolitan, Harper Adams, Birmingham, Chichester and Northumbria.

Which University also asked undergraduates if music, theatre, dance, choirs and the visual arts were a large part of university life, with lots of arts societies, events and facilities open to all students.

A number of specialist institutions, including the Arts University Bournemouth, University of the Arts London and University for the Creative Arts, scored well in this category.

They were joined in the top group by Oxford, Cambridge, Goldsmiths, Falmouth, Bath Spa, De Montfort, St Andrews, Southampton Solent, Buckinghamshire New University, Huddersfield and Dundee.

Which combined the results of a survey of 8,053 UK undergraduates in the summer of 2013 and 9,604 questioned in 2012 to reach its conclusions.

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• Students 'satisfied' with courses
• Six UK universities in world top 20

Course satisfaction

The consumer group study also surveyed around 8,000 students for their views on their experience of higher education.

The findings showed the vast majority (85%) of students said they were satisfied with their university, with the same proportion happy with their course.

But more than a quarter (26%) said they wished they had done more research, and one in 10 regretted the university they had chosen. Around 11% had regrets about the course they had picked.

Jenni Allen, head of Which University, said: "The academic and extra-curricular experience at university varies widely.

"With increased tuition fees, it's never been more important for prospective students to weigh up all the options and make sure they make the right choice for them."

Since last autumn, UK universities have been allowed to charge tuition fees of up to £9,000 a year.

Source:

BBC News education reporter

Oxford University axes 'wealth test' for post-grads

The university has abandoned its 'financial guarantee' and now only asks for proof that first-year course fees can be met

Following Damien Shannon’s challenge,the

 university has changed its admissions policy.

Oxford University has abandoned its "wealth test" for postgraduate students applying to its colleges after a student sued on the grounds of discrimination against the poor.

The university has rewritten its admissions policy under which colleges had selected students not just on academic merit, but on their ability to prove that they had liquid assets sufficient to cover £12,900 a year in living costs, in addition to potentially tens of thousands of pounds in tuition fees.

From this year, applicants merely need to show they can meet their tuition fees for their first year. There is no need to provide any financial evidence that living costs can also be met.
The change follows a legal challenge made this year by 27-year-old Damien Shannon, who sued Oxford's St Hugh's College on the grounds that people without wealth were being unlawfully excluded from the university. It was claimed that, along with other Oxford colleges, St Hugh's had been "selecting by wealth" in asking students with a conditional place at the university to demonstrate that they had access to considerable funds for their living costs, above and beyond the already significant cost of fees. The university had also been refusing to take into account projected earnings from students who plan to carry out paid work during their course.
Shannon's case was initially challenged by St Hugh's, whose alumni include the home secretary, Theresa May, and the college hired Peter Oldham QC to fight its case in court at a potential cost of at least £60,000 to the loser, according to documents seen by the Observer.
However, the college and university decided to review their position after the dispute was revealed in this newspaper.
The university has now abandoned what was previously called the "financial guarantee" in favour of a watered-down "financial declaration". It asks students to provide evidence of funds to cover fees for the first year of a course and asks applicants merely to "give your assurance that you are able and willing to meet your living costs for the duration of your course (no financial evidence is required)".
Hazel Blears, the former Labour cabinet minister who is Shannon's constituency MP for Salford and Eccles, said she was delighted by the development. "Damien has worked incredibly hard in pushing for this because, like me, he believes that insisting students must prove they have £13,000 towards living costs is deeply unfair, especially for those from poorer backgrounds," she said.

"It means that hugely intelligent men and women who have been offered places on academic merit are being denied the chance to make the most of their potential. Our country as a whole also misses out if their talent is not nurtured and the university must cease making proof of living costs a condition of entry."

Blears said she hoped the university would install a fair policy and establish means-tested scholarships for students from less affluent backgrounds.
It is understood that Shannon will attend St Hugh's in October to read for the one-year MSc in Economic and Social History course to which he originally applied last March.
A spokesman for Oxford university: "The financial declaration aims to ensure that students are fully aware of the expected fees and living costs associated with their graduate study at Oxford, and is still intended to prevent students dropping out during their course, which is in the interest of both the welfare of individual students and of the institution."