Higher education in the UK
The higher education system in the UK includes studying at a university, technical college or institute. Graduates of British universities are awarded educational degrees of Bachelor Degree, Master Degree and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D. Degree). There is also a special MBA (Master of Business Administration) program, after which a degree of the same name is awarded. Higher education in the UK is paid for by all, and special bursaries and scholarships are available for talented students (see the next column for more details). The average cost of a year of study is £14,000 for a bachelor's degree and £13,000 for a master's degree.
The academic year traditionally consists of three semesters, with courses consisting of seminars, lectures, independent and group work (tutorials). In addition to final exams, academic performance is assessed through course projects, essays and laboratory work. In some universities, grade point averages are calculated as percentages.
Graduates of British universities are granted a 2-year work permit after graduation. "Cooperation with various organizations and companies allows students to practice in a real environment during their studies and to choose their future workplace. During your studies you can work up to 20 hours a week and a full day during the holidays.
Features of higher education in London
British higher education has undeniable advantages: it is highly reputable and in demand for diplomas, modern standards combined with the best traditions, a diverse curriculum and a greater focus on the development of students' individual abilities.
Although undergraduate studies at the University of London last only three years (Master - one year), it is highly intensive. Typically, medical, arts and engineering programs last longer than others. In any case, the focus is on gaining practical experience and internships.
Studying in London: pros and cons
The main advantage of studying in the British capital is the high level of education guaranteed by the University of London. The University offers a large variety of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in areas such as economics and business, law, media, social sciences, engineering and other fields, and has partnerships with large employers, which allows you to find good internship opportunities and make useful professional contacts even in your Student days. Thanks to the post-graduation work visa, graduates of the University of London can stay in the country for two years in search of work.
What other benefits does the UK capital have for young people? London is a cosmopolitan city where students of any race, nationality and religion can feel comfortable. Of course, nowhere else in Europe will you find the kind of leisure that London's museums, theaters, art galleries, exhibitions and concert halls and major cultural events offer.
But the main drawback of higher education in London can be considered to be the high cost of education and living.
How to get a higher education in London?
All information about British universities can be found on the official websites of universities, where you can clarify admission conditions, deadlines for submitting documents, and familiarize yourself with the list of courses offered. Before entering, foreigners can take the Foundation Preparatory Course or the above-mentioned A-Level. basic requirements for foreign applicants.
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Age starting from 18 years.
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12 years of secondary.
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English language level not lower than IELTS 5.5-6.5.
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Application deadlines vary from university to university, in the most prestigious Oxford and Cambridge you should apply no later than 11 months before the start of your studies. The main list of admission documents includes
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Proof of English language proficiency.
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Extracts of grades and high school certificates.
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Extracts of transcripts (for students).
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Educational diploma (for those who have it).
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A proposal of the university where the education will take place.
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Overview.
It is recommended to apply to several universities at the same time, perhaps one of them will like the applicant's candidacy. If your English is not good enough, you should take a language course at one of the UK schools.
Scholarships and bursaries for studying in London
English scholarships are essentially tuition fee discounts and are given to exceptionally talented students. The average size of an English scholarship is 10-30% of the course fee. Applications for such payments are already made during the course of study if the applicant has been successful in education, sport or social fields. While academic merit scholarships represent academic excellence, low-income scholarships support those with special needs. However, you can apply for scholarships in advance, and universities interested in admitting young talent will allocate fees to them while studying on certain courses.
As for bursaries, they are rarely offered in the UK, but cover not only educational costs, but also living and flying costs to the UK. Financial support is available to you after the fiercest competition for specific majors and programs. You can find information about current bursaries and which scholarships are available to foreigners on the official British Council website - the UK Education Database will show you where you can find information about the Endeavour Collar Bursary.
London student accommodation: options and prices
Student accommodation
Normally, all first year students at the University of London, including foreigners, live in halls of residence. The rooms have everything you need, sometimes even your own bathroom, and you will share the kitchen with other students. The halls of residence also have common rooms, study rooms and sometimes a library. In order to get yourself a good room, you will need to take care of this a few weeks before your education starts. The cost of living in halls of residence is between £100 and £550 per week, with options and more expensive.
Flat rent
Many undergraduates team up and rent a large apartment or even a house together - this saves money and gives more freedom. You can use dedicated websites, agencies, student support to search for suitable options, and sometimes landlords themselves work with universities. When calculating your budget, you will need to consider a deposit equivalent to one month or one and a half months' rent. Utilities are usually already included in the price and remain a concern for landlords on short term leases (e.g. six months). With a long term lease you will have to pay your own electricity, TV etc. but in this case you have the opportunity to get a housing discount.
Remember that a one-bedroom apartment in London is called a one-bedroom apartment, while a two-bedroom apartment is called a one-bedroom apartment: an apartment with one bedroom. It is difficult to find such a house in the city center for less than £1,000 per month.
You also need to consider your personal expenses: travel costs, food, entertainment. For students, the living wage in London is about 10,000 $ per year.
Despite the high costs, London topped the list of the best cities in the world for students for the third time in a row in 2021, ahead of Munich, Seoul and Tokyo, according to the British company Quacquarelli Symonds.
Tuition fees in London
Higher education in the UK is paid for all: both their own and foreigners'. But for visiting students, it will be more expensive! UK citizens have a unique right to higher education on a credit basis. You can give it not immediately, but after a diploma and a successful job. Even the minimum wage of £21,000 per year will help pay off the debt. You'll laugh, but the comedy of the whole situation is this: if you don't get a diploma or don't get a minimum wage job, you don't have to pay off your debt! Here are approximate prices so that you can realistically assess your financial capacity and the capacity of your parents.
Thus, an academic course for foreigners after formal secondary education will cost: one classroom session - 5000-7000 £; laboratory course (natural sciences) - 6000-9000 £; practical exercises - 15000-17000 £.