UK Higher Education Structure
Today, there are more than seven hundred higher education institutions in the UK, of which about one hundred are universities. It is they who determine the nation's educational standards and thus shape overall educational policy. The university management also monitors compliance with all existing regulations and makes adjustments where necessary.
"Foggy Albion's higher education institutions offer a truly broad range of courses and learning styles. The most modern methods, constantly modernized equipment and professional teachers help to realize the full potential of students.
Due to the intensive pace of study, students can obtain a bachelor's degree in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland or Wales in three years (one year faster than students from other countries). Scottish universities offer traditional four-year programs.
Students who complete a bachelor's degree can go on to a master's degree. This is often the right course for those who want to deepen their knowledge and develop professional skills or even change their profession. The duration of a master's program is one year. Students who have completed their undergraduate studies in other countries can immediately enter a master's program in the UK.
There are two types of degrees: general and honors.
Features of higher education in London
One of the features of higher education in the UK is the opportunity to do an additional year of paid internship in a professional field (the so-called "sandwich year"). Thus, in addition to the diploma, graduates can gain important work experience and advice from employers. In this case, undergraduate studies take a total of four years.
The second characteristic can be called the approach to learning: the depth of research and the detail of study. Such detail, in the best sense of the word, cannot be found in any other country. If you desire to "get to the bottom of it" and learn any subject as thoroughly as possible - without a doubt, choose a British university.
Distinguish between the English approach to higher education and the attitude of professors towards students. Teachers treat students as equals and provide them with maximum freedom, while constantly monitoring the process of mastering knowledge and helping to solve any problems that arise. At the same time, students can plan their own class schedule, choose the most important subjects to focus on and be prepared for them, and the results depend heavily on their own self-control.
The campuses themselves are organized in an unusual way - they are a kind of isolated towns that exist completely autonomously, independent of real geographical objects. Large universities have their own infrastructure: stores, first aid stations, post offices, cultural centers, museums, etc. This keeps large universities away from the noisy industrial cities and creates a favorable environment for study and research.
Pros and cons of higher education in London
While studying in the UK, students get the best of everything: a prestigious education, excellent campus living conditions, and interesting internship opportunities. There is no doubt that the education received in the UK is a solid foundation for a successful career. Graduates of UK universities are people with purpose and promise. There is no doubt that a bright future awaits them.
Diplomas from British educational institutions are cited all over the world and have a special status and high prestige. With such documents, the way to many internationally renowned companies and firms will be open to you.
If talk about the disadvantages, then the main one can perhaps be called the cost. Getting an education in the UK can really cost a lot of money and it is better to prepare for it in advance. It is also important to take into account the daily expenses of the student, the cost of airfare and rent (if you decide to live independently, or if the school does not offer places for some reason) on campus).
Perhaps the fierce competition from most educational institutions is seen as a "disadvantage" by some. Education in the UK is a true standard of learning, so standards are predictably high. But don't give up on the idea just because the task seems difficult. Every year, hundreds of foreign students receive their coveted offers and begin their studies.
How to apply to a university in London
Before entering a university in London, international students after Year 11 will take a year of Foundation Studies. This is a comprehensive year that helps to adapt to the new education system and improve academic English and other subjects. After passing the foundation program, students can immediately enter the second year of their chosen university program.
The average level of English required to study in London under the Foundation Program corresponds to an IELTS score of 5.5 (which may vary from 4.5 to 6.0). The language level required for undergraduate entry is IELTS 6.0 (from 5.5 to 6.5).
University of London Tuition Fees
Studying in London assumes that the student makes a conscious choice of specialization: he must have a clear understanding of the goals for which he is investing his money and time.
The exact cost depends on the chosen area and the rating of the institution. The best universities in London will offer higher prices for their courses, but you can safely consider them as a direct investment in your future.
Foundation: from £13,000 per year
Undergraduate: from £13,000 per year
Masters: from £14,000 per year
The best universities in London
University College London
University College London (UCL) is a public research university and one of the top 10 universities in the world.
UCL is part of the University of London and is the third university to be established in the United Kingdom after Oxford and Cambridge Universities.
University College London is the second largest university in the country in terms of total number of students and the first in terms of the number of students on postgraduate courses.
The University is a member of the prestigious association Russell Group and the European Research Universities.
UCL is ranked first in the UK for Research Excellence Framework (REF).
Thirty Nobel Prize winners have worked and studied here, including Alexander Bell (invention of the telephone), William Ramsey (discovery of noble gases) and Francis Crick (discovery of the structure of the DNA molecule).
The average tuition fee is £20,000.
London School of Economics and Political Science
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) is a world-renowned center for teaching and research in the social, political and economic sciences. Along with Oxford and Cambridge, the LSE is one of the top three universities in the UK.
The School is proud of its graduates: among them are 28 former and current heads of state and 15 Nobel Prize winners.
Imperial College London
Imperial College London has a history of just over 100 years. The school was founded in 1907. Since 2007, it has been an autonomous college, separate from the University of London.
Despite its young age, the college competes with the best higher education institutions in the UK and around the world. Imperial College London has not lost its top five positions in various rankings and statistical reports. The college's main specialties are in the fields of science, medicine and engineering.
The institute has nine campuses in London. The main building of Imperial College London is located in Kensington. This is the central part of the city. Cultural and scientific life is in full swing here, with many interesting events taking place. The Institute can be reached within an hour or two from anywhere in London. Easy access: there is a tube station and a surface public transport station nearby.
King's College London
King's College has been enrolling students since 1829. The college is located at the origin of one of the major British universities: the University of London. Today, this educational institution holds the title of the second largest college in the country's capital. The education received at King's College London is basic knowledge that will certainly come in handy in the future. One of the main features of King's College London is the opportunity to study military science. You won't find anything like this at any other British university.
The location in the heart of the capital makes King's College London very attractive to active and curious students. The five university campuses are compactly located on the banks of the River Thames. Students are within walking distance of famous museums, theaters, and galleries.
Queen Mary University of London
Queen Mary, University of London is a leading university in Western Europe and the third largest educational center in the UK. Buildings, hotels, libraries, student cafes, and bookstores are concentrated in the heart of the city, close to the most famous cultural districts and attractions.
Queen Mary University of London offers researchers everything they need for productive work, comfortable living and leisure activities. Queen Mary, University of London's considered location and developed infrastructure allows you to fully immerse yourself in the process of learning and creativity without being distracted by everyday nuances.
Queen Mary University of London enrolls thousands of students each year. More than 20,000 students are currently enrolled, including more than 7,500 foreigners. To this day, the University's leadership is guided by the centuries-old ideal of the classical English-speaking university of developing fundamental research and expanding the frontiers of knowledge, regardless of nationality or political persuasion.
City of London University
The school has a history of more than 160 years. In order to build the future university, an English nobleman named the Marquis of Norhampton donated part of his estate, so for a while the educational institution was named after him.
Today, City University is a department of the University of London. City University of London is one of the top 100 universities in the world. The university is a member of many prestigious scientific and educational societies.
This university is very fond of foreign students, especially for master's degrees. The university offers an impressive number of master's programs. Students are provided with excellent opportunities to realize themselves in the field of science and in their future careers, and as a result many of them become holders of prestigious awards.
University of the Arts London
The University of the Arts London is Europe's largest creative university, with over a century and a half of teaching experience. More than 20,000 students from different countries study here. Conceptual creativity has conquered the world today. That's why many people seek education by enrolling at UAL. The courses at this university give you knowledge and experience in the fields of fashion, design, art and communication.
University of the Arts London is the second largest university in the world for education experts in the field of art and design - the QS University World Rankings confirm this.
Middlesex University
Middlesex University is located in North London and is one of the largest universities in central England. Its founding history began in 1878, when the doors of St. Catherine's College first opened.
Middlesex is the only modern university to have won two Queen's Awards for Higher and Further Education. In 1999, the University was awarded Investor in People (IiP) status.
London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, University of London
The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine is a world-leading center for public and global health research and postgraduate education, with 4,000 students and over 1,000 staff in more than 100 countries. The School was recently ranked as one of the world's leading research-focused postgraduate schools (Thomson Reuters/Times Higher Education) and as one of the world's top collaborative research universities. Our mission is to improve health and health equity in the UK and globally; working together to achieve excellence in public and global health research, education and the translation of knowledge into policy and practice.
London Business School
Relying on the most relevant methods and operational information to enter the global business world is the task of experienced business people. London Business School views each graduate in this way. Not young ambitious people coming out of the walls of educational institutions, but confident professionals.
But to become one of them, you must prove that you are entitled to exalted status. Getting into school isn't easy. The Fannional Times, in its ranking of the best educational institutions in this category, calls London Business School a world leader.
The admissions committee is sure to set a minimum passing score, and the presence of professional experience in the field of business offers applicants a significant advantage.
The Business School began its work in 1964. At that time, business education was not a popular choice, but the country still needed qualified financiers and managers.
Twenty years later, the situation had changed radically. In the 1980s, London Business School was packed with students from all over the world. The school's leaders had to do a great job to meet high expectations.