What is it that comes to your mind when you think of the UK?
Luscious lawns, sprawling avenues, enchanting buildings , Big Ben , red buses or the Beatles. The United Kingdom a rich historical background and has been a center of cultural heritage. A blend of dreamy faces from all over the world and universities that remind you of Hogwarts. With over 100 universities and educational institutions to choose from, did you know that the excellent educational infrastructure, top-notch distinguished teaching methodology, quality research, rich heritage and diverse culture of the UK makes it an excellent option for students planning to study abroad?
As a part of our ongoing series, in this article we will be covering UK and listing some of the best opportunities to study there.
Why people think of UK as their first option to study abroad:
1. QUALITY EDUCATION
UK has proven to be a popular destination among students, mainly due to its quality education. UK universities are inspected on a regular basis to assess their standards of teaching, learning and research to ensure that set benchmarks are met.
2. EDUCATION SYSTEM
Most of the undergraduate programs in the UK consist of three years, with an exception of Northern Ireland where they extend to four years. As opposed to other countries where a Degree in Masters generally takes two years, a majority of Masters courses in the UK span over a year. These shorter courses, coupled with intensive coursework, considerably reduce the cost of education to a student, also readying them for employment sooner.
3. CULTURE
Studying in the UK is a great opportunity for students all over the globe to experience a multicultural environment that enables them to interact with new people, get acquainted with their cultures and exchange ideas, thus creating a safe and rich space for creative and research activities.
4.POPULAR COURSES:
Out of the plethora of courses being offered in the UK, there are some which enjoy a higher popularity. The 10 most popular degrees are:
- Business
- Natural Sciences
3. Engineering and Technology
4. Medicine
5. Law
6. Social Sciences
7. Sports Science
8. Media and Communication
9. Arts
10. Hospitality and Tourism
5.SCHOLARSHIPS:
Contrary to popular belief, studying in the UK can be quite affordable if you plan well in advance. You can apply to a range of scholarships offered by the British universities and colleges before deadlines. While most of the scholarships are provided to students with a strong academic record and portfolio, there are factors such as location, name of the university and the course being enrolled for, that come into play when deciding the extent of these financial aids; whether they are to be partially or fully paid. Below is a link that we hope you’ll find useful that mentions some of the scholarships being provided in 2020:
The Best there is to offer:-
In this section we look at the best universities in UK and how you can apply for a spot at some of the most prestigious universities in the world that are the world leaders in education.
1. University of Oxford
QS WORLD RANKING: 4
QS UK RANKING: 1
One of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world, the University of Oxford attracts top scholars and students to its 44 colleges and halls. With high entry standards and competitive admission, on an average, it receives five applications for each available place.
The combination of philosophy, politics and economics is a particularly prestigious degree course on offer, although it is no longer unique to Oxford.
Students can opt to provide college preference while applying or submit an open application. Open applications are allotted college by University based on the availability of seats. Usually, students with open applications (if accepted) are allotted college which received the lowest number of applications for the applied course.
Admission process:
You may refer to their official website for detailed information on admission process and pre-requisites:
If you are planning to pursue your masters from Oxford University make sure to check out
The University offers general guidance on the types of qualifications and grades from countries outside the UK that would usually be considered to meet its minimum entry requirements. Check out the necessary requirements here:-
Notable alumni: Stephen Hawking, Hugh Grant, Indira Gandhi
2. University of Cambridge
QS WORLD: 7
QS UK: 2
Like Oxford, the University of Cambridge is fundamentally a collegiate and is also one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world.
Getting an undergraduate place at the university is extremely competitive; the acceptance rate is less than 25 per cent and more than half of rejected candidates have received A grades for all of their final school exams.
Undergraduates are taught via lectures and supervisions — intimate tutorials with only a couple of other students at most. The workload is heavy but terms are shorter than at many other universities in the UK.
Most applicants are required to take a subject-specific written admission assessment, either pre-interview or at interview. In addition, some colleges ask applicants for some courses to submit examples of their written work — one or two school/college essays — which may then be discussed at interview.
Admission process:
You may refer to their official website for detailed information on admission process and pre-requisites:
For undergraduate admissions the university has provided a wonderful video to get familiar with the process. Check out here:-
For International application check out the link below. Find out more about the application process for international students, How to choose a college , Guidelines and pre requisites as well as Fee structure and expenses.
Undergraduate Level:-
Postgraduate Level:-
Notable alumni: Charles Darwin, David Attenborough, Jane Goodall, Olivia Colman
3. Imperial College London
QS WORLD: 9
QS UK: 4
Imperial College London is consistently ranked among the best universities in the world for science, technology, engineering, medicine and business.
In addition to top scientists, Fields medalists and Nobel prize winners, Imperial College also produces influential government advisers and policymakers. Many graduates go on to achieve breakthrough innovations in industry and business and are highly sought after by blue-chip companies and start-ups.
Admission process:
You may refer to their official website for detailed information on admission process and pre-requisites:
Notable alumni: H. G. Wells, Sir Liam Donaldson, head physician to the Queen
4. UCL (UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF LONDON)
QS WORLD: 8
QS UK: 3
UCL was the first university in England to admit students irrespective of class, race or religion, and the first to admit women on equal terms with men, following the educational philosophy of Jeremy Bentham — the university’s “spiritual founder”.
It is one of the most selective British universities and is thought to produce some of the most employable graduates.
Admission process:
For undergraduate admission, candidates generally need to have all A grades at A level or a grade equivalent of 6, 6, 6 in subjects studied at higher level in the International Baccalaureate. The most competitive degree is the BSc in philosophy, politics and economics, which receives 30 applicants for every place.
You may refer to their official website for detailed information on admission process and pre-requisites:
Notable alumni: Mahatma Gandhi, Alexander Graham Bell, Chris Martin
5. London School of Economics and Political Science
QS WORLD: 44
QS UK: 8
Of all UK universities, the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) has the highest proportion of international students, at 70 per cent.
The university has particular strengths in law, economics, history, philosophy and politics
Admission process:
You may refer to their official website for detailed information on admission process and pre-requisites:
To gather more information about international admission procedures as well as fee structures check out the link below:-
Notable alumni: B. R. Ambedkar, worked on a doctoral thesis at LSE while enrolled on the Bar course at Gray’s Inn in London
CONCLUSION:
The UK is a fascinating blend of international cultures and contemporary thinking with students being held together with a single goal of getting the best education. As an international student, UK has an array of exciting experiences in store for you, along with the opportunity to discover exotic places and meet like-minded people from across the globe. With a rich in diversity in cultures, you’ll find that you’ll settle down faster than the blink of an eye.
Here is an interesting video to know more about student life in UK:-
For more details visit:-
Stay Safe and have a great day ahead.
Cheers
Team academIQ
Check out the first post from our series on Studying abroad where we explore opportunities in Germany:-
Oxford University Oxford Academic Imperial College Union University of Cambridge Cambridge Alumni
