Overview
The United Kingdom is a culturally diverse nation that welcomes a huge number of immigrants every year from across the globe. The United Kingdom is home to mix cultures, religions, and customs. The education system of the UK is a result of hundreds of years of evolution, passing through a series of rigorous quality checks and improvements. The government has made education compulsory for its citizens aged between five and sixteen, making the UK one of the most educated nations in the world. Primary and secondary education is provided with both state-funded and private schools. However, it is the higher education sector that draws the attention of the world. Hundreds of thousands of international students join British universities for higher education. Thousands of students also go to colleges and universities in the UK for a semester or a term under Student exchange or study abroad programs.
With over 150 universities, the UK virtually offers any type of course of study available in the world. From the famous PPE (Philosophy, Politics, and Economics) at Oxford to Global Innovation Management at the University of Strathclyde, UK has it what you need to succeed in your dream career. Some popular courses among Indian students studying in
the UK are Accountancy, Business Management, Art and Architecture, Design, Tourism and Hotel Management, Engineering, Medicine and Biotechnology. Critical thinking and student-centered learning opportunities are the hallmarks of a British education. A unique feature of studying in the UK is the availability of opportunities to pursue relatively shorter and intense degrees compared to many other destination countries for studying overseas. The intense coursework not only reduces the total cost of education but also prepares graduates to take work pressure which in turn helps them deal with challenging professional times in the future. While the universities maintain a higher quality of education through a well-established system of external examiners and professional inspecting bodies, students still get personal mentoring from academic advisers, tutors, and learning resource centers. The career offices in most of the campuses keep students updated on employability trends and job-oriented skills through seminars, career fairs, and industrial dialogues. International students get special attention through various support schemes which address issues related to language skills and adapting to new culture and environment.
Studying and living in the UK
It is mainly made up of four distinct countries: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, the United Kingdom (UK) is a very popular study destination for Indian students. The UK is a great place to study in. With the excellent quality of institutions and a strong tradition of research, it offers an excellent learning experience.
Studying & Learning
The education system of the UK is a result of hundreds of years of evolution, passing through series of rigorous quality checks and improvements. One of the most important aspects you need to work on is the fact knowing that teaching and learning in the UK are different from India. You will be expected to do extensive reading, researching and be able to express your arguments in a logical and convincing way. Plagiarism (cheating) is a serious offense (punishable) in the UK. Settling down to your new life is not difficult but you need to take care of many things before you get engaged with your studies.
Accommodation
When it comes to finding somewhere to live you will find that most institutions will guarantee accommodation provided you have applied by the deadline date. If you are
looking for an alternative, private accommodation available outside the university campus may work out to be much cheaper.
However, you must travel to UK 1 or 2 weeks before for course starts to find a better as well as cheaper option for yourself.
Money
It is recommended that you carry at least £500 in cash to cover immediate expenses on arrival such as taxi/bus fare, initial deposit for your bank account, food items, stationery, etc.
Popular areas of study in the United Kingdom
Business
The most popular area in the UK is business and also the most jobs oriented. The percentage of business graduates who have secured jobs after their graduation in the discipline is quite impressive. The quality of teaching and education imparted to the students is par excellence. Both undergraduate and postgraduate studies in the field are in demand with most students willing to go for master’s to enhance their professional worth.
Engineering and Technology
Engineering and Technology is another field that is favored by international students moving to the United Kingdom for their higher studies. The field includes various sub-disciplines such as chemical, software, electrical, and electronics each with its own worth in the job market. Students usually prefer an undergraduate degree in engineering; however, many continue to pursue postgraduate studies in the field too.
Healthcare and Medicine
Healthcare and medicine are traditional favorites amongst students. The United Kingdom is one of the many favored destinations for higher education in the field of healthcare and medicines. One can pursue short time diplomas or full-time degrees depending upon one’s preference or career requirements. The subfields within the discipline are healthcare management, nursing, and MBBS.
Law
One of the most popular areas of study in the United Kingdom with gems such as the London School of Economics and Oxford providing courses in the field of law. Armed with some of the star faculty members, a law degree from the UK is definitely going to give your career an edge. One has the option of studying law at different levels- be it undergraduate, postgraduate, or professional. The colleges and universities of the UK also provide CPD (Continuing Professional Development) courses for working professionals to help them overcome saturation points in their professions and give their career a new boost.
Journalism
The UK is known as the media capital of the world and, therefore, it’s quite natural that the journalism courses provided in the city are nothing but the best. The course is carefully designed to provide students with tested skills and principles of the field and equip them with on-the-job skills through timely internships and training sessions.
Study Visa for the UK
The Student Visa for the UK is allotted through Tier 4. An international student can apply for a Tier 4 visa. The students in the UK are not allowed in a part-time course and admission is possible in a full-time course only. The eligibility is met through the Point based system. The eligibility requirements for a Tier 4 visa are:
- Minimum 40 points score
- The confirmation letter of your admission from the University
- The applicant should have enough funds to pay for tuition fee and living expenditure
On a Tier 4 visa, the applicant is allowed to bring the partner and children to the UK. But for this, your course should be longer than six months and you should be a government-sponsored student.
Top Universities to study in the UK
- Bath Spa University
- American InterContinental University London (AIU London)
- Azad University (IR) Oxford AUO
- BCUIC – Progression to Birmingham City University
- Bellerbys College
- Blackhall College
- Buckinghamshire New University
- Cambridge Ruskin International College (CRIC)
- Cambridge Education Group
- Canterbury Christchurch University
- Cavendish College
- City and Islington College
- City of Bristol College
- College of Technology, London
- Cambridge Education Group
- CRIC – Progression to Anglia Ruskin University
- De Montfort University
- EIC – Progression to Edinburgh Napier University
.