STUDY IN UK THE UK EDUCATION SYSTEM

UK qualifications are recognised and respected throughout the world. Your UK qualification will be a solid foundation for building your future, boosting your career and prospects for a higher salary. UK universities, colleges and schools will provide a vibrant, creative and challenging environment in which to develop your potential. Quality standards for UK institutions are among the best in the world. Universities, colleges and schools continually have to prove that their courses meet strict criteria. Many other countries are now trying to follow the example of the UK.

UK universities provide internationally - recognised qualifications of the highest standard. They also offer more opportunities than ever before: there are currently over 50,000 postgraduate taught courses and research opportunities to choose from.

The UK higher education system combines the best elements of tradition and modernity. Some UK universities are among the oldest in the world; others are among the newest. Many provide degrees with a strong vocational foundation and enjoy good links with businesses and professional organisations.

Academic excellence

The quality and standard of UK higher education are guaranteed through the work of various official bodies. The quality of a university's teaching and its general facilities are assessed by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA). Research standards are examined by the Research Assessment Exercise (RAE), which publishes its findings every five years. The results of all these assessments are freely available on the internet. Information on quality assurance and assessments is also available from the Higher Education Funding Councils.

Value for money

The quality of UK degrees is one reason why so many people come to the UK to study. Another is value for money. Unlike the equivalent programmes in the United States or Australia, most UK Masters programmes can be completed in one year.

An international tradition

The UK has always welcomed students from all over the world. In 2003/2004, there were 96,845 students from the European Union (EU) and 203,210 students from outside of it in the UK at undergraduate and postgraduate level. UK universities are used to looking after the welfare of non-UK students and have well-developed support services and social networks on campus. At postgraduate level, students from outside the UK form over 30% of the entire student body.

The language of business

A major advantage of studying in the UK is the opportunity to perfect your knowledge of the English language – one of the most important skills in the international business world. If you are from outside the EU, especially if you are studying a commercial subject, you may well appreciate the opportunity to observe at first hand the operation of the European market. The UK is a member of the EU, and living and studying here can provide a useful insight into how this major trading bloc functions.

Further information