About UK
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom (UK) or Britain, is a sovereign state located off the northwestern coast of continental Europe. The country includes the island of Great Britain, the north-eastern part of the island of Ireland, and many smaller islands. Northern Ireland is the only part of the UK that shares a land border with another state—the Republic of Ireland. Apart from this land border, the UK is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean in the west and north, the North Sea in the east, the English Channel in the south, and the Irish Sea in the west.
The UK’s form of government is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system and its capital city is London. It is one of the Commonwealth Realms. The United Kingdom consists of four countries: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The latter three have devolved administrations, each with varying powers, based in their capital cities, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast, respectively. Guernsey, Jersey and the Isle of Man are Crown dependencies and are not part of the UK. The United Kingdom has fourteen British Overseas Territories. These are remnants of the British Empire which, at its height in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, encompassed almost a quarter of the world’s land mass and was the largest empire in history. British influence can be observed in the language, culture and legal systems of many of its former colonies. The United Kingdom is a developed country and has the world’s sixth-largest economy by nominal GDP and the eighth – largest economy by purchasing power parity. It was the world’s first industrialized country and the world’s foremost power during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The UK remains a great power with considerable economic, cultural, military, scientific and political influence internationally.
The UK has been a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council since its first session in 1946. It has been a member of the European Union (EU) and its predecessor the European Economic Community (EEC) since 1973; it is also a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, the Council of Europe, the G7, the G8, the G20, NATO, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the World Trade Organization (WTO). Sovereign state United Kingdom or Great Britain is located off the northern-western coast of continental Europe. The UK has always experienced successive waves of migration. Major part of the migration population in the UK is from Indian subcontinent. UK immigration system has developed point-based scheme replacing all work permits and entry schemes for all non European Economic Area citizens. It’s great news for Indians that UK government has recently introduced new rules for easier migration to students and businesses that employ and patronize international migrants. This flexibility towards migration process would be more thriving or beneficial for Indians. Per the new rules, the UK government allows the visitors for a short term study and training during their stay. Multinational firms are given permission to bring their Auditor to the UK only on Business visitor’s visa. Business visitors are also allowed to do short term courses as a part of their stay. According to the UK government, these changes will be more blooming for the nation and will be able to draw the attention of international students. UK is always being an attractive education destination for Indian students, though there has a huge drop in the percentage of Indian students previous year, this year there is a rapid growth of Indian students in their Universities and schools. International students will be given chance to take up corporate internship after a successful completion of their degree. Graduate entrepreneurs are allowed to take up skilled jobs. The British Immigration department has made some drastic changes to the Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) visa system, so that without any language test employees can extend their stay in the UK. According to strong statement by Immigration Minister Mark Harper, “The UK is open for business: we are building an immigration system that works in the national interest and supports growth”.
A few certain changes are made in family rules that will be beneficial to the family of the migrants. These rules will give a greater flexibility to the spouse and children of the migrant.
WHY STUDY IN UK?
Whether you want to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level, UK courses can offer a fantastic range of benefits:
- valuable skills
- diverse culture
- innovative industries
- academic excellence
Benefits of higher education
- Excellent Academic Opportunities
- Affordable Education
- Great Placements
- Fun and Engaging Studies
- International Tolerance
- Improve Your English
- Easy to Finance
- Gateway to Europe
- History and Nature
- Awesome Culture
Higher Education System:
- Education is considered extremely important in Canada and is mostly financially supported by the government. This support ensures a consistent level of high quality that is not dependant on the particular institution or faculty. Canadian higher education institutions enjoy an excellent reputation worldwide.
- Admission requirements and tuition fess can vary widely, as educational matters are regulated by the provincial governments. Universities in Canada offer a wide, innovative and diverse course program. Universities offer undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD degrees which are equal to American and other Commonwealth universities.
- In addition to the diverse study programs, one of the biggest advantages of studying in Canada is that you can improve your skills in two languages, English and French. You can come into contact with each of these languages in your daily life and some universities offer courses in both. Outside of Québec, where French is the only official language, Ontario has the largest French-speaking population.
There are many reasons to apply for a higher education course at a UK university or college.
A great international reputation
- The quality of UK education is recognized by employers, universities and governments worldwide.
- The UK is a popular destination for international students, and well respected for world-class standards of teaching – four of the top six universities in the world are in the UK (2012 QS World University Rankings).
- UK research is ‘world leading’ and ‘internationally excellent’ – according the most recent Research Assessment Exercise in 2008, which produces quality profiles for course providers by assessing research activity against agreed quality standards.
An interesting place to live
- The UK is really diverse and full of different cultures – for example schoolchildren in London speak over 300 languages between them.
- A mix of cosmopolitan cities and rural villages, with strong transport links, exciting sporting events and both historical structures and modern architecture.
- You can develop a range of skills needed in today’s global workforce, including refining your English language skills with new friends and in lectures and seminars.
A range of useful benefits
- Courses in the UK are generally shorter than many other countries , (e.g. One Masters degree), helping to reduce tuition fees and accommodation costs.
- You might be able to work while you study – find further information at the UK Border Agency (UKBA) and The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) on working during and after your studies.
- There is a lot of a support for international students in the UK. Many course providers have international offices and student societies, activities and academic guidance, plus counselors and advisers to help you feel welcome and supported throughout your time in UK higher education.
EDUCATION IN UK
Secondary Education in England, Wales and Northern Ireland Schools in England, Wales and Northern Ireland tend to emphasize depth in a few chosen subjects
- Year 7 to 11 (Year 8 – 12 in N. Ireland), typically for students aged 12 to 16.
- Some secondary schools offer a non-compulsory sixth form department, Year 12 and 13
- After the successful completion of Year 10 and 11 a General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) is awarded, usually in five to ten different subjects.
Secondary Education in Scotland
Scottish education tends to focus on more breadth across subjects than in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
- Year 1 to 4, typically for students from the age of 12/13 to 15/16.
- The Scottish Qualification Certificate is awarded after successful completion of Standard – Grade courses taken during Secondary 3 and 4, usually in seven to nine subjects.
- Optional upper secondary education: Secondary 5 and 6 is available, typically from the age of 16/17 to 17/18.
Post-16 Education in the UK
A-Levels (England, Wales, Northern Ireland)
The most common form of post-16 education is the study of A-levels (General Certificate of Education in Advanced Level certificates), which are used as a form of preparation for admission into university. Students generally study three or four subjects to A-level relevant to their chosen degree subject.
- Year 12 and 13, commonly called Sixth Form, typically for students from the age of 16/17 to 17/18.
- A-Levels can be studied at a secondary school, sixth form college or further education college.
Highers (Scotland)
Generally, students take Highers, a Scottish Qualification certificate offered by the Scottish Qualifications Authority, after Secondary 4. Highers are a university entrance qualification and are offered in a wide range of subjects. Though students can typically enter university at the end of Secondary 5, most remain through Secondary 6 to take more Highers courses or progress to the Advanced Highers level.
- Secondary 5 and 6, typically for students from the age of 16/17 to 17/18.
- Highers take place at secondary school.
- Requires the completion of Standard Grade exams
Higher Education SYSTEM in the UK
Bachelor’s Degree (England, Wales, Northern Ireland)
Students apply to UK universities, through the University and College Admissions Service (UCAS), a central government agency that coordinates applications for every university. Students may make 5 choices on their UCAS form. Wide ranges of degree courses are available, which provide skills for a variety of jobs or further study.
- A Bachelor’s degree is usually a 3 years program at a university or higher education college.
- Universities have evaluated students predicted A-level scores (or equivalent), among other criteria, during the admissions process.
- Students must choose courses as part of the university application.
- Types of degrees include: Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BSc).
- Some degree programs are for 4 years and include a ‘sandwich’ year when students gain relevant work experience for 1 year.
- In countries where students have fewer than 13 years education, it is likely that students will need to study a year-long Foundation Certificate program before starting a Bachelor’s degree.
Prepare for your UK Bachelor’s Degree with our International Foundation Certificate, Pre-Sessional and A-Level programs.
Bachelor’s Degree (Scotland)
Wide ranges of degree courses are available at Scottish universities, which tend to emphasize breadth across subjects and students typically do not specialize subjects until the third year.
- A Bachelor’s degree is a 4 years program at a university.
- During the admissions process universities evaluate the students’ Highers results among other criteria.
- Students may take a sandwich course, a year of study abroad or work before courses are completed.
- Traditionally, Scottish universities award a Master of Arts (MA) degree, which is equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree
- The Honours degree is awarded after an additional year of research at the university.
Master’s Degree
A Master’s degree in the UK may be research based, a taught course or a combination of the two and will prepare students for a particular career or for a doctorate qualification, and are offered in a variety of fields.
- Requires the successful completion of an undergraduate degree.
- Typically a 12 month program
- Taught masters qualifications include: Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MSc) and Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Research master’s qualifications include: Master of Research (MRes), Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
Master’s Degree
A Master’s degree in the UK may be research based, a taught course or a combination of the two and will prepare students for a particular career or for a doctorate qualification, and are offered in a variety of fields.
- Requires the successful completion of an undergraduate degree.
- Typically a 12 month program
- Taught masters qualifications include: Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MSc) and Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Research master’s qualifications include: Master of Research (MRes), Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
The key to successful study at this level is good preparation for your course through our Pre-MBA and Pre-Master’s programs.
Doctorate
Doctorate programs require students to undertake an original piece of research.
- Generally requires a Bachelor’ s or Master’s degree
- Minimum length of three years at a university
- Typically students work on a single research project or dissertation
- Types of degrees: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD or DPhil)