Traditional European higher education includes undergraduate, graduate and doctoral studies. In universities in England, there are five undergraduate degrees: BA - Bachelor of Arts, BSc - Natural Sciences, EEng - Bachelor of Engineering, LLB - Bachelor of Laws and BM - Bachelor of Medicine. A bachelor's degree, which usually takes 3-3.5 years to obtain (in medicine up to 7 years), is a completed higher education, which makes it possible to start working.
Master's degree implies a deeper development of the specialty, in addition to the higher education already received. There are about a hundred master's programs in UK universities, which are divided into two main types - research (Research) and teaching (Taught). A master's degree, which usually takes 1 to 2 years to complete, allows you to improve your professional level and start a scientific career.
Admission conditions
British universities place high demands on applicants.
To enroll in a bachelor's degree after the 11th grade of a Russian school, you need to complete the Foundation preparatory program to make up for the missing year. A graduate of an English school provides the results of exams for university preparation programs - A-Level / IB (International Baccalaureate).
The level of language proficiency for admission to a university for a bachelor's program must be at least 6.0 points in IELTS.
You can enter a master's program with a diploma from a Russian university, which is usually recommended to be supplemented by preparation for the academic Pre-Masters program, also aimed at improving English proficiency.
Universities and specialties
UK universities offer a wide range of programs for international students, from business to multimedia. IQ Consultancy specialists will help you find out all the details of studying at a particular university for a specific program and make a choice.
Language of instruction
Where else to learn English if not in its historical homeland? A perfect British accent will be a nice addition to academic knowledge and proper grammar.
Obtaining a visa
Getting a visa to England, as you know, is not so easy, there are also certain requirements for a student visa. IQ Consultancy specialists will help you cope with all the formalities, prepare and translate documents, including a visa letter, and, if necessary, improve your knowledge of English.
Accommodation
On the campus of the institute or a rented apartment.
Cost of education
The cost of studying at universities in the UK depends on the chosen educational institution, as well as on the faculty and specialty. Accommodation may be included.
The cost is from 9500 to 34000 £ for 1 year of study.
University ranking
According to the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), compiled by Shanghai Jiao Tong University, in 2014, 18 universities in England entered the top 100 universities in the world, and 4 of them share places in the top ten.
The UK leads Europe in terms of prestigious business schools, 8 of which are in the top 50 in the world according to the Financial Times magazine.
One of the most important success factors is getting a quality education. This is an indispensable investment that, with the right level of effort and perseverance, will pay dividends throughout life.
If we talk about education at universities in the UK, then you can not only get a diploma and a first-class baggage of knowledge, but also a business card that opens the door to the most prestigious companies in the world.
According to statistics, in the global labor market, graduates of British universities have a higher chance of getting a well-paid job than their competitors with diplomas from other countries.
The UK education system has a long history and is rightfully considered one of the best in the world, if not the best. Infrastructure, teaching staff, advanced technologies - all at the highest level.
Studying in the UK involves obtaining a residence permit, and in the future, for example, in the case of long-term employment or opening your own British company, a foreigner can expect to receive citizenship of the United Kingdom.
With gingerbread everything, now about the whip.
Living and studying in the UK is very expensive. To get a free education at a British university for students from the CIS countries, unlike many other European universities, for example, French or German, is an unrealistic task. On average, each year of study will cost 16000$-22000$ , plus to obtain a student visa, you must prove financial solvency to cover the cost of housing and meals. This refers to an account balance of at least 10700$ , and for London from 14000$ .
Accommodation and other expenses necessary for study largely depend on the city and the needs of the person, on average, you need to calculate the amount of 800$-1000$ per month. Fortunately, there are a large number of scholarship programs and grants in the UK, which will help to significantly reduce tuition costs.
UK university admission
There are several ways to be on the student bench of a British university. Let's consider each of them in more detail:
The procedure for enrolling foreign students in UK universities goes through a service called UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). On the official website, you must fill out a special form, which indicates the truthful information about the success of the candidate. You can apply to several British universities at once on time no later than January, in some cases up to October or Martha.
After reviewing the application, the educational institution will contact the applicant. Answer options may be different: refusal, invitation to an interview, offer of a place.
Top UK Universities
University of Cambridge (Cambridge University or University of Cambridge)
One of the oldest European universities (founded in 1209), invariably occupying the highest positions in world rankings. The highest scientific achievements of graduates are expressed in 88 Nobel Prizes. The university has more than 150 faculties, institutes, schools and departments. More than 20 thousand students study, of which about 20% are foreigners.
An extensive network of libraries, museums, old hostels, beautiful parks, lawns and rivers create a unique atmosphere of a truly student city. The university has a very developed centuries-old tradition of communities, clubs and all kinds of sports.
For admission to the University of Cambridge, in addition to excellent grades, you must pass an interview, where the main focus will be on identifying knowledge in the chosen specialty. The presence of any achievements in the form of victories at olympiads, participation in scientific conferences and research is welcome. Mandatory conditions - the level of English is not lower than 7.0 (IELTS) and study under the A-Level program.
Tuition starts from 19197 pounds per year and above, depending on the specialty and program (bachelor's, master's). For example, studying architecture will cost 22482 pounds, and veterinarians in 52638 . For foreign students, the university has a well-represented system of scholarships and grants, but, unfortunately, there are practically no scholarship programs for students from the CIS countries. Applying through UCAS is required until October 15.
University of Oxford (Oxford University or University of Oxford)
The founding date of this oldest university in Great Britain falls at the end of the 11th century. Of the more than 20 thousand students at Oxford, about 25% are foreigners. An impressive number of famous university graduates, including Nobel laureates, Olympic champions, British prime ministers and the world's largest businessmen, only confirm the undeniable authority and prestige of studying at the University of Oxford.
The structure of the university includes 38 colleges and 6 "dormitories" (closed educational institutions), the teaching staff consists of more than 3,000 people. The main emphasis in teaching is aimed at the humanities, but you can also study the exact sciences. The centuries-old traditions of the university have been embodied in the rich academic life of students.
A huge number of sports competitions, various communities (including Russian ones), groups and clubs unite students according to their interests and make the learning process brighter. The system of libraries, museums, dormitories, sports fields and parks are located in the central part of the city and constitute the university campus.
For admission to the University of Oxford, you will need the results of the A-Level exams, the level of English is not lower than 7.0 (IELTS), a mandatory interview and, depending on the chosen specialty, additional written work and tests may be required. Tuition fees range from 24,750 to 34,678 pounds in year. Unlike the University of Cambridge, students from the CIS countries can apply for various scholarships and grants at Oxford. UCAS application is submitted on time until October 15.
London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
The educational institution dates back to 1895 and closes the top three universities in the UK. Over 8,000 students, more than 60% of whom are foreigners, study at 23 faculties located in central London. Among the graduates of the university are current politicians, national leaders and Nobel laureates. The LSE is home to the world's largest social science library with about 4 million books.
You can apply for admission to a university using the UCAS form until mid-January. Requirements - English at least 7.0 (IELTS) and a certificate of secondary education (A-Level). The cost of studying in the area 19920 pounds in year. The hostel is provided to first-year students.
Despite the high entry requirements and tuition fees, the lucky ones who are educated at a UK university can safely add this time to their life asset.
British universities have been leading the international rankings for decades, which has become, to some extent, a tradition. Looking through the TOP of the best foreign educational institutions, no one is surprised that even in the top ten there are always 3-4 English universities. Accordingly, studying in the UK is one of the most desirable types of education.
As for its availability, apart from the rather high cost of both studying and living in the country, there are no special obstacles. Of course, a Ukrainian will have to make some efforts so that the universities of England consider him a worthy applicant, but for the sake of a prestigious education it is worth fighting for.
REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLICANTS FOR ENTRY TO UNIVERSITIES IN THE UK
Let's start with the fact that both the principles of education and the universities themselves in England have a number of features. Private universities in the UK do not take part in the "race for leadership", i.e. are not included in the rankings. Therefore, it will be quite difficult for a Ukrainian to determine how prestigious this or that educational institution is.
With regard to colleges, academies, institutes and higher schools, they award degrees or issue diplomas on behalf of the university that has provided them with their programs. Often, it also hosts the delivery of a bachelor's or master's final work. Without the patronage of any powerful British university, the college has the right only to conduct preparation for admission or to provide vocational education. The exceptions are University College London, Imperial College London and several other similar institutions, which are already universities in England, but have retained their autochthonous names.
Since it makes no sense to go to the United Kingdom to get a regular specialty, let's look at the requirements that universities in England set for applicants:
- complete secondary education;
- documentary evidence of English language proficiency;
- diploma of completion of a special training program.
An ordinary school for admission to universities in the UK is not enough not only for Ukrainians or foreign students, but also for local applicants. Without providing a document on the completion of the International Baccalaureate, Foundation, A-Level course, the state university will not consider the application. The term of study on such programs ranges from 1-3 years.
UK UNIVERSITY APPLICATION PROCESS (HOW TO APPLY)
Accustomed to consider themselves the most prestigious and elite universities in the UK put a lot of effort into maintaining their status. If we take the same Oxford or Cambridge, then they are no longer so interested in the rich as in talented students. In addition, their emissaries scour the world in search of gifted youth, so Ukrainians should not miss various olympiads or competitions. And the University of London opens branches or offers its programs to educational institutions in all parts of the world, organizes various events in order to identify talents.
Therefore, in order for a Ukrainian to enter or be interested in the universities of England, there are some tricks:
- collect all your certificates, diplomas, etc., starting from kindergarten, translate into English and try to legalize, then send with a package of documents;
- confirm your sports success in any way;
- take as many different or specialized courses as possible and send the resulting diplomas or certificates;
- learn classical English perfectly and do not use "Americanisms".
In any case, your zeal and diligence will add advantages to you compared to other foreign students.
The process of admission to universities in Britain consists of the following steps:
- fill out an application;
- send a translation of the certificate with grades;
- send a copy of the IELTS certificate (from 6.5) or another exam;
- provide a diploma of completion of the training program;
- write a motivation letter;
- add letters of recommendation (2 are enough) from teachers or bosses from the place of work;
- Having received an invitation from the university, you begin to apply for a student visa.
Please note that in order to enroll in the International Baccalaureate, Foundation or A-Level, without completing which admission to the university will not take place, you must pass exams in general education subjects.
UNIVERSITIES OF ENGLAND: TRAINING PROGRAMS
Unlike many other countries, UK universities have a clearly limited period of study. Here they do not give the opportunity to study for a bachelor's degree for a few extra years, but simply expelled.
The scheme of training programs is standard:
- bachelor's degree - 3 years and no more, since the basics were obtained at preparatory courses;
- master's degree - 1 year. It implies the study of an additional direction in the main specialty (Taught) or the transition to research work (Research);
- PhD - 4-5 years. Includes a three-year course of study and no more than 2 years for writing a dissertation.
UK UNIVERSITY RANKING
In the constant confrontation between Cambridge and Oxford, for the second year in a row, both in England and in the world, the University of Cambridge wins.
Having opened in 1209, it immediately became one of the strongest universities, equally achieving success in both the humanities and the natural sciences. This situation has persisted to this day, but given the absolutely revolutionary developments in the field of exact and natural sciences, the huge number of start-ups and achievements in the field of innovative technologies, he nevertheless gravitates more towards these areas.
The second was the oldest university in the English-speaking world - Oxford. Remembering the incredible number of his graduates - politicians, you understand that he is deservedly considered the best in the field of diplomacy, political science, sociology and the humanities, although the natural sciences are also strong.
Third is University College London (UCL), in fact the most international university in England, judging by the number of international students. In relation to all educational institutions in London, it has the highest rating.
The top five includes King's College London, which opened the first nursing school on the planet. Traditionally strong in the field of medical sciences.
In the same fifth place is the representative of Scotland, the University of Edinburgh, famous not only for its fundamental research in all fields of science, but also for its “venerable” age, since it was founded in 1582.
UK universities are the most popular institutes, universities and colleges in the UK. Detailed descriptions of study programs, reviews, photos and videos about universities in the UK.
The very best
Cambridge university
One of the oldest and largest English universities, the University of Cambridge was founded in 1209. Already in the 13th century. in Cambridge formed humanities, law, theology and medical faculties. From that time to this day, Cambridge has consistently ranked highest in the world university rankings, competing with Oxford for the title of the best university.
The very best
Oxford University
The university city of Oxford, located northwest of London, has become famous for being one of the oldest institutions of higher learning in the world. Of the city's 150,000 population, one in five is a student. However, the atmosphere of relaxed fun, thirst for knowledge and sincere belief in science attracts not only those who want to study to this place.
The UK education system is considered one of the best in the world - and this is not surprising: it was here that the first higher education institutions appeared, many of which function to this day. Back in the distant 12th century, two of the most famous universities in Great Britain were founded at once - Oxford and Cambridge. And already in the 15-16 centuries, universities began to open in Scotland and other regions of the country. Many of the higher educational institutions that arose in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance and are still functioning are unofficially referred to as "old universities".
In general, the British are used to dividing everything into groups and naming different categories. It's the same with universities. So, the old universities are Oxford and Cambridge in England, as well as four universities in Scotland (in Edinburgh, St. Andrews, Aberdeen and Glasgow) and one more in Ireland - Dublin. They were replaced at the very beginning of the 20th century by new universities, reorganized from colleges of applied disciplines.
Five universities in the country: Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, Manchester, Liverpool and Sheffield are informally referred to as "red brick universities".
The buildings of educational buildings and academic campuses of many new universities were built of red brick - hence the name for such a distinctive feature. Initially, the name was dismissive: how can universities that have grown out of ordinary colleges compete with old universities that have built up a reputation for themselves over the centuries? New universities developed rapidly, but were perceived as "upstarts" compared to the old universities.
However, with the opening of even more new universities - in the 60s. 20th century - the term "red brick" has become a symbol of high respectability. The "old new" universities were no longer equated with upstarts, as they proved their right to exist by the high level of education of graduates. A new term appeared - “leaf glass universities” - these were the new universities, which included the University of Sussex and the University of East Anglia, as well as some others.
Thus, from three different temporary groupings of universities, a complete picture of higher education institutions in the UK has been formed. Today, many universities have the status of state universities, but the British do not have such a thing as free education - both local residents and foreign students have to pay. But the cost of education is fully justified - as we said above, British education is considered one of the best in the world, as it incomprehensibly combines centuries-old traditions and the most modern teaching technologies, as well as the latest equipment and high professionalism of teachers.
Anyone can enter the country's universities, but the most important requirement is an excellent knowledge of English. If you are going to enter here, you can improve the level of English in special courses - Foundation - this is something like preparatory courses. During their passage, foreign applicants, in addition to specialized training, can take an intensive language course, as well as learn more about what education in the UK is and on what conditions it is provided.
In addition to being the best universities in the world in terms of quality of education, many of them are also the most beautiful.
For example, the University of Glasgow in Scotland, established by a papal bull back in 1451, is a real Gothic castle with an abundance of towers and sharp spiers. And the most striking example of "red-brick" universities today is Royal Holloway University in London. The building of bright red brick, which has not faded with time, is stylized as the Chateau de Chambord castle in France - an architectural masterpiece of the Renaissance. Oxford University is the second oldest university in the world and the oldest university in the UK. Founded presumably in 1096, the university occupies a magnificent old complex of buildings in the town of Oxford, among which the Bodleian Library, the round rotunda of Radcliffe and Magdalen College stand out.
Education systems in different countries
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The best universities in the world
- UK universities: Eton, Cambridge, London and others
- Universities in Germany: Berlin im. Humboldt, Düsseldorf Academy of Arts and others
- Universities of Ireland: Dublin, National University Galway, University of Limerick
- Universities of Italy: Bo, Bologna, Pisa, University for Foreigners in Perugia
- Universities of China: Beijing, Beida, Zhejiang University and others
- Lithuania: Vilnius University
- US Universities: Harvard, Yale, Princeton and others
Here is a list of the top 10 universities in the UK compiled annually based on the quality of education, student feedback, the likelihood of a successful career after graduation and, finally, the cost per student of the university.
10. Loughborough University
Loughborough University ranked seventh in the top 10 universities in 2017. A year later, he slipped to 10th place, but still remains the leader among British universities. In addition, it is one of the leaders in terms of spending on maintaining a comfortable educational environment for students: £1056 is spent per person.
The university is known for its sporting achievements. At the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, students of this educational institution won 12 medals, including 5 gold medals.
9. Lancaster University
Lancaster University has been in 3rd place for the past three years, while constantly raising its overall ranking. The university is very popular with students, in particular because it spends at least £2860 per student: £1917 for the teaching and methodological department (library and computers) and £943 for sports.
In general, the university offers a very high quality education and a pleasant pastime, which is largely facilitated by the location of the university near the Lake District (Lake District).
8. University of Warwick
In the top ten universities in the UK, the place of the University of Warwick has not changed and it is consistently ranked 8th, but in the Midlands it is clearly in first place due to 23 different subjects available for students to study. Employers are happy to hire graduates of this university. In addition, the University of Warwick boasts the largest student union in the UK with over 300 student organizations and sports clubs.
7. University College London (University College London)
This year, University College London showed the highest rise. Polls show that students themselves are not always satisfied with the university, but it will be easy for a graduate of this university to find a job. University College London has an excellent research base. Most of the staff of the university takes part in the research. In addition, 29 Nobel Prize winners have studied here.
An interesting fact: if not for University College London, 4 Coldplay performers would never have met.
6. Durham University
Durham University is a university made up of several self-contained colleges. It includes one of the oldest university buildings in the world - Durham Castle. In addition to the opportunity to live in a famous UNESCO world heritage site, the university offers its students excellent opportunities for career development, including sports.
5. Imperial College London (Imperial College London)
Imperial College London focuses on science, engineering, medicine and mathematics. It is with this educational institution that the creation of penicillin and the birth of fiber optic technologies are associated. Therefore, it is not surprising that the university is leading in terms of indicators in the field of research work.
The university houses the world's largest "brain bank" with samples collected for the study of multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease. There is also a large center dedicated to global warming and ecology.
4. London School of Economics and Political Science (London School of Economics and Political Science)
Over the past 10 years, this university has consistently been in the top five universities in the UK. He ranked 3rd for four years in a row, but in 2018 he fell to 4th in the rankings. The university is a leader in terms of indicators in the field of research work. It is in this university that the second largest library in the UK is located. Students from 160 countries of the world study at the university and the probability of getting a well-paid job after studying at this educational institution is very high. At the same time, the rating of reviews of the students themselves about the university is the lowest.
3. St. Andrews University (University of St Andrews)
The University of St Andrews moved up two positions in 2018 compared to last year. And all thanks to the reviews about this educational institution of the students themselves.
The university is famous for its traditions. For example, it is customary to wear academic gowns for important events. In addition, freshmen are required to receive "academic parents", whom they thank with a pound of raisins. Although nowadays a bottle of wine will do.
2. Oxford University (University of Oxford)
Thanks to its consistently high ranking, the university has been holding the second position for the past five years. The University of Oxford is known for its reputation in the field of education and the 38 subjects taught by students consistently score top marks for the quality of education. At this university, many famous politicians, such as Theresa May, Tony Blair and Bill Clinton, have gnawed the granite of science.
1. University of Cambridge
For the seventh year in a row, this university has been ranked first in the ranking of the best universities in the UK, but it is not so easy to get into it due to high entrance requirements.
The University of Cambridge has a very strong research base, meaning almost all members of the staff are involved in research, and students can hope to follow in the footsteps of the naturalist David Attenborough or the writers Sandi Toksvig and A. S. Byatt, not not to mention the 96 Nobel Prize winners who studied at this university.
Top 10 universities in the UK. Rating 2018 updated: April 18, 2019 by: Elena Abdulaeva
