United Kingdom

Introduction to UK

The United Kingdom is a sovereign state, located just off the coast of the continent of Europe. It is an island country covering an area of 94,060 square miles. The United Kingdom is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, English Channel, Irish Sea and the North Sea. The Channel Tunnel also connects it to France.

The United Kingdom is a unitary state and constitutional monarchy made up of four countries – England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. England makes up a little over half the total area of the UK. It consists of lowland terrain and mountainous terrain and has a number of large cities and towns. England contributes the largest urban population of the United Kingdom. Scotland makes up a little under a third of the total area of UK. It consists of Highlands to the north and west and Lowlands to the south and east. Glasgow and Edinburgh are the two metropolitan cities of Scotland. Wales makes up less than a tenth of the total area of UK. Wales makes up most of the mountainous regions of the United Kingdom. Northern Ireland makes up only 5,470 square miles of the UK, composing mainly of hilly areas.

The United Kingdom is a highly developed country, with the world’s sixth largest economy. It was the first industrialized country, but its influence dates back to centuries ago. The UK was the world’s foremost power during the 19th and 20th centuries and once the head of the strongest and biggest empire in the world – The British Empire. With the decline of the empire in the later 20th century, the UK still remains a major power with strong cultural, economic, military, political influence and scientific influence. The British influence is still observed in the culture, language and legal systems of many of its former colonies.

The indigenous British people were historically descendants from the Anglo-Saxons, Celts, Normans, Norse and Romans. Today the UK is known to have a multicultural environment and diversified society with the influx of immigration of people from around the world. Among all the different ethnic groups, English is the most spoken language, in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.

The UK is a popular choice with many overseas students due to its geographical location, its reasonable climate, its diverse ethnic groups and culture and its high standard of education, making it a secure environment to live and study.

Education System in UK

The United Kingdom has 301 Universities and Colleges located in England, Scotland and Wales. These institutions are located in both rural and urban regions in each of the countries. These universities have a wide diversity of fields on interest. The universities and colleges are known for its high quality education and are recognised worldwide. Degrees from the UK are equivalent to any degree obtained from other Commonwealth institutions around the world.

Universities and Colleges in the UK are financed by the state, with small contributions from top-up fees. The University of Buckingham is the only privately financed school. The state however does not control the syllabus, but it does influence admission procedures. The state also has control over teacher training courses, in order to maintain the reputation of the institutions. The Universities usually award their own degree, while a college is usually affiliated with a university. The courses are taught by the college, but the degree is granted by the university. Some colleges are even a part of the college itself while other colleges aren’t involved in a degree level education, offering a foundation level education to students.

Degrees offered in most of the UK – England and Wales – at an undergraduate level are usually a three year program. The completion of three years of full time study entitles the student to a Bachelor’s Degree. Students can move on to complete their further education by obtaining a Master’s Degree and a PhD. Some institutes in the UK also offer an undergraduate Master’s degree as a first degree, done over four years. Scottish universities require four years in order to complete their first degree, unlike other parts of the UK. Some universities also offer vocationally based Foundation degree, a two-year course that allows students to continue to take a first degree.

Universities and Colleges in the UK run from late September till early June, with seasonal breaks and holidays depending on the institution. This is then followed by a three-month summer break. Universities run on a semester bases, with three semesters in each academic year. There are no courses offered over the summer vacation.

Students applying to study in the UK must have completed the age of 18, with twelve years of school education. The entry requirements usually vary for each institute, however students have to show their competency in English. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOFEL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES) are all recognised by UK universities and colleges. The General Certificate of English (GCE) A-Levels and O-Levels, International Baccalaureate, CBSE and SAT1/SAT2 are other examinations that are recognised by UK universities and colleges, in order to apply for post secondary education. Some institutes also require an interview in order to complete the application process.

Evidence of previous study, good grades and knowledge of English is an explicit requirement when applying to Universities or Colleges in the UK. Other requirements are set by the institution and are flexible in terms of program requirements and intake dates.

Universities & Colleges:

M.L.S International College

Language School & University Preparations:

Colshester English Study Centre

Eurocentres

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