United Kingdom

Why Study In UK?

• The universities in UK are consistently ranked among the best in the world.
• The universities provide World-Class education and academic facilities.
• There are number of options of specializations to study.
• The education in UK is affordable.
• IELTS is not mandatory for admissions in UK.
• Scholarships and Bursaries are available.
• Masters courses with paid placements or internships.
• The UK provides Opportunity to work Part-Time 20 hours per week during study time for degree courses.
• It also provides Opportunity to work Full Time i.e. 40 hrs. Per week during holidays.
• The UK also provides Post Study Work Visa of 2 years.

Types of Universities in the UK:

There are around 130 Universities in the UK which can broadly be classified into two categories: 1) Traditional Universities 2) Modern Universities

1) Traditional Universities are Old and ancient universities also known as Red Brick Universities. They are Prestigious and High Ranked, Research is focused. These universities Offers a wide variety of subjects and specializations. (Ex. Durham University, University of Sheffield, University of Bristol, University of Glasgow, University of Birmingham, University of Leicester).

2) Modern Universities on the other hand are the Polytechnics or other educational institutions which were given university status post 1992. These universities focus on applied learning rather than research with excellent industry tie-ups. (Ex. Anglia Ruskin University, Bournemouth University , Coventry University, University of East London, Northumbria University, Middlesex University). From April 2012 onwards, only Universities and Colleges having Tier 4 Sponsors License can recruit international students.

RUSSELL GROUP UNIVERSITIES:

The Russell Group is a self-selected association of 24 high ranked, public research universities in the UK, most of which are considered to be among the top universities in the country and the world. The Russell group was formed in 1994 with its headquarters located in London. It was formed to represent its member university’s interests with the government and parliament. This Group of universities is also referred to as the “British Ivy League”, similar to the Ivy League of universities in the USA which includes prestigious institutions like Harvard and Yale.

Types of degrees offered:

Bachelor’s degree:

Bachelors degree is of 3 years. This degree duration is of 4 years in Scotland.

Masters degree:

Masters Degree is of 1 year. The duration of masters’ degree with placement is 2 years and internship is also available.

Bachelor’s degree with sandwich year:

The duration of bachelor’s degree with sandwich year is 4 years. 1 year of internship is available after the completion of 2nd year.

Integrated Masters Degree:

Integrated Masters Degree is of 4 years, the same degree which is 5 years in Scotland.

Integrated Masters Degree with a sandwich year:

The duration of this degree is 5 years with UG and PG combined with 1 year of internship.

Foundation Course and Foundation Degree:

1) A Foundation course is a one-year preparation course provided for international students who require additional English language and academic preparation in order to get admission into the first year of a Bachelor’s degree at a UK university .2) A Foundation degree is a combination of both academic and vocational qualification. The duration of this degree is 2 years, equivalent to two years of a Bachelor's degree and is a stand-alone degree.

Diploma:

International Year 1 (IY1 Diploma):

International Year 1 is a one-year diploma program for students who are not eligible for direct entry into a Bachelor’s program and it leads to 2nd year of a bachelor's degree.

HNC:

An HNC (Higher National Certificate) is a one-year course and is equivalent to the first year of a bachelor's degree.

HND:

An HND (Higher National Diploma) is a two-year course which is equivalent to the first two years of a bachelor’s degree. This HND qualification is used to get entry into universities in the final year of a bachelor’s degree.

Pre-Masters:

A Pre-Masters program is for students around the world who need to improve their English, academics, research and seminar skills ahead of a Master's degree. This course differs in length from ten weeks to twelve weeks and offers a passage to a postgraduate degree in various disciplines and is suitable for students who:

Do not fulfill the academic requirements for admission into a postgraduate course.

Want to change the degree from undergraduate degree to postgraduate degree.

Do not fulfill the English language requirements.

Major Intakes:

The universities have two major intakes – in September/October and January/February. We have other intakes also but few universities are available for those intakes (march/april).

Requirements to do Masters in UK:

Entry requirements for most high ranked universities is 60%-70% in bachelors, for middle ranked universities is 55%-65% in bachelors and for low ranked universities is 505-55% in bachelors.

The score requirement for IELTS is from 6.0 - 6.5 with no band less than 5.5 depending upon the course and the university. Some universities also accept MOI (Medium of Instruction) from the universities to waive off IELTS.

Requirements for other courses in UK:

Minimum 40%-50% is required in 12th standard for Foundation course and Foundation Degree. Minimum of 50%-55% is required in 12th standard for IY 1 Diploma leading to second year of degree. Minimum 50% is required in Bachelors degree for pre-masters.

UKVI IELTS is must for Foundation course, Foundation degree, IY 1 diploma and pre-masters.

Applying through UCAS:

The UCAS means Universities Counseling Tips and Colleges Admissions Service is a UK-based organization whose main role is to operate the application process for British universities. It is a common application portal majorly for undergraduate applications and some postgraduate one’s as well. Application fees for a single choice are £25 and for multiple courses it is £28. The deadline to submit applications is 15th January and 30th June for the upcoming September intake of a calendar year.

Financial requirements:

To study in UK universities the average fee structure is from 14lakhs to 30lakhs for complete course depending on the universities. Other expenses such as living expenses, visa procedure expenses, and insurance are extra which might amount up to 8lakhs.

Work rights:

During the study period student might work for up to 20hrs weekly anywhere for postgraduate students and undergraduate students whereas below UG i.e. diploma students can work for 10hrs. Another big advantage of UK is student dependent can also work for 40 hrs. After completion of education in UK student is eligible for post study visa where he can stay for two years and work legally for 40hrs.