A UK degree gives students more than just an outstanding academic qualification. It can also provide them with valuable work placements, all as part of their studies. These placements, internships, and volunteering positions are designed for students to build new skills, make new contacts and apply their learning in a real-world, professional environment. And as UK universities have such strong links with every type of industry (from engineering to fashion to science and more) students are sure to find a placement that’s right for them. It’s another reason why UK graduates are among the most employable in the entire world, and why they’re earning more and progressing further than their peers educated elsewhere. And it’s why a UK degree can help students to really stand out in an increasingly competitive jobs market.
The UK’s academic reputation is world-renowned. Built on a heritage that is now centuries old, our approach to education applies the very latest learning theory through universities that routinely top international tables. Our innovative teaching methods produce successful, versatile graduates who are sought-after by employers around the world. UK universities have featured strongly in world rankings ever since they began. In 2021 the Times Higher Education World Rankings honoured the UK with two of the world’s top ten universities, including the world’s top university – the University of Oxford. This high quality can be found right across the country, with seven of the top 50, and 26 of the top 200 universities found in the UK.
The UK’s 162 higher education institutions are all held to strict standards by the government, so students know they are getting the best teaching, support, and resources available. Additionally, a full list of ‘recognized bodies’ – universities and colleges that can award degrees – is published every year, to make it easy for students to see the comparative quality on offer up and down the country – and ensure their qualifications will have credibility overseas. The Register of Regulated Qualifications contains details of Recognised Awarding Organisations and Regulated Qualifications in England (Ofqual), Wales (Welsh Government), and Northern Ireland.
UK universities combine traditional lectures with a variety of innovative teaching techniques, designed to encourage independent thinking, problem-solving skills, and self-motivation. Students will be working in small groups solving real-life problems from their future careers, whether in the classroom, the lab, or on field trips. Students will have access to leading technology, from state-of-the-art laboratories to interactive screens and online learning.
Students will have an opportunity to learn from the very best in your field: many teachers in UK universities are industry leaders in their field, and they will have one-to-one access to them where they will be able to learn from their vast experience. UK institutions also cultivate industry relationships, allowing students u to get practical experience in their field within world-leading organizations and make connections to give their career an edge.
The consistently high quality of education in the UK has made the country a firm favourite with international students all over the world and helped to keep it at the forefront of global research. The UK has ranked second in the world for science and research and 54 per cent of the output is world-leading. UK’s field-weighted citation impact is higher than the US, Canada, Germany, Japan, and Brazil, so when students study in the UK they can be sure they’ll be working alongside some of the best minds – and using some of the best technology- in the world.
From 1 July 2021, international students who have successfully completed an undergraduate or master’s degree will be able to benefit from two years’ work experience in the UK upon graduation, through the new Graduate Route. Students who complete their PhD will be able to stay for three years. The Graduate Route will be available to international students who have a valid student visa at the time of application and have successfully completed a degree at the undergraduate level or above at a Higher Education Provider with a track record of compliance. Successful applicants on this route will be able to stay and work, or look for work, in the UK at any skill level for a maximum period of two years if they have successfully completed an undergraduate or master’s degree. PhD graduates will be able to stay for three years. Graduates will be able to switch to skilled work once they have found a suitable job. The new route will be launched on 1 July 2021, meaning that any eligible student who graduates after this date will be able to apply for the route. This includes students who have already started their courses. Students wanting to take advantage of the Graduate Route need to apply for a new visa application and pay a visa fee of £700 plus the Immigration Health Surcharge of £624 annually.
A major advantage of studying in the UK for students is the flexibility offered by the educational institutions. The universities and other educational institutions in the UK allow students to build their courses by combining subjects they are passionate about. Students can also combine academic learning with vocational training to improve their chances in the job market. Students are thus allowed to be creative and develop a skill set as per their needs.
If you’re wondering why choose the UK for study, one of the main reasons other than academia is to experience true cultural diversity. People from around the world have made the UK their home, which is why it is a great place for students to get to know and meet people from different cultures. The United Kingdom has a rich mix of different languages, cultures, faiths, cuisines, world-famous festivals, and many other things.
Another major advantage of studying in the UK is that University education is affordable. This is because in the UK it takes less time to attain a degree compared to other countries. Therefore, you pay less in tuition fees. It takes only 3 years to complete an undergraduate degree and 1 year for a postgraduate degree in the UK. Whereas, in most other countries, it takes no less than four years for an undergraduate degree and 2 or 3 years to complete a postgraduate degree.
One of the most important benefits of studying in the UK is that International students in the UK can avail benefits of the excellent healthcare provided through the NHS (National Health Services). International students are eligible to get free medical treatment while studying in the UK. To be entitled to these benefits, students have to pay additional Immigration Health Surcharge, along with the student visa fee.
This is a three-part series to A comprehensive guide to studying in the United Kingdom