  U.K. has some of the most prestigious Universities in the world. Apart from the famed Oxford and Cambridge Universities, there are several other world-class universities across UK that you can choose from. Most universities are equipped to meet high international educational standards and offer courses on a huge range of international subjects.
Further Education
In U.K., education and training post school is termed Further Education (FE). There are over 600 F.E colleges across UK. Though F.E colleges do not offer degrees, they offer excellent opportunities that prepare you to get into a deemed university or equips you with a complete course and the right qualification for a job.
Degrees awarded by F.E colleges include A-levels, International Baccalaureate, or Bachelors, one-year access courses, GNVQ (General National Vocational Qualification).
Higher Education
Higher Education courses require an additional two years of Post -GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) or Post-S- grade study-A levels and AS-levels, Scottish Highers, Advanced General National Vocational Diploma or General Scottish Vocational Diploma at Level III.
Higher Education courses are available in Universities and University sector colleges and institutes. Most of the universities specialise in degree courses and a large number also offer Higher National Diploma (HND). Some of the larger University sector colleges and institutes provide degree and HND courses while the smaller ones specialise in a single /group of subjects.
| Admission Procedure |
| • |
In most universities and colleges, the academic year starts in September. So start your application procedures at least one year in advance. Entry is usually based on examination grades. In addition to qualifications relevant to your chosen subject, you may also have to present your English language skills. |
| • |
If you wish to apply for a Further Education course, you could get the application forms directly from the institution. For higher education (degree and diploma courses), you could contact the central system - UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admission Service) that is the clearing house for application to most higher education courses in the U.K. Application forms can be had from the following address. Universities and Colleges Admission Service
Fulton House
Jessop Avenue
Cheltenham
Gloucestershire GL50 3SH
Tel: +44 1242 227788 (applicants)
Tel: +44 1242 222444(other enquiries)
Fax: +44 1242 263557 |
| • |
For Oxford and Cambridge Universities, the closing date for receiving completed application forms is 15 October. For other universities, application should be made before 15 December. |
VISA Procedures and Immigration Rules
To get a visa, you need to get an entry clearance, which has to be applied for. If you travel to Britain without an entry clearance and are refused entry at the immigration counter, you have to return to your country and appeal for a review. If, however, you do have an entry clearance and yet refused entry due to incomplete documents, you can get temporary admission and make an appeal against their decision without travelling back. |
| At the immigration control, the following documents should be presented: |
| • |
An original letter of acceptance into a course (no photocopies) |
| • |
Certificates of all academic credentials |
| • |
Bank statements, letters showing scholarship awards, proof of sponsorship if you are not supporting yourself |
| • |
Passport, visa, letter of consent and entry certificate |
Immigration Rules
Immigration regulations require evidence that: |
| • |
You have gained admission to a recognized course of study in a genuine university or college. |
| • |
You will be occupied in full-time study that implies at least 15 hours per week of organised day time study. |
| • |
You have adequate pre qualification to enter the course. |
| • |
You intend to go back to your country on completion of your studies. |
| The Various Study Programmes |
Undergraduate Courses
Bachelor's degree -three-year duration |
| • |
BA (Bachelor of Arts) |
| • |
B.Sc. (Bachelor of Science) and |
| • |
B.Eng. (Bachelor of Engineering) |
| It takes four years for the same in Scotland. |
Diploma of Higher Education
Two years study at a higher education college gets you a diploma that gives you access to a degree course.
Sandwich Courses
'Sandwich' implies, course work with practical exposure. Generally, a sandwich degree course will have 2 years of college followed by a year of commercial training and then a year of final study. This is called a 'thick sandwich course'. |
A 'thin sandwich course' has 3 to 6 months training in each of the four years. This system allows the student to get commercial training in different firms instead of exposure to a single firm. This system works in different ways. For example: |
| • |
A student gets an annual salary whether he/ she is studying or working with the firm. |
| • |
Students get an LEA grant for the period he/she works with the firm, i.e., 3 to 4 months that is supplemented by the employer. |
| • |
Students can either choose to work for a year before joining the university or can do both simultaneously. |
| • |
Direct contact with companies can be established through pre-university foundation for engineers, by writing to:
The National Director
PFUE
Simon University
The University,
Manchester M 13 9 PL |
Sponsorship requests can be made in August-September, which is roughly the time you also apply for University and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). For employed personnel who get a full sponsorship for higher study, it is advisable to apply through UCAS. |
Higher National Diploma (HND)
Vocational and technical educational councils in Britain/ Scotland award HNDs. This is a 2-year course in a vocational subject, e.g., scientific, technical, business subjects that emphasise on technical business subjects. HND is often a stepping-stone to the second year of a degree course. The Higher National Certificate emphasizes on work experience and is a part time course.
|
