WHY STUDY IN THE UK?

UK universities provide internationally - recognised qualifications of the highest standard. They also offer more opportunities than ever before: there are currently over 50,000 postgraduate taught courses and research opportunities to choose from.Similarly, private and government funded colleges offer affordable vocational courses and academic degrees of accredited awarding bodies and of recognized universities.

The UK higher education system combines the best elements of tradition and modernity. Some UK institutes are among the oldest in the world; others are among the newest. Many provide degrees with a strong vocational foundation and enjoy good links with businesses and professional organisations.

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

The quality and standard of UK higher education are guaranteed through the work of various official bodies. The quality of a university's teaching and its general facilities are assessed by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA). Research standards are examined by the Research Assessment Exercise (RAE), which publishes its findings every five years. The results of all these assessments are freely available on the internet. Information on quality assurance and assessments is also available from the Higher Education Funding Councils.

VALUE FOR MONEY

The quality of UK degrees is one reason why so many people come to the UK to study. Another is value for money. Unlike the equivalent programmes in the United States or Australia, most UK Masters programmes can be completed in one year.

PRIVILEDGE OF BUSINESS LANGUAGE

A major advantage of studying in the UK is the opportunity to perfect your knowledge of the English language – one of the most important skills in the international business world. If you are from outside the EU, especially if you are studying a commercial subject, you may well appreciate the opportunity to observe at first hand the operation of the European market. The UK is a member of the EU, and living and studying here can provide a useful insight into how this major trading bloc functions.

GLOBAL RECOGNITION

The degrees and qualifications from UK higher education institutions are known around the world as high quality and world class. The standard of excellence is set by some of the older universities with recognizable names, like Oxford and Cambridge, but the tradition carries through to many of the universities and colleges throughout the UK. When looking for work in the future, this can be a great selling point in your favour!

AFFORDABLE EDUCATION

The cost of education for an international student in the UK can be lower compared to the USA and other countries. Some courses in the USA can be $25,000 plus a year in tuition alone. Tution for the majority of UK higher education institutions is in the region of £3000 to £7,000 a year - considerably less!

You can also save a lot of money because your degree will generally take less time to complete in the UK than in other countries. Although four-year programs are increasing in popularity, most degree programs in the UK require a three-year course and a masters program is typically between one and two years. When you consider the shorter timeframe, the cost will be much lower if you only have to plan for three years instead of four or even five as in many other countries.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

An international student in the UK is typically allowed to work up to 20 hours a week during school term, and up to full-time when school is out of term. Of course, you should always check with your international advisor at your school before starting any work - you do not want to be in violation of your visa, and rules change all the time. Also, it is not always easy to find a job, so relying on work income to fund your education is not a good idea. Unless you have employment set up through your school before you arrive, you should plan to fund the entire first year of your studies without any employment income. Currently, with TIER system, international students after having completed their Bachelor's or/and Master's degree may be eligible to change their visa status into TIER-1 Post-Study Work for next two years. This surely could be a great opportunity the students to explore their knowlede in the work force of the UK.

GATEWAY TO EUROPE

With the addition of the Channel Tunnel and low cost airlines such as EasyJet and Ryan Air, Europe is easier to access from the UK than ever. You can reach most areas of Europe from the UK within a few hours by train or direct flight. For example, if you are studying in London or Manchester and you want a weekend away in Italy, you can fly Ryan Air direct to Rome, Milan, Pisa, Genoa, Venice or several other cities in Italy. The direct flight would take around two hours and cost minimal depending on when you travel and when you book.

UK EDUCATION SYSTEM

Education in the UK is internationally recognised for its quality and variety. The UK's top priority is to pursue the highest possible standards and to ensure access to good education for every child, young person and citizen. EU and overseas students from all over world come to the UK for an first-class education. The welcome, the culture and the richness of experience that comes from living in the UK is an education in itself.

Each year, hundreds of thousands of international students come to study in the UK because we offer such outstanding opportunities. As per the UKBA, there are now over 2000 institutions with the sponser's licence to admit students from aborad.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE COURSES

The UK – as the home of the English language – has a long tradition of teaching English to speakers of other languages and English language schools have much experience of working with students from all over the world. Courses are available at all levels, providing as much or as little support as you need. And class sizes are small so teaching staff can pay close attention to your learning needs.

Our English language teaching style is mainly practical and you’ll be encouraged to communicate from the moment you enter the classroom. The wide range of creative teaching methods includes games, role-playing exercises, problem-solving and group discussions. You will also be able to use technology and language laboratories to study independently.

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

Independent boarding schools in the UK are well-known for the quality of their teaching and their excellent facilities. You can expect to be taught in a small group, where your teacher will give you all the individual attention you need to help you achieve your academic goals. Independence, sociability and a love of learning are all gained from studying at independent schools. UK schools regularly welcome many international students like you and make special arrangements such as providing English language support.

CAREER-BASED AND PRE-UNIVERSITY COURSES

If you are on a career-based course you’re encouraged to take responsibility for your own studies with extensive support from tutors and lecturers. You might find yourself working on projects with other students, spending time in college libraries and being assessed through practical demonstrations, as well as through essays and examinations. Your course will combine practical skills with a sound academic underpinning, all geared towards a particular career or job.

Most students on career-based courses study at further education colleges. At these colleges you will be assigned a personal tutor who will monitor your academic progress and can advise you on how to improve your study skills or tackle particular academic problems. Most colleges also provide English language support.

UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE COURSES

During degree programmes, some specific elements will be compulsory but others will be optional, allowing you to tailor the course to your interests. The core topics of your course will be outlined to you through lectures. More in-depth analysis will take place in smaller tutorial and seminar groups where you’ll prepare topics in advance and discuss them with the other students and the tutor. You will be assigned your own personal tutor with whom you can review your individual progress and discuss any problems. You’ll need to read extensively around the subject and you’ll be encouraged to form your own ideas and opinions. The close contact between students and tutors is a particular strength of UK degree courses. If you choose a technical subject, you are likely to spend a large portion of your time in supervised laboratory work, designed to develop necessary technical skills.

UK institutions also provide excellent English language support for international students like you. Many have language centres where you can use language-learning materials. Many also offer in-sessional English classes for international students. In-sessional courses provide support tailored to your needs, focusing on the language and study skills to help you in the work for your main course.

POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMMES

All postgraduate programmes require you to do a great deal of work on your own initiative. On taught courses, postgraduate tutors and lecturers will provide the framework of the course and, within this, you will be able to pursue your own interests. On research programmes, the principal teaching method is original research, which you complete under academic supervision. Writing a dissertation about your research forms a substantial part of the programme. Many UK research programmes now begin with introductory taught courses that provide training in research skills to help you prepare for the advanced research you’ll need to do. Close contact between students and tutors is a particular strength of all UK degree courses, with opportunities to review your individual progress and discuss any problems. As with undergraduate degrees, UK institutions also provide excellent English language support for international students. Many have language centres where you can use language-learning materials. Many also offer in-sessional English classes for international students, focusing on the language and study skills you will need for the work on your main course.

MBAS

Master of Business Administration (MBA) courses are a particularly intensive, challenging and rewarding form of taught postgraduate course. You’ll be expected to work through a very large amount of material, complete projects and assignments and give regular presentations. Teaching methods characteristic of MBAs include case studies, simulations and business games.