The rise of the United Kingdom as a favourite higher education destination acknowledges the valuable benefits of studying in the UK.
The reasons why the UK fascinates students include global exposure and broadening of horizons in terms of skills, outlook, talent and personality.
The legacy of the UK as the abode of world-famous Oxford and Cambridge embellishes the charm as a hub of best universities. Adding to it are top class educational infrastructure, quality research, distinguished teaching methodology, and of course, diverse culture too.
The global rating by Research Excellence Framework (REF) endorses that 30 per cent of UK university research is 'world-leading while the share of internationally excellent research is around 46 per cent.
Among the reasons that make the UK a sought after place for higher education includes the respect, its qualifications enjoy across the world. A degree from the UK is well recognised by most international universities, employers and government departments with higher placement chances.
The top 10 universities in the UK are the following.
The UK education system is known for its rigorous high standards. The programs are reviewed according to QAA standards in terms of teaching, learning and research.
The UK education system also offers ample choices in selecting the best courses and the perfect institutions. The shorter duration of many courses also helps students in managing tuition and housing costs cost-effectively.
For joining a degree course in the UK, the entry requirements include applying to the courses between 01 September and 30 June in the year preceding the year of the proposed study. Students have to send the applications to UCAS (University and Colleges Admissions Services). the interlocutor between universities and students.
Applications will be processed as per the qualification guidelines before offering admission to any course. An English language test such as IELTS is mandatory to prove English proficiency if the student’s first language is not English. Students outside the UK have to apply for a student Tier 4 visa that satisfies the conditions of the UK Border Agency.
As for the benefits of studying in the UK, other than attaining proficiency in the subject major, command over the English language also improves to shine in the global markets with higher employment potential. Attractions of close student-teacher interaction and a plethora of different subjects in a single course module also endear UK university education to all students.
Most UK universities offer merit-based scholarship programs plus they also assist in funding avenues to international students to back up their costs of studies and living expenses.
There is a lot to leverage from the cultural diversity the UK offers then via exposure to its multicultural environment. Mixing with international students also yields many interpersonal skills to join the global workforce with greater confidence.
For students, the UK is a great platform for finding wonderful working opportunities. They can part-time while going on with their studies. Internships openings are unlimited. There is a vast arena for skill development and embellishing the CV day by day.
Many universities also assist in arranging placement after studies. The refined Graduate Immigration Program has become very liberal by extending the tenure of stay in the UK to two years for graduates.
Prudent management of expenses can keep costs under a tight leash when living in the UK as a student. A recent survey noted the main expenses incurred by students are the following. It says the average student living costs will be around £800 a month with the expense-heads being the following.
The National Student Money Survey made this estimate after talking to thousands of students to find where the money goes. The data can be useful to students in pruning their expenses in many areas.
The UCAS latest data shows the most applied subjects by students. The most popular courses in the UK with bigger employment opportunities are briefly noted here.
Nursing: This is the most popular subject in the UK. The nursing course teaches assessing, treating and monitoring patients. The main nursing areas as per NHS include adult, mental health, learning disability and child. Even if the nursing job is high-pressure the nurses report high job satisfaction as they improve many lives.
Management Studies: Management studies include business, tourism, land, hospitality, and property.
They will be employed in professional sectors ranging from business organisations to human resource departments of companies.
Business and administration courses cover business functions including finance and marketing. The course can have many electives such as economics, mathematics, analysis, statistics, information systems, fashion, and international studies.
They include clinical medicine, dentistry, medical technology, optometry among others. These vocational courses get faster placements. Students also get roles in education, environment, journalism and scientific sales.
Sports and exercise science is an in-demand course. The courses are diverse and cover sports medicine, sports therapy, wheeled sports and sports journalism.
Preclinical medicine is a vocational science used in diagnosing, preventing, mitigating diseases and covers anatomy, physiology, pharmacy and nutrition. All are specialist areas.
Design studies go into the design techniques of everyday objects and combine technology, aesthetics and commercial elements. The course uses many computer-aided design tools. The graduates are absorbed in many industries such as fashion, computer games, animation, textiles, illustration and theatre.
Computer Science comprises the theory and design of computational systems, and IT. It is mathematical as well as creative with varied job opportunities as managers, programmers, consultants, analysts and developers.
Law specialises in legalities and grooms the skills required to practise law. Skills include research, interpretation and explanation of complex subjects, analytical thinking and practical problem solving, good oral communication, negotiation, teamwork, and drafting skills.
Psychology studies the human mind and determines why people behave in a particular way. The courses explore theories of Freud, Jung and Pavlov in detail.
Graduates find openings with psychologists, therapists and social workers. There are also career options in the research, academia, and education sectors.