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Degrees of distinction With an array
DEGREES OF DISTINCTION
Academic excellence, world-ranked universities and a warm and welcoming environment mean that the British university experience stands head and shoulders above that of its international counterparts, says THALIA THOMPSON
The UK is one of the world’s most popular destinations for international students. More than half a million overseas students are currently enrolled in university here, making up 22 per cent of the total student population. Here, we look at what makes studying in the UK unique.
Depth and breadth
One big difference between the UK and most other countries is that we tend to specialise earlier. For example, in Australia undergraduates often study modules from outside their main subject area. In the USA, all students follow a common core curriculum for the first two years and studying medicine or law is only available as a postgraduate option. If you aren’t sure what direction you want your studies to take you, this breadth can be helpful. And in the UK, there are some broader courses available, or you can study for joint honours in two subjects. But most students will be specialising from the very start.
Time and money
This focus means that a bachelor’s honours degree takes three years in England and Wales, but four years in the US and in some provinces in Canada. In Australia and South Africa, you can graduate after three years with a bachelor’s degree but an honours degree requires an extra year of study. Some UK universities have begun offering two-year accelerated programmes. s
WHY CHOOSE THE UK?
• “The single biggest factor in international students choosing to study here is the UK’s reputation for academic excellence,” says Dan Herman, Senior International Officer at the University of Manchester. The latest QS report shows that four of the top six universities in the world are in the UK. But it’s not just a handful of elite institutions. Wherever you study in the UK, a long tradition of academic rigour will give you qualifications that are respected around the world.
• The new Graduate Route visa means international students are entitled to stay in the UK for two years after graduating (three years for PhD students). Networking opportunities are unrivalled, “The global experience you get on a UK campus brings networking opportunities to develop relationships that will last throughout your work and personal life” says Jamie Pipkin, Head of International Recruitment at Royal Holloway, University of London.
• Many European universities now offer courses taught in English but there’s no better way to perfect your language skills than immersing yourself in daily life in an English-speaking country.
• The UK is a very welcoming environment, with universities having specialised departments to offer advice and support to international students. Jamie Pipkin sums it up, “You’re part of our community. And that will carry right through your whole time at university. And beyond as well.”
University of Kent
University of Birmingham
Most master’s degrees take one year in the UK, and a PhD can be completed in three to four years, but in Canada it usually takes four to six years and in the USA, five to six years.
Studying abroad is an investment in your future. Tuition fees vary according to course and university. Medical and laboratory-based degrees cost the most; other degrees might typically be between £10-20,000 a year. So the UK might not be the cheapest option but it does represent excellent value, especially if you take the shorter timescale into account.
Student life
UK universities offer accommodation to all first year students which isn’t always the case in Europe, where many students live at home or rent privately. In America it’s normal for first years to share a room but here in the UK, you’ll almost always have your own private room. Some universities guarantee international students accommodation for the whole duration of their course.
University of Oxford
Extracurricular sports and activities are key to the US university experience, with many events having campus-wide significance. In the UK, there tends to be a wider range of smaller societies and clubs with a niche group for every interest. The legal age for buying alcohol in the UK is 18, whereas it’s 21 in most of the US and 19 in parts of Canada, so the pub is also a place where students socialise.
If you’re used to an American-style grading system, where 90-100 per cent is a top grade, it can be a shock to start receiving marks in the 70s, until you realise this is the UK equivalent, often called a First. Similarly a grade of between 60 and 69 per cent would represent a very respectable Upper Second in the UK but might be just scraping a pass in Australia.
Coursework can count towards your grade, but end of year exams tend to be most important. Unlike Australia, your first year doesn’t usually count towards your final grade for a bachelor degree though – you just have to pass it.
STUDENT TESTIMONIALS
Dinushka Sudusinghe, 22
MRES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER
from Sri Lanka “Having completed my education in a British school in UAE, I wanted to pursue my higher education in the UK. I applied to the University of Manchester because of its reputation for pioneering research and innovation.
It was a bonus that the university hosts such a diverse student body. I was ecstatic to get an offer to study at Manchester. Settling in was easy – there was loads of support.
Having done my undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at Manchester, I call this place home.
From the nightlife, university life, food and endless places to explore, Manchester has everything to offer. My advice to any international students considering coming to the UK is not to worry about not fitting in because you will certainly find your place here!”
Lebani Mazhani, 29
MASTER’S IN MEDICAL LAW AND ETHICS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF KENT
from Botswana “When I was researching where to study my Master’s in Medical Law and Ethics, the UK stood out because of the world-renowned NHS. I come from Botswana, a former British protectorate whose legal system is still influenced by English judgments. In my undergraduate days there, much reference was made to House of Lords’ decisions. It was always my dream to study in the country where those foundations were laid.
My time here has been a life-elevating experience. What I have appreciated even more than the beautiful landscapes, is the receptiveness of the academics to dialogue and to perspectives that differ from theirs which makes me feel like a valuable addition to the whole system.”
HOW I DID IT
GABRIELA PONCE DE LEON RODRIGO, 27 is Bolivian–Italian and is in her fi nal year of a Bachelor in Social Sciences degree in Politics and International Relations at the University of Manchester
Why did you want to come to study in the UK?
I went to school in Bolivia, so when I fi rst started looking at universities, I realised that I wanted to travel and see what was out there. At the same time, I knew that I wanted to go to an Englishspeaking country given that I had completed school in both English and Spanish, so the UK seemed like a great option!
Did you look at and consider other universities around the world before settling on the UK for study?
Yes! I remember travelling to Canada and the US as I was considering going to university there. However, when I came to the UK for the fi rst time in October 2015, I started exploring degrees and universities, and something that really stood out to me was how specialised each degree was from the fi rst year. Finally, I ended up deciding to come to the UK.
How was the application process – can you tell us a bit about it?
I still remember creating a UCAS account, fi lling out all my details, asking my favourite teacher to fi ll out my UCAS reference and receiving a conditional o er from the university. It was all very straightforward after that. After receiving my marks, I realised I had met the requirements for my application to turn unconditional. Next thing I knew, I was packing my
Gabriela loves living in the UK, but isn’t a fan of the weather!
bags and getting ready for Fresher’s Week!
Now that you’re here, is the UK experience living up to your expectations?
I love living in the UK. The decision to come here is something that I’ve never second-guessed as I have made amazing friends, and I have fallen in love with what I’m studying. However, I’ll admit that I don’t necessarily enjoy the weather given that Manchester is not the sunniest city in the world! I do miss the Latin American sunshine.
Does the university provide specifi c assistance to students coming from overseas, and if so, what assistance do they o er?
Yes, the International O ce is dedicated to helping international students. They also hold events and provide advice to prospective and current students. The International Society also hosts weekly events for international students, which is a great way to meet new people and make friends.
Looking back would you have done anything di erently?
The only thing I regret doing is joining too many societies in my fi rst semester at university. It was a time when I wanted to be involved in everything and get to know people, but I would later fi nd that I also needed time to study! Having an extracurricular and academic balance is key for university life, and I wish I had known that earlier.
Do you plan to stay and fi nd work in the UK? What do you plan to do with your studies?
I’m not sure yet, as I’m focusing on fi nishing my dissertation at the moment.
Do you have any tips for students looking to study here in the UK?
Start your application early, and make sure to ask your favourite teacher to help you with your UCAS reference. Most universities create online events for prospective international students, so it’s a great idea to attend and ask any questions you might have. When packing your bags make sure to bring something that reminds you of home (I brought my teddy bear!).
She was drawn to how specialised the University of Manchester’s degrees are
Northwood Schools, SW London
Broomwood Hall Lower School: The Old Vicarage, 192 Ramsden Road, London SW12 8TE Broomwood Hall Upper School: 68-74 Nightingale Lane, London SW12 8NR Northcote Lodge: 26 Bolingbroke Grove, London SW11 6EL Northwood Senior: 3 Garrad’s Road, London SW16 1JZ
Northwood Schools – Group CEO: Kevin Doble Broomwood Hall Lower School – Headteacher: Jo Townsend Broomwood Hall Upper School – Headteacher: Louisa McCafferty Northcote Lodge – Headteacher: Clive Smith-Langridge Admissions: admissions@northwoodschools.com +44 (0)20 8682 8830 Northwood Senior – Headteacher: Susan Brooks Admissions: NWSsenior@northwoodschools.com +44 (0)20 8161 0301
GENDER/AGES: Broomwood Hall Lower School: Boys and Girls aged 4-8 years Northcote Lodge: Boys aged 8-13 years Broomwood Hall Upper School: Girls aged 8-13 years Northwood Senior – Boys and Girls aged 11-16 years FEES: Pre-prep £5,820 per term, prep £7,140 per term, senior £7,140 per term TYPICAL CLASS SIZE: Pre-prep – max 20, Prep – max 17, Senior – max 18 FAITH: CofE – but all faiths welcome MOTTO: Do your best to be your best (Broomwood Hall) Si Je Puis (Northcote Lodge) ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Please see website for details. School philosophy: Each of the four Northwood Schools has its own identity and leadership, but the group is very much one family and there is a lot of collaboration between and across the schools - including trips, sport, debates, music and more. The group is united by a common purpose: to help each child stretch themselves to the best of their academic ability, support them with anything they might find more challenging; encourage them to aim high; give them the confidence to believe they can succeed and provide them with opportunities that deliver the best of a broad and exciting education. Academic record: As primarily non-selective schools, each schools has a wide range of abilities – yet results are excellent, with children moving on to some of the best schools in the country, both day and boarding and with scholarships in all areas. Extracurricular: The school has a wide choice of clubs and activities on offer each term so that there is always something to excite the interests of every child. Notable achievements and alumni: In 2021 three of our four schools were finalists in the Independent School of the Year awards: Best Pre-Prep, Best Prep and Best school for Wellbeing. Broomwood Hall has an Artsmark Gold award for excellence in creativity. The schools support a school in Ethiopia.
