United Kingdom
School system of the United Kingdom The UK school system prepares students for a specialized education at some of the world’s top universities.
Why study in the UK? The UK’s education system is widely regarded as one of the best in the world – and you’ll benefit from all it has to offer with the help of EF. Once you graduate from an EF University Preparation Program, you’ll not only get to enjoy the world-leading facilities found at universities across the nation but also expert tuition and Britain’s renowned student life. Education in the UK Compulsory education begins at the age of five and finishes at the age of 16 when students take their General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSEs) in up to 10 subjects. Afterward, students can take A levels at a sixth form college. Students usually study three to four subjects, which are commonly related to their desired degree subject. A-level grades are a determining factor in university admittance. The bachelor’s degree Undergraduate students in the UK typically pursue a bachelor’s degree that specialises in one subject for three years. Entrance requirements for international students include English proficiency (with a minimum IELTS level 6.0) and an additional year of secondary school, known as a EF University Foundation Program, which is equivalent to Grade 13. Master’s, MBA or PhD degrees A traditional Master’s or MBA degree typically lasts one year, and requires both exams and a thesis to graduate. Some specialized careers require the completion of a doctoral program or PhD, which includes four to five years of advanced study and research. For most of these programs, international students are required to have a recognized undergraduate degree and an English level of at least IELTS level 6.5. MBA programs normally require at least two years of work experience.
United Kingdom’s Top Universities Our students continually gain placement to the United Kingdom’s top 30 universities*. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30.
University of Cambridge University of Oxford University of St. Andrews University of Surrey University of Loughborough Durham University Imperial College London Lancaster University University of Warwick University of Bath University of Exeter London School of Economics University of Birmingham University College London Coventry University University of Leeds University of Southampton City University London University of York University of Sussex University of Falmouth University of Edinburgh University of Kent University of East Anglia University of Nottingham University of Glasgow Heriot-Watt University University of Dundee Aston University SOAS, University of London
*Guardian University League Table 2017
The higher education system in the UK
Sixth form college
University
Postgraduate studies
›› Two years ›› First year is called “lower sixth”; second year is called “upper sixth” ›› A-levels are studied during both years
›› Three years (occasionally four years) ›› Years are divided into two semesters or three terms ›› Bachelor’s degree is awarded upon completion ›› Students take subjects in their degree area and sit final exams
›› One year (occasionally two years) ›› Master’s degree is awarded upon completion ›› Students must complete course work, write a thesis and sit final exams ›› Master’s students can continue studying for a doctoral degree or PhD
Further and higher education in the UK www.ef.com/university
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