The United Kingdom is the top choice for international students for pursuing their higher studies. Moreover, the UK is the home of some world-class universities in the world. In the UK more than 4,00,000 students are welcomed every year. A large number of foreign students want to settle down in the UK after completing their degree. The UK believes that international students are the assets of both its cities and communities. Furthermore, the UK has a magnificent reputation for international students pursuing their higher studies with high-class career prospects.
The UK Education System
The universities and colleges in the UK offer thousands of excellent courses leading to qualifications that are respected by employers and academics worldwide. While thinking about UK education international students think only about Bachelor or Master’s degree. However, the UK has a lot more options than these. Such as,
➔ Foundation Degree: In the UK the foundation degree is equivalent to the first two years of a Bachelor degree. The course can be both full time and part-time. Also, in this course, students need to achieve knowledge of academic subjects, study skills and English language proficiency.
➔ Diploma of Higher Education: This course is mainly a full time two years course. Generally, these two years are considered as a requirement for entering into the third year of a related degree of programme. This degree is mainly linked to some particular jobs and sectors. Such as nursing and social work.
➔ Higher National Diploma (HND): The Higher National Diploma (HND) course is a higher education qualification available in the UK. This course has been specifically designed for specific work/fields. This course is level 5 qualification which is equivalent to a foundation course in some cases. Basically, HND is more practical. Generally, it takes two years to complete an HND course.
➔ Bachelor or Undergraduate Degree: In most cases, the duration of a Bachelor degree is three years in the UK. This degree has been designed to assist students to gain a thorough understanding of a subject. Masters or Postgraduate Degree: It is believed that earning a master’s degree in the United Kingdom is really helpful for one’s personal and professional growth. However, in England master's degrees are more intense and specific. Moreover, in the UK the master's programme is mainly research-based which requires individual study.
➔ PhD/ Doctorate Degree: A Doctor of Philosophy is the highest level of academic study a student can achieve. The scholars who complete this degree mostly join the academics as lecturers or researchers
Life in the UK
It is highly exciting and adventurous for international students to move to the United Kingdom from their home countries. Moreover, there will be a period of adjustment whether the students are already familiar with British culture or it's completely new to them. These four nations (England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland) have made up their own culture and tradition. As the UK is a multicultural society a glimpse of living in the UK has given below:
➔ British People: In the UK, being late for work is highly odd and British people consider it very rude. If you know that you’re going to be late, you’re expected to inform the person regarding the situation.
➔ British Food: If you go through the internet you’ll get to know that the UK is a multicultural society. International students can easily find American hot dogs to Italian Pizza, and Chinese Noodles to Indian Biryani. Moreover, there are a large number of grocery stores where you will find your home country’s products.
➔ British Public Transport: UK has a highly organized and sophisticated public transport system. International students can use different modes of transport to reach their destination.
The British Railway system is massively comprehensive and allows passengers to reach every city and town. The fare of buses is very affordable in the UK, although the passengers need to wait a bit for boarding into the bus compared to the train.
➔ Student Accommodation: It is well known that the downtown areas of megacities are pretty expensive. It is very unfortunate that London is one of the most expensive cities in the world. However, the students' halls/ dorms are one of the cheapest options for international students in the UK.
➔ Work While Studying: It is immensely regular in the UK that students are working at the time of studying. Moreover, foreign students are also allowed to work (part-time) in the UK to gather work experience and earn money.
In the end, it is highly essential for international students to research well before moving to the UK. A little bit of research and guidance will make your life easier in the United Kingdom.