Higher education in United Kingdom

UK universities and colleges attract students from all over the world because they combine centuries-old traditions with innovative educational methods. So, apart from being prestigious, the higher education in the UK is very effective. The HE providers offer a diverse selection of courses and types of studies suitable for anyone at any time of their education or career path.

Higher education in England works magic on everyone, especially employers. It increases your employability manifold in any country in the world. You are sure to get enough skills and knowledge to stand out among many same-age students that studied elsewhere. The admission process is rather painstaking and time-consuming and involves a lot of documents to be prepared.

Imperial & Legal provides advice in selecting the right course for you when applying to study with any HE provider in the UK. Our education experts have years of experience and know every pitfall and trick of the application process. They can help you prepare all the documents in a short period of time and become a student of the chosen institution.

Admission requirements for international students

To be able to study in the UK, you must prove your English language proficiency by passing one of the standardised tests and qualifications, e.g. TOEFL – minimum overall score 100-110 with 22-25 scores per component, or IELTS – overall grade 7-7.5 with 6.5-7 per component. These are standard requirement for all courses, but every HE provider have their specific entry requirements as well.

Some higher education providers in the UK offer a foundation year which can be helpful for international students to improve their English before completing a full-degree course.

Higher education courses and degrees

England is a leader in providing higher education in such subject areas as Management, Economics, International Relations and Social Studies. One of the key features of British higher education is that it is given in partnership with local businesses and industry, meaning that students get both theoretical and practical knowledge and skills.

Those students that have done their A-levels can continue their studies in undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

Undergraduate courses

• Bachelor’s degree courses. Usually they are 3- or 4-year courses concentrating on a single subject, two or more subjects. You can either study core modules or customise the course to your needs. Some degrees offer a sandwich year involving work placement in industry. If you want to get a master’s degree you can also start your studies at the undergraduate level opting for an integrated master’s course. Then you will continue for an extra year at the postgraduate level to be awarded a master’s degree at the end.
• Foundation or qualifying year, sometimes called ‘year zero’. They are generally 1-year, full-time courses aimed at preparing you for completing a full-degree course at the same university or college, or elsewhere.
• Foundation degrees are usually two-year courses (longer if part-time). Can be good for school leavers at 18 that wish to do a vocational degree while they work, combining academic skills and knowledge with workplace performance. These degrees have lower entry requirements and fewer examinations. They can be used as a standalone qualification for employment or, if students wish, they can progress to a final ‘top-up’ year, leading to a full bachelor’s degree.

Postgraduate courses

• Master’s degrees. There are two types of this degree:
  • A taught master’s degree – learning by teaching, i.e. lectures, classes, group work. Normally 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time.
  • Master’s by research. Involves training in research methods, conducting a substantial research project. Normally 1.5-3 years full-time. Good basis for PhD.
• PhD, or doctorate. Potentially lead to a research-based career. Involves creating an in-depth, unique and important piece of research with a thesis at the end. Normally 3 years full-time or 6 years part-time.
• MBA (Master’s in Business Administration). A choice of general, combined and industry-specific courses. Normally 1-2 years full-time or 2-5 years part-time.

Imperial & Legal will help you get a higher education in the UK

If you decided to get a higher education in England, complete language or professional course, then you are in the right hands. Our experienced experts have been supporting many international candidates in becoming students of prestigious universities and colleges – and doing it smoothly and at a less cost. We offer the following services:

• Help you select where and what to study;
• Prepare and obtain all the required documents;
• Liaise with university’s or college’s officials on your behalf;
• Arrange admission tests and interviews;
• Visa support;
• Translation into English and notarisation;
• Arrange flights, insurance and accommodation, etc.

The list of the services is not inclusive. For the full list of services and a detailed consultation, get in touch with one of our advisers by phone or via website form.