WHY STUDYING IN THE UK
The UK has been a leader in academia for centuries. It’s home to two of the world’s top three universities (with a further 26 ranked among the global top 200) and has one of the most diverse subject offerings in the world. Thanks to rich traditions of critical thinking and academic rigour, more than one in three undergraduate students who study in the UK obtain a first-class degree.
Beyond the world-class education and high-quality teaching, there is so much to love in the UK (also known by its full name: The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland). From our open and inclusive way of life to our ancient traditions, and our stunning landscapes and dazzling nightlife to our unbeatable international cultural scene. You will also be well looked after with a trustworthy police force, reliable and affordable transport services which will connect you with towns and cities all across the four nations and beyond, and one of the most advanced healthcare systems in the world.
Many options are available for international graduates looking to stay in the UK after graduation. Below, we detail the UK government's Graduate Route visa and the Skilled Worker route specifically.
However, we recommend you do your research on the GOV.UK website to work out which visa best suits your current situation. There are lots of other options available, including short-term and long-term visas, and visas for specific types of employment, such as for healthcare workers.
The UK has a long history of welcoming international students to study at its universities, and those who decide to study in the UK will be rubbing shoulders with some of the brightest minds from all corners of the globe.
You will get the chance to mix, meet, and interact with over 200,000 international students worldwide, learning more about different walks of life in a place of contrasts and cultures.
UK universities combine traditional lectures with a variety of innovative teaching techniques, designed to encourage independent thinking, problem-solving skills and self-motivation. You will be working in small groups solving real-life problems from your future career, whether in the classroom, the lab or on field trips.
During your degree, you will have access to leading technology, from state-of-the-art laboratories to interactive screens and online learning, and you will have the opportunity to learn from the very best in your field. Many teachers in UK universities are industry leaders, and you will have one-to-one access to them where you will be able to learn from their vast experience. UK universities also cultivate industry relationships, allowing you to get practical experience in your field within world-leading organisations, and make connections to give your career an edge.
Deciding to study in the UK is an investment in your future. A prestigious degree from the UK is a valuable and transformative experience and will take your education - and your employability - to the next level.
There are many funding options available for international students who want to study in the UK. They range from part-funding, for example paying part of your fees, to full-funding which covers programme fees, living expenses, and return flights to the UK.
Foundation Programmes
Study the Business Foundation course at a Pathway Centre, and achieve the necessary English language and academic requirements to enrol at university level. *By achieving the required grades, you will have guaranteed progression to the degree course of your choice at one of our 15+ university partners.
The IFY will prepare you for the first year of your undergraduate degree. It’s made up of several core and subject-specific modules that will give you a greater understanding of your chosen subject area. The skills you develop through this programme will help you in your chosen degree, in your future career, and in all aspects of life.
The International Foundation Year (IFY) is a level 3 programme equivalent to A levels. During your study of the IFY you will develop subject-specific knowledge and improve your academic English language skills in preparation for studying at university.
UNIVERSITIES WHICH ARE GIVEN FOUNDATION&INTERNATIONAL YEAR 0 PROGRAMS
OXFORD LONDON PATHWAY
OXFORD PATHWAY
DEMONTFORT UNIVERSITY
GREENWICH UNIVERSITY
BANGOR UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY OF DUNDEE
EDINBURGH NAPIER UNIVERSITY
BIRBECK UNIVERSITY LONDON
UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORD
UNIVERSITY OF KENT
OVERVIEW
Year 1 Courses / Undergraduate Courses for Students with A-Levels or Foundation Programs
Students who have achieved high scores in their A-Levels or completed Foundation Programs may be eligible for Year 1 courses at UK universities. Some universities may also accept students directly into Year 1 based on outstanding high school performance.
UK universities typically offer 3-year programs. Year 1 courses are designed as departmental courses, tailored to the student’s chosen field of study. We highly recommend that students without strong A-Level or high school results consider starting with Year 0 or Foundation Programs. This preparatory step can significantly enhance their chances of success throughout their academic journey.
OVERVIEW
Pre-Master Programs are suitable for students who have HND/ND degrees and wish to pursue their academic careers through Master’s Programs, as well as for Bachelor’s Third degree holders .Additionally, these programs cater to students who have taken a gap year after completing their Bachelor’s degree. Pre-Master Programs are generally one or two-term courses that lead to a Master’s Degree. The English language requirements for these programs are relatively lower than those for direct entry into Master’s admissions, with IELTS requirements varying from 4.5 to 5.5.
UNIVERSITIES WHICH ARE OFFERING PRE-MASTER PROGRAMS
OXFORD LONDON PATHWAY
OXFORD PATHWAY
DEMONTFORT UNIVERSITY
GREENWICH UNIVERSITY
BANGOR UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY OF DUNDEE
EDINBURGH NAPIER UNIVERSITY
BIRBECK UNIVERSITY LONDON
UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORD
UNIVERSITY OF KENT
POST GRADUATE STUDIES
In the UK, a postgraduate or master's course typically follows an undergraduate degree and usually lasts one year, unlike the two-year master's programs found elsewhere. This allows international students to save both time and money, enabling them to start their careers sooner with a prestigious UK postgraduate degree.
Why pursue a Master's in the UK?
The UK boasts some of the world's top universities, known for their exceptional teaching and research. A postgraduate degree from the UK is highly valued by employers worldwide. For international students, studying in the UK is an excellent chance to enhance their English skills and join a diverse, vibrant community of scholars and peers.
Benefits include:
- Enhanced career opportunities
- An internationally recognized qualification
- Potential for higher earnings due to the prestige of a UK master's degree
- Flexible study schedules
According to the Higher Education Statistics Agency, 86% of postgraduate master's graduates in the UK secure full-time employment shortly after graduation, compared to 75% of those with just an undergraduate degree.
Types of Master's Degrees
Taught Masters
The four primary types of taught master's degrees are: Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MSc), Master of Business Administration (MBA), and Master of Engineering (MEng). These programs typically last 1-2 years on a full-time basis.
Taught programs require regular attendance at seminars, tutorials, and lectures, similar to undergraduate courses, with assessments through exams, dissertations, or projects.
Research Masters
Research degrees offer more autonomy, centering on thesis work under academic supervision. The most common research degree is a PhD, which takes 3-4 years to complete and involves composing a thesis of 60,000 to 100,000 words.
PhD Study
PhD Study in the UK
What is a PhD?
A PhD is the highest research degree offered by universities in the UK, involving a significant research project in an area of academic interest. This project is typically up to 100,000 words long, presented as a thesis, and must be defended in an oral examination before a panel of experts. Students are assigned a supervisor and usually complete their PhD in three years full-time or six years part-time.
Research degrees rarely include taught modules, placing more responsibility on students to manage their work and time.
PhD Eligibility
UK universities can admit any student, with PhD admission typically requiring an undergraduate degree with at least upper second-class honours and a master's degree. Proof of English language proficiency is necessary; usually, a minimum IELTS score of 7.0 is required.
PhD Research Proposal
Applicants for a PhD must submit a research proposal outlining the intended research, methodology, and its significance. This proposal must be approved by a panel of experts before the program can commence.
Other Research Degrees
MPhil (Master of Philosophy)
An MPhil may be the first step towards a PhD, requiring a transfer to a PhD program after 12-18 months. It is also a standalone qualification, typically thesis-only, lasting one year full-time or two years part-time, with a thesis limit of 60,000 words.
An MPhil is pursued when the research scope is not sufficient for a PhD.
MRes (Master of Research)
An MRes is an advanced postgraduate research degree in arts, humanities, and social sciences. Some PhD programs may require an MRes before starting a PhD. The MRes program is designed to