Things To Know Before Choosing The UK As A Study Destination

The United Kingdom, with its renowned education system, higher chances of employability, and stellar opportunities in research and corporate has become one of the most coveted destinations for Indian students. From being a multicultural country to offering quality education and extensive work opportunities, the UK has set a benchmark for other European countries as a destination for students from the Global South.

Being acceptable to Indian culture, the country has extracted more than 65,000 Indian students since the beginning of 2020. Moreover, the country recently increased its post-study stay-back period from 1 to 2 years for all degree programs. This, combined with increasing job opportunities in fields like analytics and finance, and an uncompromising focus on research-based education and learning, makes studying in the UK a promising experience.

Universities in the UK also offer unique entry options for students at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Programs having foundation years allow students to prepare themselves for degree programs in the university itself, if they do not meet regular academic requirements due to the lack of experience or high academic scores. Similarly, some courses also provide for industry placements post completion of the degree, through which students gain streamlined work experience for a year in their specific industries. Not only does this improve work opportunities abroad, but it also provides students with a streamlined and direct exposure to their intended career field.

Types Of Educational Institutions

Universities and colleges: These educational institutions provide you with degrees across both undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Usually, universities are made up of schools, colleges, or academic departments. The courses offered in universities are academics intensive, with a holistic approach around one specific field, for example, Bachelor’s in Social Sciences, Bachelor’s in Archaeology, or, Master’s in Management, Master’s in Finance. Universities of the UK are world-renowned for their student-centric facilities, placement offers, and co-scholastic areas. These universities include the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, the University of Manchester, University of Edinburgh. The cost for university courses for STEM programs might vary between Rs.20-40 lakh, and for non-STEM courses between Rs.10-18 lakh, depending upon the course and the level of education. Universities typically do not require entrance tests for admissions (except IELTS as a test of English proficiency). However, students are required to take the LNAT and UCAT/BMAT for law and medicine courses at the undergraduate level respectively. Business-related courses in leading universities also tend to have a GMAT/GRE requirement/recommendation. Most universities have a comprehensive focus, that is, they offer degree programs across academic fields and levels of education. However, certain institutes including the University of Arts, London, and the Royal College of Art offer programs only in the creative and/or performing arts fields.

Listed Bodies and other institutions: Listed Bodies are institutions that award diploma courses, vocational courses, bridging courses, and certificate courses. These bodies cannot provide you with bachelor’s or master’s degrees. Courses offered under these institutions are highly skill-intensive, which may directly lead to employment. These facilitate you with skills required for field practice, skill development, and may also prepare you for entering into universities. These courses, unlike university courses, offer you a broad specialisation to enter into the job market. Usually, a further education course in college lasts for one to two years of full-time studies. During this time, you spend most of the time being taught how to apply your skills in the real environment. These courses last for 1-2 years depending upon the specific course. The courses offered can range from a Graduate Diploma in Sales, to a Graduate Diploma in Law, to Diploma in Mosaic Studies. The institutions offering these kinds of courses are Warnborough College, London School of Mosaic, Kingsgate International college, International Career Institute, etc. Listed bodies require a 3-year or a 4-year bachelor’s, along with an English proficiency test. GRE/GMAT might be required for students wanting to opt for management or science-related fields. The cost for diploma and vocational courses varies from about Rs.15-18 lakh depending upon the course, institute and duration.

Types Of Degrees Offered

Taught programs: These courses are offered at both the undergraduate and graduate level, and culminate in the awarding of a bachelor’s or master’s degree respectively. Taught programs are academically intensive and necessitate students to complete research projects and thesis as a part of their coursework. Undergraduate taught programs are 3-year long (4 with a placement or foundation year) and graduate taught programs are typically one year long. LLB and MBBS courses tend to be longer and can be applied for admissions at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. Institutions in Scotland particularly, specifically Glasgow and Edinburgh offer combined bachelor’s and master’s programs that are up to 4 years long.

Research Programs: Research-oriented programs are offered at graduate and postgraduate levels and culminate in the awarding of a master’s degree, MPhil and Ph.D., depending on the program. Research courses are independent in nature and require you to inspect and analyse the specimens of the subjects you like. Research courses allow students to engage in direct and original research in a structured environment and through streamlined mentorship processes.

The UK, with its short courses, bustling business, cultural environment, and an unparalleled history of noteworthy academia and research, is a destination for education abroad like no other. However, the intricacies of applications and requirements can make applying a taxing process, which points to the need of getting professional help for profile and application development.

Jitin Chawla is an eminent career counsellor, working actively in the Indian and abroad education domain. He is the Director at Centre For Career Development, whose operations span across Delhi- NCR, and most parts of North India for more than 20 years. He can be reached at www.jitinchawla.com.