Education System
International Students have been flocking in droves to Study in the UK . This is a great opportunity for international students to add skills and experience to their resume while enjoying the experience of studying and living in another country. The UK offers a world-renowned education system. There are more than 3,000 educational institutions. One is able to find a course that suits ones real interests, ambitions and passions. Quality standards for UK institutions are among the best in the world. Career-based courses are designed to equip a student for specific roles in the modern world of work.
Besides, UK degrees can take only three years and postgraduate master’s courses only one year ‘ compared with four years and two years in most other countries. This saves your money investment and time investment both. Thousands of scholarships and bursaries are offered by UK institutions just for international students. International students in the UK can work up to 20 hours a week when studying and full time during vacations. Study in the UK will not only give students a thorough understanding of the subject they choose to specialize in, but also analytical and problem solving skills that are recognized and much prized by employers around the world. Moreover, the past decade especially has seen a major effort to enhance and extend vocational preparation in the UK to meet the challenges faced in the changing world of employment.
Institutions use a variety of teaching and assessment methods to encourage independence, as well as mastery of the subject. Health care is often free for international students. You are likely to be able to take advantage of National Health Service (NHS) treatment, as well as reduced-cost medicines, dental treatment and eye tests. Students can come to study in the UK at any age, and many international students attend school in UK before they proceed to higher or further education. Education is compulsory between the ages of 5 and 16 (i.e. eleven years of schooling) and is provided both by state-funded and independent schools. A state-funded school has to follow the National Curriculum. Independent schools however follow a similar curriculum and keep developing their own special expertise as well. At the age of 16, students wishing to continue academic study take examinations in a number of subjects in the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE).
Primary Education : Primary education is available for children aged five to thirteen. Many international students enter at the age of seven, often as boarders, and then transfer to a secondary school in the independent system when they are either eleven or thirteen.
Secondary Education : Secondary education is for students aged between 11 and 16. At this point, they continue with English, mathematics and science, and choose four or five additional subjects to study for GCSE (SCE Standard-grade in Scotland ). These courses usually take two years and finish with examinations at the age of 15 or 16. Normally the international students will enter in the UK at the age of 12 years moving into secondary education.
Post–16 Education (including A-levels and equivalents) : At the end of compulsory education, students have the choice of either leaving studies to begin working or moving onwards to post-16 education. Most, however, study A-levels or equivalent qualifications as sixth-form students in a school, sixth form college or college of further education. International students often enter the education system at this point, e.g. taking an A-level course in preparation for further or higher education in the UK.
Post–18 Education
First Degree Courses (Bachelor’s degree) are normally of three or four years (in case of a sandwich course) and are largely taught courses sometimes including the preparation of a dissertation. Sandwich course – after completing 2 years of bachelors a student can undertake a year of commercial training before returning for a final year in college. The main advantage is that the student gets real experience while in the learning mode. Most universities offer this type of education.
Higher National Diploma (HND) is awarded by Vocational and Technical Educational Council. They offer a 2-year course in a vocational subjects like scientific and technical, and business subjects. Great emphasis is placed on work experience. It is often seen as the first step towards a degree course as the credits can be transferred.
Postgraduate study leads to postgraduate certificates and diplomas, Master’s degrees (including the MBA) and doctorates (e.g. PhD or D.Phil.). All are advanced academic programmes for students who already have a good first degree. They are offered by universities, and by some HE colleges and institutes. These courses are normally of one or sometimes two years. Completion of a doctorate normally takes a minimum of three years. Many post-experience courses are also available, either leading to a qualification or providing a refresher course for graduates wishing to update or extend their knowledge.