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Study in UK

Academic year

The academic year in the UK normally runs from late September or early October to June, usually with a month off at Christmas and Easter. Some institutions offer starting dates at other times of the year. There is much more flexibility for research students as the nature of their programmes can be highly individual, so starting dates can often be negotiated with the institution to suit the interests of the student and the supervisor.

Application procedures

Foundation Courses

When should I apply?

You should apply by the beginning of the year in which you would like to start the course. You will need to check on the closing date for applications to individual colleges but it is advisable to apply at least a year proceeding into the institution.

How should I apply?

Write to the institution, which offer the course you are interested in and ask for the application form. Complete this, attach reference and attested copies of academic certificates and send directly to the institutions.

Undergraduate

When should I apply?

You should apply a year before you would like to start your course. You will need to check the application timetable from the UCAS website www.ucas.com

If you require an UCAS application form, you can send your request through the enquiry form.

How should I apply?

To apply for the bachelors programme you have to apply through Universities Colleges Admission Service (UCAS). UCAS is a centralised body, which acts on behalf of higher education to process student application for first degree, diploma of higher education, HND and some university diploma courses.

Postgraduate

When should I apply?

You should apply as early as December of the year before the course starts. If a closing date is given, you must make sure you send your application in time, as late applications may not be considered.

Some courses do not have set closing dates. Admissions Tutors consider applications and offer places until the courses are full, so you should make sure you apply as early as possible.

Applying early is the best way of making sure you get a place on your first choice of course. It will also mean you have more time to arrange your finances, particularly if you are applying for scholarships or other awards. If you need a visa to come to the UK to study, allow yourself enough time to make an application.

How should I apply?

You should apply directly to the institution that offers the course you are interested in. Details of the application procedure will be available from the institution. There is no restriction on the number of different courses you can apply to in any one year. Some institutions now accept applications via the Internet. Applying this way can speed up your application and admission procedures considerably.

Entry Requirements

Are you taking your Intermediate/FA/FSc qualifications?

You can apply for a foundation course six months before your final exams. The course may also be suitable for mature students with work experience. Foundation courses take a year to complete and upon successful completion facilitate entrance to undergraduate courses.

Are you taking your two years Bachelors Degree/A Levels qualifications?

You can apply for undergraduate courses the year before your exams. You may also apply after completing your F.A/FSC. However in that case you will need to select those universities which offer courses in the subject that you are interested in that include a one year foundation course.

Are you taking a three year bachelors degree qualifications?

You can apply for an undergraduate course the year before your exams. It may be possible that you will be allowed entry into the second year of an under graduate course.

Are you taking your two years Masters Degree/Four Years Engineering Degree/Medicine/Law qualifications?

You can apply for Postgraduate Degree courses early in the year you will take your final exams.

Are you taking your MBA qualifications?

You can apply for an MBA course after you have had two years of relevant work experience. For most MBA courses you are required to take Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT).

English language requirement

For all courses it is essential to have a good command of written and spoken English.

Universities and colleges normally require a pass grade C or above in GCE `O¿ level English. As an alternative they will usually accept a good score (5.5 to 7.0) in the IELTS test administered by the British Council, or the TOEFL (213-280).

Ranking of UK Institutions

Undergraduate

Institutions are ranked on the basis of Research and Teaching Quality Assessments.

Teaching quality assessment looks at the quality of teaching and learning in specific subjects, especially student¿s learning experience and achievement. Quality assessment covers

• Curriculum design, content and organisation

• Teaching, learning and assessment

• Student progression and achievement

• Student support and guidance

• Learning resources

• Department lever quality management

For students planning to study as undergraduates in the UK should look at TQA grading as part of the ratings of the subjects at specific institutions.

Postgraduate

To judge the quality of research, the funding bodies conduct a UK-wide Research Assessment exercise (RAE) ever five years.The last exercises took place in 2001.The results are given on a scale from 1 (lowest) to 5* (highest). For students pursuing a degree in postgraduate sector in the UK, should consider RAE grading for the subject chosen as a part of their final decision.

Recognised UK Degree

The UK has a well-deserved reputation world-wide for providing high quality and reputable higher education. There are 108 higher education institutions in the UK that are permitted to award a wide variety of degrees to suit most educational aspirations. All institutions have degree awarding powers recognised by the UK authorities (UK and Scottish Parliament, Welsh and Northern Ireland Assemblies).

For information please go to http://www.dfes.gov.uk/recognisedukdegrees/