Facts About Earning an Undergraduate Degree in the UK

The United Kingdom is the second-largest host of international students, behind the U.S., according to the Institute of International Education's Project Atlas.

The United Kingdom may be a small country, but when it comes to international students, its lure is large. The U.K. is the second-largest host of international students behind the U.S., according to the Institute of International Education's Project Atlas. The country drew 480,000 international students during 2012-2013 – the most recent year for which data were available – with most students coming from China, India and the U.S. That makes sense, experts say, as the U.K. is home to some of the world's best universities, rivaled only by the U.S. in terms of quality and prestige. Prospective bachelor's students should realize that although the U.K. shares a common language with its U.S., Canadian and Australian counterparts, many aspects of its higher education system are distinct. Here are some facts prospective international students should know about the country's universities.

The U.K. is a good fit for students who know what they want to study. Before students commit to earning a bachelor's in the U.K., they need to know whether they want depth or breadth in their studies. While in the U.S., students are encouraged to take a variety of courses before homing in on a major, the U.K. requires students to take a deep dive into their subject from the start,. There are lots of students who come to the U.K. or Oxford with a passion for a particular subject. They spend their entire undergraduate career focused on that. As a result, students apply for a specific subject at the university, rather than to the university generally,​ as might be the case in the U.S. if a student wishes to change to a completely different subject to that which they applied for, they will usually need to apply again for the new subject.

 Students can expect a common application system. Like domestic students, international students can apply through the U.K.'s Universities and Colleges Admissions Service, called UCAS. While some universities may accept direct applications from international students, that's not the norm. Number of U.K. universities also accept the Common Application, allowing international students to apply to U.S. and U.K. universities at the same time. All UCAS applications will require information about grades and a personal statement explaining a student's motivation for choosing his or her subject, an organization for cultural relations and educational opportunities that provides international students with information about studying in the U.K.​ Institutions have minimum requirements for English language ability, and some will require an extra exam or interviews. Before applying, prospective students should check an institution's website or prospectus to find out the requirements for their chosen course.

U.K. universities can save students money and time. Tuition in the U.K. ranges from 9,000 pounds to 15,000 pounds in U.K. dollars​ – about $14,000 to about $24,000 – per year, depending on the college and not including room and board. While that might not seem like a steal, the figure can be less than at many private U.S. institutions. Another advantage: Many programs in the U.K., with the exception of Scotland, award bachelor's degrees after three years. That means international students can save a year's worth of tuition.

International students can work while studying.International students who study a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate degree course at a recognized university are allowed to work part time​ during a term and up to 20 hours a week and full time​ during the holidays on a student visa. And unlike in the U.S., where international students face strict guidelines governing when it's permissible to work off campus​, in the U.K. they can work anywhere they find a job.

Studying in the U.K. isn't only a British experience – it's an international one. "The U.K. is more globally connected than the U.S. is, and part of that is because there are more international students here. A student have a review “You come to the U.K. and you have a European experience because you are with lots of students from Europe – it’s a train ride away from dozens of countries. There are lots and lots of international students, and I think they are well-supported.

University of Glasglow

The University of Glasgow

Founded in 1451, the University of Glasgow has been inspiring great minds for over 560 years. From its origins in the 15^th century, it has been a pioneering university, a role which it continues to fulfil to the present day. If you choose to study here, you’ll be following in the footsteps of a litany of world changers from economist Adam Smith and engineer James Watt to the inventor of television, John Logie Baird and the writer and producer of Doctor Who and Sherlock, Steven Moffat. In addition, the University has fostered the talents of one Prime Minister, seven Nobel Laureates and Scotland’s current First Minister. We have a diverse and growing student population with around 25,000 students from almost 130 different countries.

Research

The University is ranked in the top 1% of world universities and is a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive UK universities.  It enjoys a long-standing reputation as a research powerhouse with a focus on research excellence. It is one of the UK’s top 10 earners of research income with total earnings over £180m per year and has a base of over 2000 active researchers.

Study

At Masters level, the University offers a hugely diverse portfolio of around 300 postgraduate taught programmes including a growing portfolio of online programmes. Undergraduate programmes, which generally last for four years, span a range of subjects including arts, engineering, life sciences, modern languages, professional degrees, science, teaching and social sciences.

University facilities

The past decade has seen heavy investment in the campus with over £300m being spent on facilities. It is currently being transformed as part of a £775m development plan which has included the opening of the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, the current development of The Hunterian at Kelvin Hall (due to open autumn 2016) and the planned development of the neighbouring Western Infirmary site. The Hunterian is recognised as one of the world’s finest university museums and encompasses both an art gallery and museum.

Student support and resources

The University of Glasgow places great importance on providing our students with the right resources from dedicated teaching staff to academic support services. We have an excellent library with long opening hours (0715 – 0200 daily) with collections numbering over 2.5 million books and journals, comfortable individual and group study areas and social learning spaces. In addition, our Student Learning Service provides consultations and workshops on successful learning whilst the Student Services Enquiry Team advises on the general support services available to all students.

Student Life

The University of Glasgow is somewhat unique in offering two student unions, both with their own personality and characteristics. The award-winning Glasgow University Union is the most successful university debating institution in the world, having won 5 World University Debating Championships. It now offers a new nightclub complex with bars, disco and café space which will add to the Glasgow student experience. The Queen Margaret Union is a renowned musical venue in the city having hosted Nirvana and Biffy Clyro amongst others as well as offering a variety of events throughout the year. Outside of the unions there are more than 120 clubs and societies, a range of student-led media and the Students’ Representative Council which provides a voice for the student body.

The University certainly loves sport, both serious and social. Almost 4000 students participate across our 49 sports clubs and we offer two sports facilities, one of which has benefited from a £10m renovation programme to incorporate sports hall with viewing gallery and increased exercise and conditioning space.

Accommodation

Most new students and all international students are guaranteed University accommodation (provided you’ve applied before 22 August). Living in student residences is a great way to settle into university life and to make new friends when you arrive in the city. There’s a choice of residences, with many of them served by a free shuttle bus service.

Careers

Our Careers Service provides assistance to students to ensure they are fully prepared for employment. This includes one-to-one support from advisers, access to employers for work experience, guidance on CV preparation and interviews and the opportunity to meet recruiters at a number of events throughout the year.

Rankings 

Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2014 – 94^th

1^st in Scotland (National Student Survey 2015)

15 subject areas ranked in the UK top 10 (National Student Survey 2015)

The city

Glasgow is Scotland’s biggest city (3^rd largest in the UK) and, as such, hosts the largest student population in Scotland. Our campus is located in the west end of the city, just over a mile from the city centre and so students can enjoy the combination of living and studying in a compact, campus-style environment while being part of a major city.  

It is renowned as a city of culture through the variety of theatre, cinema, music, museums and galleries as well as offering a vibrant nightlife. It is also consistently voted as offering the best shopping in the UK outside of London with the choice of a ‘style mile’, designer outlets and quirky markets and boutiques.

Glasgow was voted as the ‘World’s Friendliest City’ (Rough Guides 2014).

With Glasgow as a base, you’ll be well placed to explore Scotland – Edinburgh is a 45 minute train ride away and magnificent Loch Lomond is only about 40 minutes away so is always a popular day-trip destination. A number of west coast islands are accessible for a day trip from the city and the Highlands can be reached in 3 – 4 hours.

Travel

Glasgow is easily accessible by air, rail and road. The international airport is 7 miles from the city and offers connections to major British (journey time from London of one hour) and European cities, North America and the Middle East. Within the city the campus is served by a number of bus routes and the city’s underground system.

Peckham Platform is a purpose-built public gallery dedicated to commissioning location

Camberwell College of Arts formerly known as Camberwell School of Arts and Crafts is a constituent college of theUniversity of the Arts London, and is widely regarded as one of the world's foremost art and design institutions. It is located in Camberwell in South London, England, with two sites, located in Peckham Road and Wilson Road. It offers furtherand higher education programmes, including postgraduate and PhD awards. The College has retained single degree options within Fine Art, offering specialist Bachelor of Arts courses in painting, sculpture, photography and drawing. The College also runs graduate and postgraduate courses in art conservation and fine art as well as Design Courses such as Graphic Design,Illustration and 3D design.

Peckham Platform is a purpose-built public gallery dedicated to commissioning location-

Peckham Platform is a purpose-built public gallery dedicated to commissioning location-specific artworks made in partnership with community groups. Originally known as Peckham Space and part of Camberwell College of Arts, University of the Arts London, in 2013 it became an independent charity. It seeks to encourage progression routes for young people into creative higher education as well as to increase access to cultural and educational activity in Peckham. Peckham Space is funded by the Higher Education Innovation Fund  Southwark Council and Arts Council England. The permanent venue on Peckham Square, designed by PENSON, opened in June 2010

University of Oxford is a research university located in Oxford in England

University of Oxford. When you think of English universities, Oxford is likely one of the first ones to come to your mind. Oxford University is the oldest university in the English-speaking world.  The University of Oxford is a research university located in Oxford in England. The university is the oldest in the English speaking world, with evidence of instruction being done then as early as 1096 and developed rapidly through the 12th century. The University has played a major role in the intellectual life of the country since its early days. Over nine centuries it has been a centre for debate and controversy in science, religion and the arts. During the 20th and early 21st centuries, Oxford added to this humanistic core a major new research capacity in the natural and applied sciences, including medicine. But rather colleges, departments, living accommodations, academic buildings, and other important buildings are located throughout the city of Oxford. There are over 22,000 students at Oxford, including 11,832 undergraduates and 9,857 postgraduates. The University has over 16,500 people employed, and 94% of Oxford students are employed or go on to graduate studies after they leave Oxford. Over 80 Nobel Prize recipients have been associated with Oxford at one time in their lifetimes.

Entry Requirements -

• Conditional offers for students studying A-levels range between A*A*A and AAA (or 38–40 points in the International Baccalaureate including core points, or another equivalent) depending on the subject. Each course page will detail the requirements necessary.
• Specific A level (or equivalent) subjects may be required to apply for some subjects, especially in the sciences.
• Most subjects require applicants to sit a written test and/or submit written work

The University of Cambridge is one of the world's oldest universities and leading academic centres,

The University of Cambridge is rich in history - its famous Colleges and University buildings attract visitors from all over the world. But the University's museums and collections also hold many treasures which give an exciting insight into some of the scholarly activities, both past and present, of the University's academics and students.

The University of Cambridge is one of the world's oldest universities and leading academic centres, and a self-governed community of scholars. Its reputation for outstanding academic achievement is known world-wide and reflects the intellectual achievement of its students, as well as the world-class original research carried out by the staff of the University and the Colleges.

Undergraduate Study Program At Cambridge

• Christ's College
• Churchill College
• Clare College
• Corpus Christi College
• Downing College
• Emmanuel College
• Fitzwilliam College
• Girton College
• Gonville and Caius College

Bangor University is a Welsh university in the city of Bangor

Bangor University is a Welsh university in the city of Bangor in the county of Gwynedd in North Wales. It received its Royal Charter in 1885 and was one of the founding member institutions of the former federal University of Wales. The university was founded as the University College of North Wales  on 18 October 1884, with an inaugural address by the Earl of Powis, the College's first President, in Penrhyn Hall. There was then a procession to the college including 3,000 quarrymen (quarrymen from Penrhyn Quarry and other quarries had subscribed more than 1,200 pounds to the university).The foundation was the result of a campaign for better provision of higher education in Wales that had involved some rivalry among towns in North Wales over which was to be the location of the new college.

Students' Union

The Students’ Union provides services, support, activities and entertainment for students. All Bangor University students automatically become members of the Students' Union unless they choose to opt out. Its officers have seats on all major university committees.

As with most if not all Students' Unions, a yearly election takes place in which a number of sabbatical officers are elected. These sabbatical officers are held accountable for the actions and decisions of the union, and often work closely with members of the Students' Union Senate and other boards.Sabbatical Officer Positions

• Union President Fflur Elin
• VP Education & Welfare Lydia Richardson
• VP Sport & Healthy Living Rebecca Kent
• VP Societies & Community Mark Stanley
• UMCB President (Welsh Students' Union) Ifan James

In January 2016 Bangor Students' Union moved into the new Pontio Arts and Innovation Centre, Deiniol Road, Bangor. The New Student Centre provides students with Free Sports and Activities clubs, over 600 oportunities to volunteer, as well as the chance to become a Course Rep for your University School. The new open plan space provides students with a warm welcome and a safe space to relax and socialise with their peers.