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Study in UK
UK offers some of the best places and colleges in Europe. Not only do
they have a long history of teaching and world’s greatest leaders they
are also the home to some of the best thinkers and artists. One can
either go for traditional UK universities that offer contemporary
courses but also some of the oldest institutes in the country, which
entails the geographical zones of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales.
There are both popular undergraduate or Masters degrees here. On the
whole, quality of education here is very high and it is assumed that
costs are too. But that is really not true. Yes, the fees and other
aspects could be on the costlier side but if you chose to live in the
suburbs and commute to the university, then the cost of living goes down
while you study. The undergraduate courses here are around 3-4 years
each. Again, this strictly depends on the kind of subject you chose to
major in.
UK offers not only a chance to work with some of the
best companies in the world, but also study in an environment where you
can interact with different students from across the globe. UK boasts of
some of the top 4 universities in the world that offers quality level
of teaching from leading professionals in their chosen area. The courses
taught here are not only recognised on the international front but are
back with prestigious qualifications to make your resume stand out to
future employers. The multicultural society here makes it easier for
anyone from any corner of the planet to fit in with ease. There are
For
international students, there are also special societies and smaller
groups set up, which makes it easier for one to blend in. All
international students have the option to work for up to 20 hours per
week during term time and full time in holidays. Post, this you can
easily get visa to work for up to two years following your graduation.
Hence, plenty of learning and intern options. One of the other benefits
of studying in the UK is that you have the option to be close to the
rest of the Europe too. Hence, it provides the perfect chance to not
only holiday during smaller session breaks but also get a chance to work
in some of the nearby countries.
Cost of Living in the UK
The estimated living cost per year is
between 7,000 – 9,000 pounds which again depends on the kind of subject
you chose to study. There are plenty of stores and places offering
discounts to students, which make things a little more affordable. There
are special travel passes for students too. So in case you are located
away from the university, you will not really be wasting much of money
for commuting.
UK Visa
One of the most vital aspects to consider if you have
decided what to study are the entry dates, application deadlines, UK
student visa deadlines and English language requirements. Keep in mind
that the chunk of the intake happens in September each year, even though
some universities have a smaller intake in January. For those who want
to commence their courses in September, keep in mind that the
application deadline is in June. Hence all of the application documents
should have been submitted well in advance of your cut off date. To get a
visa for UK, one has to first qualify for the same.
It is true
that UK visa requirements are subject to change almost every other year.
But there are some fundamentals that are unconditional like the offer
letter from your chosen university, as well as proof of funds to cover
course fees and living expenses. To quality for the UK visa, remember
that a firm grasp over English is mandatory. The preferred English
language test for getting a visa is IELTS, though you will be able to
find out more about this from your chosen university.
International
students from outside the UK or EU need to apply for a student visa.
You can only apply for a student visa for any kind of a full-time degree
course in the UK. Student visas are not issued for part-time courses
and you will need to apply through a separate procedure only if you come
from the EU. Your eligibility is calculated using a points-based rules
system called a Tier 4 Student Visa.
You need 40 points to apply for a student visa.
UK Student Visa Fees
- It costs 328 pounds to apply for this visa from outside the UK.
- You must pay 328 pounds per person for any dependents.
- One has to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your application. There is an online option available at to check if on the same.
How long you can stay
You can arrive in the UK before your course starts:
- up to 1 week before, if your course lasts 6 months or less
- up to 1 month before, if your course lasts more than 6 months
How long you can stay actually depends on the kind of course you’re doing and what study you’ve already completed.
Remember
that you can work for up to 20 hours a week during your studies and
full-time during your holidays to help support your studies. But this is
only applicable for students who are pursuing a degree level course at a
UK higher education institution for longer than 6 months. You can work
here only if the university or college you are studying is at on the
Highly Trusted Sponsor (HTS) list and the list of recognized bodies.
Can you bring family to UK?
Under some course provisions, it is
allowed or permissible for the student to bring their partner and
children to the UK as your Tier 4 dependent. This applies for students
who are government-sponsored and are studying for courses that are
longer than six months or you are doing a postgraduate level course of
12 months. Students who are studying at publicly-funded Higher Education
Institution or a 'recognized body’ can also study. But for those who
are studying an English language course, you do not have the permission
to bring family to the UK as a Tier 4 dependent. This applies for degree
level or an undergraduate course (except if you are a
government-sponsored student). If you are applying from outside the UK,
the cost of the visa is 322 pounds (plus the Immigration Health Service
Charge). For those who are already in UK, the application can be made by
post for 439 pounds (plus the Immigration Health Service Charge) or in
person for 839 pounds (plus the Immigration Health Service Charge).
The popular courses and universities where you can apply for the courses in the UK are:
Medicine
Studying medicine or training to become a doctor is one
of the most preferred courses in UK. The universities here accept
international students with high grades. But do remember that the
admission to medical schools in UK is very competitive and usually all
students have to undergo the Medical Foundation Course of one year. Some
universities offer the same here as a 6-year program for medicine and 5
year program for dentistry and pharmacy. There are also many graduate
entry medicine programs available. The entire process of becoming a
doctor here involves long education training and may takes 10 or more
years to become a specialist or General Practitioner. The ideal course
include 6 years of primary medical study in UK followed by the
foundation program, Specialty, GP and run-through training. The overall
undergraduate medical study includes-
- 6-year primary medical program that happens at medical school, which
are attached or affiliated to a university. Here one gets clinical
placements in hospital and community settings.
- The foundation program follows this, which is a two-year medical
program, period for all UK medical graduates. One must undertake this
before moving on to further training. Some students do leave foundation
training and apply for a locally recruited post, such as a trust post).
- After this comes the specialty or General Practice (GP) and
run-through training. Here all the students’ doctors train to specialize
in either general practice or a specialty. The entire duration of the
training period along with the nature of the study depends on your
career area/specialty where one wants to work. Some colleges may offer
run-through programs, while others begin with core training.
Top universities for this subject are:
- Aberdeen (University of), School of Medicine: Medicine (5 years)
- Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary's,
University of London: Medicine (5 years); Medicine, Graduate entry (4
years)
- Birmingham (University of), School of Medicine: Medicine (5 years); Medicine, Graduate entry (4 years)
- Brighton and Sussex Medical School: Medicine (5 years)
- Bristol (University of), Faculty of Medicine: Medicine, Graduate
entry (4 years); Medicine, Pre-medical entry (6 years); Medicine,
Standard entry (5 years)
- Cambridge (University of), School of Clinical Medicine: Cambridge Graduate Course in Medicine (4 years); Medicine (6 years)
- Cardiff University, School of Medicine: Medicine, first year entry (5 years);Medicine, Foundation course (6 years)
- Exeter (University of) Medical School: Medicine (5 years)
- Dundee (University of), Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing: Medicine (5 years); Medicine, Pre-medical year (6 years)
- Durham (University of), School of Medicine and Health: Medicine,
Phase I Stockton Campus (2 years), Phase II University of Newcastle (3
years)
- Edinburgh (The University of), College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine: Medicine (5 years)
Architecture
Architecture is another popular course in the UK
where one can learn all about the design and mechanics, which goes
behind the construction of buildings. If you are aiming to becoming a
professional architect, then the focus is not only in improving
architecture and creates something visually stunning but also
incorporate practicality, functionality, safety and sustainability. And
with the swanky structures coming up on the contemporary front in UK,
along with a blend of rich, heritage and older buildings, there is also a
lot of diversity here. There are many universities located here that
not only offer you with courses in contemporary architecture and design
with fusion of technology and design but also give lot of emphasis on
both cultural and historical aspects too. So while studying
architecture, one can see that Lectures on history and theory will take
place alongside art and 3D design to give students the best approach to
learning about every element of the profession.
To apply for this
course, one has to be proficient in English language, art and design
and mathematics. These are preferable subjects to have studied prior to
applying an Architecture program. You may be tested for skills like
drawing freehand and have an interest in design and producing 3D work. A
portfolio of work is compulsory in some places too.
- Typical International Baccalaureate requirements: Minimum 32 points.
- Typical A-levels requirements: AAB, with a balance of art, sciences and writing ability.
- Typical IELTS requirements: 6.5 overall, with no lower than 6.0 in any one component.
For
becoming an architecture graduate, students have to finish a
combination of five years study and two years practical work experience.
This is done before completing final exams. Students also have to
become the members of RIBA, the Royal Institute of British Architects,
after their initial three-year undergraduate degree. This should be done
prior to enrolling on a BArch, Diploma or March degree. The usual norm
is
- BSc (Hons) Architecture
- One year paid practical experience
- March Master of Architecture
- Minimum one year paid practical experience
- Final qualification in professional practice
After
completing their 5 years of studies, graduates then move into a range of
roles including - Architect, Architect Technologist and Interior
Design. The concept of factoring also includes jobs, which relates to
issues such as budget, safety, building regulations and planning law,
jobs including building surveying, historical building conservation
officer, structural engineer, town planning, landscape architect and
much more will be available.
Top universities for this subject are:
- University College London
- Cardiff University
- University of Kent
- University of Bath
- University of Huddersfield
- University of Sheffield
Physiotherapy
In recent times, there has been an increase in the
number of students taking part or studying physiotherapy courses in UK.
The reason for the same is the scope of work available in this sector.
With an increased consciousness amongst people about their health, there
has been more demand for physiotherapists. Plus, in recent times, the
UK has been an emerging center for various kinds of sports, which also
gives rise to a requirement of physiotherapists. The country is also the
home to many senior citizens, which led to a demand for experts who can
help in therapy and healing.
The degree course in physiotherapy
includes a 3-year degree course, which steers clear your pathway for
good jobs in the future. The course includes an integrated research-led
education program and exceptional student experience. The combination of
the degree is physiotherapy education, research and clinical practice
and maintaining education excellence. One also gets the benefit of
placements and job options. Some universities also offer you with a
4-year course option. Those with a science background are preferred
here. You can get jobs as analysts, independent consultants, software
developers, programmers, data analysts and managers.
Top universities for this subject are:
- Glasgow Caledonian University
- Keele University
- University of Bradford
- University of Birmingham
- University of Liverpool
Computer Science and Information Systems
Computer science is
another popular stream that has emerged in the UK backed with secondary
subjects like information systems. Those with science backgrounds,
especially Maths, Physics, Economics, Statistics, Computer Science, etc.
are eligible to apply for this course. With a shift of technology to
computer based systems, especially in the fields of generating data for
solving complex business solutions, computer science fundamentals have
emerged as a popular subject choice. In particular, the computer
application fields are very popular. Students are taught in both
practical and theoretical environments and there is the option to do
internship here too.
After completing the graduate program, one
can also enroll for the masters. However, this is one of the more
expensive courses in the UK and most universities also call for a
special entrance exam procedure.
Computer Science Entry Requirements
- International Baccalaureate requirements: 34 points
- A-levels requirements: ABB
- IELTS requirements: 6.5 overall, with no lower than 6.0 in any one component
Top universities for this subject are:
- University of Glasgow
- University of Manchester
- University College London
- University of St Andrews
- Imperial College London
- University of Cambridge