Study in the UK

The United Kingdom (UK) offers some of the best places to live and colleges to study in Europe. Not only do they have a long history of teaching the world’s greatest leaders but 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. Both Undergraduate and Masters degree programs are taught 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.

The 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 recognized 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.

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. For latest updates see https://www.gov.uk/student-visa

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).

Popular Courses and Universities in the UK

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.