Studying in the UK

The United Kingdom (UK) is home to some of the world’s oldest universities and colleges having their roots in the 12th and 13th centuries. Coming from such strong legacy, education in the UK has become a benchmark for other countries.

Here are the top six reasons why studying in the UK is so popular with Indian students:

1. Academic excellence

Universities in the UK have the best academic standards in the world. In fact, four out of the top 10 universities in the world are from the UK including the likes of Oxford and Cambridge. When studying in the UK, you will find that practical and utility-based knowledge is preferred over text-book learning. This will enable you to acquire critical thinking and analytical skills along with creative ability in your chosen discipline.

2. Quality education

The Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) is an independent body in the UK that regularly assesses the education standards of all universities and colleges in the country. Besides checking their performances through audits and subject reviews, it and helps identify the best education practices and sends feedback for improvisation. These research standards are also examined by the UK higher education funding bodies, who publish their findings at regular intervals. This is ensures all students have access to the best quality of learning, research and teaching irrespective of the course they choose to pursue.

3. Shorter duration of courses

Courses in the UK education system are shorter and more intensive than many other countries, which means you’ll graduate sooner, and without compromising on quality. While you can complete an undergraduate program in three years, you’ll be able to finish a graduate program in just one year. This not only saves your time, but also a chunk of money spent on tuition fees and living costs.

4. Work while you learn

To manage your everyday living expenses along with your studies, you can work part-time for up to 20 hours a week during term time. You can even work full-time during your semester break. This will help you pay for your bills as well as gain industry experience in your own field of study as well.

5. Explore Europe while studying

The UK is well connected to major European countries like France, Netherlands, and Belgium, being the closest at distances ranging from 300 – 1,000 miles. With the airport being functional 24 hours, you can explore different places while studying in the country.

6. Health benefits for students

As an internationals student, you’ll have access to free medical treatment while studying in the UK through the National Health Service (NHS). In order to avail this benefit, you will have to pay a small International Health Surcharge (IHS). Your IDP counsellor can advise you about this detail.

Education system in the UK

How does the UK education system work?

The responsibility of education in the UK is delegated to four jurisdictions - England, Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland. All of these regions have different forms of education systems, qualifications and individual laws/regulations. The major differences can be found in general and secondary education resulting in each region having its own credit frameworks and qualifications.

Study levels

The education system in the UK consists of four stages:

• Primary education
• Secondary education
• Further education
• Higher education

Qualifications framework

A qualification frameworks is a principal national reference point that maintains academic standards in the higher education sect in any country. Two parallel frameworks run for higher education qualifications of UK degree-awarding bodies: 

• The Framework for Higher Education Qualifications of Degree Awarding Bodies in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (FHEQ)
• The Framework for Qualifications of Higher Education Institutions in Scotland (FQHEIS)