The UK education system is well known worldwide for its academic excellence. Home to several top-ranking universities and top-notch infrastructure, the UK attracts thousands of students each year to its educational system. The best part about the UK education system is its recognition globally. International students who get a chance to study in the UK are highly regarded in the job market. For students, being a part of the UK education system means a rare opportunity to enjoy some of the country's ancient traditions and follow a strict set of rules that will help in the years to come.
How Does UK Education System Work?
The UK education system is concise and uncomplicated, making it possible for students from various international locations to be a part of it without any problem. The UK education system mentions four stages of education – Primary, Secondary, Further Education, and Higher Education. After attaining the age of five, children can enter the UK education system. Up to sixteen, students are legally obliged to be a part of the schooling system.
UK Education System: Study Levels
Primary Education : The primary education for children in the UK starts after they attain the age of five and continues till the age of eleven. At this stage of the study, students are imparted with basic knowledge of different areas of study, including Mathematics, English, Geography, Science, Physical Education, and others.
Secondary Education : The second stage of the education system in the UK starts between the ages of 11 and 16. Secondary education is important in students' academic journey as they learn the basics of subjects that will be learnt in detail in the remaining two stages of the UK education system. To complete this stage, students must appear for GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) exams or equivalent exams. The UK's secondary education curriculum includes many foundation and core subjects from various disciplines that students would have already touched upon in the previous stage of education.
Further Education : After attaining sixteen and completing GCSE exams, students in the UK have different options to try out. They can either follow vocational or academic qualifications or start exploring work options. Students who wish to study further can do so through a vocational pathway or educational prospects.
Higher Education : Higher education marks the end of the UK education system, including university education and higher studies. Once students reach this stage of education, they can choose amongst hundreds of reputed institutes in the country to pursue their dream. Academic programs at this stage of education in the UK include bachelor's, master's, and PhD degrees.
UK Higher Education System
Bachelor's Degree : In the UK, a bachelor's degree is an undergraduate degree that a student can pursue immediately after schooling. Typically, a student will take three years to achieve this degree. Some UK universities also offer programs requiring students to spend at least four years to acquire the degree. Often, these programs include one year paid for gaining professional experience.
Master's Degree : A Master's degree helps you gain more knowledge in the subject you have covered in your undergraduate degree program. Students enrolled in this degree program study the subject in great detail. Usually, they end the program with a long piece of their original work, a dissertation or a thesis. There are two types of master's degrees – research and teaching.
Doctoral Degree : Students in the UK can achieve the highest academic level by pursuing a doctoral degree. Doctorate degrees are demanding and can quickly help students pursue a career in academia, like a researcher or a lecturer. Typically, students pursue a doctorate after completing their master's degree. However, this isn't always necessary.
Diplomas : International students will find the UK the best place to pursue their diploma courses as many colleges offer various diploma programs at affordable prices. The best part about these diploma programs is that they can be completed within 2-3 years. Diplomas provide an excellent alternative for students who wish to hone their professional skills but do not want to pursue a bachelor's degree.
Certificate Programs : The UK offers a variety of certificate programs for international students who are constrained with time and finance but looking forward to gaining knowledge in areas that are of interest to them. The certificate programs in the UK are for a fixed and short period. Usually, these programs last between a week and six weeks, depending on the course and university the student chooses.
Bachelor's Degree
It is a dream for many international students to pursue a bachelor's degree in the UK. A bachelor's degree benefits students, not just enhancing their knowledge in the subject matter of their choice but also providing impetus to their career going forward. There are tons of bachelor's programs offered by UK universities. These courses and degrees are recognised across the world by both academics and employers alike. In most cases, it takes three years to complete a bachelor's degree in the UK. However, in some cases, it may take up to 4 years. Some of the popular programs in which you can pursue a bachelor's degree in the UK are – Computer Science, English, Philosophy, Business, Social sciences, Mathematics, etc. Some of the most important bachelor's degrees available in the UK are:
- Bachelor of Science (BSc)
- Bachelor of Arts (BA)
- Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
- Bachelor of Engineering (BEng)
- Bachelor of Law (LLB)
Master's Degree
International students can pursue their master's degree after completing their bachelor's courses. Typically, a master's program lasts for just one year, unlike in other countries where it may go up to 2 years. For students, enrolling in a master's program in the UK means saving money and time whilst getting an opportunity to make a career quicker. A master's degree in the UK helps improve career prospects vastly, helps you earn more, and gain instant recognition worldwide. In the regular master's degree program, students are expected to attend weekly lectures, tutorials, and seminars, like in a bachelor's degree. Assessments are made via project, dissertation, or exam. Some of the most important master's degrees available in the UK are:
- Master of Science (MSc)
- Master of Arts (MA)
- Master of Law (LLM)
- Master of Engineering (MEng)
- Master of Architecture (MArch)
Doctoral Degree
A doctoral degree is the highest possible degree a student can get in the UK. Students enrolled in a doctoral program have their studies based on a research project on a subject area of interest. The research work may have to be submitted as a thesis that may extend up to 100,000 words in length. The student must defend the result in an oral examination that will be carried out in front of an expert panel. Anyone can pursue a doctoral degree in the UK provided they meet the requirements set by the university. Students are generally expected to complete an undergraduate degree with acceptable scores and a master's degree. Furthermore, students must produce standardised test scores to prove their English language ability. Some of the most important doctoral degrees available in the UK are:
- Doctor of Engineering (EngD)
- Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
- Doctor of Medicine (DM)
- Doctor of Education (EdD)
- Doctor of Science (DSc)
Diplomas
Many UK colleges provide diploma courses to international students at an affordable price. The best part about these diploma programs is that they are beneficial for job opportunities and quick career growth. Typically, a diploma course in the UK lasts for 2 or 3 years and presents an excellent opportunity for students to enhance their professional skills instead of spending more time and money pursuing a bachelor's degree.
Certificate Programs
Certificate programs are like accelerated courses that provide students with fast education on a subject matter of interest. In the UK, it is easy to find certificate programs offered to international students that last anywhere between 1 and 6 months.
Credit System In Education UK
The credit system in UK education, also known as Credits Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS), is used to highlight the amount of learning achieved through the course. Credits are often used to measure and compare the amount of learning taken up by students in different programs. Typically, every module available in a course is assigned a specific number of credits. As students complete the modules, cumulative credits get stacked against their names. Most universities in the UK employ a credit system for their higher education courses.
- MRes Degree = 180 Credits
- Postgraduate Master's Degree = 180 Credits
- Postgraduate Diploma Course = 120 Credits
- Postgraduate Certificate Course = 60 Credits
At AECC , we help you become familiar with the education system in the UK so that you can enjoy the best experience while studying there. Our UK expert consultants will not only guide you on scholarships available to you in the UK and English language requirements but also ensure your application process is completed smoothly and without any delay. Please speak to one of our UK study counsellors today and get answers to all your questions. As a team, we strive to provide you with the best education services so your dreams of studying in the UK become a reality.
AECC is one of the world's leading educational consultancies with versatile expert professionals who are ready to help you with any queries you may have. Contact us so we can be of assistance to you in your journey of fulfilling your dream.
