Best Courses to Study in UK - Learning Academy

Best Courses to Study in UK: A Comprehensive Guide to Admission, Courses, Scholarships

Best Courses to Study in UK: Introduction

Quality education, international exposure, multi-cultural outlook and curriculum, great student experience, excellent research opportunities and intellectually and socially stimulated environment are some of the important factors that make UK an attractive study destination. Every year more 44,000 international students join British colleges and universities. In this, we will discuss on the best courses to study in UK along with application procedure, student visa, scholarship options and so on.

Education System in UK:

The pre-universities education in UK is for 14 years. Indian students with outstanding marks in their CBSE or ICSE exams or with first year of the Indian degree program get direct admission. Foundation courses from 4 months to a year are available for those who do not possess these qualifications. Report (Secondary School) forms filled by the school official, giving details about your accomplishments and estimate of your chances for success in university level studies and grading standards of your educational system are must for Bachelor/undergraduate program.

Standard of Education in UK:

Overseas students in Britain enjoy a high level of academic care through discussion, sometimes on a one-to-one basis, at tutorials and seminars, which are more central to this level of education than lectures. Support schemes meet the special needs of overseas students meeting a new language, culture and learning environment. There are personal counselling and advisory services which help with practical problems.

Types of Best Courses to Study in UK:

U.K offers three-years undergraduate course where as in USA and Singapore the duration of the undergraduate course is four years. Independent thinking and student-centered learning are the hallmarks of British degree courses. British higher education offers shorter and more intensive courses than are available in many other countries. Closely supervised study keeps failure and drop out rates low. The Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme enables students to count previous studies towards their program in Britain and to transfer credit for their study in Britain.

Popular general best courses to study in UK are: English, Economics, Creative Arts, Mass Communication, and Meical and Biological Sciences.

Degree Courses to Study in UK:

First degree courses in Arts and Sciences (Bachelor’s degree) are normally of 3 or 4 year’s duration and are among the most popular courses. The special thing about this course is writing a short thesis. Sandwich courses are followed by practical work. A student has the option of completing 2 years of college followed by one year of commercial training before final year or four years course with 3-6 months training interspersed each year.

Vocational Courses to Study in UK:

Higher National Diploma is a 2 years course in a Vocational Subjects (Scientific and Technical Business). It is awarded by Vocational and National Education council. Emphasis is placed on work experience. Vocational courses are step towards entering the University system slowly.

Business and Technology Education Council (BTEC), General Vocational Qualifications (GNVQ), General Scottish Vocational Qualifications (GSVQ) offer recognized courses in a wide range of disciplines.

Postgraduate Courses to Study in UK:

Postgraduate courses are one of the best courses to study in UK, are normally of one year or two year and may include research work. Courses which may help in updation, upgraduation or improvement of your knowledge are also available at this level. These courses do not lead to any formal qualification or ‘Credit’. You may receive certificate of satisfactory attendance.

Best Courses to Study in UK:

Business and Management:

The UK is the home of to Europe’s financial capital, London, making it an ideal destination for aspiring international students to complete various prestigious and worldwide recognized courses like MBA, International Business, and Finance. London Business School, University of Oxford and University of Cambridge are among the best world-class business and management institutions around the world.

Engineering and Technology:

The UK is the home and leadership center for the engineering and technological field. The world-class top-ranked universities like University of Cambridge, Imperial College of London, University of Manchester have been offering best mechanical, electrical, civil, software engineering along with the notable research facilities always produce future leadership in the world.

Law Courses:

UK law schools are recognized for its tradition, offering expertise in International Law, Human Rights and Commercial Law. In England and Wales, law can be studied as an undergraduate degree or in a graduate diploma in law where students complete the Common Professional Examination. After obtaining the degree, it is necessary to complete certain vocational courses and to serve a period of on the job training before one is able to qualify to practice as barrister, legal executive, or solicitor.

Medicine and Healthcare:

Medical education in the UK is rigorous, practical, and globally recognized. From general medicine to specialized fields like dentistry, nursing, public health, the UK healthcare institutions like University of Oxford, University of Edinburgh, King’s College of London are always proving the leadership in the field of healthcare.

IT and Computer Science:

With the ever-growing need in the IT and various tech sector, courses in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science are always in high demand in the UK. After completing graduate and post graduate degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence, students can establish their excellent career worldwide. Some renowned institutions in this field in the UK are – University of Cambridge, University of Edinburgh, University of Southampton etc.

Entry Level Exams to Study in UK:

International students are required to undertake IELTS (International English language Test) for most courses and Universities. It is administered regularly by the British Council. Some Universities also accepts TOFEL scores. The fact cannot be denied that some Universities have waived this requirement.

Scholarships/Fellowships to Study in UK:

The UK offers a various scholarships and financial aid options for international students. Among the notable scholarships options, Chevening Scholarships is UK Government’s flagship scholarships scheme, aimed at future leaders. It is managed by British Council worldwide with an objective to assist deserving international students. Besides, Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarship, managed by British Council is also helpful for the Indian students who wants to pursue their study in UK.

Application Procedure to Study in UK:

Applications are made through a computerized national system known as UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admission Service), which allows the students a choice of six Universities and courses. The form is available from British Council Offices and different study abroad. Application requirements include academic records, standardized tests (scores), letters of recommendation, and statement of purpose (SOP).

Student Visa in UK:

Visa Requirements in UK:

New points-based system Tier 4 (General Student) visa makes the application for a student visa more transparent and straight forward.

Documents Required for a Student Visa:

In short, to apply for a student visa you will need to:

Submit the correct paper application form and points scoring appendix or if making an online application select the correct visa category and then complete the paper points scoring appendix.
Pay the correct fee.
Have the required amount of maintenance based on the length and location of your course as detailed in the guidance.
Produce a Visa from your education provider. This must contain all the mandatory information as required in the guidance.

Without all these, your application will be refused.

Changes to UK Tier 4 Student Visa Application:

New requirements for the student applications under Tier 4 of the points-based system have come into effect from 3^rd March 2010. The new requirements are as follows:

UK Border Agency has raised the minimum level of English language course that Tier 4 (General) students can study, to level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Before student can apply to study an English language course in the UK, you will need to show that your English language skills are at CEFR level B1 or higher.
If student is applying under Tier 4 (General) to study a course that is below degree level and is not a foundation degree, UKBA has reduced the amount of work that student can do during term time to 10 hours per week. (The maximum level used to be 20 hours per week).
If the student is applying under Tier 4 (Child) and is 16 or 17 years old, UKBA has reduced the amount of work that student can do during term time to 10 hours per week. (The maximum level used to be 20 hours per week).
If student is applying to study a course lower than degree level (excluding foundation degree level (excluding foundation degree courses) under Tier 4 (General), dependants will no longer be able to work unless they qualify to work in their own right under Tier 1 or Tier 2 of the points-based system.

All applications submitted before 3^rd March 2010 will be considered against the rules that were in force at the time of application.

Conclusion:

Considering the UK’s academic excellence, traditional and cultural richness and worldwide recognition of the certificate, UK has become the top destination for aspirants of the international students. Various best courses to study in UK can set you on a path to success, fulfilling your goal with the upcoming trends and global needs.