Study Options
The UK academic system is usually shorter and more intense compared to many other countries. This means that students can complete their degrees in less time. This is one reason why many international students choose to study in the UK.
Universities in the UK offer a wide range of degree subjects for students to choose from. To make the right decision, students need to consider their academic background, language skills, and other factors. You can explore different areas of study in the categories below. If you need personalized advice, you can contact us, and we will be happy to help.
Pre-sessional English
Pre-sessional English courses in UK universities or colleges are for international students who plan to study at the foundation, undergraduate, or postgraduate level. These courses help students enhance their English skills before starting their university program or to meet the language requirements set by their chosen university.
These courses typically last from 2 to 12 weeks and concentrate on English specifically for academic purposes. Additionally, they provide insights into UK history and culture.
Foundation
- Those who don't meet the entry requirements for a Bachelor's degree because they completed their secondary/high school education in a curriculum that is not recognized by their preferred university.
- Students whose results do not meet the entry requirements for the subject they want to study.
Foundation courses are designed to prepare international students for their future degree programs. These courses offer various forms of support, such as English language preparation, assistance with cultural adaptation, and development of general study skills. Additionally, foundation courses allow students to study their chosen subject while being on a university or college campus.
Universities offering foundation courses typically provide conditional offers to students enrolled in these programs. These offers depend on the students achieving a specific overall mark, which they will be informed of at the time of enrollment in the foundation course.
It’s important to note that not all universities and subject areas accept all types of foundation diplomas. Before applying, it is crucial to check the entry requirements for the specific course you wish to study. In cases where foundation courses are not accepted, students may need to apply to a college and pursue A-level studies instead.
Foundation courses are available for a wide range of subjects, including
- Business
- Engineering
- Sciences
- Arts and Humanities
- Social Sciences
- Computing
- Health Sciences
- Education
- Languages
- Pharmacy
Required Documentation for Foundation Programme Applications:
- Academic Records.
- Personal statement.
- Letters of recommendation.
- Application Fee.
- Online/ Face to Face Interview.
If you’d like to see if any foundation course is suitable for you or if you need assistance with the application process, feel free to reach out to us or request a complimentary consultation here.
Undergraduate
Undergraduate or Bachelor’s degrees in the UK are divided into various categories, including Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Education (BEd), Bachelor of Engineering (BEng), Bachelor of Medicine (MBBS), Bachelor of Laws (LLB). For shorter courses, there are options like Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) and Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE).
Undergraduate degrees in the UK usually span a duration of 3 years for most courses. However, the length can vary depending on the specific course you choose, ranging from 2 to 5 years. When a course can be completed in 2 years, it is referred to as an accelerated degree. Some of Abroadline’s university partners offer these accelerated degree programs, and you can contact us for more information.
Certain fields such as medicine and dentistry require 5 years to complete in the UK. Occasionally, there are courses that provide options for studying abroad or spending a year in industry, extending the duration to 4 years. These types of programs are known as sandwich courses.
Also note that the degrees in Scotland can typically last for 4 years.
Postgraduate
A postgraduate degree in the UK is typically pursued after completing a Bachelor’s degree and usually lasts for one year. There are various types of master’s degrees, including MBA, MSc, MA, MEng, and MPhil. Doctorate degrees are also available, such as PhD, DPhil, and MD.
Studying a master’s degree in the UK can enhance your career prospects and increase your chances of employment, as you gain a globally recognized qualification.
For most cases, applications for master’s programs need to be submitted directly to universities through their websites. However, UCAS supports applications for a small number of universities. The application process usually begins around 12 months before the course starts. It is advisable to apply at least 6 months in advance as spaces are limited. Typically, it takes between 2 weeks to 2 months to receive a decision on your application.
Required Documentation for Master's Degree Applications:
- Personal Statement
- CV (Curriculum Vitae)
- Academic Transcripts
- At least 2 References
- Research Proposal or Portfolio (if applicable)
Masters degrees generally have higher tuition fees compared to undergraduate degrees. However, certain universities provide integrated undergraduate Master’s degree programs that combine both the undergraduate and master’s studies into a 4-year program. The benefit of this approach is that students pay undergraduate tuition fees for their master’s year. If you intend to pursue both an undergraduate and master’s degree, you can inquire about the availability of combined programs by contacting us.