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Category: Academics – Guides & Insights for UK Study Paths

BIMM University Summer Programs

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

UK Summer Performing Arts, Music & Film Courses – BIMM University

For over and under 18 years old!

 

Are you passionate about studying in the UK and are interested in building your performing arts, music and film resume over the Summer? Maybe you would like to try out a UK summer course before fully committing to earning a UK degree.  BIMM University is offering a fantastic range of summer courses designed for both under-18 and over-18 students who want to develop their skills, gain industry insights, and connect with like-minded creatives.

With limited spaces available, spots are filling quickly! These courses provide a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in music, acting, filmmaking, or production while learning from industry professionals.

 

Featured Summer Courses

Performers College International Summer School (Ages 16-18)

A world-renowned program offering a comprehensive range of dance, acting, and singing classes to challenge and inspire young performers.

 

MetFilm Young Filmmakers Academy (Under 18 years old)

Explore the fundamentals of filmmaking, from storytelling and directing to editing with Adobe Premiere Pro—no experience required!


Additional Performing Arts & Music Courses

We also have a range of other courses for students of all ages!

 

For Students Under 18

 

Performers College Summer School (Ages 12-18)
Locations: Essex, Brighton, Birmingham, and Manchester | 1 week |
Learn More & Apply

 

Northern Ballet School Summer Workshop (Ages 13-18)
Location: Manchester, England | 2 days
Learn More & Apply

 

Young Filmmakers Academy (Non-Residential)

Locations: Birmingham, Brighton, Leeds, London, Manchester | 2 weeks
Learn More & Apply

 

Young Actors Academy (Non-Residential)

Locations: London | 2 weeks

Learn More & Apply

 

Young Filmmakers Workshop

Locations: Birmingham, London, Manchester | 2 days

Learn More & Apply

 

For Students Over 18

Theatre & Dance Courses

Acting for Stage & Screen Essentials
Location: Essex | 4 weeks
Learn More & Apply

 

Choreography and Creative Direction
Locations: Birmingham or Essex | 2 weeks
Learn More & Apply

 

Technical Theatre Production Essentials
Locations: Birmingham or Manchester | 4 weeks
Learn More & Apply

 

Music Courses

Band Bootcamp
Locations: London and Bristol | 2 weeks
Learn More & Apply

 

Songwriting Camp
Locations: London, Berlin, Birmingham, Bristol, and Manchester | 2 weeks
Learn More & Apply

 

Contemporary Music Making
Locations: Bristol and Manchester | 2 weeks
Learn More & Apply

 

Professional Beat Making and Production
Locations: Berlin, Bristol, and Manchester | 2 weeks
Learn More & Apply

 

Music Business and Promotion
Locations: Brighton, Bristol, and London | 2 weeks
Learn More & Apply

 

Music for Screen, Film, and Games
Locations: London, Berlin, Brighton, Bristol, and Manchester | 2 weeks
Learn More & Apply

 

Touring and Live Performance
Locations: London, Brighton, Birmingham, and Manchester | 2 weeks
Learn More & Apply

 

Film Courses

Weekend courses, programs for under-18 students, and comprehensive four-week intensives are all available through MetFilm School. Explore their full range of short courses and find the perfect film program to match your schedule and interests at: https://www.metfilmschool.ac.uk/study-with-us/short-courses

 

See more of the list of courses here:
Performing Arts & Dance
Short Music Courses

 

Have Questions?

For more details on course costs, what’s included, and how to apply, feel free to reach out to Andrew Moss via WhatsApp or email:
WhatsApp: +1 561-248-9157
Email: [email protected]

 

We look forward to helping you take your performing arts skills to the next level this summer!

 

AP vs IB: Choosing the Best Curriculum | UK Study Expert

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

When students face the decision of choosing between the Advanced Placement (AP) program and the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma to pursue higher education in the United Kingdom, they often seek guidance to select the curriculum that will give them the best chance of getting into their dream university. Both curricula offer rigorous academic programs, but is there a common misconception that using one curriculum provides a greater advantage in university admissions over the other? In this article, we will explore key considerations to help advise students on selecting the most suitable curriculum and address if one curriculum is favored over the other when it comes to university admissions in the UK.

 

AP vs IB Curriculum

The International Baccalaureate (IB) and Advanced Placement (AP) programs offer rigorous academic curricula, but they differ in structure, subject offerings, assessment methods, and global recognition. The IB diploma program is a comprehensive two-year curriculum that includes six subject areas, a theory of knowledge course, an extended essay, and engagement in creativity, activity, and service activities. In contrast, the AP program offers individual courses focused on specific subjects, allowing students to select courses based on their interests. The AP program primarily relies on exams administered by the College Board, while the IB diploma combines coursework, exams, and internal/external assessments. The IB diploma is recognized globally and emphasizes a holistic approach to education, while the AP program is widely recognized in the United States and increasingly internationally. Students should reflect on their preferred learning style, strengths, and ability to perform well under different assessment formats when making their curriculum choice.

 

University Admissions Perspective

But what does the university prefer when they review a student’s application? When it comes to university preferences, UK universities do not favor one curriculum over the other. To gain insight into this matter, we spoke with Roshan Walkerley, Deputy Head of Student Recruitment (International) at the University of Cambridge. According to Walkerley, “There is not one favored curriculum over the other as long as students specialize their tests in the related subject they want to study in.” Admissions officers evaluate applicants based on their academic potential, achievements, and suitability for the chosen course of study, regardless of whether they pursued AP courses or the IB diploma. Both curricula offer rigorous academic programs, and the university recognizes the academic rigor and skills developed through both pathways. Ultimately, the decision should be based on the individual student’s needs and aspirations.

 

University Requirements and Recognition

It is essential for students to research the entry requirements of their target universities and courses. While some universities may have preferences or prerequisites for specific subjects, most institutions recognize both AP and IB qualifications. It is crucial to ensure that the chosen curriculum fulfills the prerequisites for the desired degree program, including specific subject requirements.

 

Conclusion

Students pursuing the AP program or the IB diploma to apply and study in the UK need to consider the exams available, their academic interests, career goals, and personal learning style. Both curricula offer rigorous academic programs, but there is a common misconception that using one curriculum over the other provides a greater advantage in university admissions. Both curricula offer rigorous academic opportunities and are recognized by universities in the UK. Ultimately, students should choose a curriculum that aligns with their passions and provides them with the best platform to excel academically and achieve their long-term aspirations.

 

Harmful Impact of Mandatory AP Exams | The UK Study Expert

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

Over the past few years, there have been significant changes in US higher education trends. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many universities no longer require standardized testing, like the ACT and SAT, for admission. As a result, top universities have seen a surge in applications, making admissions even more competitive. Meanwhile, other universities that were once considered target options are now more selective than ever before.

 

UK universities can capitalize on this by highlighting their own admission processes, which are less reliant on additional factors (supplemental essays, work experience, volunteer experience, leadership experience, academic rigor), and can focus more on the student’s academic profile.

 

Even though this information presents itself as a positive opportunity, US students are faced with challenges from UK university admissions requiring standardized testing (specifically AP exams) poses a significant barrier to entry for US students.

 

To prepare for AP exams, students need to plan their coursework starting in 10th grade. Students who didn’t have the opportunity to plan for AP exams previously had the opportunity to take the SAT II Subject Tests as a substitute to fulfill the university’s AP exam requirement. Since the elimination of SAT II Subject Tests in January 2021, this has made UK study more difficult for students to consider.

 

Moreover, many elite private schools in the US have abolished or are considering abolishing AP exams from their curricula. A recent study done by ACCIS (Association of College Counselors in Independent Schools) in July 2022 collected 163 responses from private school counselors across the US. 62% of counselors reported that their students expressed interest in UK universities, however, 41.8% of private schools do not offer AP classes or exams. If a student doesn’t have access to take AP exams at their school, they could register to take the exam at another school, if that school will offer spots available to outside students. Schools have the option to accept or deny students outside of their classroom if they wish. In addition, students would need to register for the exam several months in advance. This can cause many barriers for the student and the counselor, especially if the student needs to take a specific AP exam to meet a course requirement.

 

 

Over 47% of counselors stated that the UK’s testing requirements were a significant deterrent to student interest, and 16% reported that their students did not apply due to the UK’s standardized testing requirements.

 

 

 

 

These findings suggest that the requirement for AP exams poses a significant barrier to entry for US students. UK universities could receive more applicants and enrollments, particularly from private high-achieving high schools, by adapting their admission requirements to meet the changing needs of the market and capitalize on this opportunity to increase enrollment of US students. This may include highlighting the unique benefits of studying in the UK and offering tailored information on their admission process to provide guidance to prospective students.

 

In conclusion, UK universities must re-evaluate their admission requirements for US students and consider the detrimental effects of requiring AP exams. By adapting their admission process to meet the changing needs of the market, UK universities can attract more US students and increase their enrollment numbers, ultimately enhancing their global reputation and diversifying their student population.

 

School Counselor Feedback from Report:

 

  • Please be willing to consider course levels and grades received when evaluating our applicants. We always provide a school profile and are happy to provide more information and context to help you understand our students, their scholastic attainment, and their potential for success at your schools.

  • The number of SAT/ACT testing sites, especially  here on the West Coast, is staggeringly low. Kids just can’t find a seat to take an SAT or ACT.

  • US applicants without access to good counseling around applications won’t know the requirements to apply to the UK. They won’t plan early enough, and may not have access to AP exams.

  • Allow submission of graded work in lieu of tests, if assessments in your own programs are not standardized assessments.

  • A test flexible approach, allowing SAT, ACT, AP or others might be helpful.

  • Conditional offers based on AP tests that are still to be taken during senior year are very challenging for a family to consider given the mismatch in timing with US May reply date for US-based schools.

  • Kids are on to how completely ridiculous SAT/ACT tests are. When you require it, they see that as you 1) putting the test before their health, 2) ignoring all the data about how biased the tests are and 3) being a school that isn’t student-centered.

  • Schools often limit enrollment in AP classes and then  received  significant pushback from families who want their students to take every AP in our school; adding in UK admissions pressure will make it seem like students will only be successful if they are in AP courses.

  • My school is heavy on APs in STEM but not nearly as many in the humanities. I have students each year who are very strong students with excellent grades who just do not test well when timed and become anxious when they know the scores may keep them from being able to attend a college. UK Universities might consider GPA standards instead of testing.

  • My school made a deliberate choice to move away from AP several years ago and we have no wish to return to offering the courses or the exams. Do UK universities fully understand that in asking students to take certain tests, they are asking our schools to adopt a certain curriculum and adhere to a schedule for testing that is developed by an organization in which we have very little say?

 

Acknowledgement:

A special thank you to Moira McKinnon, Director of College Counseling at Berwick Academy for providing the ACCIS data.

 

Findings from the article are from the following report:

Christopher, Jackie. ‘Exploring the Opportunities and Impact of the Study UK Campaign in the US.’ British Council, 2023.

 

US & UK University Offers and Options | The UK Study Expert

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

Deciding where to pursue higher education is a crucial decision for students, especially when they have offers from universities in different countries. For US students who have received offers from both US and UK universities, it’s important to carefully weigh their options and make an informed decision. One of the key considerations is whether to put a deposit down and accept their US university offer for May 1, while also accepting an offer from a UK university with a conditional offer that they would need to meet in June. Let’s explore the best approach for US students facing this situation.

 

Understand the UK Conditional Offer System

 

In the UK, universities often make conditional offers to students, which means that their offer is contingent upon meeting specific conditions, such as achieving certain grades in their final exams. For US students, this may be different from what they are accustomed to, as US universities typically provide unconditional offers, meaning that students are admitted without any conditions attached.

 

Before making a decision, it’s important for US students to thoroughly understand the UK conditional offer system and carefully review the conditions set by the UK university. They should consider factors such as the likelihood of meeting the conditions and the potential consequences if they fail to meet them.

 

Consider Your Priorities and Goals

 

US students should reflect on their priorities and goals when making a decision between a US and UK university offer. Factors such as academic programs, reputation of the universities, location, career opportunities, and cost of education should be considered.

 

US universities are known for their strong programs in various fields and may offer specialized programs that align with a student’s career goals. On the other hand, UK universities are renowned for their academic excellence and may offer a different educational experience, with a focus on a more specialized curriculum in a shorter time frame.

 

Students should also consider the location of the universities and their preferences for living abroad. Studying in the UK may offer a unique cultural experience and an opportunity to travel and explore Europe, while studying in the US may offer a different lifestyle and cultural experience.

 

Evaluate Financial Considerations

 

Financial considerations play a significant role in decision-making for many students. US and UK universities have different tuition fees, living expenses, and financial aid options. US universities tend to have higher tuition fees and living expenses compared to UK universities. However, financial aid options may vary between universities and students should carefully review the cost of attendance for each university, including tuition, housing, transportation, and other expenses, as well as the availability of scholarships, grants, and loans.

 

US students should also consider the potential impact of currency exchange rates and the cost of living in the UK, as it may fluctuate during their years of study. Creating a budget and evaluating the financial implications of studying in the US versus the UK is crucial in making an informed decision.

 

Manage Deadlines and Keep Communication Open

 

US students who have received offers from both US and UK universities should be mindful of the deadlines for accepting and declining offers. The May 1 deadline is common for US universities, and students should ensure that they submit their acceptance or decline by the designated deadline to secure their spot.

 

For UK universities, the conditional offer typically requires meeting certain conditions by a specified deadline, which is often in June or July. US students should carefully review the conditions and ensure that they can fulfill them on time. It’s crucial to keep communication lines open with both US and UK universities, and inform them about your decision as soon as possible to avoid any misunderstandings or complications.

 

Consider a Strategic Plan

 

If a US student is torn between accepting an offer from a US university for May 1 and meeting the conditional offer from a UK university in June, they may consider deferring their offer or accepting the US offer for May 1 to insure the student meets the UK’s conditional offer. More information on this information is listed here. determining if the student meets the conditions for the UK offer. Some US universities and UK universities may allow students to defer their admission for a year, which gives them more time to make an informed decision and meet the conditions. More information on this can be found here: Dual Offers Dilemma: Strategic Decision-making for US and UK University Offers.

 

Study Arts in the UK: Affordable Degrees | UK Study Expert

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

 

Are you or your students interested in earning a degree in the arts? Last week, The UK Study Expert hosted a webinar along with 5 top UK arts universities discussing why earning your art degree in the UK compared to the US is a far better investment and choice. We discussed the UK’s growing economy, cost differences, graduate employability and more.

 

The following universities were represented:

 

Falmouth University

Goldsmiths University of London

Leeds Arts University

Arts University Bournemouth

Ravensbourne University

 

Below, we break down why studying arts in the UK as an American can provide many benefits:

 

1. Enhance your artistic skills and knowledge:

The UK is renowned for its arts education, and studying here can help you develop your artistic skills and knowledge. You can learn from renowned artists and scholars, participate in workshops, and gain hands-on experience through internships and other practical opportunities.

 

2. Three year bachelor’s degrees:

These represented arts universities are based in England, therefore, their degrees are only 3 years long. Students are able to specialize in their declared subject from day 1 and are not required to take any general education classes. This allows the student to save an additional year of expenses, advance their career quicker, and allows them to specialize in the subject they are most passionate in.

 

3. Affordable and competitive compared to US universities:

The average tuition to study at an US arts university can range from $40,000 to $55,000 per year. Studying in the UK is a fraction of the price. The average cost of tuition from the following represented universities is $21,000 per year, plus it is a three year bachelor’s degree, which saves a student an additional year of tuition and living expenses.

 

4. Expand your career prospects:

Studying arts in the UK can open up many career opportunities, both in the UK and around the world. The creative economy contributed £116 billion in gross value added (GVA) to the UK economy in 2019, greater than the aerospace, automotive, life sciences, oil, and gas sectors combined. Students who wish to stay in the UK after they graduate, can apply for the Graduate Route Visa, which allows students to work for up to two years after they graduate. Students have the opportunity to network with industry professionals, showcase your work in exhibitions, and gain exposure to different artistic fields and disciplines.

 

5. Exposure to different cultural perspectives:

Studying in the UK can provide you with a unique opportunity to experience a new culture and broaden your worldview. You will have the chance to interact with people from different backgrounds, learn about their perspectives, and gain a deeper understanding of their values and traditions.

 

6. Study abroad experience:

Studying abroad can be a life-changing experience, and the UK offers an excellent opportunity for American students to live and study in a foreign country. You can improve your language skills, gain independence, and develop cultural competencies that can benefit you throughout your life.

 

Overall, studying arts in the UK as an American can provide a unique and rewarding experience that can help students grow both personally and professionally.

 

Are you interested in finding the right UK university match? Take our free UK University Quiz and discover your top 5 best UK university matches!

 

Pilot Program for Non-AP Exam Takers | The UK Study Expert

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

Lancaster University, ranked among the top 15 in the UK (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022) and top 150 in the world (QS World University Rankings 2023), has recently announced a new 2 year AP exam pilot admissions program for American students who have not had the opportunity to take 3 AP exams. Applicable only to the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences courses.

 

New Entry Requirements:

 

Courses within the program will consider applicants substituting honors/college level classes in place of the AP scores on a case-by-case basis.

 

We look for grades of A or B in honors/ college-level courses* on your high school record.

 

*We would expect College level courses to be three units/credits or one semester in length and in an academic subject.

 

As part of the application process you may be asked for:

 

  • Evidence of high school achievements to date

  • Details of current studies and pending achievements

  • A copy of curriculum for any honors/advanced or college-level classes

  • A copy of your School Profile

  • An example piece of written work and attend an online interview

 

The departments participating include: Linguistics and English Language, English and Creative Writing, History, Lancaster Institute of Creative Arts, Politics, Philosophy and Religion.

 

How long is the pilot program in duration for?

 

The pilot program is a 2 year trial. It will be running for the 2023 and 2024 entry years.

 

Is this in effect now?

 

Yes! If you or your students are interested in applying to the social sciences or the arts, students can apply now!

 

Who can I contact if I have questions?

 

Please reach out to the Lancaster University’s Regional Manager, Kirsten Mingins: [email protected].

 

Degrees We Don’t Recommend Studying | The UK Study Expert

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

Let’s start this article by reiterating that most programs in the UK are fully accredited and recognized in the US. However, when dealing with two different countries that have two different systems, not every program is going to transfer so seamlessly.

 

In this article, we are going to list the programs that won’t transfer or apply easily from the UK to the US. These are the programs we don’t recommend studying in the UK with the intention of bringing your degree back to the US.

 

Social Work MSc

 

Not surprisingly, the two different social care systems in each country make it hard to transfer a UK Social Work degree to the US.

 

One, it’s difficult to get into a social work program in the UK (it’s highly competitive), making it hard to even break into. Two, the US requires social workers to have a degree accredited from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), which is a US accreditation body. Of course, UK degrees are not accredited by this body. Three, the UK’s social care system is going to be specifically tailored to the NHS, the universal healthcare system in the UK. This is quite different to the US system! If you’re wanting to be a Social Worker in the US, it’s best to stick to a US Social Work degree.

 

If you really want to study something related to Social Work and still be in the UK, you might consider studying Sociology, Psychology, or Counseling.

 

Bachelor of Education (BA Education)

 

While a BA Education will still be recognized as a valid degree in the US, we don’t recommend you take this degree for one main reason: curriculum for the BA Education tends to be very UK focused, making it irrelevant for students wanting to teach in the US. Furthermore, a lot of US Education degrees will have programs that combine a bachelor’s and teaching credential together, which could be a much quicker option. For this reason, staying in the US for your bachelor’s of education is a better bet.

 

PGCE (Teaching Certification)

 

To gain teaching certification in the UK, students need to study and gain a PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) after completing their bachelor’s degree. This allows students to teach in the UK, however, transferring this back to the US can be quite complicated. The inability to use a PGCE in the US has to do with the very picky state-by-state system to become a credentialed teacher in the USA. As US students are fairly aware of, even trying to use your teaching credential from state to state can be a nightmare, let alone trying to use a UK teaching credential in the US.

 

Instead, we recommend doing your teaching credential in the US, gaining your teaching credential in the states, and a Master of Education in the UK. A Master of Education is becoming mandatory for a lot of teachers to have, and this is a degree that transfers well between the two countries. Note that the MA Education would have an international education focus.  In addition, the MA Education is only 12 months long, which will save you time and money! The UK also offers many other education specializations that could strengthen your resume.

 

Master of Pharmacy (MPharm)

 

To become a pharmacist in the US, you’d need to have a Doctor of Pharmacy, and also make sure you complete your Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPEs) in the US. Trying to complete these internship hours in the UK and transfer them for credit in the US would likely not be successful, and would have to be redone upon returning to the States, as well as taking licensure exams in order to practice. Since pharmacy is not a smooth transition from country to country, this is one we don’t recommend undertaking in the UK.

 

PhD of Clinical Psychology

 

While a Master of Psychology can be taken in the UK and used in the US, this is not the case for clinical psychology at the doctorate level (in order to become a licensed therapist). Much like pharmacy, above, this has to do with therapy hours that must be completed within the US to become a licensed therapist. If you are wanting to study psychology in the UK, you might consider doing a master’s, and leaving the PsyD for the US.

 

Master of Physical Therapy (MA Physiotherapy)

 

Physical Therapy can be a little tricky to bring from one country to the other, as the US has done away with master’s degrees in Physical Therapy, and instead has students go straight into a doctorate program. The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and your state’s licensing board would need to decide on if your degree is an equivalent to US degrees, which could be a gamble. More info on transferring a foreign degree in Physical Therapy  to the US can be found on the APTA website, here: http://www.apta.org/CareerDevelopment/ForeignEducation/.

 

Instead of studying Physical Therapy, you may consider Occupational Therapy (although this still has a few hoops to jump through), or Sports and Exercise Science.

 

Do Your Own Research

 

With all of these subjects, regulations are always changing, so we recommend consulting any type of accreditation board (whether it’s your state, or an independent accreditation body) in order to see what the correct route is for you. They will be your best source for seeing if a UK degree will transfer over to the US.

 

If you’re wondering if you have enough classes in the subject to go into Year 2, most universities will be able to provide an assessment for you before applying. You can contact them directly on our university search pages by clicking “Contact University”.

 

 

Interested in finding your best match UK university? Take our free UK University Match Quiz to learn what are your top 5 UK university matches!

 

If you want to ensure that you are making the right decision in the application process, our advisors can support you throughout the process and help you get into your dream UK university!

 

About the Author:

Ashley Jeanson is an international education expert with over 9 years of experience in the field. She’s worked for a mixture of study abroad providers, universities in the US and the UK, and third-party providers, mostly specializing in helping American students attend UK universities. In her spare time, she travels the globe and is eternally in search of the best cup of coffee. 

 

 

Studying Esports in the UK

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

The UK has had a long history of being a culturally important center for both sports and the games industry, and esports serves as a point in history where these two historical strengths are being brought into alignment. It is the home of both professional esports teams (Excel and Fnatic) and grassroot organizations such as the NUEL (National University Esports League) and NSE (National Student Esports) as well as events such as ESL UK, Gfinity, and Epic.LAN.

 

Many technology and service providers are contributing to a growing industry that UK esports courses are increasingly serving as routes to careers in the esports industry. The UK esports sector has grown at an annual average rate of 8.5% between 2016 and 2019, and the sector supported over 1,200 jobs in 2019 representing just under 8% of the global market. With major global esports event potentially generating 238 full-time equivalents (FTEs) of employment and £12 million pounds in GVA for the UK economy (UKIE, 2019), it is becoming an increasingly attractive context in which to study esports in the West.

 

While America is known for its strong and pervasive sporting culture, the UK has recently become a burgeoning point for the European esports scene and now acts as a global bridge to European scenes and events. Academically, the focus of courses in the UK is more varied and considers more of the general context than just the business and collegiate athleticism of esports. In terms of production, esports are still finding their feet in terms of the broadcasting frame they have adopted. Students would benefit from understanding the ways in which this might differ from the dominant American sports broadcast frame.

 

American students might consider the UK as an excellent chance to study abroad in the UK system which provide modules (or classes) that consider a granular but highly interdisciplinary context for esports. Falmouth University’s Games Academy is a world class school for learning about games and esports and is one of the few esports courses in Europe situated within a department dedicated to games and computing teaching and research. Our aim is to focus on how esports students can work with pre-existing grassroots organizations within and outside of the University. Beyond esports, the course focuses on the practical and technical production skills for live-streaming in other contexts such as data science, new media branding, as well as marketing and financial management. It is anticipated that the course will serve to be at the forefront of how live-streaming might inform the practice of game developers, entertainers, media producers and whatever else the future holds.

 

Rory Summerley is a games studies researcher at Falmouth University who has written and lectured on a diverse range of games-related topics. He has previously worked as a games critic, game design consultant and performance artist and his research interests include e-sports, game fiction and parody.

AP Exam Guide for University Admission | The UK Study Expert

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

If you’ve been researching US entry requirements for UK universities, you may have noticed many UK universities require AP exams for admission. How strict are they when it comes to these exams? What if your school doesn’t offer these exams? What should you do?

 

How AP Exams are Viewed in the UK

We have to say it:  AP exams are still, by far, the best way to meet entry requirements for UK Universities. This is because universities view AP exams as an appropriate equivalent to a UK exam called the A-Level. Both AP exams and A-Levels are subject-based exams; thus, the UK sees AP exams as a fairly seamless substitute.

 

However, let’s break down all the ways you can still meet requirements to gain entry at UK universities without AP exams:

 

Meet with Your School’s College Counselor

If your school doesn’t offer AP’s and you have a dream school in mind, first ask your college counselor if he/she had students apply to that university. They may have had experience with students applying to that university or might know the UK representative for the university. If they haven’t had students apply to that university, your counselor may be able to speak to the university on your behalf to see if the university is open to reviewing your school’s curriculum.

 

Apply to UK Universities That Do Not Require AP Exams

First, let’s start with the easiest thing to do: apply to UK universities that only require the SAT or ACT. There is a long list of universities that only need to see the SAT or ACT, and even a handful of universities that have gone completely test optional! Generally, if your GPA is 3.0 and above, these test optional universities will consider your application without the need for tests (please note this also depends on the program). In addition to this, UK universities also look at IB exams, as part of an International Baccalaureate, if your high school happens to offer this.

 

Take Honours or Dual Enrollment/College Classes

Since Covid derailed the entire exam system, universities have become more understanding with ways to assess a student’s application. Depending on the university, honours classes and dual enrollment/college classes can be considered in place of AP exams. Especially when it comes to dual enrollment/college classes, the more credits you have, the better! If you have at least a year of college credits (about 30 credits), you may be able to forgo exams completely, depending on the university. If you have an associate’s degree, it’s more likely that you won’t need exams.

 

Self-Study for an AP Exam

If the university you are applying for won’t budge on their need for AP exams and you still want to apply, there is a way to sign up for an AP exam without your high school offering them. Please read this article on the Collegeboard website to find out how. Self-studying for an AP exam is obviously not the ideal way to take such a comprehensive exam, but still doable if you’re very ambitious.

 

Use Our Search Tool

You might be asking yourself: how do I find out which universities take tests vs. honours classes vs. college classes? Let us help you narrow it down! Go to our Undergraduate Universities page and use our search tool to see which universities are the best fit for you. Or you can use our UK University Match Quiz.

 

 

About the Author:

Ashley Jeanson is an international education expert with over 9 years of experience in the field. She’s worked for a mixture of study abroad providers, universities in the US and the UK, and third-party providers, mostly specializing in helping American students attend UK universities. In her spare time, she travels the globe and is eternally in search of the best cup of coffee. 

Guide: Are UK Universities Accredited? | The UK Study Expert

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

A question we get a lot from American students is if UK universities are accredited, which is really a fancy way of asking: are UK degrees viable and accepted in the United States?

 

You’ll be happy to know the answer is yes, with a few exceptions for specialty fields.

 

American students are most familiar with Regional Accreditation Organizations in the United States. Of course, UK universities are not accredited by these US organizations, but by their own accreditation system in the UK, called the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA). According to QAA’s website and in their words, they are an “independent charity working to benefit students and higher education, and one of the world’s experts in quality assurance. We are trusted by higher education providers and regulatory bodies to maintain and enhance quality and standards. We work with governments, agencies and institutions globally to benefit UK higher education and its international reputation.”

 

Universities are also accredited through external examiners, who are drawn from a pool of academic staff from other institutions, as well as business and industry professionals. These examiners routinely assess the quality of a university’s education as compared with other universities, as well as observing assessment processes to make sure things are up to standard.

 

These rigorous accreditation practices make the UK one of the most trusted and accepted degrees around the globe. Because of this, the US recognizes UK degrees for both further education and employment in the US.

 

As always, there are some exceptions to the rule. For some specialty fields in the US, you may have to take extra exams or classes upon your return to practice in your field.

 

Here are examples of degrees where extra accreditation may be needed to use a UK degree in the USA:

 

  • Nursing

  • Teaching Credentials (may not transfer over depending on the state)

  • Medicine

  • Social Work

  • Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy

  • Law (may not be able to sit the bar exam depending on the state)

  • Architecture

  • Psychology at the PhD level (if you are wanting to become licensed as a therapist)

 

Disclaimer: We always recommend doing your own independent research and asking experts in your field about the transferability of UK degrees. State licensing and accreditation boards in the US are especially good sources to ask about this. 

 

Please note that the majority of UK degrees will not need extra accreditation for use in the US. This includes humanities, science, mathematics, business, and a plethora of other degrees! When in doubt, The UK Study Expert can help point you in the right direction about which degrees may need more accreditation.

 

If you want to ensure that you are making the right decision in the application process, our advisors can support you throughout the process and help you get into your dream UK university!

 

About the Author:

Ashley Jeanson is an international education expert with over 9 years of experience in the field. She’s worked for a mixture of study abroad providers, universities in the US and the UK, and third-party providers, mostly specializing in helping American students attend UK universities. In her spare time, she travels the globe and is eternally in search of the best cup of coffee. 

Visiting Wales and Welsh Scholarships

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

This past month, I had the privilege and opportunity to attend the Welsh Counselor Tour hosted by Study in Wales. Roughly 30 US college counselors were invited to explore a variety of Welsh universities throughout Wales.

 

Study in Wales is the sector of Global Wales that champion’s the promotion of Welsh universities to international students and high school counselors. These organizations advocate the variety of Welsh universities and funding opportunities to students and counselors that may have never had the consideration or opportunity in the past.

 

During the Study in Wales tour, we were split into two groups to visit the following universities:

Aberystwyth University, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff University, University of Wales Trinity St. David, Wrexham Glyndwr University, University of South Wales, Swansea University and Bangor University.

 

Not only did we tour the campuses, Study in Wales organized a special evening reception at the Royal Welsh College of Drama and Music and a Cultural Day to explore Wales and learn more about the Welsh language, culture and heritage. We stayed at the beautiful Lake Vyrnwy Hotel and Spa, and visited Harlech Castle, and Portmeirion where we had afternoon tea. Our guides, Robert Alexander and Emma Fuller, did a great job of organizing and answering our questions along the way.

Harlech Castle, May 2022

Wales may be small, but they have a variety of university options and degrees that are for every type of student. The cost of living is an attractive feature along with funding opportunities that are offered. Major funding opportunities that Americans should keep their eye on are The Global Postgraduate Scholarship Programme, Global Wales Fulbright Scholarship, Global Wales Gilman Scholarship, and the Aberystwyth University Accommodation Award. In addition, Taith is a Welsh funding opportunity that could be beneficial for a variety of programmes and exchanges. It is not a scholarship but it can support funding for students interested in studying abroad, counselors, teachers, researchers, community colleges and universities.

 

The Global Wales Postgraduate Scholarship programme offers scholarships worth up to £10,000 – to study a full-time masters programme in Wales. The scholarships are available to students from Vietnam, India, USA, Canada and countries of the European Union. This prestigious scheme is the first scholarship of its kind in Wales and is funded by the Global Wales Programme. The deadline is usually the end of May and to be awarded in September.

 

The Global Wales Fulbright Scholarship covers the first year of any master’s programme offered by a participating Welsh University. The Welsh Government, Global Wales partners, and the Welsh universities have partnered with the Fulbright Commission to provide one master’s degree scholarship to study at one of the participating Welsh Universities, in any field.

 

The Global Wales Gilman Scholarship is a prestigious scholarship programme for high-achieving students in the United States who wish to study in Wales. Award holders receive a study grant of up to $5,000 USD, to be used toward tuition, housing, travel, and related costs for up to one academic year. This award enables outstanding American students of limited financial means to study overseas for up to one academic year as part of their undergraduate studies. Interested students are welcome to contact their campus study abroad office or visit the Gilman Scholarship website. Application opens in August. The deadline runs until early October.

 

One scholarship that is very unique in the sector is the Aberystwyth University Accommodation Award. Aberystwyth University is offering undergraduate and graduate international students free housing on the several accommodation options to choose from. Free accommodation spaces are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis.  If there are no free spaces left, you will be sent an offer for a discounted rate in your other hall of choice.

 

Finally, I recommend counselors look into the Taith programme that Wales is running. Taith is an all-Wales international learning exchange programme with a £65 million investment by the Welsh Government. It is focused on promoting international exchanges to support Welsh learners broaden their horizons and instill confidence in their young learners.

 

Here are a few ideas on how US counselors or schools can take advantage of Taith’s funding:

  1. High school, community college and university students could attend an international exchange semester in Wales. There is reciprocal funding available too! Staff who are chaperoning high school students are also eligible for funding.

  2. Teachers and youth workers could teach or counsel Welsh students on academics or mental health support and vice versa.

  3. Research exchange and university collaborations

 

These opportunities are great for supporting students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Students can be funded for as little as two weeks! Funding levels depend on the level of the partnership. To learn more about Taith, you can reach out to one of the team members on their website or you can email Rob from Study in Wales.

 

If none of these scholarships apply to you, don’t forget that all of these Welsh universities accept FAFSA. Students can apply and use federal funding to study in Wales to fund their degree.

Lake Vyrnwy Hotel and Spa, May 2022

Having studied and completed my Bachelor’s degree at Aberystwyth, I am very familiar with Wales, but attending this tour reignited the love I have for Wales while giving me a deeper understanding of the academics, heritage, and offerings.

 

If you are a student or counselor and are looking for more information about studying in Wales, I recommend connecting to Study in Wales to learn more. You can also check out more information on the universities and blogs on Wales on our website.

Joint, Single & Combined Degrees Guide | The UK Study Expert

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

While searching international universities can be a bit overwhelming with the different application processes, it doesn’t help when bachelor’s degrees are written in ways that you may not be familiar with.

 

In the UK, as opposed to the USA, universities do not allow much flexibility to study outside of your chosen course (degree) as your modules (classes) are set. For instance, if you were to study History, you would find it hard to be able to take a Biology class. While this is great for those wanting to avoid pre-requisite classes that are typically found in the US university system, it can make students feel a bit trapped. Never fear, there are some courses that do allow students to study more than one subject. In this blog. Below, we list the different types of degrees you can choose to when searching and applying to UK universities. The following are various UK degree options a student can expect.

 

Please note, this is not representative of all universities – you should always contact a representative of the university you are interested in to discuss your degree options. This article mainly refers to universities in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

 

Single Honours Degrees

A single honours degree is the traditional degree from a UK university. This will be specific in your course and will typically take three years. Most universities will have the class listings for the degree on the course page under a modules tab. This type of degree will be very focused on your chosen subject area and does not allow much opportunity for students to study outside of their subject area. Your classes each year will be from a select list of modules with some being compulsory modules and others being optional modules, which you must choose a number to take.

 

Joint Honours or Combined Degrees

A joint degree is a degree that is typically a combination of two degrees. These are also referred to as combined degrees. This would give you a diploma in both chosen subjects. The subjects must be closely related, for instance, History and International Politics may be together as a joint honours degree. While it allows you to achieve accreditation in both subject areas, you will not have the opportunity to study much outside of the two areas. Your classes each year will be from a select list of modules with some being compulsory and others being optional.  You must choose a number of modules to take for the semester.  Universities will have these joint degrees listed on their course pages and will typically not have any additional entry requirements for these degrees.

 

If you are interested in joint or combination courses, Aberystwyth University has a variety of different subjects you can choose from. You can visit our website to check out our list of degrees here.

 

Integrated Degrees

While each university may call this something different, this is a degree that may take longer than the traditional 3 years a student can expect to study at the undergraduate level in the UK. This may be a degree that is 4 years with the third year serving as an integrated year abroad or integrated year in industry. This means that for that third year you are either studying at another university, in another country, or you are obtaining work experience in the UK or abroad, depending on the options available at your chosen university.

 

For many students, this four-year course is the only option that allows students to study abroad for a full year. The three-year course would only allow for a semester or a summer program. If you are interested in any of your university’s 4-year integrated courses I would recommend applying for that course and then, if you change your mind later, you can move to the three-year course. Due to visa regulations, it is easier to change from a 4-year student visa to a 3 year than it is to change from a 3 year to a 4-year student visa.

 

You may also see degrees that are 4 years and are integrated Master’s degrees. This would give you your Bachelor’s accreditation after 3 years but you would automatically be enrolled for the Master’s level course in the subject and after 1 more year you would graduate with your Master’s as well.

 

No matter what subject you are interested in, you should see what different types of degrees your department or university offers. You never know, you may be able to gain practical work experience or enjoy a year abroad as part of your degree. As always, you should contact a representative of the university you are interested in to discuss your degree options as some may have differing entry requirements.

 

Jackie Jarocki is a Regional Officer at Aberystwyth University. Jackie is a former international student from the USA who came to study in the UK in 2018 and never left! She has been working in the UK Higher Education in international student recruitment since 2019.