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Category: Explore UK Postgraduate Programs and Opportunities

Graduate Route Visa: Work in the UK | The UK Study Expert

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

Have you ever wondered about staying and working after studying your degree in the UK?

On 1 July 2021, the UK Government launched a graduate visa route to allow international students on a student visa to remain living and working in the UK after they graduate. Graduates do not need to work in the field related to their degree, allowing for great flexibility for graduates to gain work experience. Students can apply after completing their undergraduate or graduate (postgraduate) degree and can work in the UK for up to two years.

 

Therefore, if you’re an international student studying in the UK and are hoping to stay in the UK longer to gain employment, this is your chance!

 

Graduate Route Visa – Application Process

You can only apply for the Graduate visa from inside the UK while your Tier 4/Student visa is still valid. We recommend contacting your university’s immigration officer before you graduate to prepare you for the process.

 

Once you have successfully completed your degree and your university has informed the Home Office, you will need to have successfully completed your current course/degree (i.e. been notified of your official award) and your university will need to have reported your successful completion to the Home Office before you can apply. Once your status is processed by your university, your university will update your immigration record.

 

The current graduate visa application fee is £715 + the healthcare surcharge, which is usually £624 per year you will be in the UK.

 

Once you’ve applied and provided all necessary documents, it can take up to 8 weeks to get a decision on your visa. You will be able to continue living in the UK under the conditions of your Tier 4/Student visa until an outcome is received. You cannot travel outside of the UK while your Graduate visa application is pending.

 

Here is the link where you can apply for the Graduate visa: https://www.gov.uk/graduate-visa/apply

Here is the link to the documents you will need to apply: https://www.gov.uk/graduate-visa/documents-youll-need-to-apply

 

After Getting Your Graduate Visa 

After your Graduate visa is approved, you are free to search for work, work in most jobs, be self-employed, and travel in and out of the UK. As noted above, your Graduate visa will last for 2 years, but note that it cannot be extended. At this point, if you want to remain in the UK, you might be able to switch to another visa, such as the Skilled Worker Visa, or Tier 2 Visa (if a job will sponsor you).

 

Did you know that US visitors will need to apply for an ETA to visit the UK? Check out our article here. 

Need to speak to an advisor about studying in the UK? Check our Services webpage to see what the best available options are for your needs. 

 

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. 

UK Universities with January 2023 Intake | UK Study Expert

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

Did you miss the 2022 deadline? If so, don’t worry. There’s options to apply for January 2023 entry!

 

January entry is not as common compared to US universities, however, there are a selection to choose from. We have listed below which universities will accept January 2023 entry. Click the university links to find out what their specific entry requirements are:

 

 

These universities also have January 2023 intakes available:

 

  • Anglia Ruskin University

  • Aston University

  • Bangor University

  • Bedfordshire University

  • Birmingham City University

  • Birkbeck University of London

  • Bolton University

  • Brunel University

  • Bradford University

  • Brighton University

  • Buckinghamshire New University

  • University of Central Lancashire

  • Canterbury Christ Church University

  • Chester University

  • Chichester University

  • Cranfield University

  • Cumbria University

  • Derby University

  • De Montfort University

  • Durham University

  • East London University

  • Edinburgh Napier University

  • University of Essex

  • Glasgow Caledonian University

  • Hult International Business School

  • Huddersfield University

  • Keele University

  • Kingston University

  • University of Leicester

  • Leeds Beckett University

  • Liverpool Hope University

  • Liverpool John Moores University

  • Liverpool University

  • Manchester Metropolitan University

  • Northumbria University

  • Northampton University

  • Nottingham Trent University

  • Queen Mary University London

  • Queen University Belfast

  • Reading University

  • Richmond The American International University in London

  • Regents University London

  • Robert Gordon University

  • Southampton Solent University

  • Southampton University

  • Royal Holloway University of London

  • Staffordshire University

  • Sunderland University

  • Swansea University

  • Ulster University

  • University College Birmingham

  • Teesside University

  • University for the Creative Arts

  • University of Dundee

  • University of Gloucestershire

  • University of Greenwich

  • University of Huddersfield London

  • University of Law

  • University of South Wales

  • University of Suffolk

  • University of West London

  • The University of West of Scotland

  • West of England University Bristol

  • London South Bank University

  • Coventry University

  • Greenwich University

  • University of Hertfordshire

  • Sheffield Hallam University

  • Portsmouth University

 

Ready to apply? The UCAS application is now open!

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.

Study: British Pound Drops vs US Dollar | UK Study Expert

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

Due to the recent changes from the British government on tax cuts and borrowing, the British Pound (GBP) has weakened to $0.92 per US Dollar (USD). Never has the US Dollar been so strong against the Pound.

 

Even before the Pound dropped, you might be surprised to know that the UK has always been a more affordable option to earn a degree compared to the US.

 

The average cost of tuition fees for students studying in the US on campus is $35,500 per year (Best Colleges, 2022). UK university tuition fees can range from £14,000-£26,000 per year. Not only are tuition fees far less in the UK, UK degrees in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland offer 3 year bachelor degrees (unless it’s an integrated or placement year degree). Therefore, students save an additional year of tuition and living expenses.

 

This also rings true to master’s degrees in the UK. A master’s degree in the UK is 12 months long. This allows the student to save another year of tuition and living expenses.

 

As for living expenses, if you are living in London and are on a 9 month course (degree), the UK Government recommends students applying for their UK Student Visa must have at least £12,006 to cover housing, food and transportation (not just room and board). For students living outside of London for a 9 month course, it is recommended having at least £9,207.

 

So if you’re looking at affordable UK degree options, you could earn your bachelor’s and master’s degrees in 4 years and save 2 years worth of tuition and living expenses!

 

Currency Conversion – Total Cost to Earn Your UK Degree

 

Now let’s convert those currency figures (GBP) to dollars (USD) in today’s economy…

 

If we looked at the lowest amount for UK undergraduate tuition fees (£14,000) and living fees outside of London (£9,207), the student would be looking at total expenses of £23,207 per year.

 

UK tuition fees and living expenses per year for a student living outside of London could be as low as $25,000 per year (xe.com, Sept 28, 2022).

 

If we looked at the highest amount for UK undergraduate tuition fees (£26,000) and living inside of London (£12,006), the student would be looking at total expenses of £38,006 per year.

 

UK tuition fees and living expenses per year for a student living inside of London could be as high as $41,000 per year (xe.com, Sept 28, 2022).

 

Is this the time to be looking at earning your degree in the UK more than ever? Is the pound expected to jump back and rise?

 

We can’t predict the future but from what we’ve read, it looks positive for Americans. The US dollar has strengthened and played a contributing factor. Economics have also pointed out that they don’t see the pound jumping back up anytime soon. The Washington Post interviewed Barry Eichengreen, a professor of economics at the University of California at Berkeley, who said “Recovery is not on the horizon” for the foreseeable future.

 

How Can I Start My Search and Find the Right UK University Match for Me?

 

There’s two main resources students can look to find the right UK University fit…

Students can start by taking The UK Study Expert UK University Match Quiz which asks you questions about what degree you are interested in applying to (undergraduate or graduate), your interests, and academic profile. The quiz will then populate the top 5 UK universities that best match your profile.

The UK Study Expert also has an Undergraduate UK University Search Engine and Postgraduate UK University Search Engine. Students can input their GPA, SAT scores, ACT scores, how many AP exams they have taken/will take, subject interest, and more. They can input as much information or as little of their academic profile and interests. Once added, the search engine will populate UK university options that match their interests and entry requirements.

 

UK universities have clear, transparent information for students to be admitted into their universities. They favor academics rather than looking at a holistic review of a student’s profile. To find out their US entry requirements, students can click on any of The UK Study Expert UK university pages to find out their US entry requirements.

 

Am I Eligible to Pay UK Home Fees?

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

Let’s say that your student (or child) is British and has applied to the UK, but is currently living here in the US. The family is wondering, hmm, since we are British, are we eligible to pay Home (domestic) Fees or are we categorized as “international” and pay the International Fees?

 

Whether you pay “Home” or “International” fees depends on whether you meet certain criteria. Speaking with Falmouth University we were able to clarify. To be classed as a “Home” student, you normally need to meet one of two basic criteria before the first day of the first academic year of the course:

 

  • The student must have “Settled” status in the UK. Meaning, the student will have no time limit on the amount of time they can reside in the UK. That usually means a UK passport or another form of “indefinite leave to remain” granted by the UK government.

 

OR

 

  • The student must have been a “Resident” in the UK for the three years prior to the start of the course. That means they have been working, studying, and generally living their everyday life in the UK.

 

There are some exceptions to this, such as, parents owning a property in the UK and paying UK taxes. If you are categorized as a “Home Fee” student, it’s worth noting that it may be more competitive for admissions.

 

We recommend checking with the university for confirmation. Some universities will offer confirmation before a student applies; however, most will recommend applying first and will review the student’s application before assessing their status.

 

If you’re interested in learning more about the different policies, you can check UKCISA guidelines to help navigate what your status is. UKCISA also has a useful overview.

 

How The UK Study Expert Search Tool and Quiz Can Help You

 

Are you in the process of finding the right fit UK university? Check out our university search engine. Where you’ll be able to learn about UK universities and their entry requirements.

Or you can find your best university by taking our free UK University Quiz Match. 


Need to speak to an advisor about studying in the UK? Check our Services webpage to see what the best available options are for your needs.

 

 

Conditional vs Unconditional Offers | The UK Study Expert

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

Navigating your way around UK higher education admissions can be a bit daunting, especially as it is so different from the US way of doing things. You have researched your options, written a wonderful personal statement, and applied, congratulations! Now it is time to be patient whilst you await the responses from your chosen universities.

 

Below I am going to outline the different types of offers you may get from the UK universities you have applied to. Here in the UK many prospective students are made an offer of study based on their predicted final grades, whether this be the final high school grades and test scores, if applying for undergraduate, or the final cumulative GPA if applying for postgraduate. The offers set out below reflect this:

 

  • Conditional Offer – This offer means you have a place reserved for you as long as you meet certain requirements, usually the conditions of your offer so your final exam results or your final transcript. Universities don’t need to see the evidence of your final qualification right away (unless you have applied very late). They will set a deadline for you to provide your final documents to then confirm your place.
  • Unconditional Offer – This means you have successfully been given a place at this university and have met all the academic requirements we need for entry. Please bear in mind you may still need to sort your visa and other documentation before traveling to the UK and being able to commence your studies.
  • Unsuccessful – This means that the university is unable to make you an offer, this usually happens if your predicted final grades are not high enough to match the universities offer.

 

Once you have heard back from all the universities you will then need to make a decision as to what pathway you are going to take. If you are applying for undergraduate and have applied through UCAS you will need to choose one university as your firm choice and a second as your insurance choice. Remember to take your time over this and choose the course that appeals to you the most and will help you achieve your future goals.

 

Things to remember:

 

  • Deadlines – whether this be the UCAS decision deadline date, or the decision date set by universities be aware of them! Put them into a spreadsheet so you can keep track and respond to any offers before they expire.
  • Be aware, those applying for undergraduate, some universities may entice you by promising an unconditional offer if you make them your firm choice. Try not to be influenced by this. Choose the university based on the course that is the most appealing to you and your future goals.
  • Deposit – once you have your offer that you want to accept you may be required to pay a deposit to confirm. Make sure you are aware of this and pay the deposit before the deadline.
  • Speak to your family and friends before choosing where to study, their insight could prove to be very valuable.

 

Good luck with your applications, remember to do your research and apply with plenty of time.

 

Katie Sharpe is Senior International Student Recruitment Manager (North America) at the University of Surrey.  Located 35 minutes south of London in the town of Guildford, the University of Surrey has been awarded the prestigious accolade of ‘University of the Year for Graduate Employment’ in the Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide for 2022 recognising the University’s consistently high performance in the employability of its graduates.

 

 

How The UK Study Expert Can Help You

Looking to find your best match UK university? Lucky for you, the UK Study Expert has taken the guesswork out of figuring out what each university requires with our handy dandy search tool. Or you can find your best university by taking our free UK University Quiz Match.

 

Need to speak to an advisor about studying in the UK? Check our Services webpage to see what the best available options are for your needs. 

 

 

Studying Your Graduate Degree in Sheffield | UK Study Expert

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

After finishing my undergraduate studies in 2015, I decided to take a break from school and worked full-time for my local government for six years to think about what I wanted to do for my postgraduate studies. During this time, I started to understand how pervasive social injustice is in the United States and around the world. This understanding was greatly enhanced with various crises on national and international stages such as the United States federal government’s response to immigration at the Southern Border, immigration crises around the world, the ramifications of climate change, government instability, war, and more recently, COVID-19.

 

All these crises have made me ask if local, national, and international solutions were available (and if so, what solutions), why such little action continued to be taken, why governments cannot or simply do not effectively work together to seek and implement solutions, and what the roles of local communities and governments, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and national and international governments should be. Because these questions require an interdisciplinary approach that at the very least incorporates sociology, anthropology, history, and politics, I decided to study International Development.

 

Studying in the UK has been a lifelong dream. I looked at programs all over the country and eventually decided on the University of Sheffield because of my program’s courses as well as the student support. The student support was especially important to me in my postgraduate studies since I was studying internationally.

 

I have since been impressed with all the opportunities that the University offers to students before beginning their studies (through frequent webinars and one-on-one chats with staff and current students) and during their studies (through volunteer, career, and student engagement opportunities, in addition to student well-being support). My program had a week’s worth of welcome activities that introduced me to the university’s support services, my professors, and courses, and this also helped me make friends quickly and thus settle into life in Sheffield faster than I would have otherwise.

 

In addition to my program, I am excited to be taking French classes through the University and am still figuring out what other extracurricular activities that I would like to participate in. There is so much to love about Sheffield. So far, my favorite thing about Sheffield is the beauty. Even on rainy days, there is so much beauty to be found in the greenery of the landscape as well as the city’s architecture. Additionally, people here are so kind and helpful, and I have always felt safe.

 

I do not have any specific plans for when I complete my degree. I love government work and would like to return to that, whether for a local, state, or federal government in the United States or perhaps for the United Nations. I know that I would want to work with policy and/or project management, and that I would like to pursue my PhD at some point. My professors have created an academically rigorous program that prioritizes professional development and exposure to different career options, so with their guidance, I know that I will be prepared for a PhD program and that I will be able to find my career path.

 

Haley Myers grew up in Idaho and is a current student at University of Sheffield. She is studying a Master’s of Public Health in International Development.

 

 

How The UK Study Expert Can Help You

Looking to find your best match UK university? Lucky for you, the UK Study Expert has taken the guesswork out of figuring out what each university requires with our handy dandy search tool. Or you can find your best university by taking our free UK University Quiz Match.

 

Need to speak to an advisor about studying in the UK? Check our Services webpage to see what the best available options are for your needs. 

 

All About Sport in the UK

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

Sport (singular, not plural in the UK!) plays a prominent role in British culture. England proudly claims to be the birthplace of football (which the US and a few other countries call soccer), and while ‘the beautiful game’ has certainly earned its title as most popular sport in the UK, there are so many other popular activities to enjoy as a spectator or an athlete.

 

With sports like American football increasing in popularity and Team Great Britain athletes claiming the spotlight in major international sporting events such as the recent Tokyo 2020 Olympics, it’s an exciting time to be a sport-lover in the UK. Keep reading to find out more about some of the most popular sports that you can get involved in across the pond!

 

Most Popular Team Sports in the UK

 

It almost goes without saying that football is by far the most popular national pastime, and for good reason. There’s evidence that football has been played in English schools since the 1500’s, and England is home to the oldest football clubs as well as the world’s oldest competition (the FA Cup was founded in 1871). For this reason, football is deeply embedded in UK culture. A regular season is played from August to May – although international tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup and European Championships mean that football lovers can get their fix throughout most of the calendar year!

 

However, there are so many other team sports which are hugely popular in the UK and throughout the world. Cricket became popular in the UK in the 17th century and is widely regarded as one of the national sports of England (it was invented here, after all!). It’s a popular recreational and summer sport in England, but if you’re interested in playing competitive cricket, there is no better place to do this than in Yorkshire, one of the historic cricketing counties of England.

 

Then there’s rugby – divided into Rugby Union and Rugby League due to different rules and regulations – which also holds a top spot as one of the most popular team sports in the UK. England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland all have their own national teams, which are collectively known as the Home Nations, and there are plenty of amateur leagues and university leagues to get involved in.

 

Top Individual Sports in the UK

 

Individual sports are also extremely popular in the UK, and there’s plenty of crossover between the most popular sports amongst American and British audiences. Tennis is the largest individual sport in the UK in terms of players and audiences – the world-renowned Wimbledon Championships take place in London each summer and attracts a huge global audience. And with rising stars like recent US Open Champion Emma Raducanu taking centre court by storm, it doesn’t look like tennis is fading from prominence anytime soon.

 

Another top individual sport is athletics (Americans know it as track and field), which has only grown in popularity as more and more successful British athletes step into the spotlight during the Olympics and other major international events.

 

Other individual sports, like golf, cycling and equestrian events also enjoy a large following and huge amount of popularity amongst recreational and competitive athletes alike. Sport lovers really are spoilt for choice in the UK!

 

Studying and playing sport in the UK

 

If you’re a student athlete thinking about studying in the UK, you’re in luck. The British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS – pronounced ‘Bucks’) is the governing body for higher education sport in the United Kingdom and is responsible for organising more than 52 inter-university sports, including all of those mentioned above!

 

Every year, student athletes from around the world come to the UK to earn an internationally recognised degree while also participating in their university BUCS league. One of the top sporting universities in the UK which consistently comes close to the top of the BUCS league table is Leeds Beckett University. The university has established close partnerships with the Premier League Leeds United Football Club, as well as the world-renowned Yorkshire County Cricket Club and Yorkshire Carnegie rugby club. These partnerships provide opportunities for students to receive professional coaching and training while studying a bachelor’s or master’s degree.

 

With shorter degree lengths (3 years for a bachelor’s and 1 year for master’s), UK degrees are especially appealing to American student athletes as a more affordable alternative to traditional 4-year degree programmes in the USA. The UK university schedule also allows for student athletes to maintain a healthy work-life balance (or study-and-train balance)!

 

So if you’re interested in pursuing a degree while playing your sport at a competitive level, there are plenty of options for you! Learn more by visiting the Team Beckett website to arrange a personal application consultation, and check out the latest blogs from American student athletes who have come across to play and study:

 

Vlog – A day in the life of an American football player at Leeds Beckett

Vlog – A day in the life of a tennis player at Leeds Beckett

 

About the author

Christine Pham Keaney is the International Marketing Manager at Leeds Beckett University, one of the top sporting universities in the UK.

 

5 Reasons to Study STEM in the UK

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

From Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin to major scientific discoveries such as penicillin and the structure of DNA, and engineering innovations including the steam locomotive, the jet engine and the World Wide Web, the UK has a long and proud history in science and technology. But why might studying a STEM degree in the UK today be a good option?

 

Here’s 5 reasons why it could be an excellent place for you to study a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics:

 

1.     Quality and style of university education

 

For a relatively small island, the UK really punches above its weight when it comes to academic quality. Our universities consistently feature strongly across a range of rankings, including in the QS Subject Rankings for Engineering and Technology, Life Sciences and Medicine, and Natural Sciences, as well four UK universities placing in the top 10 in the world over-all, and numerous others in the top 100.

 

But rankings are just a small part of the story. UK universities utilize a variety of innovative teaching techniques, designed to encourage independent and critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and self-motivation – all key qualities when it comes to the STEM fields. With access to practical labs, students will be working on real-world problems with many university programmes being designed with industry collaboration and STEM careers in mind.

 

2.     Research powerhouse

 

If you’re considering a degree in STEM, then access to research is often high on the list of priorities. Universities are at the heart of UK STEM research and our academic staff include some of the world’s most renowned scientists, medics, and engineers. The strength of this research has never been more evident than the work carried out during the COVID-19 pandemic – from epidemiologists advising national and international governments, to developing advanced technologies for rapid testing, as well vaccine development. UK universities were at the forefront of tackling the pandemic, with four UK universities collectively contributing to nearly one-third of all published papers on COVID-19.

 

Many of our university researchers are directly involved teaching so as a student you get to experience their expertise first-hand in your lecturers, seminars and reading materials. Hands on experience of research is also key to studying STEM in the UK with many degrees in this area involving a research project at both undergraduate and graduate level. Additionally some universities offer schemes such as the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Programme (UROP) or the International Research Opportunities Programme (IROP) as a chance to gain first-hand experience of life in a research lab under expert supervision.

 

3.     International outlook and experience

 

Innovations in science and technology do not lend themselves to working in isolation, and what better environment to learn to work collaboratively than one that is internationally diverse. When you study at a university in the UK, you won’t just be gaining a British perspective. The UK university sector is incredibly diverse with over 20% of our students and staff coming from overseas, providing you the opportunity to gain new outlooks from international academics and to tap into fresh thinking from your peers who represent some of the most talented minds from around the world.  The people you’ll meet and the connections you’ll make will become your global network well beyond your university years.

 

UK universities also pride themselves on international collaboration, whether that’s though partnerships, student exchanges or joint research projects, and this cooperation carries through into the wider research landscape. In 2018, 55% of UK publications were the result of international collaboration, compared to the world average of 21%.

 

4.     Specialized (and often shorter!) degrees

 

Mad about mathematics? Eager to be an engineer? Convinced science is for you? Well, the UK lets you dive straight into the subject you love from day without having to continue with the other subjects you don’t like so much. Applying to an undergrad programme in the UK means you apply directly to a major which you will study for the duration of your degree giving you a chance to delve deeper into the subject right from the start. Consequently, in England, Northern Ireland and Wales, Bachelor’s degrees are only three years in duration saving you time and most likely money.

 

Similarly for graduate students, a PhD in the UK is usually carried out in 3-4 years and Master’s degrees are usually only one year in duration allowing you to gain expertise in your field in a much shorter space of time and springboard you into your career….

 

5.     Employability and career options

 

And speaking of careers, taking that leap to study abroad will always look great on your resume but there are added opportunities available to give you a head start in your career with a UK degree. As an international student you are entitled to work off campus and this provides an excellent opportunity to gain experience and build professional networks through internships and placements particularly relevant to your chosen field – and be paid for it!

 

            And if you’re too busy enjoying all the other aspects of university life during your studies, international students who have successfully completed an undergraduate or graduate degree will be able to benefit from two (or three for PhDs) years’ work experience in the UK upon graduation, through the new Graduate Route.

 

 So, there’s some great reasons to start considering the UK as a destination to study a degree in STEM – now it’s just a question of which subject and where! With thousands of degree programmes ranging from the more general such as “Natural Sciences” to super specific like “Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering” and a range of universities across the country, you’re sure to find the right fit for you.

 

About the author

Catherine Eames is the International Student Recruitment Manager at Imperial College London, a global top 10 university and the only UK university to focus entirely on science, engineering, medicine and business. Catherine has been working in UK Higher Education and international student recruitment since 2008 and has been at Imperial College London for nine years.

 

UK and US College Essay Differences

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

Your college application essay, what the UK call the “personal statement”, can be a crucial component to being admitted into university. The US college essay and the UK personal statement are very different from each other. It’s important to understand the differences and and what to look out for before submitting your application.

 

Most US college essays require you to select a topic that may be structured around you as a person. From what I’ve seen, most US students tend to submit a creative writing piece of their life that’s emotive and how they overcame a particular situation. It can sometimes be triggering and very dramatic to grab the reader’s attention. In addition, students may be required to write supplemental essays about why you want to study at that school or academic field. Universities may use creative questions which allows the reader to understand their ability to think and engage. If you are applying to a large sum of colleges/universities, this can be very stressful and time consuming.

 

Creating a personal statement for a UK university is a very easy and straightforward process. What they are requiring is not a creative writing piece but more so of an understanding and clear idea of who you are, your academic skills, knowledge of the subject, why you chose the subject you want to study, and why you want to study in the UK.

 

If you are applying through UCAS, you are required to submit one essay with a limit of 4,000 characters, which roughly estimates to a few paragraphs. That’s right… one! This one essay will be sent to each individual university you are applying to, therefore, it’s very important to avoid listing the universities by name. You want to make the essay generalized so it applies to all the courses and universities.

 

Another difference is that they do not require different essay topics to choose from nor do they require supplemental essays. This should save you time when planning out to submit your application.

 

If you’re having a difficult time on how to write the essay, I always give these resources to help them through their journey. UCAS provides so many helpful personal statement resources. These are my favorites below:

 

UCAS Personal Statement Mind Map

UCAS Personal Statement Worksheet*

 

*Two important questions that are missing from this sheet is: ‘Why do you want to study in the UK? Why do you want to be an international student rather than study in your home country? Don’t forget to add these in as this is an essential part of who you are.

 

UCAS also has more helpful resources and inspiration that is worth checking out.

 

How The UK Study Expert Can Help You

 

Looking to find your best match UK university? Lucky for you, the UK Study Expert has taken the guesswork out of figuring out what each university requires with our handy dandy search tool. Or you can find your best university by taking our free UK University Quiz Match. 

 

Need to speak to an advisor about studying in the UK? Check our Services webpage to see what the best available options are for your needs. 

Why Employers Value UK Degrees | The UK Study Expert

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

Sipping tea at a quaint little English village cafe all morning or museum hopping for an afternoon in London are absolutely pivotal experiences when studying a degree in the UK, but are these the elements you want to highlight on your resume or talk about in interviews? Of course not! So let’s discuss four different reasons why employers admire Americans earning a degree in the UK:

 

#1: Personal and Language Skills

 

Even though you’re studying in a predominantly English speaking area of the world, that doesn’t mean it’s exclusively English. Major cities in the United Kingdom are massively multi-cultural and diverse and offer a unique opportunity to explore different languages and dialects.

 

Beyond learning a foreign language abroad, developing and improving your language skills also includes oral presentations, written communications such as essays, papers and emails as well as cross-cultural communication.

 

Cross-cultural communication is extra valuable to US employers as many American companies need to market and attract customers from all around the world and prefer employees who understand how to communicate with people from different cultural backgrounds.

 

Gaining international experience shows employers you’re adaptable and independent. According to the Erasmus Impact Study, 64 percent of employers consider study abroad experience to be important, and 92 percent of employers look for transferable skills that are typically gained from the experience, such as flexibility to new challenges.

 

#2: Expanding your Network

 

Pushing your boundaries physically leads to pushing your boundaries socially. If you read my story, you know I studied my master’s in London, England where I didn’t know a single soul. Being an international student in a big city, I had to push myself to meet people, get out of my comfort zone and connect with those around me more authentically than in previous academic experiences.

 

To this day, I talk and text with folks around the world I met from my time abroad. Be comfortable being uncomfortable- put yourself out there, meet people and build relationships when you study abroad. You never know when or how those relationships will evolve and could potentially turn into professional opportunities.

 

#3: Confidence 

 

As a full-time career coach, I work with many students who say their number one challenge to landing a job is a lack of confidence. Often, applicants meet the basic and preferred job qualifications on paper but when they get into an interview, they are shy, soft-spoken and lack the confidence to clearly and articulately advocate for themselves.

 

International experience can be overwhelming at times, but through this adversity, you grow and develop your confidence. An interview I did with HR recruiter Allison Walke explained “I’ll be more inclined to move forward with a candidate who has stronger soft skills. International experience can definitely be valuable in improving these soft skills”.

 

My very first study abroad was a summer program in Greece. I was the student that was 100% there for the beautiful beaches and crystal blue waters. I didn’t speak a word of Greek. Surviving in Athens for a summer in 2006 with no wifi and a guidebook I picked up at a Border’s Books (RIP big chain bookstores) was a challenge to say the least. I gained such confidence during my international experience, when I returned back to the US, I was already busy planning my next trip abroad.

 

#4: International Opportunities 

 

Employers always seek applicants who have international experience. Whether you’re in a field like international business and communications or engineering and education, studying abroad sets you apart from other applicants and might be the difference between getting or not getting an interview.

 

A NAFSA survey found nearly 40 percent of companies missed out on international business opportunities due to a lack of personnel with international experience. Employees with previous abroad experience are much more likely to be asked or assigned to international clients and projects because of their comfortability with travel and different cultures and languages. These are very beneficial qualities to bring up in interviews and a great way to show your value to potential employers.

 

Parting Words… 

 

I would highly encourage you to consider your professional goals before starting your study abroad in the UK. Think about what you’re trying to achieve with your degree from a professional standpoint and make a plan to get there. I went into my master’s with a very clear goal of networking in the international education industry in order to obtain a full-time job in study abroad when I returned to the US- and I did.

 

Be intentional with your time whilst abroad, because it’ll go by so quick. Gain international work and study experience, travel, meet new people, developing your willingness to try new things and learn to go with the flow. All these attributes are highly valued and positively viewed in the professional world.

 

About the Writer…

 

Hi! My name is Nadia and I help people design happy and fulfilling careers through authentic career coaching. My expertise includes career exploration guidance, resume writing, interview prep and LinkedIn profile optimization. My pronouns are She/ Her/ Hers and as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I focus on how diverse identities impact and influence folks holistically and professionally. Connect with on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/nadiaibrahim/ or visit me on Etsy as The Career Coach Shop!