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Category: Your Go-To Undergraduate Resources for Studying in the UK

Dual Offers Dilemma: US vs UK Choice | The UK Study Expert

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

 

As a US student faced with the dilemma of accepting an offer from a US university for May 1 or meeting the conditional offer from a UK university in June, careful consideration and planning are crucial. Here are some professional suggestions on how to navigate this situation and make an informed decision.

 

 

  1. Consider Accepting the US Offer: Given the May 1 deadline commonly set by US universities, it may be wise to accept the US offer and secure a spot. This allows for certainty in the short term, while also providing the opportunity to explore options with the UK offer.

  2. Evaluate the Conditional Offer: US students should carefully review the conditions attached to the UK offer. Assess the likelihood of meeting these conditions, such as achieving specific grades or fulfilling other requirements, by the stipulated deadline in June. You may be able to ask your UK university if this is a hard conditional requirement. If you are just short of meeting the requirement, the US recruitment officer may be able to speak on your behalf to admissions. If you don’t meet their requirements, you can also rely on your insurance university choice as a back-up or the university may be able to provide another option, such as a Foundation Year.

  3. Explore Deferral Options: If feeling torn between the two offers, US students may want to consider deferring one of them. Some US and UK universities may offer deferral options, allowing students to postpone their admission for a year. This can provide additional time to make an informed decision and meet the conditions of the UK offer.

  4. Communicate with Universities: It’s important to keep communication lines open with both US and UK universities. Inform them about your decision, inquire about deferral options, and seek clarifications on any queries or concerns you may have. Professional and timely communication can help navigate the process smoothly.

  5. Evaluate Priorities and Goals: Reflect on your priorities and long-term goals. Consider factors such as academic programs, university reputation, location, career opportunities, and cost of education. Carefully weigh the pros and cons of studying in the US versus the UK, and how each aligns with your personal and professional aspirations.

  6. Consider Financial Implications: Evaluate the financial aspects of both offers, including tuition fees, living expenses, and available financial aid options. Factor in potential currency exchange rates and cost of living in the UK. Develop a budget and assess the financial impact of each option.

 

In conclusion, US students facing the decision of accepting offers from both US and UK universities should approach it strategically. By carefully considering the conditional offer, exploring deferral options, communicating with universities, and evaluating priorities and financial implications, students can make an informed decision that aligns with their academic and career goals.

 

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

 

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. 

 

 

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.

 

Using the GI Bill to Study in the UK | The UK Study Expert

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

If you are a US student who is planning to apply to a university in the UK with the support of the GI Bill, there are several steps you need to take. The GI Bill is a program that provides educational benefits to veterans and their dependents, and it can be used to study at approved institutions in the UK.

 

Here’s what you need to do:

 

  1. Choose an approved institution/degree: The first step is to select a university that is approved by the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for GI Bill benefits. The VA maintains a list of approved institutions on its website, so be sure to check that your chosen university is on the list.

    These are the following links:

    https://www.va.gov/education/gi-bill-comparison-tool/

    https://inquiry.vba.va.gov/weamspub/searchInst.do#content-area

    You can also reach out to their international office to check if the GI Bill is accepted. Not only does the university need to be approved, but the degree approved as well.

  2. Apply to the university: Once you have selected an approved institution, you will need to apply to the university. Follow the application process for international students, and make sure to mention that you are planning to use the GI Bill benefits. You may also need to provide additional documentation to show that you are eligible for the benefits.

  3. Apply for the GI Bill: If you are not already receiving GI Bill benefits, you will need to apply for them. You can do this by visiting the VA website and completing the application process. Be sure to choose the correct GI Bill program based on your eligibility.

  4. Provide documentation to the university: Once your application for the GI Bill benefits has been approved, you will need to provide documentation to the university. This may include a certificate of eligibility or other paperwork from the VA.

  5. Attend orientation: Many universities in the UK offer orientation sessions for international students. Be sure to attend these sessions to learn about the resources available to you and any additional steps you may need to take.

  6. Keep in touch with the VA: Throughout your time at the university, it is important to keep in touch with the VA to ensure that your benefits are being processed correctly. If you experience any issues or have questions, reach out to the VA for assistance.

By following these steps, you can use the GI Bill to study at a university in the UK and pursue your educational goals. Good luck with your application!

 

UCAS: No Changes to Personal Statement | The UK Study Expert

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

UCAS, the organization responsible for managing university applications in the UK, has announced that there will be no changes to the personal statement for the 2024-2025 application cycle. In a recent statement, UCAS stated that they are still in the process of evaluating and assessing potential changes to the personal statement, and will not make any updates until they have completed this process.

 

The personal statement is an important part of the university application process, allowing applicants to showcase their achievements, interests, and suitability for their chosen course. While some have called for changes to the personal statement format, including limiting the number of characters or introducing more structured prompts, UCAS has decided to hold off on making any updates for the time being.

 

In their statement, UCAS explained that they are committed to ensuring that the personal statement remains a fair and effective tool for assessing applicants, and that any changes they make will be thoroughly evaluated to ensure that they do not disadvantage any groups of applicants.

 

While some may be disappointed by the lack of changes to the personal statement, it is important to remember that the statement remains a valuable opportunity for applicants to demonstrate their strengths and suitability for their chosen course. By focusing on presenting a clear and compelling narrative about their experiences and goals, applicants can make the most of this opportunity to impress admissions teams.

 

As UCAS continues to evaluate potential changes to the personal statement, it is important for applicants to stay up-to-date with any updates or announcements. However, for now, the personal statement will remain a key part of the application process, and applicants should focus on presenting their best selves in their statement to stand out to admissions teams.

Transfer from US College to UK University | UK Study Expert

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

If you’ve attended community college or a university in the US, and have obtained, or are about to obtain an associate’s degree, you might be wondering if this pathway will hold any weight on your application, and if your credits will be transferred toward your UK degree. In this article, we break down how college credits are viewed in the UK, the expectations of applying with college credits or an associate’s degree, and the application process.

 

How an Associate’s Degree Helps Your Application

 

Most universities are happy to take associate’s degrees in place of entry requirements to get into their programs. You can refer to our article on US entry requirements on what is typically required to apply to UK universities coming from high school.  This means that instead of needing AP exams or the SAT/ACT, you can use a year’s worth of college classes or your associate’s degree instead.

 

For some specialty programs, universities do reserve the right to ask for specific classes on top of your associate’s degree. For example, if you are applying for STEM subjects, they may request specific science classes to ensure that you have a level knowledge in science before admitted. In most cases, your college classes or associate’s degree will suffice in place of exams, especially if you’ve taken classes related to the program you are applying for.

 

Will Credits from an Associate’s Degree Transfer to a UK degree?

 

The short answer to this question is: it depends on the university and the types of classes you have taken.

 

To fully grasp the transfer process in the UK, it’s crucial to understand how it differs from the US system. In the US, when a student wishes to transfer from one university to another, the admissions office will review their academic history and take into account the number of classes or credits they’ve completed. These credits will then transfer over to the new university, regardless of the amount, and will be factored into the student’s schedule. Whether the student starts in September or January, they can continue on with their studies, taking available courses as necessary.

 

This process does NOT apply to UK universities.

 

The UK’s credit system differs from that of the US in several key ways. Unlike in the US, where students can transfer credits between universities, UK universities have a set curriculum of classes at a certain time of the year that students must complete to earn their degree. Additionally, UK universities do not have general education requirements, and most degrees are completed within three years. This means that it is not possible for students to transfer mid-year with a set number of credits and be admitted directly into a degree program. If a student has completed only a few classes or up to 1.5 years of education, they are generally not eligible to transfer any credits. Instead, their admission to the university would be seen as an opportunity to begin their studies anew.

 

In the UK, transferring with an associate’s degree is possible, but only if certain conditions are met. Typically, if a student wants to transfer into Year 2 of a UK university program, they must have completed relevant classes that relate to their chosen program of study. Unlike in the US, UK universities tend to focus more on specialized courses that are directly related to a student’s major. Therefore, if a student has taken a significant number of classes that are applicable to their chosen program, they may have a good chance of having those credits transferred. In most cases, students would need to have at least two years’ worth of credits before transferring, especially if they are applying for a three-year degree program. This is referred to as “Year 2 Entry” in the UK system.

 

Some universities are more likely to consider starting a student at Year 2 Entry. Typically, the higher ranked universities are less likely to start students at Year 2, however, this is decided on a case-by-case basis by the admissions department.

 

What is Year 2 Entry, exactly?

 

The typical entry point for most students is called Year 1 Entry. This would be where your incoming freshman start their studies.

 

Therefore, Year 2 Entry is just as it sounds: you’d be starting your studies in the second year of the program. If you can demonstrate that you have fulfilled the requirements for Year 1 with the classes you have taken from your associate’s, then you will be considered for Year 2 Entry. This is why admissions will be looking to see what classes you have taken in your associate’s degree, and if they relate to the program you are applying to.

 

Adding Year 2 Entry to Your UCAS Application

 

It’s really very simple to be considered for Year 2 Entry at your UK university choices! When adding your university choices to the UCAS application, you’ll come across the question of ‘Point of entry.’

 

This is where you will mark that you’re looking for Year 2 Entry, and will alert your university choices’ admissions teams as such.

 

As you can see, Year 3 Entry is also an option, but very rare to be granted to students. The other entry points are for more speciality programs.

 

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”.

 

We also have advisors who can access your profile to give you the best chances of getting into your dream UK university!

 

Ultimately, having your credits transferred to over to the UK is decided on a case-by-case basis by admissions departments, but is surely worth a try, given the very cheap application fees! It doesn’t hurt to try, right?

 

Overall, an associate’s degree is beneficial towards your UCAS application, and might even grant you the ability to start at Year 2.

 

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].

 

New UCAS Reference 2024 Guidelines | The UK Study Expert

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

Big Announcement!

 

UCAS has recently made major changes to the reference section that may be a culture shock for US counselors. If you’re a college counselor who has worked with students applying to UK universities, you’re probably familiar with UCAS, the centralized application system. UCAS handles the application process for almost all undergraduate degree courses in the UK. In this article, we’ll explain what those changes are and what they mean for US students who are considering applying to universities in the UK.

 

First, let’s explain what the UCAS reference is. The reference is a letter written by a teacher or other academic advisor that is submitted along with the student’s application. Currently, the UCAS reference was written as a single letter from one academic or teacher that would be sent to each individual university that the student was applying to. It provides an evaluation of the student’s academic performance, character, and potential. It is an important part of the application process and still remains to be so.

 

Starting this May 2023, the reference section will no longer be a single letter, but rather be split into 3 sections for the referee to complete (see below). Referees can?only use up to 4,000 characters (including spaces, headings and line breaks) or 47 lines of text total, whichever comes first, between all three sections. This will be implemented into the UCAS application for the 2024 entry applicants:

 


SECTION 1 (if the student has linked their application to a UCAS centre):

 

The first section is to provide information regarding your school. This is a great place to explain your school’s rankings, if it is a private or public school, general overview of your school’s curriculum (i.e. if your school offers AP exams), etc. This section is mandatory for schools registered as a UCAS centre.

 

If you are worried about copying and pasting this section for each student, the good news is that your school profile template can be saved in the system ONLY if your school is registered as a UCAS centre.

 

(How to link your school to your UCAS application)

 

SECTION 1 (if the student has NOT linked their application to a UCAS centre):

 

For applicants who apply independently, and not link their application to a school or college, the referee would provide an overview of their relationship to the applicant.

 

SECTION 2 (This section is optional)

 

You should only add information into this section if the applicant has extenuating circumstances that may have affected their grades or will affect their grades. Another example is if you believe this student is doing far better this year than previous years, etc.

 

SECTION 3 (This section is also optional):

 

This section is useful to inform the universities if the student has any circumstances that the university should be aware of. Some examples of this could be the student needing academic support, or the student is currently transitioning, etc.

 

For Sections 2 & 3: It is accepted that most references will not contain any information. If you do not provide information, referees will need to tick ‘no information to enter for this section’ or the reference section won’t be completed or submitted. Ticking this box allows universities and colleges to know that no information has been supplied under these headings.

 

CONCLUSION

 

As you have noticed, there’s NO opportunity for the counselor or teacher to provide an evaluation of the student’s academic performance, character, and potential. Why? Because the student has already provided adequate information about their academics and should have explained their achievements and knowledge in their personal statement.

 

As an American and being in the industry for over 10 years, this was a big culture shock to me. A teacher or counselor not bragging about how high-achieving the student is? How absurd!

 

But the more I thought about it, the more it made sense. It allows the university to pinpoint information from a reference that is sometimes the most important. This will better support the university to determine if a student is the right fit. Not only will this be easier to read for the university, but it will also be easier and less work for the counselor or teacher to complete.

 

UCAS have announced that they are still fine tweaking these new processes and will provide a Q&A with more information. Stay tuned for more information!

 

We’d love to know your thoughts about the new changes. Comment below to share your thoughts and ideas!

 

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. 

 

 

UK’s Finest Universities: Campus Tours | The UK Study Expert

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

Visiting universities in the United Kingdom is an exciting prospect for prospective students and their families. The UK is home to some of the world’s best universities, so it’s important to take the time to become familiar with the different campuses before making a decision. Whether you are considering a degree in the UK or simply want to explore the possibilities, scheduling a campus tour is the perfect way to get a better understanding of the university experience.

 

We understand that every university has their own procedure when conducting tours or Open Days for families to visit campus. Below we have listed information, procedures, and who to contact for each of our partner UK universities:

 

Northern Ireland

Queen’s University Belfast

Campus Open Day Information

Preferred method to schedule tour: Online Form. Can email directly if needed.

  • Can students meet with a faculty member? Yes – just let us know on either the booking form or by email what program(s) you’re interested in, and we can arrange it for the day.

  • Can students meet with a Student Ambassador? Yes. 

  • Can a student sit in to observe a classroom? Yes.

  • Do you provide accommodation tours? Yes.

  • Additional information: We can accommodate pretty much any request, and are happy to advise on general travel plans to Belfast and Northern Ireland.

Scotland 

University of Glasgow

Campus Open Day Information

Preferred method to schedule tour: Online Form.

  • Can students meet with a faculty member? Yes.

  • Can students meet with a Student Ambassador? Yes.

  • Can a student sit in to observe a classroom? No. 

  • Do you provide accommodation tours? Yes. Please email to schedule accommodation tour. 

University of Strathclyde

Campus Open Day Information

Preferred method to schedule tour: Online Form.

  • Can students meet with a faculty member? Yes. Email to request.

  • Can students meet with a Student Ambassador? Yes.

  • Can a student sit in to observe a classroom? No. 

  • Do you provide accommodation tours? Depends on the availability.

 

Wales

Aberystwyth University

Campus Open Day Information

Preferred method to schedule tour: Email.

  • Can students meet with a faculty member? Yes.

  • Can students meet with a Student Ambassador? Yes.

  • Can a student sit in to observe a classroom? No.

  • Do you provide accommodation tours? Depends on availability.

Cardiff University

Campus Open Day Information

Preferred method to schedule tour: Email.

  • Can students meet with a faculty member? Yes.

  • Can students meet with a Student Ambassador? Yes.

  • Can a student sit in to observe a classroom? No.

  • Do you provide accommodation tours? Depends on availability.

University of Wales, St. Trinity

Campus Open Day Information

Preferred method to schedule tour: Email. Online form is also available.

  • Can students meet with a faculty member? Yes.

  • Can students meet with a Student Ambassador? Yes. 

  • Can a student sit in to observe a classroom? Yes. 

  • Do you provide accommodation tours? Depends on availability.

 

England

Arts University Bournemouth

Campus Open Day Information

Preferred method to schedule tour: Website. Can email directly if needed.

  • Can students meet with a faculty member? Depends on availability. 

  • Can students meet with a Student Ambassador? Yes. 

  • Can a student sit in to observe a classroom? Yes.

  • Do you provide accommodation tours? Depends on availability.

Bournemouth University

Campus Open Day Information

Preferred method to schedule tour: Email.

  • Can students meet with a faculty member? Yes. Recommended to schedule six weeks in advance to schedule. 

  • Can students meet with a Student Ambassador? Yes. 

  • Can a student sit in to observe a classroom? No. 

  • Do you provide accommodation tours? No.

Falmouth University

Campus Open Day Information

Preferred method to schedule tour: Online form. Can email directly if needed.

  • Can students meet with a faculty member? Yes.

  • Can students meet with a Student Ambassador? Yes. 

  • Can a student sit in to observe a classroom? No.

  • Do you provide accommodation tours? Yes.

Goldsmiths University of London

Campus Open Day Information

Preferred method to schedule tour: Email.

  • Can students meet with a faculty member? Yes. Must be 3 weeks notice. Virtual meetings are also offered.

  • Can students meet with a Student Ambassador? Yes. 

  • Can a student sit in to observe a classroom? Yes.

  • Do you provide accommodation tours? Depends on availability.

Imperial College London

Campus Open Day Information

Preferred method to schedule tour: Online form. Can email directly if options aren’t available.

  • Can students meet with a faculty member? Not normally but if interested, students will need to reach the department directly. 

  • Can students meet with a Student Ambassador? Yes. 

  • Can a student sit in to observe a classroom? No. 

  • Do you provide accommodation tours? No.

King’s College London

Campus Open Day Information

Preferred method to schedule tour: Online form.

  • Can students meet with a faculty member? No.

  • Can students meet with a Student Ambassador? Yes. 

  • Can a student sit in to observe a classroom? No.

  • Do you provide accommodation tours? Yes. Please email to schedule a tour. 

Lancaster University

Campus Open Day Information

Preferred method to schedule tour: Email.

  • Can students meet with a faculty member? Yes.

  • Can students meet with a Student Ambassador? Yes. 

  • Can a student sit in to observe a classroom? No. 

  • Do you provide accommodation tours? Depends on availability.

Leeds Arts University

Campus Open Day Information

Preferred method to schedule tour: Email.

  • Can students meet with a faculty member? Yes.

  • Can students meet with a Student Ambassador? Yes. 

  • Can a student sit in to observe a classroom? Yes. 

  • Do you provide accommodation tours? Yes.

 

London Metropolitan University

Campus Open Day Information

Preferred method to schedule tour: Email.

  • Can students meet with a faculty member? Yes.

  • Can students meet with a Student Ambassador? Yes. 

  • Can a student sit in to observe a classroom? No. 

  • Do you provide accommodation tours? No. 

 

Loughborough University

Campus Open Day Information & Experience Days

Preferred method to schedule tour: Email.

  • Can students meet with a faculty member? Yes.

  • Can students meet with a Student Ambassador? Yes. 

  • Can a student sit in to observe a classroom? No. 

  • Do you provide accommodation tours? No.

 

Middlesex University London

Campus Open Day Information

Preferred method to schedule tour: Online form. Can email directly if needed.

  • Can students meet with a faculty member? Yes, depending on availability.

  • Can students meet with a Student Ambassador? Yes.

  • Can a student sit in to observe a classroom? No. 

  • Do you provide accommodation tours? Yes.

Ravensbourne University

Campus Open Day Information

Preferred method to schedule tour: Online form. Can email directly if needed.

  • Can students meet with a faculty member? Depends on the availability.

  • Can students meet with a Student Ambassador? Depends on the availability.

  • Can a student sit in to observe a classroom? No.

  • Do you provide accommodation tours? No.

Royal Holloway, University of London 

Campus Open Day Information

Preferred method to schedule tour: Online form. Can email directly if needed.

  • Can students meet with a faculty member? Depends on the availability.

  • Can students meet with a Student Ambassador? Yes.

  • Can a student sit in to observe a classroom? No.

  • Do you provide accommodation tours? Yes, depending on availability.

  • Additional Information – Staying the night? RHUL has affordable accommodation for guests. Book here. 

 

University of Birmingham

Campus Open Day Information

Preferred method to schedule tour: Online form. Can email directly if needed.

  • Can students meet with a faculty member? Yes, please request this with the America’s team. 

  • Can students meet with a Student Ambassador? Yes. 

  • Can a student sit in to observe a classroom? No.

  • Do you provide accommodation tours? Yes.

University of Chester

Campus Open Day Information

Preferred method to schedule tour: Email. Students can also fill in an online form.

  • Can students meet with a faculty member? Yes.

  • Can students meet with a Student Ambassador? Yes. 

  • Can a student sit in to observe a classroom? No.

  • Do you provide accommodation tours? Yes.

University of Kent

Campus Open Day Information

Preferred method to schedule tour: Online form.

  • Can students meet with a faculty member? Depends on availability

  • Can students meet with a Student Ambassador? Depends on availability.

  • Can a student sit in to observe a classroom? No. 

  • Do you provide accommodation tours? Depends on the availability.

University of Liverpool

Campus Open Day Information

Preferred method to schedule tour: Online form. Can email directly if needed.

  • Can students meet with a faculty member? Yes. Will need to be requested via email.

  • Can students meet with a Student Ambassador? Yes. 

  • Can a student sit in to observe a classroom? No. 

  • Do you provide accommodation tours? Depends on the availability.

  • Additional Information – Families can also reach Caroline for assistance. 

University of Plymouth

Campus Open Day Information

Preferred method to schedule tour: Email. Online form also available.

  • Can students meet with a faculty member? Yes. 

  • Can students meet with a Student Ambassador? Yes. 

  • Can a student sit in to observe a classroom? No. 

  • Do you provide accommodation tours? Depends on the availability.

 

University of Roehampton, London

Campus Open Day Information

Preferred method to schedule tour: Online form. Can email directly if needed.

  • Can students meet with a faculty member? Would need to be pre-arranged. Please Email.

  • Can students meet with a Student Ambassador? Yes.

  • Can a student sit in to observe a classroom? No. 

  • Do you provide accommodation tours? No.

 

University of Surrey

Campus Open Day Information

Preferred method to schedule tour: Email. Online form also available.

  • Can students meet with a faculty member? Yes. Subject to availability. Must include requests in email. 

  • Can students meet with a Student Ambassador? Yes. Subject to availability.

  • Can a student sit in to observe a classroom? No. 

  • Do you provide accommodation tours? Depends on the availability.

 

University of Sussex

Campus Open Day Information

Preferred method to schedule tour: Email.

  • Can students meet with a faculty member? Yes, subject to availability. Request in email

  • Can students meet with a Student Ambassador? Yes. 

  • Can a student sit in to observe a classroom? No. 

  • Do you provide accommodation tours? No.

 

If you have any issues reaching out to one of our partner universities listed above, please email [email protected] to connect you.

 

New UK ETA Travel Authorization 2024 | The UK Study Expert

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

The introduction of the new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) scheme in the United Kingdom will have an impact on US students visiting UK universities and likely students studying abroad for less than 6 months.

 

The ETA is a digital travel authorization for visa-exempt travelers visiting the United Kingdom, which will be required for boarding a plane for travel to the country. This new scheme is designed to strengthen the control and compliance of UK borders, and the ETA application process is expected to take less than 15 minutes with a decision provided within 78 hours.

 

For US students and families interested in visiting UK universities, this means that they will need to apply for an ETA before traveling to the United Kingdom. This additional step in the travel process may cause some inconvenience, but it is not expected to significantly impact the number of US students visiting the country. The ETA is similar to the ESTA in the United States, which US citizens are already familiar with. Overall, the ETA scheme is a measure to enhance border security and compliance, but it will not be a significant hindrance for US student visits.

 

When will this come into effect?

 

The scheme is set out into three separate phases. The first phase will be starting in 2023, however the US will probably be affected in 2024 as it will be phased in over time. The Home Office claims that the scheme will be completed and live for all visa-exempt travelers by the end of 2024. The UK Study Expert will be monitoring this information.

 

How will this affect study abroad students?

 

US study abroad students who are studying a semester for less than 6 months and aren’t required to apply for a visa, may be affected if starting their studies after September 2024.

 

How Much Does it Cost to apply for the UK ETA?

 

Full details of the British Home Office have not been released yet, but travel and immigration experts have determined it will likely cost between $5 and $20 USD for US citizens based on similar schemes in Canada, Australia, New Zealand and what non citizens pay for an ESTA to visit the US.

 

Resources below:

Executive Traveller

Gov.uk Website