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

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.

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

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

 

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

 

The following universities were represented:

 

Falmouth University

Goldsmiths University of London

Leeds Arts University

Arts University Bournemouth

Ravensbourne University

 

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

 

1. Enhance your artistic skills and knowledge:

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

 

2. Three year bachelor’s degrees:

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

 

3. Affordable and competitive compared to US universities:

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

 

4. Expand your career prospects:

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

 

5. Exposure to different cultural perspectives:

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

 

6. Study abroad experience:

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

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

 

New Entry Requirements:

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

  • Evidence of high school achievements to date

  • Details of current studies and pending achievements

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

  • A copy of your School Profile

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

 

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

 

How long is the pilot program in duration for?

 

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

 

Is this in effect now?

 

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

 

Who can I contact if I have questions?

 

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

 

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

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

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

 

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

 

Social Work MSc

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Bachelor of Education (BA Education)

 

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

 

PGCE (Teaching Certification)

 

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

 

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

 

Master of Pharmacy (MPharm)

 

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

 

PhD of Clinical Psychology

 

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

 

Master of Physical Therapy (MA Physiotherapy)

 

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

 

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

 

Do Your Own Research

 

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

 

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

About the Author:

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

 

 

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

 

Affordable Degrees in the UK for Students | UK Study Expert

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

Many students and parents have the misconception that studying in the UK will be more expensive than staying in the US. They couldn’t be more wrong!

 

Studying in the UK ends up being the same cost, if not cheaper, than studying in the US. According to this recent article from Forbes, US university tuition and expenses are higher than almost every other country.

 

 

University Tuition and Living Costs in the UK vs. the US

 Going to university in the UK is far more financially beneficial to go to university in the UK than in the US. The average tuition for a year of education in the UK can range from $12,000 – $31,000 for a year 3 bachelor’s degree, compared to the US, where the average tuition for one year is $25,707 (in-state tuition) and can go up to $54,501 (private universities).

 

 

 

 

As for Living expenses (accommodation + travel + food, etc.) can be anywhere from $11,000 to $18,000 per year (British Council, 2022).

 

Some students manage to do things even cheaper than that! It depends on your lifestyle, and if you’re living in student housing, or private housing, with or without flatmates.

 

Why are UK degrees generally cheaper? Let’s go over the reasons why, as well as the ways US students fund their UK studies.

 

 

UK Degrees are Shorter in Length

Students can complete both their bachelor’s and master’s degree in just 4 years – saving them 2 years of expensive tuition and living expenses.

 

Standard degrees in England, Wales and Northern Ireland universities are 3 years in length. Master’s degrees are completed in 1 year. PhD’s can range from 3 to 4 years.

 

Of course, there are some exceptions to this rule for specialty programs, but the lengths mentioned above are generally the case. Cutting out an extra year of study is undoubtedly going to save a student a lot of cash!

 

As for Scotland, bachelor’s degrees are 4 years in length. The price a student would pay studying in Scotland would be comparable to studying at an in-state university in the US, however, the experience couldn’t quite compare.

 

So, if you are looking to strategically save and earn both your bachelor’s and master’s degree, the UK is a highly attractive option. Earning both degrees in the US could take as long as 6 years or more. Can you imagine coming back to the US with a master’s degree, while your friends studying in the US have just completed or are trying to complete their bachelor’s degree?

 

? Need help with your UCAS application? Get our UCAS Guide for $27

 

Costs Vary by University and Location

There is a narrow range of tuition costs across the UK, thus, it’s pretty easy to apply to universities within your budget with a little research. Not surprisingly, universities outside of London will be cheaper than universities within London, especially when it comes to accommodation and living costs. Welsh universities end up being a steal, so don’t sleep on them!

 

Furthermore, if a university is really well known or very highly ranked, they may be more expensive than universities that are lesser known. Our search tool can help you discover universities that offer a good education, but aren’t as well known as some of the main contenders you’ve already heard of.

 

Using FAFSA to Fund Your UK Studies

Did you know that FAFSA will let you use your student loans for UK universities? The process works the same as the US: UK universities have FAFSA codes you can easily plug into the application.

Once you confirm an offer at a UK university, you’ll work with the finance team to complete the FAFSA process. It’s really that simple!

 

Scholarships are Available

UK universities open up scholarships to students in early spring. Scholarships typically range from £1,000 – £5,000 and are applied for after you send in your university application. Many students are able to win scholarships that help offset costs.

If you are looking for larger scholarships, check out our scholarships page to learn a variety of options.

 

Employment in the UK as a Student

Beyond loans and scholarships, you can actually work up to 20 hours in the UK while studying. Outside of term, students are able to work up to 40 hours a week. This is not a common practice in every country, so it’s a nice bonus that the UK offers students this option.

 

Application Fees are Cheap and/or Non Existent

One thing to note is that application fees are also very cheap in the UK. It’s roughly  $30 to apply to up to 5 universities for bachelor’s programs, and generally free to apply to master’s and PhD programs (except for some specialty programs, like MBA’s). This makes it easy and cheap for a student to apply to UK programs.

Resources: Education Data Initiative

 

How The UK Study Expert 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. 

 

 

 

Need help figuring out your UCAS application? Check out our step-by-step UCAS Guide!

Get the UCAS Guide for $27

 

 

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 Personal Statement: Student Guide | The UK Study Expert

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

American students are used to writing personal statements (a.k.a. college essays) that are full of narrative and personal hardships. This is a common theme in US college essays due to the competitiveness of US university admissions, as it helps students stand out from the pool of applicants. Sometimes, students are even encouraged to write an essay that will make an admissions board get emotional or even cry. Oh, the drama of it all!

 

Well, the UK admissions system and their personal statements couldn’t be more different! The UK admissions system primarily focuses on your academics, and your knowledge in the subject you are applying to, rather than you being a well-rounded student flourishing in academics, clubs, extra-curriculars, etc. That’s why UK personal statements are centered around showing why you are a good fit for the program, much like a professional cover letter to a job opening. UK statements are to the point, clear, concise and focus on the subject and factual information, such as your accomplishments. You might find writing a UK personal statement to be a little dry – which surprisingly means you’re doing it right!

 

? Need help with your UCAS application? Get our UCAS Guide for $27

 

Outline for your Personal Statement (aka College Essay)

There is no ‘one way’ to write a personal statement, but to begin, you want the focus to be around the subject you are interested in pursuing to study and why. NOT the university or universities, specifically. It’s important to inform the reader of your ambition, interests, and intellect in the field. If you are applying to different subjects that aren’t related, you want to make sure that you incorporate the subjects into the essay cohesively.

 

Here is a general outline that might help:

 

  • Intro: Talk about what you are applying for, why you want to study that subject, and what inspires you about the subject.

  • 2nd Paragraph: Talk about your academic history and any classes/projects you undertook that are related to the subject you’re applying for. How are you as a student? What makes you ready to study the subject at university level?

  • 3rd Paragraph: Talk about any work experience, internships, or volunteering you’ve done that is related to the subject you’re applying for.

  • 4th paragraph: Explain why you want to study this subject in the UK. Why do you want to attend university in the UK?

  • Conclusion: Talk about your future educational and career goals.

 

It’s important to note that if you are applying to an English literature program, for example, you might bring up authors that inspire you. Or, if you are wanting to study mathematics, who are your favorite mathematicians?

Play around with the outline above, but remember to keep it centered on the subject you are applying for, while also showcasing your personal accomplishments.

 

 

How Many Personal Statements Do I Have to Write? 

Students can only apply to up to 5 UK universities but only one personal statement can be submitted. Your personal statement will be sent directly to each university you have applied to, via the UCAS application. Therefore, it’s best to apply to the same program at all universities (or, at least, similar programs).

 

 

How Long Does the Personal Statement Need to Be? 

You’ll be applying through UCAS, so there is a character limit you must abide by. Your statement cannot exceed 4,000 characters with spaces.

 

Further Information on Statements

Undergrad students can visit the UCAS website for more info on what’s needed in your statement, and even use some of the statement builder tools provided there.

 

Need help figuring out your UCAS application? Check out our step-by-step UCAS Guide! Get the UCAS Guide for $27

 

About the Author:

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

Studying Esports in the UK

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

UK University Entry Requirements | The UK Study Expert

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

If you’ve been confused by entry requirements listed on UK university websites, then you’ve come to the right place. We know the grading system, and all this talk of A-Levels, looks and sounds like a foreign language. Have no fear – the UK Study Expert is here to simplify UK entry requirements for you.

 

First, what you need to know is each university has a set of entry requirements based off of American exams and GPAs, therefore, you won’t be going off of UK requirements at all! These US requirements are usually buried somewhere deep on the university’s website. In this article, we are going to go over the general requirements you need to get into UK universities for both graduate and undergraduate programs.

 

Graduate Degree Program Requirements

Let’s begin with the easiest requirements to break down: Graduate (Master’s) Degree requirements. You’ll be happy to find out that Graduate degrees in the UK do not need the GRE (what a sigh of relief)! UK universities will be looking at your GPA as the main entry requirement for their programs.

 

Generally, if you have a 3.0 and above, you’re in a really good spot for most UK universities. Of course, the higher your GPA, the better, but generally UK universities are more lenient towards GPA than their US counterparts.

 

Students who have a 2.5 GPA and above still have a good list of universities to choose from.

 

Under 2.5 is definitely doable, but the lower you go, the more of a case-by-case situation it will be when admissions is deciding on your application (work experience also comes into play, of course).

 

Besides GPA, certain specialty programs may ask for portfolios or entrance exams, but this is not the norm for most graduate programs. If anything extra is needed beyond a student’s GPA, it will be clearly stated on the university’s program page.

 

You can take the quiz on our website to see a list of your best matches based off of your GPA.

 

Undergraduate Degree Program Requirements

Undergraduate Degree requirements are slightly more complex, and vary depending on the university you are applying to.

 

The best exam to boost your UK application is the AP exam. The more AP exams with high scores you have, the better. If you are looking to study at prestigious universities such as University of Oxford, Cambridge University, Imperial College London, University College London, University of Edinburgh, etc., it is a main component for admission in a student’s application. This is due to the UK education system and A-Level qualifications. The closest equivalent to this in the US is AP exams, which is why this is a hard requirement and universities will not provide any substitutions or flexibility. The IB (International Baccalaureate) curriculum is also highly considered.

 

if you don’t have AP exams, there’s also plenty of other high-ranked, well-known universities that offer flexible requirements to choose from!

 

Since COVID and universities moving away from standardized testing, many UK universities have followed suit and have implemented a new test-flexible approach. The ‘main formula’ most universities are looking for is:

 

Ex. 3.0 GPA + (SAT or ACT or AP exams with a good score)

 

However, we have been finding that more universities are taking different combinations of exams and honours classes or dual enrollment classes in place of the ‘main formula.’

Some universities ask for less/more exams, and some universities will be fine with lower GPAs, while some will require higher GPAs. There are even a growing number of universities that have gone test optional!

 

Furthermore, if you have an associate’s degree, this will also be considered in place of exams at most universities, just note that your credits may not transfer.

 

As you can see, there are so many ways to fulfill requirements for UK universities! To make this much easier on you, we have provided this quiz on our website to compile a list of your best university matches based off of your GPA and test scores.

 

Foundation Programs and Extended Degrees

 

For undergraduate students who don’t quite meet the mark on GPA and test requirements, there is an option to do a foundation program before your undergraduate program. These are also sometimes called extended degrees. This will add an extra year prior to starting your undergraduate degree, and entry requirements are usually pretty minimal for most foundation programs – a lower GPA and test scores is more readily accepted.

 

To find out if a Foundation degree is the right option for you, you can read our article Should You Consider a Foundation Degree.

 

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.

 

 

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!