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Tag: UK Degrees

Degrees in Scotland

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

Have you ever wondered, what the differences are from Scottish degrees compared to English, Welsh and Northern Irish degrees? Ashley Warmington from University of Glasgow explains:

There are four nations within the UK;  England, Northern Ireland, Wales, and Scotland. The education system is mostly similar across the UK, but as students progress into high school, Scotland has a different degree structure than the rest of the UK.

Part of the appeal of earning a degree in the UK is the absence of general education or core curriculum requirements. Students apply directly to their major and study it from day one. This degree structure is fantastic for a student who knows what they want. But what about for those who don’t?

Scottish degrees are typically four years in length and are designed to offer breadth and depth in studies. In Scotland, students have a great deal of flexibility and choice in their first two years of study. While students will still study their chosen major right away, they will also study two or sometimes three subjects of their choosing from outside of their major. These are often referred to as Enhanced Study options.

Enhanced Study options are a great way for students to explore other interest areas or elevate their understanding of their major by engaging with other disciplines. Whether you want to heighten your employability by taking a language alongside your studies or maybe you want to take a subject you were torn between when you chose your major, you can use the subjects you study outside of your major to have a truly tailored degree experience. Another benefit of enhanced study options is that students can switch their major to any subject they have studied from year one. For instance, if you are an English Literature major you might like to study History and a Language alongside your major in first year. As you progress to second year maybe you’ve discovered you much prefer History – the Scottish degree structure allows you to change.

While this isn’t quite for the student who really has no idea what they want to specialize in, the Scottish degree does offer focused flexibility that allows for wiggle room as you grow and discover your academic interests during your studies. It is common for students in Scotland to drop or pick up a joint major, choose a minor in year 3 or change their degree altogether to a subject they have been studying since year one.

There are some restrictions when it comes to what you can study outside of your major. Firstly, you will need to meet the pre-requisites of any subject. Secondly, there can’t be any timetable clashes with your major. Lastly, some courses such as Medicine or other professional degrees might not have the same flexible options.

Overall, the Scottish degree structure is a fantastic springboard for students who want to have control over what they study and the flexibility to change specialisms.

Ashley Warmington is the Senior International Officer for western USA at the University of Glasgow. Ashley studied her undergraduate degree in Scotland and has worked in UK admissions since 2016. She is now based in Southern California, where she helps American students through the UK application process.

5 Things US Students Should Expect | The UK Study Expert

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

Not only is applying to university a big step but applying to a UK university is a larger one! You need to navigate the different admissions processes, obtain your visa and book a flight. Once you’ve hurdled all these steps and you’re done, what should you can you expect when you start this new, exciting life?

 

1. Flatmates vs. Roommates

Many UK universities offer students accommodation where they will have their own bedroom.  This means you do not have to worry whether or not you will vibe well with a roommate. Some university accommodations will even have an en-suite option where you will get your own bathroom with toilet and shower! That being said, instead of roommates you will have flatmates. Each flat may be compromised of 5-7 other students that you will share a kitchen and possible sitting room with. Therefore, it is important to understand boundaries and not make too much noise in the hallways.

 

2. Three Year Degrees

Most UK (England, Wales and Northern Ireland) courses are very subject focused, meaning that if you are studying a history degree you won’t be expected to take any math classes. Due to the lack of general education requirements UK degrees are only three years, rather than the 4 years you may be familiar with in the USA. If you wish to take classes outside of your chosen major many universities will have classes open for the public that students can take for free or at a reduced rate.

 

3. Takeaway, Meal Plans, Kitchens and More

You may be used to the concept of meal plans as many US universities require first year students to take out a meal plan. While available, they are not as common at UK universities. This is due to students having access to a kitchen in their accommodation. This allows you to start cook your own meals at your own time. If you don’t want to cook, no problem! The UK has a variety of places to order delivery, or takeaway, as it’s referred to here. Most universities will also have a variety of cafes, food halls or more to help ease the rumble in your stomach.

 

4. No Grades for Attendance

Academics works a bit different in the UK than it does in the US. For one, there are less things that you will be graded over. In the US you might expect to have 10% of your grade for attendance, 20% for participation, 20% for homework, 50% for exams or tests. In the UK many courses, or modules, will only grade you on your submitted work or seated exams. So, if you have 2 essays and one exam, your essays may be worth 25% each and your exam for 50% of your grade! While daunting, many departments will help to prepare you for each of your assignments and you will receive a personal tutor, similar to a US advisor, who can help answer any questions you may have.

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Another thing to prepare for is the grading scale. For an undergraduate course a failure is below 40% and below 50% for a postgraduate degree. You can then get an undergraduate degree that is labelled as a third-class degree (40-50%), 2.2 degree (50-60%), 2.1 degree (60-70%) or a first degree (anything over 70%).

 

5. Hundreds of Societies

Students in the UK are able to join a variety of societies that cater to their interests. This can range from sport societies, such as rugby, soccer and American football, to specific societies that relate to your course, hobbies, politics, beliefs and more! Most of these societies will allow you to go to the first meeting free of charge before you are expected to pay a smaller membership fee that goes to the students Union.

 

The students union is a common concept in the UK and is there to work or the student. They help to raise awareness of student issues at the university and work on improving student satisfaction. The students union will have a variety of student-elected full-time officers that serve as the student voice on campus. They may hold positions that focus on wellbeing, student opportunities, societies and more. The students union will also hold events on campus and hosts a variety of welcome activities during the first week of term to help introduce new students to student life.

 

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

5 Reasons to Study STEM in the UK

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

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

 

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

 

1.     Quality and style of university education

 

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

 

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

 

2.     Research powerhouse

 

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

 

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

 

3.     International outlook and experience

 

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

 

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

 

4.     Specialized (and often shorter!) degrees

 

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

 

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

 

5.     Employability and career options

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

About the author

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

 

UK and US College Essay Differences

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

UCAS Personal Statement Mind Map

UCAS Personal Statement Worksheet*

 

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

 

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

 

How The UK Study Expert Can Help You

 

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

 

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

How US Employers Value International Study | UK Study Expert

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

As a career coach, I partner with recruiters to help connect qualified students to hiring companies. I’ve had the fantastic personal experience of seeing how beneficial a UK education has been in my own career but how do US employers really view international study and work experience in the hiring process?

 

I recently sat down with Allison Walke and Briana Whitlow, who are both full-time recruiters experienced in hiring students for full-time entry level jobs, to better understand how international experience plays into the hiring process.

 

International Experience on Resumes

 

Having international study and work experience on your resume could be the difference in getting offered an interview or not. Employers always seek applicants with international experience. “Having international experience on your resume is a HUGE bonus. In my opinion, it demonstrates your interest in acquiring global skills and opening your eyes to different ways of life” explains Briana.

 

Allison says, “My international experience in Paris focused on luxury marketing. I took classes on how boutique brands market themselves, and even got to visit some of the brands to see that firsthand. I’m a big believer in tailoring your resume to the specific job you’re applying for. If a study abroad experience lines up well with that particular position, definitely include it.”

 

International Experience in Interviews

 

Always do your homework before an interview. Allison explains, “Prior to any interview, you should do some research on the company and the position – based on the job description, what are the skills they are most looking for in an ideal candidate? If you learned one of those skills through international experience, it’s a great chance to bring it up.”

 

If Your Abroad Experience Doesn’t Seem Relevant to Your Profession…

 

Every study abroad experience tells a story and getting hired into a role is a gauntlet of basically just telling stories. From the stories on your resume to what you say in an interview, it is important to understand how your experiences position yourself for each interview. Briana explains, “there are always transferable skills during a study abroad experience in some way, shape or form that can be connected to a job”.

 

Allison shares, “I was recently interviewing a Physical Therapist who had study abroad experience in Mexico on her resume. She talked about how she was able to learn and practice PT while there and discussed how the opportunity allowed her to become much more comfortable speaking Spanish, especially within the PT setting. This was the perfect time to bring up her international experience, as that’s a skill that not everyone has. It really helped set her apart and made her a more well-rounded candidate in my eyes”.

 

The “Don’ts” When Discussing International Experience

 

When asked about international experience, you should have a thought out, well crafted reply to why you did the experience and how you grew from it. Don’t come to an interview unprepared or worse, make your abroad experience look like an afterthought.

 

Allison says, “I’ve asked students about their experience before and they brush it off or downplay the experience.These kinds of answers make me feel like they just went on the trip for a vacation, which could make me think they are only interested in the job for the culture or perks. Instead, it’s best to talk about the relevant lessons learned [abroad] to show that you’re a serious and diverse candidate.

 

When discussing your international experience, be intentional with how you tell your story and don’t let the employer do the heavy lifting connecting your experience to the job you are applying for. Briana suggests being strategic, “tie it back into the role. Don’t spend too much time on one topic. If you think there are some things you learned during your study abroad experience that could help you in the job, connect the dots”.

 

The Comfort Zone and Soft Skills

 

International experiences show employers you are comfortable being uncomfortable and are willing to learn and grow. Allison shares her own personal experience, “while I was on my study abroad trip to Costa Rica, we had an afternoon in the rainforest where we had the option to go bungee jumping. It truly pushed me out of my comfort zone, and when things get hard, I still sometimes think about the courage it took to do that, and I know I can find that courage again to get through whatever difficult situation is in front of me”.

 

Other elements to bring up from your international experience are your soft skills. Briana says, “having experience in cultural understanding, effective communication, and empathy will help you navigate those partnerships (personally and professionally)”.

 

It’s All About Standing Out

 

Job market competition is at an all time high with the ease of online applications. The key to a successful job search is finding a way to stand out from the crowd. Briana suggests, “highlighting your study abroad experience and one or two key takeaways from this experience. Recruiters and hiring managers like to see the impact of your experience.”

 

She also recommends considering specific questions when preparing for interviews such as: How did your study abroad experience enhance your perspective of business operations? Do other cultures do things that you think would be beneficial to the way we do things in the states?

 

It’s all about standing out and having a uniquely diverse, global experience that can definitely separate you from the applicant pack.

 

Related Article:  “4 Reasons Why Employers Admire UK Degrees on Resumes”. 

 

About the Contributors 

 

Allison Walke did three week-long trips to Montreal, Costa Rica, and Paris. She started her career in training and recruiting after graduating with a business degree from the University of Cincinnati. She loves being the person that extends someone their dream job, and that’s been especially rewarding during this year of uncertainty. When not working, she enjoys traveling to new places (she’s trying to visit all 50 states!) and exploring the latest restaurant in her hometown of Cincinnati.

 

Briana Whitlow studied abroad through the University of Cincinnati College of Business in a Real Estate Markets opportunity in London, England. As a Cleveland native with six years of Human Resources experience, three of those years as a Diversity & Inclusion practitioner, she is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Cincinnati Alumnae Chapter and sits on the Young Professionals board of Cincinnati Youth Collaborative..

 

About the Writer…

 

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

 

Why Employers Value UK Degrees | The UK Study Expert

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

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

 

#1: Personal and Language Skills

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

#2: Expanding your Network

 

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

 

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

 

#3: Confidence 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

#4: International Opportunities 

 

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

 

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

 

Parting Words… 

 

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

 

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

 

About the Writer…

 

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

 

Common App vs UCAS: Key Differences | The UK Study Expert

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

(Updated March 2024)

 

Similar to my recent post regarding UCAS Application vs. UK Direct Applications, there is another process if you are interested in applying both to US and UK universities.

 

Students have the option to apply to UK universities via the Common App, but what is their best strategy based on their student’s needs? Below, we outline the distinctions between Common App and UCAS, helping you strategize effectively to give you the best results.

 

Before we get into the specifics, let’s explain the differences between these two applications:

 

  • UCAS is the centralized application system for all UK universities.

  • Common App is the centralized application system for US universities.

Comparing the differences, Common App allows you to apply up to 20 universities, however, you do need to be mindful of the costs per university submission. UCAS allows up to 5 UK universities and has a flat fee (£27.50).

 

Many UK universities have hopped on the bandwagon and added their institution to Common App. Why? To attract more US students by making the process simpler. Even though the Common App allows students to track all of their applications on one system, only 6% of UK universities are available on the platform. There are currently 19 UK universities listed on Common App.

 

UCAS dominates the UK university application system. If a student applied through both UCAS and Common App, it’s most likely because a student didn’t review all of their options before applying. They may have seen a UK university listed on Common App, added them, but then realized they found another UK university they want to apply to that’s not on Common App.

 

 

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

 

 

What if you have applied to UK universities both through UCAS and Common App?

 

There’s no policies or restrictions when applying to both; however, the biggest issue here is when you accept an offer.

 

Ashley Warmington, Senior International Officer from University of Glasgow explains, “Behind the scenes, every Common App turns into a UCAS application during processing. If a student applies and accepts their offer on the Common App, the admissions team will transfer their information to UCAS. If they find that their UCAS is already full with universities, it becomes an issue.”

 

If you accept two offers (one from Common App and the other UCAS), UCAS can notify both universities and reject your decision. This is similar to the recent blog post I have posted regarding direct UK university applications vs. UCAS here.

 

If you accept a university through Common App and you have used all 5 university options on UCAS, you could risk losing all of their offers on UCAS for their Common App choice.

 

Advice: 

 

Below are some suggestions to weigh your options:

 

  • If you plan on applying to one or two universities in the UK that are listed on Common App and are also applying to US universities, then it’s best to utilize one platform and apply through Common App.

  • If you know that studying in the UK is your main focus, the UCAS application is the most preferred to use. It helps to separate your UK and US Applications.  Since the Common App is a US application, UK universities find that students who apply directly through Common App are typically not prioritizing the UK, especially since there is no restriction on the amount of submissions. It’s easy to add another university application, such as a reach school, just to see if they can get accepted. Applying through UCAS/direct applications may help reduce application fees and response time. Plus, they will not request supplementary essays or information that the Common App usually requires.

  • If you apply through both UCAS and Common App systems, we recommend accepting one offer between the two. Disclaimer: If you accept an offer through Common App and you have used all university slots on UCAS, you may risk losing all of your offers on UCAS.

 

Common App UK Universities

Aberystwyth University

Anglia Ruskin University

Arts University Bournemouth, UK

Brunel University, London

Edinburgh Napier University

ESCP Business School

Swansea University

University of Aberdeen

University of Bradford

University of Dundee

University of East London

University of Glasgow

University of Plymouth

University of Roehampton

University of St. Andrew’s

University of Stirling

University of the West of England, Bristol

University of West London

University of Worchester

UK University Entry Requirements

If you are trying to find UK University’s US undergraduate entry requirements, look no further! You can use our Undergraduate Universities search tool to filter which university matches your academic profile. If you click on each university profile, it lists their US entry requirements.


University Search Tool

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


Get the UCAS Guide for $27

UK Week in the US hosted by the British Council

Posted on by Jackie Christopher


BritishCouncil_Logo_Indigo_RGB.jpg

 Starting the week of February 1st, the British Council will be hosting UK Education Week in the USA.

 

The UK Week is integrated of a series of bite-sized videos that have been designed exclusively for US undergraduate and graduate students. By gaining access to this video playlist, you can watch on demand and hear directly from a range of universities from Scotland, Wales, England and Northern Ireland. Students, parents and counselors can learn from a variety of topics about studying in the UK from ‘Study engineering in the UK’ to ‘Moving to the UK: Tips and Hacks’. A range of universities will be presenting, including:

 

University of Strathclyde

University of Westminster

Queen’s University Belfast

Leeds Arts University

Falmouth University

University of Lincoln

Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance

Liverpool Hope University

University of Birmingham

University of Manchester

Solent University, Southampton Solent University

University of Birmingham

Aberystwyth University

University of Wales Trinity Saint David

Norwich University of Arts

Swansea University

University of South Wales

The British Council is a British organization founded by the British government specializing in international cultural and educational opportunities. The organization builds connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and other countries through arts and culture, education and the English language.

Why I Left My Career to Study in the UK | UK Study Expert

Posted on by Jackie Christopher

Hi, I’m Nadia. And like you, back in 2012, I spent countless hours sitting at my work computer during lunch breaks scouring the internet for information on how to study a degree in the UK. I was Googling every topic under the sun, from university rankings to best UK cities for LGBTQ+ culture. I honestly had no idea what I was doing or what I was looking for, I just knew that somehow, some way, I was going to be studying in the UK by autumn of 2013. Enter Jackie Christopher.

 

I connected with Jackie through a mutual connection. She was the UK study expert having completed an undergraduate degree and graduate degree in the UK just a few years prior. Like me, she was kick starting her career in the education field. She had just completed the Education, Leadership and Management master’s program at the University of Roehampton in London and offered me a wealth of guidance and knowledge on all things related to studying in the UK.

 

Where I started…

 

I started my journey with Jackie at 29 years old. I was working a full-time job in higher education with benefits- you know, the type of job you are proud to announce on LinkedIn or gloat about in front of your siblings at family dinners. I was living in Boston Massachusetts, arguably the epicenter of American education with prestigious universities like Harvard and MIT. But even with a great job and all the glitz and glam of a young professional’s dream city, at the end of the day, I wasn’t happy.

 

I completed a master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from Suffolk University in Beacon Hill, Boston’s central district, in 2011. I spent many week nights cozying up to politicians and business folks alike at little hole in the wall bars studying away and grabbing a quick bite to eat after my 9-5 job and before evening classes. I was a traditional “parking lot to classroom” student meaning I spent as little time on campus as I could get away with whilst still, somehow by magic, maintaining a full-time career.

 

My master’s program at Suffolk was perfect for me at the time. I could take classes part-time in the evening working around my career. I met genuine lifelong friends and connections that helped me land nearly every future job I’ve had in my career since then. And through that program, I was admitted into Clemson University’s partner study abroad program where I completed a two-week long UK study abroad surveying the British Higher Education system. This is when I fell in love with the UK.

 

Why I chose to leave my full-time career to pursue UK study…

 

Studying abroad was always part of my education path. I completed a summer study abroad in history and classic studies in Greece as part of my undergraduate degree and knew, when entering graduate school, I wanted to go abroad again. When I found out the UK was an option for my program, I jumped at the chance. I figured if anything, at least studying in an English speaking country where I knew the language was already a step up from my time in Greece, where I knew not barely a simple tourist phrase in Greek. Talk about a long summer….

 

Outside the language similarities, I knew the prestigious reputation UK education held around the world. I knew it was comparable to the US, but really had no concept of exactly how it was different, or gasp!, even better, then what I knew or experienced in America. The primary reason I chose to leave my full-time (with benefits remember!) job and become a student again was simple: my career demanded it.

 

How having a UK degree really started my career… 

 

I had a degree in education and was working in the field, but I still felt like something was missing. Given how influential education abroad experiences were in my own development, my primary career goal was to obtain a job in study abroad. I wanted to share my passion and experience with future students. I felt like I had skills, abilities and mentorship to offer if only a university or college was willing to give me a chance.

 

I started applying to jobs and networking within the study abroad community and a theme emerged early and often from my peers- I needed a degree from an international university. Our field valued folks that practiced what they preached- people who took the initiative to push their boundaries, learn to integrate into a foreign culture and succeed in a non-American education system. My ability to get hired in study abroad was very contingent on my own willingness to get comfortable being uncomfortable– growing and learning in new ways I never considered when studying in the US education system.

 

My UK education is really what jump-started my career. A UK master’s degree was shorter and less expensive than my US degree and it brought so much value and validity to my resume that I didn’t realize was lacking. My UK master’s was a companion degree to my US master’s that forced me to not only look at how we do the things we do in education but why we do them.

 

My US master’s was a very hands-on degree, requiring two 300 hour internship experiences working in the education field, but my UK degree taught me the skills and mental discipline to undertake a year-long research exploration into an education topic that mattered to me. It was personal, academically rigorous and I am more proud of earning my final dissertation grade than any other academic accomplishment in my life.

 

How studying in the UK changed my life… 

 

I spent a year living, working and studying the same program and the same university Jackie completed a few years before me in London, England. I worked for a study abroad company helping fellow US students assimilate and thrive in UK culture. I grew and strengthened my student development and support skills exponentially in those 12 months- more so than any internship or full-time job I had to date.

 

Now, don’t get it twisted, I did a lot of FUN things during my time studying in the UK too- I wasn’t JUST a stuffy academic!. Being a little older with a slightly deeper savings account built up, I seized the opportunities to travel in and outside the UK, buy way more London theater tickets than I should have and celebrate my 30th birthday at Disneyland Paris. My wife and I had just gotten married at Disney before I started my British degree so celebrating my birthday AND our first year wedding anniversary in Disneyland Paris just seemed right.

 

I graduated from University of Roehampton in 2014. I returned to Boston from London and landed my dream job in study abroad, specifically helping students to study their full master’s or doctoral programs in the UK.

 

Hands down- I couldn’t have landed my dream job if it wasn’t for my UK degree. 

 

How it’s going now…

 

I’ve spent the past 10 plus years working with students in different roles across academia. I am now a career coach helping students design and build happy and fulfilling careers through authentic career coaching. My expertise includes career exploration guidance, resume writing, interview prep and LinkedIn profile optimization. My pronouns are She/ Her/ Hers and as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I focus on how diverse identities impact and influence folks holistically and professionally.

 

I’m sharing my experience to show you that you can change your life, your career and your path at any age, with any level of experience. Studying in the UK was the best decision of my life and has opened my world up to people, places and possibilities I never imagined. I will always have a piece of my heart in London with my education abroad family and look forward to continuing to share my experience as a student, study abroad advisor and now career coach with you as a guest writer on this blog with my dear friend and longtime #1 UK Study Expert, Jackie Christopher.

 

If you’d like to connect with me or read more of my writing, please visit my LinkedIn Page. I’d love to hear from you.