The quality and high standards of UK education is renowned worldwide. Read more: Why study in the UK
The quality and high standards of UK education is renowned worldwide
. Read more: Why study in the UK
The quality and high standards of UK education is renowned worldwide. There are two areas in particular where it stands out: the international renown of UK research and the long history of its education institutions.
While the UK is home to some of the world's oldest and most established universities, and has been welcoming international students for generations, it also has some of the world's most modern facilities. There has been high investment in education over recent decades, which means you'll get access to cutting-edge technology, leading teachers and professors in their field and excellent academic support.
You won't be alone either. The UK is home to over 410,000 international students at any time. However it isn't just the history of international students succeeding in the UK that make it a good choice to study, it's the diverse range of international students in the UK that makes it a unique study location. You'll become part of a student population that features students from almost every country in the world, learning alongside such a variety of students who all bring their own experiences to the classroom, lecture hall or laboratory will only add to what you learn from your tutors.
The UK also provides a cost-effective education. Undergraduate and postgraduate courses here tend to be more intensive than in most other countries, meaning you'll gain an internationally recognised qualification and be ready to enter your career of choice relatively quickly. Throughout this process, the education system here will support you. Fewer UK students drop out before the end of their course than virtually any other country. At many UK universities, more than 95 per cent of students complete their studies - testament to the support students receive throughout their course.
Why Study in England?
England is an extremely cosmopolitan place to live, as thousands of families from around the world have decided to make England their home, creating an extremely diverse society. There are also more than a quarter of a million international students in England at any one time and there are almost twice as many international students studying in the UK now as there were 10 years ago.
So, why do an increasing number of international students flock to England? England is the largest country in the UK and contains much of the history and tradition for which the UK is famous. London, its capital city, is a buzzing metropolis, brimming with history and culture. London is a leading centre for banking, insurance and commerce as well as being a magnet for creative and innovative thinkers.
London isn't the only option, however. Cities like Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds are making their mark with world-class shopping, restaurants, nightlife and cultural scenes. Each city in England has its own personality, accent and history, and a wealth of theatres, concerts and art galleries can be found in all large towns and cities. The English have a reputation for eccentricity and this is reflected in some of the weird and wonderful events that take place around the country throughout the year.
Another bonus of choosing to study in England is its array of international airports. It also boasts the Channel Tunnel, extensive rail networks, cheap flight options and ferry ports, which means that you're never too far away from Europe and the rest of the world.
2010 Highlights
Glastonbury Festival
This Somerset-based music festival has been a regular event since 1970 and celebrates its 40th year anniversary in 2010. It takes place on farmer Michael Eavis's dairy farm and attracts thousands of revellers and music fans. It promises to be an unforgettable weekend and organisers are planning to book 40 bands from the past 40 years.
Brighton Festival
Brighton Festival is a contemporary celebration of British and international performing arts. Artist, cultural thinker and producer Brian Eno will be making his mark on the Brighton as the Festival's Guest Artistic Director for 2010 and it offers almost a whole month's worth of theatre, music and arts events in a seaside location.
Grand National
The world-famous horse race takes place in April at the challenging Aintree course. The National is England's most prestigious horse race and a real sporting spectacle. Each year 40 horses and riders tackle the 30-fence-jump course and even if betting isn't your thing, it's well worth a visit.
A Quality Education
Qualifications from English institutions are respected throughout the world. Your qualification will be a great foundation for building your future career prospects. English colleges, universities and schools will provide you with a stimulating and challenging environment in which to develop your potential.
Quality standards for all English institutions are among the best in the world. There are over 90 universities in England and many more higher education institutions. The international alumni from English institutions includes many leading politicians and business people who have had an important influence on the world.
English degrees can take only three years and postgraduate master's courses only one year, compared with four years and two years in most other countries. This means you will be able to start working and earning money sooner.
The quality of education in England's further education colleges (often referred to as FE colleges) is high and often includes vocational elements or specialist courses. England also has some unique colleges, specialising in areas like drama and dance, or agriculture and horticulture. Courses offered include Foundation Degrees and Higher National Diplomas. All colleges and FE providers are subject to regular inspections by Ofsted, so quality is assured.
A Great Learning Environment
The English learning experience gives you the skills you need to get ahead in life, as the teaching environment encourages students to think effectively, creatively and independently. English scientists and institutions have won almost 100 Nobel Prizes for their scientific achievements. England is also known for nurturing creative talent and is an inspiring place to study.
English language skills will be vital for your future career prospects. Students are encouraged to read widely, to question and analyse what they have read, to discuss openly their own ideas in seminars and tutorials, and to immerse themselves in the English language. You will come away from your learning experience with a thorough grasp of the language and the culture.
Study in Northern Ireland
Why Study in Northern Ireland?
Divided neatly into six counties, Northern Ireland covers a relatively small area of land considering the range of vibrant attractions it offers. The obvious place to start exploring it is in the cultural and historic capital, Belfast, now one of Europe's top city destinations. It's packed with museums, Victorian architecture, some of the UK's coolest bars and fashionable shopping areas. Some of the history of the country can best be explored through Falls Road and Shankill Road in West Belfast, areas that were hard-hit during the Troubles. Now, in peaceful times, the walls bear some astonishing murals created by the people who live there.
Look outside the cities and you'll find there's much more to Northern Ireland. Almost as soon as you leave Belfast you're surrounded by sumptuous countryside. The coastal road in County Antrim that runs north from Larne to Ballycastle is just one example. It takes in the nine mountain glens of Antrim and the scenery you'll pass is stunning. Students will reap the rewards of living in this magnificent country and will benefit from the history and culture, as well as institutions of higher learning like Queens University and the University of Ulster.
The rejuvenated social scenes of Belfast and Derry and the range of activities and beautiful landscapes across all of Northern Ireland make visiting a superb experience. However, what makes the place unique is the famous warmth and wit of its residents. Whether you're planning to spend three years studying, or just a few weeks visiting, Northern Ireland's warm welcome and myriad of attractions ensure you'll love discovering everything that it has to offer.
2010 Highlights
Belfast Nashville Songwriters' Festival
This five-day programme of seminars, workshops and concerts will feature over 100 songwriters from around the world, at various venues throughout Belfast. Head to this exciting city to experience the very best in song writing and performing.
Website: www.belfastnashville.com
Carnivale of Colours 2010, Derry, Co Londonderry
A seven-day event centered around two circus tents featuring an exciting programme of performance, spectacle and education in a grass roots circus - family orientated environment. Circus shows, walkabout acts, musicians, sights, sounds and tastes of the world at this new and innovative approach to the traditional traveling circus concept.
Website: www.inyourspace.eu
Mourne International Walking Festival 2010, Newcastle, Co Down
The festival offers something for everyone - stunning scenery, superb walks and great fun. Set within the spectacular scenery of the Mourne Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, there are walks to suit all levels of fitness and ability with lowland routes at 10, 20, 30 and 40kms, as well as high-level routes within the mountains.
Website:www.mournewalking.co.uk
A Quality Education
Northern Ireland has respected schools, colleges and universities with a wide range of world-class study choices, in depth resources and top quality staff, teaching and research. You can gain respected and valued UK qualifications and take advantage of flourishing relationships between education and business.
The country has two universities, Queen's University Belfast, which is located in the Capital, and the University of Ulster, which operates at several campuses in County Londonderry, County Antrim and Belfast. There are also two university colleges, six highly regarded colleges of further education, outstanding English language centres and many excellent schools, some with boarding departments for international students, and they are all within easy reach.
If you're not sure if university is for you, then perhaps you should consider a course at a college specialising in higher and further education. Northern Ireland offers six multi-campus 'super' colleges, which were created in 2007, after 16 colleges of further education merged. The courses on offer at colleges can be more diverse than those at universities, and all six colleges in Northern Ireland offer A-Levels, NVQs, BTECS, foundation, bachelor and postgraduate degrees.
Why Study in Scotland?
Scotland is a country with a rich and fascinating history, associated with clans, tartan kilts, castles, and the poetry of Robert Burns. As well as a strong history and identity, Scotland also has a thriving economy and is an exciting place to be right now. It recently won UK and European Region of the Future and top industries include finance, life sciences, tourism, chemicals and the creative industries.
As part of the United Kingdom and a country in its own right, Scotland has a distinct culture and a Scottish parliament with devolved powers, which has encouraged a real blossoming of creativity and confidence in the country.
Studying in Scotland brings many benefits to all those who choose this part of the UK. Not only does it boast some of the most stunning scenery in the UK, but it also has six major cities, all within easy reach of each other. Edinburgh hosts the world's biggest arts festival every summer and is famous for its buzzing cosmopolitan atmosphere. As Scotland is a very compact country it's easy to get around, and there are many international flights direct to Scotland's four international airports.
2010 Highlights
Edinburgh Tattoo 2010
Don't miss the most impressive gathering of military musicians in the UK. This armed services event will be the 61st Edinburgh Military Tattoo and will be staged against the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.
Edinburgh's Hogmanay
The big Hogmanay Street party is famous the world over and consists of four fabulous days and nights of events in the world's greatest New Year party. Street performers, fireworks, concerts, ceilidh music and dancing, and the big Hogmanay Street party itself ensure that Edinburgh is absolutely buzzing with activity.
Edinburgh Festival Fringe
The diverse Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the biggest arts festival in the world and is bound to impress. It has something for everyone: great comedy, unusual theatre, new music and exhibitions.
A Quality Education
Student life in Scotland is a supportive and social one and Scottish institutions have a great reputation. Every year over 30,000 students from all over the world choose to study in Scotland and experience the famously warm Scottish welcome.
Scottish education is independently assessed and quality assured, guaranteeing high standards, and overseas students who graduate from a Scottish university or college can apply to stay in Scotland to work for two years without the need for a work permit.
Higher education
Scotland has 22 higher education institutions including the University of St Andrews where Prince William studied, and the University of Edinburgh, which was founded in 1582 and is one of the ancient universities of the United Kingdom.
The Scottish higher education system is slightly different than elsewhere in the UK, and courses at Scottish universities generally last a year longer (typically 4 years) than their counterparts. Another unique aspect is that the ancient universities of Scotland issue a Master of Arts as the first degree in humanities.
In most undergraduate courses in Scotland, students have the opportunity to try a wide range of subjects during the first two years - even across faculties. This broadens their general education and helps them make a more informed decision on what they'll specialise in at honours level in their final years of study.
Further education and ELT
There are also 43 colleges in Scotland and 12 that offer English language courses. The majority of enrolments at FE level are for vocational courses, so are suitable if you'd like to take a less-academic route. Qualifications range from basic access courses to advanced professional development courses called Higher National Certificates and Diplomas, or HNCs and HNDs. Many colleges also offer degree-level qualifications in collaboration with local universities.
Study in Wales
Why Study in Wales?
Wales has much to offer an international student and is a beautiful and historic country, with hundreds of castles and miles of coastline to keep you busy. Living and studying in Wales is a great way to get to know this green and wonderful country, where the sea is never far away.
It also boasts three of Britain's most famous national parks: Brecon Beacons National Park in South Wales, Snowdonia National Park in North Wales and Pembrokeshire Coast National Park in West Wales. The surrounding coastline is dotted with award-winning beaches including the Gower Peninsula and offers residents and visitors many opportunities to sample outdoor activities like surfing and hiking.
It's a country rich in myths and music and renowned for its strong presence in literature and the arts. The country's Celtic cultural heritage, relaxed atmosphere and warm welcome is a winning combination. Wales also offers an abundance of theatres and galleries and is the birthplace of bands such as Stereophonics and writers such as Dylan Thomas.
The Welsh are passionate about many things and a love of sport is certainly near the top of the list. Cardiff's Millenium Stadium is considered one of the finest stadiums in the world and is home to the FA Cup final.
2010 Highlights
Ryder Cup
From the 29 September any golf fans worth their salt will be flocking to the Celtic Manor Resort on the outskirts of Newport in South Wales. The drama of the Ryder Cup will be played out here in 2010 and it's a major event in the golfing calendar.
Six Nations
Cardiff's Millennium Stadium will bring three rugby fixtures to the capital city next year for the 2010 RBS Six Nations. Even if you haven't experience the thrill of live rugby, attending one of these events is bound to get you hooked.
The Guardian Hay Festival
The little town of Hay on Wye hosts a bijou literary festival with a global reach, set in the beauty of the Brecon Beacons National Park. Bill Clinton calls it the 'Woodstock of the Mind'. It's not just about literary celebration - music, comedy and current affairs are also on the agenda for 2010. The 2010 Hay Festival is on 27 May-6 June. Don't miss it!
A Quality Education
Wales is a great choice - it's a safe country with some of the lowest crime rates in the UK. Student life in Wales is a supportive and social one and Welsh institutions have a world-class reputation.
Wales has 12 universities: Aberystwyth University, Bangor University, Cardiff University, Glyndwr University, Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, Swansea Metropolitan University, Swansea University, Trinity University College, University of Glamorgan, University of Wales Institute Cardiff, University of Wales Lampeter and University of Wales Newport.
Last year, Wales attracted international students from 106 countries. In the last two years, Welsh Higher Education institutions have launched more than 100 new courses and attracted over 900m of research funding. In Wales at the moment, roughly 10% of the student population is made up of students from countries outside the EU. Institutions in Wales offer a high-quality education that will benefit any international student.
UK culture
The UK is made up of three countries, England, Scotland and Wales, as well as the principality of Northern Ireland. Each has its own unique history and identity but they also have much in common. The UK has a diverse and multicultural population. People from a range of cultures, backgrounds and ethnicities live in the UK as personal freedom and different beliefs are encouraged and absorbed to form a diverse and eclectic culture.
Independence in the UK is both encouraged and taught. Many students, when beginning their lives in the UK, find room to express themselves both inside and outside the classroom. To question what you learn, put forward your own perspective and express your views and creativity is welcomed in UK and education.
The UK's landscape is similarly diverse. You'll find cosmopolitan cities, picturesque countryside, mountains and long beaches - all within a relatively small area. Plus, there is easy access to Europe if you want even more to explore. The UK is particularly known for its range of art galleries, museums and historical sites, many of which are free to enter. However it is also an international financial hub and has a great social scene covering everything from live music to comedy and theatre. It also has a moderate climate: the UK's location means it doesn't experience extremes of hot or cold temperature.
Getting around the UK
Flying to the UK when you first arrive couldn't be easier. There are more than 40 airports in the UK, with most major cities having one nearby that handles international flights. Most airports also have rail and coach stations, so it's easy to travel from there to your study destination.
The transport network within the UK is also excellent. Domestic flights and an extensive rail network connects hundreds of towns and cities, while the Channel Tunnel links the UK to mainland Europe. You can now travel from London to Paris in just over two hours. There is also an extended network of roads in the UK and if you don't drive, there are numerous coach services, many of which offer a price discount for students.
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The quality and high standards of UK education is renowned worldwide. Read more: Why study in the UK Atlanta