Systems higher education in Russia and England (Great Britain) have their similarities and differences. It is in our educational institutions that everyone is equal and can study regardless of anything. And there there is a huge selection of schools classified by gender (schools for boys, for girls, mixed), age of students, degree of preparedness, etc. And yet both of them are recognized worldwide as one of the best.

The modern education system in England: scheme, history, structure, features

If you want to learn more about the types of education in the UK, as well as compare the education systems of Russia and England, read on.

So, let's start from the very beginning - with history!

A bit of the history of higher education in the UK

Higher education in Great Britain began to develop actively in the XII century. It was then that the universities of Cambridge and Oxford were founded, which continued to be the only ones in England until early XIX century. True, in the Scottish St. Andrews, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Edinburgh, starting from the 15th century, universities also began to be founded.

In the 19th century, the industrial revolution swept the kingdom. It was at this time that the people experienced an urgent need for the training of experienced managers and administrators. Demand creates supply, and now new universities have begun to appear everywhere: in London, Liverpool, Birmingham, Manchester, Bristol, Reading.

All these universities were built of red brick, so that people could immediately notice their difference from the gray stone walls of Oxford and Cambridge. That is why they began to be called red-brick.

After the Second World War, modern universities began to appear in Great Britain, which were supposed to satisfy scientific and technological progress. This is how the "glass" (due to their modernity) universities of Sussex, Nottingham, Exeter, Kiel, Warwick, Essex and Kent arose.

The third great wave of "universitization" came at the end of the 20th century. Then the authorities began to actively convert polytechnic schools into universities.

The differences between the universities of the old and new models are barely noticeable, but they still exist. For example, new institutions of higher education are focused on communication with commercial and industrial enterprises, trying to adjust programs in conjunction with the requests of employers.

However, the old universities are also trying to retrain and get on this right path. They are interested in building links with the national and local economies. But this does not mean that such traditional theoretical disciplines as literary criticism, literature, philosophy, history, natural sciences have disappeared here.

Foreign students are most often attracted by the old universities, which are widely known abroad

The UK education system in general

As in many European countries, the education system in England consists of five levels:

• preschool,
• initial,
• the average,
• preparation for higher education
• higher education.

The first three stages for UK students under 16 are compulsory.

By type of functioning schools are divided into:

• privateschools- boarding houses(Independent Schools). They are considered more prestigious and 85% are intended exclusively for English children. These independent institutions are not only well equipped technically. They own several hundred hectares of land on which all school real estate is located: educational buildings, sports clubs, swimming pools, residences for residents.
• state(State Schools). Free for everyone. Designed mainly for citizens of the kingdom and for foreign children 8-18 years old, whose parents have the right to permanent residence.

All of them adhere to a single state minimum, but each school has the right to have its own "zest" that will attract different audiences.

We will not talk about the features of preschool and primary school education. We are interested in a more conscious age at which we can think or start building a career.

Secondary School or High School

The senior school caters for children aged 14 to 16. The main task of this instance is to prepare students for passing state exam, after which they receive certificates of general secondary education called GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education).

In the training program, schoolchildren pass 7-9 subjects that are mandatory for passing the state exam.

From the age of 16, students are intensively preparing for entering a university. After completing the training, they can choose one of two options for the development of events:

• get a job (usually in the service sector);
• enter university.

If they choose the second path, they will have to go through training courses A levels is a two-year program during which examinations must be taken at the end of each year. During the first, 4-5 specialized subjects are offered for study, in the next - 3-4 more subjects. Moreover, the student chooses each subject based on how useful they will be for his future specialty.

If the program is successfully completed, the student can easily enter the chosen university.

And there is such an interesting thing as University Foundation Year (UFY) - the same, only for a shorter period of study (9 months). This program is suitable for the preparation of international students, provided that they have a high level of English. Here, students are busy studying not only specialized disciplines, but also studying academic English in more detail.

Students who successfully complete this program can easily enter any higher educational institutions. BUT! They cannot apply to study at those universities that are in the TOP-5 universities in the country (among them Oxford and Cambridge).

Studying in these universities is possible only after passing the A-Level student program

Higher education

Higher education is a program of study, after which the student is awarded a degree:

• Bachelor Degree - bachelor's degree,
• Master Degree - master's degree,
• Doctoral or PhD Degree - a doctorate degree.

Let's take a closer look at what each of them is.

Bachelor degree

This is the first stage of higher education, which is assigned to a student of a higher educational institution, subject to the successful completion of three courses. But there are universities, the term of study of which increases this bar to 4 years due to passing Sandwich courses - Mandatory work experience.

There are also particularly “difficult” industries, in which you will have to study for 7 years to obtain a bachelor's degree (dentistry, medicine, architecture, etc.).

There are 7 types of bachelor's degrees depending on the specialization:

• VA- Bachelor of Arts;
• BEd- Bachelor of Pedagogical Sciences;
• EEng- bachelor technical sciences(engineering and engineering);
• BSc- bachelor natural sciences;
• LLB- Bachelor of Law;
• BMus- Bachelor of Music;
• VM- Bachelor of Medicine.

Master degree

The second stage is distinguished by a wealth of specializations and directions and is considered postgraduate education.

Depending on the chosen program, you can take a course to improve your knowledge, take a master's program in science and technology, etc.

Here you will have to unlearn after a bachelor's degree for another 1-2 years, attending lectures and workshops. At the end, each student is required to submit a graduation project, completed in accordance with all the rules, as well as to pass the GOS. Only in case of successful completion of these tests, the student is awarded a diploma and a master's degree.

In the case of studying under a research program, students work on a diploma throughout their studies. And at the end they are awarded the degree of Master of Philosophy (M.Phil - Master of Philosophy).

PhD degree

The doctoral program will be entirely devoted to research work.

Its duration is 2-3 years. At the end, the student needs to publish the results of his work in specialized publications. In addition, he will have to write a dissertation.

If you managed to successfully cope with all these tasks - congratulations! You have become the proud owner of a Doctor of Philosophy degree (Ph.D. Degree).

Tuition fees in the UK (higher education)

Higher education in the UK is paid for everyone: both for their own and for foreigners. But for visiting students it will be more expensive!

British citizens have a unique right to receive higher education on credit. You can give it not immediately, but after receiving a diploma and a successful job. Even a minimum wage of £21,000 a year will help cover the debt.

You will laugh, but the whole comic of the situation is this: if you did not receive a diploma or did not get a job with a minimum wage, you do not have to repay the debt!

And here are approximate prices so that you can realistically assess your financial capabilities and the capabilities of your parents. So, one academic course after receiving a regular secondary education will cost for foreigners:

• classroom lesson - 5000-7000 pounds;
• laboratory classes (in natural sciences) - 6000-9000 pounds;
• practical exercises - 15000-17000 pounds.

Before applying, try to find out if the university of your choice requires you to pay extra for the use of classrooms and laboratories. Some universities have a surcharge for the use of work materials (for example, photographic materials in a design course).

When planning, do not forget about additional costs:

• use of books and textbooks (300-500 pounds annually),
• new clothes (500 pounds);
• accommodation (depending on the location from 6000 to 9000 pounds per year).

Choosing a UK College/University

Now, in fact, let's talk about the university itself, which is worth stopping at.

Looking through the entire list of higher education institutions in the Kingdom, you may find that many of them offer the same course of study. The catch is that the depth of study of the subject can be different in different universities. For example, in some the course is taught in a shortened version, in the other - in more depth.

The most important thing when entering an English university is to decide on the specialty that you like. The main “problem” of the UK education system is that a huge layer of responsibility for learning falls on the shoulders of the student himself, and not on the teachers and the university as a whole, as in our country.

Studying here, you will have to get used to the idea that the lion's share of study and research will be carried out independently. Here, no one will force or intimidate you. If you want success, work hard! Therefore, one cannot live here without great enthusiasm.

By the way! For our readers there is now a 10% discount on any kind of work

If you choose a specialty for reasons of prestige or for other reasons, you will fail 90% of the time.

When choosing a university, it is important to pay attention not only to the program itself, but also to the living conditions that the university offers. Here are the main questions that it is important to know the answer to before entering an English college / university:

1. Does the university have its own housing? Does the university provide accommodation for international students? Do foreigners get a place guaranteed or on a common basis with citizens?
2. Does the institution have its own library? Lack of or poorly equipped library will force you to spend a lot of time and money additionally, because you will have to contact the inter-university library service. Old universities, as a rule, have collected an impressive database of books during their existence. The new ones will have more modern applied funds.
3. Are there any athletic facilities ? Can students use those that are nearby?
4. Is there a special career guidance course for beginners?? Do I need to pay for it and how much?
5. Are there all facilities for disabled students?

The quality of education in the UK

Every year, numerous services and publications conduct their research, as a result of which you can find out the rating of both a particular educational institution of interest and the education system of a particular country.

The UK traditionally occupies the highest places in these university rankings (1, 2 or 3 positions), so you can safely choose this place to get your higher education.

The only thing left is to find time and money to enter. Well, a lot of knowledge! You will have to study very well at your school and write all the tests perfectly. If you do not want to waste your potential on local education, you always have a student assistance service at your fingertips that will easily cope with any task.

The system of higher education in Great Britain has developed over many centuries, constantly improved, and is now considered to be one of the best in the world. The oldest universities are Oxford and Cambridge universities. When choosing to study at one of the English universities, you should take into account that the prices for education in England, especially for foreign citizens, are higher than in other European countries.

Prices for accommodation and study are made up of many factors, for example, the ranking and location of the university, the profession chosen by the student. Employees of UniWestMedia can provide you with detailed information about higher education institutions in the UK, the cost of education and admission features for Russian students.

Cost of higher education in the UK

Price from: 38109 ₽

Preparation for admission to universities at INTO centers for youth from 16 years old.

Country: UK

Accommodation: (Homestay, Residence - Residence)

How to enter the University of England

It is impossible to go to study at English universities immediately after graduating from a Russian school. First you need to apply in advance for admission through the national office Universities and Colleges Admissions Service(UCAS), which recruits students to universities and colleges. Employees of the company "UniWestMedia" will help with the selection of all necessary documents. The package consists of:

1. (or FCE may be required in certain situations);


2. Certificate confirming completion of university preparation IB, Foundation Year or A Level(Advanced Level Program) (for studying for a bachelor's degree). Before admission, foreign applicants who have not studied in the United Kingdom must complete training in Foundation program, lasting one year, or enter and study in it for 2 years under the program A level or IB. After that, you, along with the British, can enter any educational institution;


3. Certificate of successful completion or (required for some master's programs);


4. Officially translated into English school certificate or diploma of education;


5. Two letters of recommendation from teachers or employers;


6. Offer scientific research for magistracy and doctoral studies;


7. Bank statement confirming the availability of funds to pay for studies and other expenses;


8. Motivational letter (note that this is often required to be written in handwritten text and with a specific ink color).

Applicants have the opportunity to send documents immediately to any six universities in the UK. Documents are accepted remotely by the UCAS reception service from 01.09 to 15.10. However, for admission to Cambridge or Oxford, an applicant must personally submit documents, pass an interview and pass rather difficult entrance tests.

The higher education system in the UK

The structure of higher education in national universities represented by three degrees, reduced to international standards:

Bachelor Degree-1st stage (bachelor)

It takes 3-4 years to get a bachelor's degree. Many higher education institutions provide the opportunity to have an internship during the period of study, which lengthens its duration. Preparation for a number of professions in the field of medicine and architecture takes more time and requires a long bachelor's degree of up to 7 years.

There are four main bachelor's degrees:

• Bachelor of Arts (in the arts);
• Bachelor of Engineering (in engineering);
• Bachelor of Law (legal);
• Bachelor of Science (scientific field).

Master Degree 2nd stage (Master)

A master's degree can be obtained in 1-2 years, depending on the specialty. Master's programs aimed either at improving the professional level, or aimed at scientific activity. A research-related master's degree is also called a Master of Philosophy.

Doctoral or PhD Degree (Doctor or Doctor of Philosophy) postgraduate education

To obtain a doctoral degree, it is necessary to decide on the topic of scientific research and engage only in research activities. The results of the research carried out are published in official reports and in scientific and specialized journals. Based on the results of research and defense of the dissertation, a scientific degree is awarded.

Undergraduate and graduate programs consist of lectures, seminars, laboratory work and exams and at the end of the graduation project defense. Education is quite complex: for each semester, students study only 4-5 academic disciplines, with difficult tests for each of them (every three months) and with a general test at the end of the semester. Cheat sheets or other means of hints, if found, guarantee expulsion from the university.

Studying in British universities begins in October. The academic year is divided into trimesters, each of which lasts 8-10 weeks. Summer holidays last from the beginning of June to the end of September. The cost of studying at universities in the UK fluctuates quite a lot. On average, tuition prices are about 10-12 thousand pounds per year.

The cost of education at prestigious universities and medical specialties is much higher - from twenty thousand pounds sterling a year. Prices for accommodation, meals, etc. are calculated separately.

English educational institutions are divided into unitary and collegiate. Unitary colleges consist of departments and faculties, collegiate colleges consist of dozens of colleges. The latter include such prestigious universities as Cambridge and Oxford.

Some prestigious and well-known universities in the UK

• Cambridge University or University of Cambridge is considered one of the oldest universities and includes several independent colleges. It is on the first position in the ranking of TheTimesHigherEducation. Among the graduates are C. Darwin, S. Hawking, I. Newton, W. Wordsworth, Prince Charles, O. Cromwell. It trains specialists in the field of aeronautics, engineering, economics, mathematics, art history, psychology, etc.


• University of Oxford. Along with Cambridge, it is one of the leaders in the ranking of the best universities in the world. Includes 38 colleges.


• University of Glasgow. The 4th oldest university in the UK, founded in 1451.


• University of York. A young and promising scientific university of the country. Appeared during the university boom - in 1963.


• The Open University. The University of Open Education was founded in 1969 by decree of the Queen. It is the largest university with over 200 thousand students.


• University of Leeds one of the top 10 best research centers in the country. Founded in 1904. Included in Russell State's elite group of prestigious universities, which account for two-thirds of research grants.

Higher education received in the UK is an opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to your future career. A British diploma opens up excellent prospects in many professional fields and will be a clear advantage when applying for a job, in addition, many universities run job placement programs for international students.

A high level of knowledge of the language will help you get a job in almost any international company. Thus, the education received will pay off in a few years.

All UK universities

On this page you can get acquainted with 287 universities in the UK, which are located in 124 cities. The cost of obtaining higher education for the Bachelor's program ranges from 0 USD to 39828 USD, for the Master's program from 0 USD to 41390 USD. Read detailed description and reviews of students who studied at universities in the UK.

Name	The country	City	Bachelor (USD)	Master (USD)
Abbey College Cambridge	United Kingdom	Cambridge	0	0
Abbey College Manchester	United Kingdom	Manchester	0	0
Abbots Bromley School	United Kingdom	Shenzhen	0	0
Aberystwyth University	United Kingdom	Aberystwyth	15000	11000
Ahora Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Glasgow (formerly RSAMD)	United Kingdom	Glasgow	20000	20000
American University in London	United Kingdom	London	0	0
Ampleforth College	United Kingdom	York	0	0
Andover College	United Kingdom	Andover	0	0
Anglia Ruskin University	United Kingdom	Cambridge	20000	20000
Anglo-European College of Chiropractic	United Kingdom	Bournemouth	0	0
Architectural Association School of Architecture	United Kingdom	London	0	0
Ardingly College	United Kingdom	Haywards Heath	0	0
Arts Educational School	United Kingdom	London	0	0
Arts University Bournemouth	United Kingdom	Pool	20000	20000
Ashbourne Independent Sixth Form College	United Kingdom	London	0	0
Ashton Sixth Form College	United Kingdom	Ashton-under-Lyn	0	0
Aston University	United Kingdom	Birmingham	15000	13000
Azad University in Oxford	United Kingdom	Oxford	0	0
Bangor University	United Kingdom	Bangor	15000	7000
Bath Academy	United Kingdom	Batley	0	0
Bath Spa University	United Kingdom	Batley	20000	20000
Belfast Metropolitan College	United Kingdom	Belfast	0	0
Birkbeck University of London	United Kingdom	London	16212	18020
Birmingham City University	United Kingdom	Birmingham	20000	20000
Bishop Grosseteste University	United Kingdom	Lincoln	20000	20000
Blackburn College UK	United Kingdom	Darwen	0	0
Blackpool and The Fylde College	United Kingdom	Blackpool	0	0
Bosworth Independent College	United Kingdom	Northampton	0	0
Bournemouth University	United Kingdom	Pool	20000	20000
BPP University College of Professional Studies	United Kingdom	London	0	0
Bradford College	United Kingdom	Bradford	0	0
Brighton and Sussex Medical School	United Kingdom	Brighton	0	0
British College of Osteopathic Medicine	United Kingdom	London	0	0
British School of Osteopathy	United Kingdom	London	0	0
Bucks New University	United Kingdom	High Wycombe	20000	20000
Cambridge Tutors College	United Kingdom	Croydon	0	0
Canterbury Christ Church University	United Kingdom	Canterbury	20000	20000
Cardiff Metropolitan University	United Kingdom	Cardiff	20000	20000
Cardiff Sixth Form College	United Kingdom	Cardiff	0	0
Central College Nottingham	United Kingdom	nottingham	0	0
Central School of Ballet in London	United Kingdom	London	0	0
Central School of Speech and Drama University of London	United Kingdom	London	20000	20000
Chetham's School of Music	United Kingdom	Manchester	0	0
City and Guilds of London Art School	United Kingdom	London	0	0
City College Brighton & Hove	United Kingdom	Brighton	0	0
City College Norwich	United Kingdom	Norwich	0	0
City of Glasgow College	United Kingdom	Glasgow	0	0
City University London	United Kingdom	London	15000	15000
College of Estate Management	United Kingdom	Reading	0	0
Concord College	United Kingdom	shrewsbury	0	0
Cornwall College	United Kingdom	Saint Austel	0	0
Courtauld Institute of Art	United Kingdom	London	20000	20000
Coventry University	United Kingdom	Coventry	13000	15000
Darlington College of Technology	United Kingdom	darlington	0	0
De Montfort University	United Kingdom	Chengdu	20000	20000
Downe House School	United Kingdom	Thatcham	0	0
Dulwich College	United Kingdom	London	0	0
Edge Hill University	United Kingdom	Ormskirk	20000	20000
Elmhurst School for Dance and Performing Arts	United Kingdom	Tring	0	0
Eton College	United Kingdom	Windsor	0	0
European School of Economics London	United Kingdom	London	20000	20000
Falmouth University	United Kingdom	Falmouth	20000	20000
Farlington School	United Kingdom	Horsham	0	0

Recently, education in the UK has become more and more popular all over the world. Why is this happening? How did it happen that the knowledge provided by a modest, by modern standards, northern country, is held in such high esteem? In this article, we will try to answer all these questions. In addition, readers will learn more about school education in the UK, about its levels and principles of organization. In fact, our country has something to strive for.

general description

It so happened that the education system in the UK for many countries is a kind of standard. Although not everyone knows that it appeared many centuries ago and, in fact, in its original form arose back in the 11th century, far from us.

It should be noted that in the British school, like in no other, to this day there is an “iron” discipline, the educational process takes place at every educational level, and the teaching methodology that has taken place deserves special respect. Yes ... Here we can say with confidence that the centuries-old history of education in the UK has left its mark on almost every area of ​​the modern process of obtaining knowledge.

Among other things, it is in British schools that students are given the opportunity to receive not only first-class knowledge, but also an elite education, which at the same time means the acquisition of secular manners and useful connections with the strong and famous of this world.

It's no secret that almost all wealthy and eminent families interested in the successful future career of their children, first of all, try to send them to prestigious English schools.

At the same time, despite the effectiveness of education, the peculiarities of education in the UK imply a certain flexibility. What is it expressed in? The thing is that in the country today there is a huge variety of various training courses, and students are given the opportunity to choose exactly what they are really interested in. In addition, if desired, the selected items can be changed, this does not take much time and does not need to draw up a pile of documents. After weighing all the pros and cons, the student must simply write an application and start classes according to the newly approved schedule.

There is some misconception that education in the UK in English is better than what can be obtained in, for example, German or French. Not at all. Local teachers approach their work with full responsibility, which means that regardless of the language, students will be provided with all the necessary set of knowledge in the chosen direction.

Preschool education

Primary education in the UK for little Englishmen and Englishwomen begins when (at that age) when Russian kids just go to Kindergarten. Classes of three-year-old students are not much different from kindergarten ones - there are the same developing creative games and the same group work. However, they are engaged there only 3 hours a day. Longer lessons are prohibited by law. Why? The thing is that local experts unanimously decided that a child of this age should have time for games, fun and walks in the fresh air.

In order for a child to enter a preschool class at a reputable elementary school, it is necessary to pass a series of entrance tests, which, by the way, are different in each individual region of Albion, which means that they will have to be prepared separately and in advance.

The education system in the UK is such that, almost everywhere, authorities require parents to apply for enrollment one year before the age of three. If, for any reason, the documents were not submitted by the due date, the child will most likely not receive a place in the class and will be placed on the so-called waiting list.

It is unthinkable to imagine that a child can start studying in certain regions of England from the age of two. However, this applies mainly to private preschool classes. However, the requirement to apply to such a private institution can come as a shock! Documents in a number of classes, parents must submit before the baby is born! It’s hard for us to even imagine, not to mention the fact that some modern parents from Russia may consider such “care” a bad omen. We even try not to purchase the necessary hygiene items before the birth.

The education system in the UK. Primary public educational institutions

Despite the variety of principles of primary education, in public schools the most common is the education of children aged 4 to 11 years.

The first year of school is called kindergarten. If the parents submitted the application in time (six months before the start of the semester), then the child from the preschool class goes to the elementary school.

Despite the great number of good primary schools, getting a place in one of the establishments is not so easy. Even studying in a preschool class at an elite school does not guarantee a child's admission to it. Education in the US and UK is very different regarding this point. In America, a child who graduates from an elite kindergarten is automatically enrolled in the same school.

Another important criterion for accepting a child to school is the place of residence of the family: the closer the house is to the institution, the greater the likelihood of enrolling in this educational institution. But this is not the key point on the way to good education. Existing criteria for admission in each school can vary significantly. Therefore, parents should first of all learn the rules of admission.

Education in the UK in primary school requires certain stages worth talking about in more detail:

1. Stage I - at the age of 4 to 6 years. The preparatory class is replaced by the first class, and at the age of six children move to the second.
2. Stage II - begins at age 7 and continues until the child finishes sixth grade.

Elementary education. Private schools

In the system of independent education, the concepts of preschool and are almost the same, but the names are somewhat different. So, preschool classes are called pre-preparatory, and elementary schools are called preparatory.

The rules for admission to different can be radically different. So, for admission to a number of pre-preparatory classes, one can get by with simply registering a child at school (although this must be done in advance); in other institutions, the procedure for passing entrance exams is strictly mandatory.

The indisputable advantage of independent primary schools is the step-by-step possibility of admission. At the same time, certain proposals are possible for each age, and the existing system of such schools implies a successful continuation educational process for almost every child.

What is it like in the countries of Foggy Albion?

Eleventh birthday for a child means new period in his life - the high school stage.

Despite the fact that there are both public and private schools in the UK, they all adhere to the same educational standards. In addition, the state provides the right to study in high school children under 16, i.e. it should be noted that free education in the UK is not only in demand, but also enjoys great popularity among different social strata.

Based on the results of the training, students take a final exam and receive a certificate, which, however, is not a guarantee of admission to universities, but provides the right to work opportunities.

Public schools are free, foreigners aged 8 to 18 can also study in them (a prerequisite is parents living in England).

Education in independent schools is prestigious. Mostly English schoolchildren (85%) study in them. Good private schools have hundreds of hectares of land at their disposal, where all kinds of educational, health, sports and entertainment buildings are located.

Professional education

In addition to schools, there are also educational institutions in the UK. The difference between these two systems is similar to Russian schools, the full completion of which involves admission to a technical school, and then to an institute, and vocational schools - institutions in which children receive a specific profession. Such institutions in England are called Tertiary Colleges. They are characterized by a frequent change in educational programs and qualifications.

The further predestination of the graduate largely depends on the latter. Thus, the NVQ qualification assumes exclusively practical work in business and manufacturing. However, it is a multi-level system, and, in principle, gives necessary knowledge for further education. Has five skill levels. You can earn each of them by showing yourself in practice, doing work of one level or another.

ND - a kind of colleges of further education, education in which ends with the issuance of an international diploma. So before getting professional education, the child and his parents must carefully consider and choose the right decision.

Higher education in the UK

To obtain a bachelor's degree in England and Wales, you need to study for three years. If the training involves the passage of industrial practice, then, accordingly, the period increases. Specific specialties, such as design and art history, require the passage of a basic course of study, after which three years in the specialty. To obtain medical education in the UK or to become, for example, an architect, you will have to study for at least seven years.

All courses of study are divided into degrees, respectively, the higher it is, the more valuable the graduate.

1. They become a bachelor after 3-4 years of study. It is noteworthy that the English baccalaureate is highly valued not only at home, but throughout the world.
2. Intermediate degree. This level is a kind of stepping stone on the way to further education.
3. The master's degree is divided into two categories (depending on the orientation of the study program): research and professional.
4. Doctorate degree. To receive such a higher education in the UK, the student must be actively engaged in research activities, the duration of which is 2-3 years. The results obtained during the work are published in scientific reports and journals. The doctorate degree is awarded immediately after the defense scientific work- dissertations.

UK Boarding Schools

The dream of any parent is a successful and educated child. Thousands of loving hearts are ready to give a lot for the education of their child in an English private school.

It would seem that there is nothing complicated, because there are a great many private schools in the UK. And here is the biggest hitch! After all, it is not so easy to choose a good institution that will suit not only the parents themselves, but, first of all, the child.

Today English schools gladly accept children from Russia and the CIS countries. To dispel all doubts regarding the quality of teaching and academic preparation, there are ratings of boarding schools. This guideline is followed by most parents.

Ratings are compiled according to the principle of learning effectiveness. So, if school graduates demonstrate excellent results, then, accordingly, the level of the school increases significantly. However, getting into it is not so easy. The child's abilities must be above average, and in order to determine them, he must pass an entrance examination or test.

An important factor for Russian parents should be the percentage of Russian-speaking children in school. The fewer of them, the sooner and more effectively the child will speak English perfectly (this applies even to those students who studied at home in schools with in-depth study of the language).

In Great Britain

The opinion that is almost the most expensive is very common. However, is this true? Are there simple student tricks to save money? Is it possible to somehow overcome these problems of education in the UK? Yes, of course!

A student before the start of the first academic year in his life in England must take care of the choice of housing. Two options are optimal: renting a separate room, living in a hostel. Practice shows that renting a room will save the student at least 25 pounds! In order to buy cheap food for yourself, as in Russia, you need to run around, ask the price, and then the savings are surely guaranteed.

In fact, if desired, each student can save. Transport, entertainment, shopping - if you are not lazy and try to find the most correct solution, then success and an extra hundred pounds are guaranteed.

Requirements for foreign applicants

The current education system in the UK does not allow students from Russia and the CIS countries to enter colleges and universities immediately after graduating from schools in their homeland.

To enter an English university, you must at least complete 2 courses of the institute at home or pass special training in England.

They fall into two categories:

• A-Level lasting 2 years makes it possible to enroll in all universities in the country. Gifted students can complete the same program in as little as a year.
• Basic (or Foundation) - term 1 year. The reduced program provides an opportunity to enter a limited number of universities.

Such preparation systems are key for those wishing to graduate in the UK.

Higher education in the UK is one of the oldest in the world. The oldest universities in the country were founded in the 16th century. Now, the UK education system is built in such a way that, with the availability of funds and desire, students from Russia can also become a small part of it.

The names of the main and most prestigious British universities are well known to everyone - this is and, but the London School of Economics and the City University of London are also famous and respected.

After graduating from a Russian school, it is unlikely that it will be possible to immediately enter a British university - many universities require applicants to complete an A-Level preparation program (2 years) or Foundation (1 year). The second is especially popular with foreign students. Do not worry about the fact that admission to a university will be delayed for a year or two: you can get a bachelor's degree at a British university in three years against the usual four, and the quality of education will still be high.

Another option is to unlearn two courses at a Russian university, pass (Cambridge or IELTS), but in this case you can not count on getting into top universities.

To enter a British university, you need to fill out an application on the website of the Central Bureau of UCAS ((Universities and Colleges Admissions Service), and you need to do this in advance, six months in advance, and if we are talking about Cambridge, then even earlier.

If you have not finished school yet, you can indicate the expected scores in the subjects. However, high grades in the certificate are not enough if you are going to storm Oxford or Cambridge - entrance exams and interviews are also held in the two most.

After Cambridge and Oxford, Imperial College London, London School of Economics, University of York, University of Warwick, University of Bristol and University of Nottingham are next in the ranking of British universities.

The cost of undergraduate education for international students ranges from 10 to 40 thousand pounds per year. For non-EU students, there are few opportunities to receive financial aid, and in most cases it will cover only part of the tuition fees. However, there are various awards, competitions and scholarships, and one should definitely try to apply for them.

Fundamental higher education in the United Kingdom is built on historical traditions. For most English-speaking countries, it has been a reference for many years; universities, higher schools, university colleges in the USA, Australia, and Canada were built according to English models. In higher education in the UK, traditional forms of education and new trends are organically combined. The high cost of education is due to the complexity of the curriculum, the high qualifications of teachers, the fullness of the educational process with advanced equipment, and increased attention to the quality of education of each student.

In most universities, the standards of higher education, academic degrees are brought to international standards, divided into stages "bachelor's course", "master's degree". Postgraduate education is called doctoral studies. For the vast majority of students, tuition is paid, British citizens often receive a state loan to pay for their studies.

University education in England

calling card British education for the rest of the world became the universities of Oxford, Cambridge. For more than six hundred years, two universities provided the huge British Empire with scientific, managerial, and engineering personnel. This led to the huge size of universities, corporate spirit, constant rivalry, and the unshakable traditions of higher schools.

The unique features of the oldest universities include individual teaching methods practiced only here. The highest level of education is ensured by the qualifications of teachers, constant quality control of acquired knowledge, skills independent work with educational materials. The result of centuries of practice has been the permanent place of Cambridge, Oxford in the top five universities in the world.

Universities are in many ways similar in terms of study methods, which gave the British reason to call them the collective word Oxbridge. Similarity, proximity, the same development of higher schools, constant competition - due to the fact that Cambridge was founded by a group of professors and students expelled from Oxford.

Universities are almost equal in size. The University of Cambridge has 31 colleges (of which three are women's), 19,000 students study. In addition to the classical, theological, philosophical, historical, legal, mathematical, physical, language faculties traditional for the historical university, there are faculties of art history, music, electrical engineering, information systems, computer design.

There are 38 colleges in Oxford, 20,000 students (of which 25% are foreigners). The non-traditional departments for a classical university include such areas of study as the history of medicine, anthropology, public health, the study of modern China, and the Internet Institute.

Other British universities work on their own original curricula, which can be oriented towards historical, international types of education.

An example is the University of Sheffield, which is one of the ten most prestigious universities in England. The international composition of teachers (3200 people) allows teaching 35000 students. At the university, students' studies are combined with research work, for which about five million pounds are allocated per year. Research results are used in the development of such industrial monsters as NASA, Microsoft, Sony, Philips.

The universal type of higher school is defined by a set of faculties that unite the faculties of art and design, biosciences, construction, business and management at the university, computer science, Engineering, Banking, Funds mass media, physiotherapy, social sciences, sports, hospitality.

Technical higher education

The increased need for technical personnel after the last world war caused a surge in the construction of new technical universities, which include the higher schools of Nottingham, Exeter, Sussex, Kent.

Specialized universities of a new type were often called "glass" in the modern architecture of buildings. Another wave of growth technical universities came at the end of the century (1992). More than thirty polytechnics have received university status.

Technical universities, higher colleges are more evenly distributed throughout the country. They are tied not to the center of England, but to industrial areas. Higher schools are directly connected with industrial enterprises. At the request of employers, areas of study are often formed, training programs are built. Compared to traditional universities, these universities are more compact, teaching a smaller number of students. Their advantage is practical focus, active research activities, up-to-date curricula, easy employment.

An example of such a university would be Loughborough University. Having received university status in 1966, the university became the first in England technological university. Of the three faculties, engineering is the leading one (besides it, there are faculties of natural sciences, social and humanitarian faculties). In addition to teaching eighteen thousand students, the university is famous for its research and development center, with which the British aerospace complex cooperates. Ford, Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems have become permanent partners of the university, customers of scientific research and technological developments. They also receive applications for talented university graduates, often still in the process of studying.

Higher education in Northern Ireland, Wales, Scotland

Higher schools in Northern Ireland and Wales are built on British traditions. Political strife, acts of terrorism - do not contribute to the desire of foreign students to Irish universities, which are not inferior to English high schools in terms of the quality of education.

One of the major technical universities in Ireland is the Cork Institute of Technology. According to the classical canons, it studies natural sciences, humanitarian subjects, business, art, music, although the main direction is engineering sciences.

More specialized is the City University of Dublin. The young Dublin City University has been operating since 1975. The main areas of education are business, electronics, computer technology, communications. In these specialties, the university has received recognition in Ireland, England, and Europe. For the first time, the INTRA employment system was introduced into the training programs at the university. Under the Erasmus international exchange program, Irish students of the University of Dublin study in Spain, Germany, and France.

Aberystwyth University was the first university in Wales. In a small Welsh town, students make up half of the population (8,000 students). International authority is deserved by the faculties of theatrical art, television production, Celtic languages, literature of Wales.

The leading specialty of the university was teaching at the Faculty of International Politics, established in 1919. International organizations highly valued research work university, teaching activities.

Swansea University is one of the modern universities in South Wales. The faculties of the university are called higher schools, they study humanitarian sciences, foreign languages, business, economics, engineering, Environment, health care, psychology, sociology, law, medicine, exact sciences.

Scotland stands out from the British regions with the greatest attraction to higher education, European leadership in the number educated people. Scottish scientists are leaders in research in molecular biology, astrophysics, and genetics. The achievements of Scottish livestock breeders are among the world's breakthroughs. Many universities in Scotland enjoy the highest prestige among the British; members of the royal family prefer studying in them.

In addition to the main universities in Scotland (the University of Edinburgh, St. Andrews, the classical universities of Glasgow, Aberdeen), the level of education is high in other Scottish higher schools.

So, Aberdeen Robert Gordon University, founded in the recent 1970, accepts fifteen thousand students. Classical fundamental education is provided by the faculties of law, pharmacy, medicine and health care, and natural sciences. Non-traditional faculties of nursing, business, computer technology, art and design, social work.

According to British ratings recent years the university is constantly in the lead among young universities, especially in terms of employment. Robert Gordon University is considered the best in training specialists in the oil and gas industry, petroleum exploration, and scientific research in petrochemistry. This causes the constant interest of the largest employers - the oil companies Shell, BP, Total.

For a better mastery of the specialty, practical professional skills, the university, together with oil workers, organizes paid internships for students. Reinforcement of academic knowledge with practical skills brings high qualification of graduates.

3.04.2018

Great Britain is a country where one of the priorities of the state can be called the development of the educational sector.

The English education system has rightfully earned a reputation as one of the best among those currently in existence.

And as a result, it is absolutely logical that foreign citizens want to receive higher education at the universities of Great Britain.

The higher education system in England includes the following stages:

• undergraduate (Degree courses or Undergraduate courses);
• magistracy (Postgraduate studies);
• Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD);
• scientific research and research (Master of Science).

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland there are three-year undergraduate programs, while in Scotland they take four years. After completing this program, applicants graduate with a Bachelor's Degree (or First Degree). According to research, the number of foreign students studying in undergraduate studies is 10%.

Education in higher educational institutions is paid for all students, including foreigners.
The cost of higher education in England varies by university and specialization. At most universities, foreign students pay more tuition fees than nationals. But there are also universities where the prices are the same for everyone.

The costs incurred by students and their parents in the UK depend on many factors. If you are not an EU citizen, then most likely you will be required to pay the full cost of training. The fact is that options with scholarships and grants for foreigners at the undergraduate level are quite limited.

On average in the UK, the cost of an annual tuition (bachelor's, master's, doctoral or research program) of higher education, depending on the specialization, is equal to:

• humanitarian and Social sciencies– 10,000–15,000 pounds
• Science and Engineering - £12,000-20,000

Not everyone can afford to pay such tuition bills. So let's move on to options. get a higher education in the UK for free.

This is where various scholarship programs with full or partial reimbursement of the cost. There are several types of programs:

• Chevening Scholarship is an international scholarship program founded by the UK government with funding from the UK Foreign Office and other partner organizations.
• Scholarship program for gifted students from all over the world who have shown outstanding ability. She invites them to study for post-graduate programs at universities in the UK. The scholarship provides full or partial cost coverage for one year at any university in the UK.
• Students from Russia and the CIS countries need to constantly monitor program updates, as there are offers for this category of students, but they do not always work.
• There are also university programs, but it is much easier to get them for graduate students, and not for bachelors or masters, as mentioned above. Universities are interested in investing in those who have already decided on their research activities. And if the applicant's developments really turn out to be significant and interesting, the applicant will receive a scholarship. Universities also pay attention to those who are engaged in social activities or volunteering.
• Perhaps the most hard way obtaining sponsorship of your education in the UK - the conclusion of an agreement with a large corporation or firm. Here the action plan is as follows - you interest the company as a future employee, prove your worth, the company covers the cost of your education, and then you work off this loan for several years.

In general, there are many options for obtaining a scholarship. You can search for something suitable for you on special sites. There is also a list of universities that are leading in terms of the number of scholarship programs. City University London, University of Lincoln, Sheffield Hallam University are just a few of them. We advise you to study this list in more detail, depending on the chosen specialty.
Also, students wishing to receive higher education in England should take into account that Russian certificates school or college graduation certificates are not accepted at English universities due to the large difference in curricula and the system as a whole. You can enter only with an A-levels or University Foundation Certificate, indicating the successful completion of the preparatory program in English schools.

The following option is extremely popular - preparatory program Foundation. This program is designed exclusively for international students. It is designed for only one year (in some cases 6 or 18 months). Classes are most often held within the walls of universities and colleges and are held teaching staff. Attention is given in particular to the study in English and a number of specialized subjects. Depending on the specialty you plan to receive, the program is divided into different areas: Engineering Program (engineering, construction, mechanical engineering), Business Program (business, economics, finance), Life Sciences (chemistry, biology, mathematics, physics), Law Program (political science, social science, sociology), Art and Desıgn (drawing, photography, art history, design).

This is, of course, the easiest way to enter a British university. But, unfortunately, for admission to such universities as Cambridge, Oxford and a number of other most prestigious British institutions, this will not be enough.

Another thing I would like to draw the attention of future students of English universities is that the standard of living in England is high, so the prices not only for education, but also for living in the country are rather high.

Most higher education institutions most often provide rooms on student campuses. There are single rooms and rooms for several people. Private bathrooms, or shared. The average price for accommodation on student campuses is 150-200 pounds per week.
But there is a small specific feature of British universities: accommodation in a hostel is guaranteed only for the first year of study. Further, the situation may change.
There are two more "spare" accommodation options. First, living in a rented apartment or room. Secondly, living in an English family. Family options for accommodation are usually offered by the administration of the educational institution. Homestay accommodation is a fairly economical accommodation option that may be of interest to many.

Since 2012, the UK government has tightened the requirements for international students. Now higher education in England for Russians, Ukrainians, Belarusians, Kazakhs can be available if:

• the student is at least 16 years old;
• the level of English of a foreign applicant corresponds to the level of local citizens who have completed high school;
• the student is a citizen of a country that is not part of the EEA (European Economic Area);
• chosen higher educational institution from the list published on the website of the British Foreign Office;
• the financial support of the applicant fully covers all the costs associated with studying and living for a given period in the country.

Of course, it is no secret to anyone that higher education in the UK is usually available to those international students who have high levels of previous education. And also, each foreign student who plans to study in the country must have a sponsor.

On the basis of statistical data, the most international universities in England:

• In first place was the University of Buckingham (University of Buckingham), in which 59% of students were foreigners. Representatives of 89 nationalities study here.
• Second place in the ranking went to one of the best universities in the UK - the London School of Economics (London School of Economics). Here, 44% of students were citizens of other countries. By the way, this university is considered one of the most popular among Russians.
  Of the subjects, management, marketing, business are most in demand, and recently there has been a noticeable interest in the natural sciences.

Great Britain has been attracting people of all ages from all over the world for many decades. Today, in the age of enormous opportunities and the absence of significant restrictions, the opportunity to get an education in England is available to many. The most important thing is to have up-to-date information and have desire and perseverance as allies!