Destination UK

The British Council explains why the UK is the best place in the world to study

Oxford University, one of the UK’s famed educational establishments

There are an enormous number of reasons why you should study a course in the UK and an even greater number of subjects to choose from; courses from accountancy to zoology are delivered at hundreds of universities and colleges of higher education and a UK degree will allow you to specialise in the subject that interests you, in a country renowned across the world for the quality of its research and the reputation of its academics.

At postgraduate level, most master’s degrees and MBAs at UK universities last one year compared to two in most other countries, including the US and Australia. Choosing the UK means that you only have to pay tuition fees for one year and you’ll be back in the workplace before you know it. While you’re here, you’ll be immersed in English, the international language of business. At the same time, you’ll be part of a truly global community: students from more than 180 different countries are currently studying for undergraduate qualifications in the UK. With such fantastic experience behind you, you’ll be ready to take on the world by the time you finish your course.

You’ll gain recognised and respected qualifications

UK undergraduate qualifications are respected and valued all over the world. A bachelor’s degree, HND or Foundation Degree from a UK college or university will give you an edge when you’re competing for a job or a place on a postgraduate course. It will prove to employers that you’re capable of independent thought and self-discipline, used to conducting and analysing your own research and will let them know that you can make a real contribution to their company or organisation. If you’ve got your sights set on academia for a while yet, the research skills you’ll gain provide the perfect introduction to future postgraduate study.

A master’s degree, PhD or MBA from a UK university will give you an edge over the competition. It will prove to employers that you’re capable of independent thought and self-discipline, used to conducting and analysing your own research and will let them know that you can make a real contribution to their company or organisation.

It’s fantastic value

UK study offers fantastic value for money and the sort of experience you can’t put a price on: you’ll learn to think for yourself and to make your own decisions. You’re not just paying for lectures and practicals: throughout your course you’ll have access to fantastic libraries, state-of-the art-laboratories, ultramodern computer facilities and extensive research resources that will blow you and your future employers away.

Improve your English

While you’re studying for an undergraduate qualification in the UK, you’ll be able to practise your English language skills every day, in shops and cafés and while you’re out with English-speaking friends, as well as in seminars and discussion groups on your course. Many UK universities offer in-sessional language support and, if you need more help before you begin, there are international foundation years that will help to bring your communication skills up to scratch.

Study in the way that suits you best

The wide range of undergraduate courses on offer gives you a huge amount of flexibility. You can enrol on a bachelor’s degree from the beginning, or you can start by taking a two-year HND or Foundation Degree and then top up to a degree afterwards if you want. You can study a single honours degree where you’ll focus entirely on one subject, or study two subjects in a joint honours or combined honours degree. At postgraduate level, you can start by enrolling on a postgraduate diploma course (PG Dip), then transfer to a master’s degree, or start by taking an MRes – master of research – which could lead on to a PhD. It’s entirely up to you!

Gain the skills and qualities employers want

Figures show less than 3% of UK postgraduate qualifiers are unemployed one year after their course

UK undergraduate qualifications let employers know at a glance that you’ve got the skills they’re looking for, putting you on the right track for a great job and a great salary: a year after graduating, less than 5% of UK undergraduates are unemployed. If you want to be a doctor or lawyer, you obviously have to have the appropriate qualifications, but a degree is just as necessary for many other careers, such as government service, publishing, public relations and marketing. A degree will let employers know that you’re capable of independent thought, able to undertake research and analysis and that you’re prepared to work hard. The latest figures available show that one year after finishing their course, less than 3% of UK postgraduate qualifiers are unemployed.

It’s a multicultural experience

At a UK university you’ll be mixing with people from all over the world, whose different backgrounds and new perspectives will add to your experience. Of the 405,000 students who entered UK higher education in 2005, more than 10% were international. No matter where you study, you’ll meet students from Asia, Africa, Europe, the Americas and Australasia. University cultural societies will give you the chance to understand their culture and to introduce them to your own, giving you social experiences that will shape your view of the international community in which you’ll soon be looking to make your career.

For more information, visit: www.britishcouncil.org

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