There are many universities in the UK, offering a variety of courses to suit all career paths and vocations. Given the range of courses on offer, it can be difficult to choose a course. However, we can help. Through our databases, online resources and face-to-face advice, we can help you choose a course that's right for you.

Why study in the UK?

The UK offers a wealth of undergraduate courses at a wide range of institiutions, each with its own unique character and cultural life. This gives you the option of studying at a traditional red-brick university (with links to traditional careers) or at one of the more modern universities (with links to newer industries such as marketing and new media). Whichever type of study you choose, the UK education style is personal, with a high level of student support, ensuring that you will not fall behind or feel isolated.

Applying to a UK university is made easy through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). Through this system, you can apply to a maximum of six institutions on one form.

The UK also offers a truly global community, which provides a welcoming environment for international students, plus the chance to meet with many other students from around the world. And because the UK is at the forefront of much scientific and creative innovation, you will be learning from some of the world’s top researchers, practitioners and intellects.

What courses are on offer?

Depending on your current qualifications and finances, you will be able to study as an undergraduate in the arts, humanities sciences, law or medicine. Courses vary considerably according to the university or college in which you study. The most popular undergraduate qualifications are the Bachelor's degrees (also called undergraduate or first degrees), which are now required for entry into a wide range of careers in the UK and other countries. UK degree programmes incorporate the most up-to-date subject developments. Furthermore, they are supported by world-class research and links with business and industry.

You can check individual prospectuses for each university on our EducationUK website. You can also read the Subject Review Reports on the QAA (Quality Assurance Agency) website; these look at the quality of teaching, students' learning experience, and the support available.

How long will my degree study take?

Degrees usually take three years to complete, although arts degrees often require a foundation qualification prior to the degree course (which takes one year); law and medicine degrees usually take a minimum of five years; architecture degrees take seven years to complete. You will need to make sure you can support yourself for the entire duration of your course.

What are the entrance requirements?

Entrance requirements vary according to the subject and the popularity of your chosen course (some insitutions are highly regarded for particular subjects, so finding a place is more difficult). You should get details of the course requirements from the institution’s current prospectus or direct from the faculty. An institution would want to know that you have met both its general requirements and those of the course. Generally, the basic requirements are:

			five subject passes (two GCE A-levels and three GCSE at grade C minimum), or
			four subject passes (three GCE A-levels and one GCSE at grade C minimum), or
			equivalent UK qualifications (such as Scottish Standards and Highers, and vocational A-levels ), or
			equivalent overseas qualifications - you can check equivalencies through your local British Council centre or the UK's National Academic Recognition Information Centre (NARIC).

You should be able to speak and write English well. You may be asked to provide formal proof of your standard. It is worth checking this early to make sure you have enough time to take an English language test. Most universities and colleges will accept one of the following:

			International English Language Testing System (IELTS) band 6 or above
			Certificate in Cambridge Proficiency of English (CPE) or Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) (depending on your institution's requirements)
			Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score 550 or higher.

How much will it cost?

European Union (EU) students studying at universities and colleges in England, Wales and Northern Ireland pay the same fees as UK students, known as ‘home fees’. International students from outside the EU pay international student fees, which vary depending on the course and institution; for 2005 these are £6,250 to £7,650 (for arts degrees), £6,500 to £9,950 (science), £6,960 to £18,000 (clinical) per year. Most students in the UK need about £700 a month to live on (more for London). This will cover accomodation, food, clothes and basic living expenses. Some universities offer scholarships, but there is a lot of competition for these and you should not depend on it. The majority of scholarships are for postgraduate students.

How can we help?

If you need more information, on UCAS form, or simply want to make sure you're making the right decision, please contact us at general.enquiries@lb.britishcouncil.org or visit our centre.