British higher education is based on a system of lectures, seminars, tutorials and self-directed study.

Unlike the US system, when students apply for a bachelor's degree in most of the UK (England, Wales and Northern Ireland), they apply to a "course" of study rather than an institution. This means that students cannot go into university being "undecided." Instead they must apply for a particular course (i.e. major) at a particular university. Each university has designated admissions staff for each academic department.  However, in Scotland, upon which the US system is largely based, four-year undergraduate programs enable more flexibility and some allow students to study for up to two years before committing to one specialized subject.

Look to our information on British K-12 education system, for more details on how the UK education system works.

Undergraduate degrees, or first degrees, normally take three years to complete in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and four years in Scotland. Sandwich courses (degrees incorporating a period of work experience), often take longer. At some universities and colleges, students studying for degrees in certain subjects (for example art and design) are required to take a foundation course. A foundation course consists of a class or number of classes that bring the student to a university level of understanding in the subject before commencing the degree.

Degrees can be awarded for study of a single academic subject (single honours), a combination of two subjects (joint honours) or, on modular degree courses, three or more subjects (combined honours).

Depending on the subject or subjects being studied, successful students will be awarded one of the following:

UK Degrees are graded. Successful students may be awarded a:

In Scotland, although degrees take four years, students may leave after three years and receive an ordinary degree. Those who complete all four years are awarded an honours degree.

Click here for more comprehensive information on undergraduate study.

Graduate Certificates and Diplomas

These courses normally take one year to complete. They are often vocational in nature and students holding these awards can sometimes gain exemption from some professional examinations

Master's Degrees

Master's degrees are normally obtained in one year through taught courses leading to awards such as a MA, M.Sc., M.Eng., M.Tech., MBA or LL.M. Students obtaining a master's degree through research are normally awarded an M.Phil. They consist of lectures, seminars, training in research methods, practical work where relevant, coursework, and a written and sometimes spoken examination (called a viva). Some courses also include a research project which is written up as a short thesis or dissertation.

Research Master's Degrees

These degrees are obtained by research and can take up to two years. At the end of the two years a thesis or dissertation is produced. Students usually don't attend classes and instead do their own independent research, meeting with supervisors or tutors regularly. Master's degrees are not graded although some universities may award a distinction for outstanding performance. Some master's courses will provide exemption from professional examinations.

Doctoral Degrees

A doctoral degree (Ph.D. or D.Phil at Oxford University) is awarded after completion of a thesis which sets out the results and conclusions of original research in a specific area. A doctorate can take three years or more (after an undergraduate degree) to complete. Students are supervised by tutors but rarely attend formal lectures.

Click here for more comprehensive information on graduate study.

Assessment methods vary by institution in the UK. They tend to reflect the UK teaching method and style. Written examinations (at the end of a year or, in some cases, in the final undergraduate year only) are the most common form of study assessment. Continuous assessment, which is a combination of written work, performance and sometimes oral examination, is also used frequently. Individual institutions can provide you with more information on their assessment methods.

Keep in mind, there is no official method of equating British and American educational qualifications. The educational systems are very different and attempts to compare them must be done on a strictly provisional basis. Many US institutions have already developed systems of assessing their study abroad students and/or equating British grades to US grades.

When credit is being transferred, many US institutions will include both the course taken overseas and the grade received on the student's official transcript. Due to the different grading systems overseas, translating a foreign grade into the American system can prove challenging. The US grading system is letter-based (A, B, C, D, or F), whereas some overseas institutions have number-based systems or other grading scales. Foreign grades will either be translated into the American grading system or simply indicated as "pass" or "fail." American students often have the choice between these two options. Some overseas institutions grade more severely, causing some American students to chose the pass/fail option in order to avoid lowering their grade point average. Again, there is not an official grade conversion chart for UK to US grades. However, the following chart was produced by some SECUSSA members.

(Please note that these are unofficial scales and that they are not necessarily endorsed by the British Council USA.)

Scale #1

	UK US 70-100 A 65-69 A- 60-64 B+ 50-59 B 45-49 B- 40-44 C+ 0-39 F

Scale #2

	UK US 70-100 A+ 66-69 A 62-65 A- 58-61 B+ 54-57 B 50-53 B- 46-49 C+ 42-45 C 38-41 C- 35-37 D 0-34 F

Scale #3

	UK US 70-100 A+ 67-69 A 64-66 A- 61-63 B+ 58-60 B 54-57 B- 51-53 C+ 45-50 C 40-44 C- 39 D+ 36-38 D 35 D- 0-34 F

Scale #4

	UK US 68-100 A 64-67 A- 60-63 B+ 55-59 B 50-54 B- 47-49 C+ 43-46 C 38-42 C- 35-37 D 0-34 F

More than 30,000 American students chose to study in the UK last year, making it the most popular destination for study abroad.

       Study Abroad (provided by Open Doors)

       2002/2003 - US students abroad world-wide 174,629

       2002/2003 - US students in the UK 31,706

       Undergraduate (provided by HESA)

       2003/2004 - US students in the UK 2,730

       Graduate-taught and research courses (provided by HESA)

       2003/2004 - US students in the UK 8,090

There are generally three main kinds of study abroad: direct enrollment, student exchange and affiliation programs. As a study abroad advisor you can help your students find the program that meets their needs and your university's requirements.

• Direct enrollment: American study abroad students enroll directly into a British university for the semester or year, take classes on the campus and make their own arrangements for credit transfer.
• University exchange: Your institution has an agreement with a British institution to exchange a certain number of students, usually one-to-one exchanges. Agreements about how tuition is paid are made between the two institutions involved.
• Affiliate program: American study abroad students apply through an outside organization which assists the student with enrollment and logistics (such as Arcadia University or CIEE).

• International Reputation - A UK education has global recognition and respect and a well-deserved reputation for quality and high standards.
• Diversity of Choice - With four countries in one, the range of programs and universities are abundant.
• Experiencing a Real UK Education - The opportunity to live and study with British students and professors is one that can't be missed.
• Be on the Cutting Edge - In addition to history and heritage, the UK is a trendsetter in music, fashion, science and design.

US citizens are not required to hold a student visa in order to enter the UK as a student. However, as of November 13, 2003, if your student will be in the UK for six months or more, obtaining Entry Clearance is required (see our Entry Clearance FAQ for more information).

If your student will be in the UK for less than six months, the following items will be necessary for entry:

• valid US passport that doesn't expire during their time in the UK;
• letter of acceptance from the UK university or US program in the UK;
• proof of funding for duration of study (this can be in the form of documentation proving scholarship funding, federal financial aid, private loans, parental bank account or whichever method they are using to fund their studies); and
• round-trip ticket (this is an unofficial rule but generally helps the student pass through immigration with more ease).

Citizens of countries other than the US should consult the British Embassy or nearest British Consulate-General for information on their visa status. The British Information Services Visa Information site offers a quick search form that can tell you what entrance forms are needed depending on citizenship and reason for travel to the UK.

International students studying in the UK for any length of time are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and up to 40 hours per week during holidays. See the Student Work Regulations page for more detailed information.

Additionally, students guaranteed part-time work by their university or college will be able to have the prospective income taken into account when presenting their proof of funding.

Students interested in working after their course should contact BUNAC or Work Permits UK for information on work placement schemes and permits.