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Glossary of UK Educational Terms

Puzzled by "Pro-Vice-Chancellor?" Flummoxed by "Foundation Course"? Check out our handy glossary of UK educational terms below to find the definition or US equivalent. If you can't find what you're looking for or are still confused, let us know and we'll be happy to help.

A - B -C - D - E - F - G - H - I - J - K - L - M - N - O - P - Q - R - S - T - U - V - W - X - Y - Z

A
A-levels Exams taken by English, Northern Irish and Welsh students in order to gain entrance to UK university, similar to Advanced Placement (AP) tests.
B

C
Chancellor The official figurehead of a UK university, largely for ceremonial purposes. Usually a public figure of some note; for example, Prince Philip is Chancellor to both Cambridge and Edinburgh universities, while Patrick Stewart is Chancellor of the University of Huddersfield.
College

In the UK “college” is not used interchangeably with “university”.  Its various meanings include:

  1. A residential community like a dormitory (collegiate systems are found at the Universities of Oxford, Cambridge and Durham)
  2. Sixth Form Colleges or Further Education Colleges replicate the final two years of US high school. They also offer vocational qualifications.
Combined Honours A degree that studies three or more subjects, comparable to a US Liberal Arts degree.
Continuous Assessment

An evaluation system such as the one commonly found in the US, where a student’s final grade includes grades received on quizzes, reports and papers assigned throughout the semester/year, in addition to the final exam.

In the UK, this form of assessment is much less widespread; a final exam is often worth 100% of a student’s final grade.
Course

Your major
D
Degree Results

UK degrees are ranked by the overall score achieved over the duration of the entire degree. A rough breakdown is as follows:

  • First class (70% and higher)
  • Upper-Second class (60-69%)
  • Lower-Second class (50-59%)
  • Third class (40-49%)
  • Ordinary degree (a pass, 30-40%)
E

F
Faculty Department (i.e. Faculty of Science or History Faculty).
First-class degree The highest ranking degree, roughly equivalent to a US “A” average.
Foundation/Access Course

Courses designed to allow students to bring their skills and knowledge in line with UK university entry requirements for a full degree, if their qualifications do not meet the requirements of their chosen degree course.

Usually a one-year course offered in a UK university setting.
Further Education (FE)

General label given to study after age 16 (age at US 10th grade) and before UK university.
G
GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) – formerly known as O-levels

A single-subject exam taken upon completion of two years of study at the age of 16 (age at US 10th grade).

Students take anywhere between 5-10 subjects, which, if passed, are generally considered equivalent to a US high school diploma.
H
Higher Education (HE) US university level study
Highers (Scotland)

Scottish equivalent to A-levels (see A-levels)
I

J
Joint Honours

Double major
K

L
Lower-Second Class Degree

The third highest ranking degree, roughly equivalent to a US B/B- average.
M
Marks Grades
Module

A class or course
N

O

P
Pass Degree Lowest ranking of degree, roughly equivalent to a US C-/D+ average.
Postgraduate Graduate (Masters or PhD) level study
Pro-Vice-Chancellor

Vice-President of a US university
Q

R

Recognised Institutions and Bodies

Accredited to award degrees.

In the UK, education institutions are permitted to grant degrees by a Royal Charter or Act of Parliament.
S
Sandwich Course A degree including a year or more of practical experience in between periods of formal study, similar to co-ops for engineering programs.
School Pre-16 (age of US 10th grade and below) education.
Seminar Small discussion groups, used in conjunction with large-group lectures.
Sixth Form College

Final two years of pre-university education (age of US 11th and 12th grades) at which students take A-levels.
T
Term Quarter or semester. Usually eight to 12 weeks of study. There are normally three terms in a UK academic year.
Third Class Degree Fourth highest ranking degree, equivalent to a US C+/C average.
Tutor Academic advisor; may also be a professor.
Tutorial

Seminar or recitation; a small group of students created from subdividing the original class. The large class usually meets for large lectures while the tutorial group meets for concentrated discussion.
U

Upper-Second Class Degree

Second highest ranking of degree, roughly equivalent to a US A-/B+ average.
V

Vice-Chancellor

The President of a US university
W

X

Y

Z

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