The most popular universities in the UK. The best in South East England are considered. Bachelor to Doctor
Higher education in Great Britain has a rich history, dating back to the founding of Oxford and, a little later, of Cambridge universities in the 12th century. Today in England there are over 300 universities. Get an education in higher schools ah the United Kingdom is possible in any specialty.
Contemporary British education provides international qualifications and is renowned for its excellence in a wide range of subjects. Centuries-old traditions are combined with the latest methodological pedagogical developments and excellent technical equipment educational buildings- this is how the famous English quality is achieved. An English university diploma is recognized in more than 180 countries around the world and offers excellent career opportunities.
The structure of the higher school is represented by three degrees: bachelor's, master's and doctoral studies. Business education - MBA is also distinguished separately.
Despite the fact that all universities in the UK are supervised by the Department of Education and Science, there are slight differences in educational systems. For example, in England it takes three years to get a bachelor's degree, in Scotland it takes four. Many universities provide an opportunity to pass industrial practice during training. In this case, the total duration of study increases by one year. Some specialties related to medicine, dentistry and architecture will require a longer bachelor's degree - up to 7 years. The master's program lasts 1-2 years, depending on the specialty.
Top Universities in England
From year to year, UK universities occupy the first lines in world rankings. Thus, according to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2019, 58 British universities are in the top 500 universities in the world. The top ten traditionally includes Cambridge, Oxford and Imperial College London. Most schoolchildren, dreaming of studying at an English university, most often imagine themselves as students of these famous educational institutions. In practice, entering them is not just difficult, but very difficult - the competition, depending on the faculty, is up to 12 people per place. But before submitting documents to any English university, the Russian schoolchild will also need to level the differences between the school certificate of the Russian Federation and Great Britain.
How can Russians enroll in a British university?
Unfortunately for Russian applicants, it is impossible to enter a British university after graduating from a Russian school. The reason lies in the discrepancy between educational systems: English students spend 13 years at the school desk, while our compatriots spend 11 years.
In order to compensate for the "gap", you can:
- Unlearn 1 year at a Russian university and then enroll in the British. This option can be called the most risky - such applicants have a low chance of being enrolled.
- Pass the training on the Foundation program, which lasts 1 year and allows you to improve your knowledge of English, as well as "pull up" specialized disciplines. The Foundation is accepted by most UK universities, but not all. So before choosing this program, it is better to make sure that the university you are interested in considers applications from applicants with this type of certificate.
- Apply to British high school and unlearn it for 2 years by program Advanced Level (A-level) Program or International Baccalaureate Program (IB)... The first program is more narrowly focused and is suitable for those who have already decided on their future specialty. IB provides training in a wider range of subjects. Both types of certificates are accepted by all UK higher education institutions. In fact, you become an English student and you will enter the university on a par with the English.
UK university enrollment
The admission process to UK universities is unified and carried out centrally through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). All applicants, including Russians, fill out a special form that contains the following data:
- The final exam score, or the score that the student expects to receive in the exams.
- A small essay (personal statement) in which the student talks about his professional plans, justifying the need to study in this area.
- List of universities, in the amount of no more than 6 institutions, in which the applicant would like to enter.
Universities receive applications from applicants and communicate their decision. Since applications are submitted no later than January, when final exams have not yet been passed, admission is usually "conditional". After the applicant receives the results of the final exams, we can talk about the actual admission.
As a rule, applicants calculate their strength in advance - every year in the UK a ranking of universities is published, which indicates the passing scores. For Oxford and Cambridge, they traditionally amount to 100 points (the maximum possible result), but for admission it is also necessary to pass exams at the university itself and pass a personal interview. By the way, applications to these educational giants should be sent no later than September of the previous year.
Cost of higher education in the UK
The cost of higher education in the UK is the highest in Europe. However, studying at British universities is considered so prestigious that this does not stop foreigners. It is also worth considering the possibility of obtaining a bachelor's degree in 3 years: reducing the total study time can significantly save on education. Prices for a year of study range from 10,000 to 22,000 pounds sterling (depending on the university and faculty). The most affordable are humanitarian faculties: the price rarely exceeds £ 12,000. Technical specialties will cost about £ 17,000. For business specialties (economics, political science, law, management) in leading universities, the price tag reaches £ 20,000. doctors. 17,000-22,000 pounds per year - this is the cost of higher medical education in England.
Accommodation is an important item of expenditure: most English universities provide hostels only for first-year students. After that, students will have to solve the issue of living on their own, which can be very costly. So, renting an apartment in London will cost about £ 900.
It is possible to reduce the cost of higher education in England with the help of scholarships and grants, which can be found on the website of the same admissions committee UCAS. Often, there are separate programs for students from Russia and the CIS countries.
5 categories of British universities
When choosing a British university, it is important to know which category it belongs to. All universities in the UK can be divided into 5 categories, depending on when they were founded. Universities in England, created at about the same time, have many similarities, although, undoubtedly, each university is unique and has its own advantages.
Ancient Universities- created before the beginning of the 17th century, in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.
- University of Oxford - founded in 1167
- University of Cambridge - founded in 1209
- University of St Andrews - founded in 1413
- University of Glasgow - founded in 1451
- University of Aberdeen - founded in 1495
- University of Edinburgh - founded in 1583
Red Brick Universities- initially, this group included only 6 "civil" universities, founded in large industrial cities of Great Britain, which received the status of universities before the start of the Second World War. The main difference between these universities and Ancient Universities was their practical rather than academic focus.
- University of Birmingham
- University of Bristol
- University of Leeds
- University of Liverpool
- University of Manchester
- University of Sheffield
Currently, this category includes all universities - members of the so-called Russel Group, which was a collaboration of 20 UK universities (the previous 6 and 14 below), received government grants and government support. The commonwealth of these universities got their name from the hotel where their first informal meetings took place - the Russel Hotel on Russel Square in London.
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Plate Glass Universities- English universities, created between 1963 and 1992 (mainly in the 60s). The name of this category reflects their contemporary architecture, which contrasts with the universities of the previous categories - Red Brick and Ancient.
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New Universities- former polytechnic institutes England, which received university status in 1992 under the Further and Higher Education Act 1992.
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Recently Created Universities- former colleges that received university status in 2005.
- Canterbury Christ Church University
- University of Chester
- University of Chichester
- Queen Margaret University
- University of Winchester
- York St John University
- University of Cumbria
British universities have been leading the international ranking for decades, which has become, to some extent, a tradition. Looking through the TOP of the best foreign educational institutions, no one is surprised that even in the top ten there are always 3-4 English universities. Accordingly, studying in the UK is one of the most desirable forms of education.
As for its accessibility, apart from the rather high cost of both the study itself and living in the country, there are no special obstacles. Of course, a Ukrainian will have to make some efforts so that the universities of England consider him a worthy applicant, but for the sake of a prestigious education it is worth fighting.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR UK UNIVERSITIES
To begin with, both the principles of teaching and the universities of England themselves have a number of features. UK private universities do not take part in the “race to leadership”, i.e. are not included in the ratings. Therefore, it will be quite difficult for a Ukrainian to determine how prestigious this or that educational institution is.
In the case of colleges, academies, institutes and high schools, they award a degree or grant a diploma on behalf of the university that has provided them with their programs. Often it is also the place where the bachelor's or master's degree is passed. graduation work... Without the patronage of any powerful British university, the college has the right only to prepare for admission or give professional education... The exceptions are University College London, Imperial College London and several other similar institutions, which are already universities in England, but have retained their autochthonous names.
Since it makes no sense to go to the United Kingdom to get an ordinary specialty, consider the requirements that the universities of England expose to applicants:
- complete secondary education;
- documentary evidence of proficiency in English;
- graduation diploma special program preparation.
A regular school for admission to UK universities is not enough not only for Ukrainians or foreign students, but also for local applicants. Without providing a document of completion of the course International Baccalaureate, Foundation, A-Level State University the application will not be considered. The term of study on such programs ranges from 1-3 years.
UK UNIVERSITIES ENTRY PROCESS (HOW TO DO)
Accustomed to considering themselves the most prestigious and elite, universities in the UK put a lot of effort into maintaining their status. If we take the same Oxford or Cambridge, then they are no longer so interested in the rich as in talented students. In addition, their emissaries scour the world in search of gifted youth, so Ukrainians should not miss various Olympiads or competitions. And the University of London opens branches or offers its programs to educational institutions in all parts of the world, organizes various events in order to identify talents.
Therefore, in order for a Ukrainian to enter or to interest the universities of England, there are small tricks:
- collect all your certificates, diplomas, etc., starting with kindergarten, translate into English and try to legalize, then send back with a package of documents;
- confirm your sporting success in any way;
- take as many varied or specialized courses as possible and send your diplomas or certificates;
- perfectly learn the classic English language and don't use "Americanisms".
In any case, your zeal and diligence will add pluses to you against the background of others. foreign students.
The very process of admission to universities in Britain consists of the following steps:
- fill out an application;
- send a translation of the certificate with grades;
- send a copy of the IELTS certificate (from 6.5) or another exam;
- provide a diploma of completion of the training program;
- compose a motivation letter;
- add letters of recommendation (2 are enough) from teachers or bosses from the place of work;
- having received an invitation from the university, you begin to apply for a student visa.
Please note that for admission to the International Baccalaureate, Foundation or A-Level, without the completion of which admission to the university will not take place, it is necessary to take exams in general education subjects.
UNIVERSITIES OF ENGLAND: TRAINING PROGRAMS
Unlike many countries, UK universities have a clearly limited period of study. Here they do not give the opportunity to study at a bachelor's degree for a few extra years, but are simply expelled.
The scheme of training programs is standard:
- bachelor's degree - 3 years and no more, since the basics are obtained in preparatory courses;
- Master's degree - 1 year. It implies the study of an additional direction in the main specialty (Taught) or the transition to research work (Research);
- PhD - 4-5 years. Includes a three-year course of study and no more than 2 years for writing a dissertation.
UK UNIVERSITY RATING
In the constant confrontation between Cambridge and Oxford, the University of Cambridge wins for the second year in a row both in England and in the world.
Opening in 1209, it immediately became one of the strongest universities, equally achieving success in both the humanities and natural sciences. This situation has survived to this day, but given the absolutely revolutionary developments in the field of exact and natural sciences, a huge number of start-ups and achievements in the field of innovative technologies, it still gravitates more towards these areas.
The second was the oldest university in the English-speaking world - Oxford. Remembering the incredible number of his graduates - politicians, you understand that he is deservedly considered the best in diplomacy, political science, sociology and the humanities, although the natural sciences are also strong.
The third is University College London (UCL), in fact the most international university in England, judging by the number of international students. In relation to all educational institutions in London, it has the highest rating.
The top five includes King's College London, which opened the world's first nursing school. Traditionally strong in the field of medical sciences.
In the same fifth place is the representative of Scotland, the University of Edinburgh, famous not only for its fundamental research in all fields of science, but also for its "venerable" age, since it was founded in 1582.
Education received at prestigious universities in Great Britain is highly regarded in scientific, educational, cultural and literary circles and, in general, in society. You can recall many names of great people who, with their achievements, raised the authority of British universities: Swift, Carroll, Thatcher, Hawking - the list is endless. We have prepared an overview of the top three universities in the UK.
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Oxford is known in history as one of the first English-speaking universities, the exact date of the opening of which is difficult to establish. The first mention of the city was found in written monuments of 912, when in its place was convent... In 1117, the first university in Great Britain for the clergy was organized there. Oxford is 90 km away. from London, it is now home to about 154,000 people, 30,000 of whom are students. The name of the city sounds very prosaic in translation into Russian - “bull's ford”.
Notable lecturers and alumni of Oxford
The teaching staff is represented by 4000 highly educated, intelligent scientists who have more than one academic degree, laureates of prestigious awards and honorary titles that the UK is proud of. The University has a Russian Society, founded at the beginning of the 19th century by Oxford graduate Felix Yusupov in order to ensure closer ties between Russia and the prestigious university.
Outstanding personalities came out of the walls of Oxford, glorifying it with their brilliant creations in different eras. Everyone knows the author of the famous "Gulliver's Travels" - Jonathan Swift, a brilliant allegorical satirist who ridiculed the vices of 17th century English society.
The famous Oxford graduate Oscar Wilde with the immortal "Portrait of Dorian Gray" about the dead end of life, to which excessive human vanity and self-admiration leads, is not inferior to him in a deep satirical depiction. Lewis Carroll, author of Alice in Wonderland, was also a student at Oxford University.
Famous for their progressive power, the English kings Edward VII and Edward VIII were educated at Oxford.
World famous Prime Ministers of England W. Gladstone, G. Wilson, Tony Blair, David Cameron, Margaret Thatcher are also graduates of the famous educational institution... Russia is proud that talented Russian writers and poets: V.A. Zhukovsky, I.S. Turgenev, I. Brodsky, K. Chukovsky, A. Akhmatova were awarded honorary degrees from Oxford.
Cambridge university
Cambridge can be called a rival to Oxford in terms of age and social and scientific importance. The educational institution, founded in 1209, is an example of a high-class educational institution, imbued with the spirit of the Middle Ages, innovative progress and the preservation of purely English traditions.
Since the 13th century, humanitarian, theological, medical, law faculties trained qualified specialists whose names are associated with the oldest university: Thomas More, Erasmus of Rotterdam, C. Darwin, I. Newton, E. Rutherford and other luminaries of science.
The territory of Cambridge is huge: except a large number educational buildings, there are 8 respectable museums, invariably attracting the attention of not only students, but also ordinary tourists. Beautiful Botanical Garden Is another object of active visit by everyone who comes to Cambridge. The university is proud of its traditions and reveres them sacredly, so students dressed in black robes and hats are not surprising to anyone.
The university is striking in its scale: it has more than 150 faculties, departments, various scientific schools and associations, dozens of creative clubs, more than a hundred libraries. Figuratively, Cambridge can be called a huge forge of scientific and professional personnel, a bright hotbed of spiritual, intellectual and aesthetic culture, a beacon of the collective mind.
University of Edinburgh
It was founded in 1583 and now, along with Oxford and Cambridge, is an authoritative, popular university in many countries of the world, where thousands of applicants are striving to enter. Given this fact, the university is actively opening branches of some faculties in other states, including Russia.
Notable faculty and alumni of the University of Edinburgh
The history of the university is connected with the names of the great scientists-inventors who gave the world a telephone, a television, a steam engine: with A. Bell, James Watt, John Baile and others.
For some time, the future Prime Minister of Great Britain Winston Churchill, who noted the extraordinary talent of the Scots, headed the university.
Graduates of the University of Edinburgh were the classics of world literature Walter Scott, Conan Doyle, Robert Stephenson, who made her name "Harry Potter" J.K. Rowling famous. Famous British politicians Gordon Brown and Robin Cook received an excellent education here.
The pioneer of education at the University of Edinburgh from Russia was the son of Princess Yekaterina Dashkova, one of the most enlightened women of the 18th century, who led The Russian Academy sciences. Now Russian students also study here, among the many departments of the educational institution there is a department of the Russian language.
Academic background modern university make up 3 large-scale colleges with a huge number of faculties different directions... Research institutes and centers have been opened at the university, where every talented student or graduate can study scientific activities, according to the results of which the educational institution ranks 5th among all universities in the UK.
Traditional European higher education includes bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees. At universities in England, there are five degrees of bachelor's degree: BA - Bachelor of Arts, BSc - Science, EEng - Bachelor of Engineering, LLB - Bachelor of Laws and BM - Bachelor of Medicine. A bachelor's degree, which usually takes 3-3.5 years to receive (in medicine up to 7 years), is a completed higher education, which makes it possible to start working.
Master's degree implies a deeper development of the specialty, in addition to the already received higher education... There are about a hundred in UK universities master's programs, which are divided into two main types - research (Research) and training (Taught). A master's degree, which usually takes 1 to 2 years to complete, allows you to improve your professional level and start a scientific career.
Conditions of admission
British universities have high requirements for applicants.
To enter a bachelor's program after the 11th grade of a Russian school, you need to complete the Foundation preparatory program in order to fill the missing year. A graduate of an English school provides the results of exams for university preparation programs - A-Level / IB (International Baccalaureate).
The level of language proficiency for admission to a university for a bachelor's program must be at least 6.0 points in IELTS.
You can enroll in a master's program with a diploma from a Russian university, which is usually recommended to be supplemented with training in the Pre-Masters academic program, also aimed at increasing the level of English proficiency.
Universities and specialties
UK universities offer wide range programs for international students - from business majors to multimedia. IQ Consultancy specialists will help to find out all the subtleties of training at a particular university on a specific program and make a choice.
Language of instruction
Where else can you learn English if not in its historical homeland? A perfect British accent will be a welcome addition to your academic knowledge and correct grammar.
Obtaining a visa
Obtaining a visa to England, as you know, is not so easy; there are also certain requirements for a student visa. IQ Consultancy specialists will help you to cope with all the formalities, draw up and translate documents, including a visa letter, if necessary, improve your knowledge of English.
Residence
On an institute campus or in a rented apartment.
Cost of education
The cost of studying at universities in the UK depends on the chosen educational institution, as well as on the faculty and specialty. Accommodation can be included.
The cost ranges from £ 9500 to £ 34000 for 1 year of study.
Ranking of universities
According to the academic ranking The Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), compiled by Shanghai Jiao Tong University, in 2014, 18 universities in England entered the 100 the best universities of the world, with 4 of them tied for places in the top ten.
The UK leads Europe in terms of prestigious business schools, 8 of which are ranked in the world's top 50 according to the Financial Times magazine.