The education system in the United Kingdom is often regarded as the best in the world. Compared to developing countries like India, the UK’s education system is a step above.
The education system in the United Kingdom is often regarded as the best in the world. Compared to developing countries like India, the UK’s education system is a step above. If you’re looking to study in the UK, it is essential to understand their education system. Based on the views of higher education consultants for UK, we’ve listed out the following features of the UK education system you must be aware of:
1. More Practical, Less Theoretical
The biggest difference in the UK education system is its practical approach to learning. Most universities conduct field trips and internship programs, which provide invaluable experience to the students. Moreover, universities in the UK engage students in semesters abroad, a popular scheme that allows students to complete one semester in a foreign country. The semesters abroad scheme provides global exposure, opening doors for multicultural learning.
Universities in the UK offer integrated courses that help students acquire practical knowledge of their subject through internships at various companies and enterprises. Students can hone their attributes like critical thinking, skill sets, innovative thinking, business emotions, and institutional values.
2. Focus on Specialisation
Universities in the UK allow students to take a specialised approach at the graduate and postgraduate levels as well. Students can choose to specialise in a particular aspect of their subject. For instance, a student looking to make a career in data science can choose from specialised courses like BSc Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, or MSc Data Science and Computational Intelligence.
While deciding to study in the UK, you need to take specialisation into consideration before choosing a course. Focusing on a certain field of study for your graduation or post graduation gives you a competitive edge. Coupled with the practical experience one gets from studying in the UK, career prospects for specialised professionals are quite promising.
3. Emphasis on Research
Most universities in the UK require their students to conduct a high level of academic research and writing. International students taking up postgraduate courses need to submit research papers and dissertations on topics from their field of study. These dissertations need to follow specific guidelines unique to the UK education system. Students from India need to familiarise with this style of study and learn the basics of research to be successful.
Moreover, universities have specialised academic units for assisting students in research writing. These units help in conducting research, reviewing literature, and adhering to guidelines for completing academic writing. Most universities also offer courses in English language for non-native students to cope up with academic curriculum for better research.
4. Comprehensive Student Support Framework
Every university in the UK offers a comprehensive student support framework to help foreign students integrate seamlessly. Apart from the infrastructure within the classrooms, the universities offer specialised support centres to assist the students throughout their course duration. This also includes one-on-one supervision support for international students, especially for those who struggle to cope up with the education system.
The one-on-one sessions helps students familiarise with assessment methodologies for completing academic modules. Students can access these sessions through prior appointments with the desired faculty. Moreover, most universities have a robust support system for international students to help them with visa applications, finances, accommodation, etc. Plus, there’s a student union in each university that represents student issues for free.
