Overview

With over 130 universities offering undergraduate degrees, the UK offers a diverse range of undergraduate study opportunities.


Overview:

Unlike the US higher education system, the UK does not follow the liberal arts philosophy.  Instead, students concentrate in a specific subject area from the start of their university studies.  As a result, in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, undergraduate degrees tend to take three years to complete.  While there is less opportunity to explore a broad range of subjects in the UK, you will have the opportunity to study your chosen field in an in-depth manner. Accordingly, before applying to university, you will choose a major and apply directly for a space in that academic department. Please note it is important to choose your major and university carefully, as it is more difficult to transfer any credits to another major or university in the UK.


Terminology Differences:

As you research universities, you should note the following differences in terminology between the US and UK higher education systems:


Undergraduate Degrees Available:

The type of degree that is best suited for you depends entirely on your individual needs and strengths.


Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BSc) degrees are usually three years in length in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, or four years in Scotland.  Bachelor’s degrees are intensive academic courses that focus on a specialized field of study and often cumulate in an undergraduate dissertation or final project.  Some degree programs may be extended for a year to enable students to spend time in industry or overseas, earn an honours degree or to earn a combined Master’s degree.  Bachelor’s degrees are often focused in a single subject area, but it can be possible to study for a "joint honours" degree in two related subject areas.

Other undergraduate qualifications offered in the UK include the Higher National Certificate (HNC), or Higher National Diploma (HND) and Foundation (FdA or FdSc) degrees.  These qualifications typically last one or two years and often focus on technical or vocational-related subject areas.  Upon completion, students may either pursue a Bachelor's degree or competitively enter the workforce.

 

Curriculum and Assessment:

Curricula and assessment methods vary by universities, but tend to reflect the UK teaching method and style.  UK university degree programs place a great deal of emphasis on individual study and research, and often stress the importance of “learning for learning’s sake.”  Academic departments are often small, even at the larger universities, which allows for close relationships between students and professors/tutors.


There are two main types of assessment: formative assessment, which evaluates coursework and encourages further development yet does not count towards final grades; and summative assessment, which provides formal and official grades for the purpose of a final degree result.  Both types of assessment may consist of essays, tests and weekly assignments.  Bachelor’s degrees generally cumulate with a final dissertation or project of original researched work.


When students graduate, they are given an earned degree classification.  Degrees can be classified in one of the following ways:

 

For further general information about undergraduate study in the UK, please consult the British Council website, or those of other organizations listed on the study in the UK enquiries page.