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 universities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland do not follow the liberal arts philosophy. Instead, students concentrate in a specific subject area from the start of their university studies. As a result, undergraduate degrees in these countries tend to take three years to complete. The execptions are "sandwich" courses that include a year abroad or in industry (similar to co-ops in the US), joint Bachelor's/Master's degrees and Scottish degrees, which are four years in length and do include some modules outside your major subject.

The format of UK degrees allows you to study your chosen field in an in-depth manner. While there are no double majors or minors in the UK, it can be possible to study for a "joint honours" degree in two related subject areas. Additionally, you will have fewer classroom hours and be expected to conduct more independent reading and research.

Due to the structure of UK degree, before applying to university, you will choose a major and apply directly for a place in that academic department. Please note it is important to choose your major and university carefully, as it is more difficult (if not impossible) 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:

In the UK, an institution of higher education is referred to as a "university" almost exclusively.
A "college" in the UK is roughly equivalent to 11th and 12th grades at a US high school.
The US phrase "degree program" or "major" is the equivalent of a "course" in the UK.
"Class" and "course" in the US are the equivalent of "module" in the UK.
The majority of those holding teaching positions at a university will be referred to as a "tutor" or "lecturer."

Assessment

UK university degree programs place a great deal of emphasis on individual study and research. Academic departments are often small, even at the larger universities, which allows for close relationships between students and professors/tutors.

Assessment at UK universities is not continuous in the way it is at US universities or high schools. In fact, at some universities, students are not assessed in the first year. 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. 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:

First-class honours (also called a 1st)
Upper second-class honours (2:1)
Lower second-class honours (2:2)
Third-class honours (3rd)
Ordinary (pass without honours)

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.