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Showing posts from November, 2020

Cost

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The cost of education in both countries is far from cheap, but the cost of an education in the United States is generally higher. According to a law passed in 2012, universities in England may charge up to £9000 (approximately $14,300) per year. Of course, this applies only to citizens of the UK and the EU, not international students. Fees for international students can be significantly higher. The government sets the limits for tuition fees, and each individual school sets its own fee up to that limit.   By contrast, the government has very little control over what universities charge in the United States. The US differentiates between in-state tuition fees and out-of-state tuition fees, as well as between private and public universities. These distinctions determine the tuition fee. The average tuition fee for public two-year institutions is around $3000 per year, while the average fee for private four-year institutions is around $29,000 per year. Finally, some private four...

Homework and Grades

  According to the world university rankings compiled by the Times Higher Education, more than half of the world’s top 200 universities are located in either the US or the UK. Both countries share a rich tradition of quality higher education, excellent research facilities, and a culture that promotes intellectualism as well as academic freedom. However, while both certainly provide an excellent environment for learning, there are many differences between the two countries regarding the structure of the university as well as student life. In this article, we will explore the primary differences between the American and British systems of education.   Length of Time Perhaps the most important difference between the education system in the US, and the UK, is the amount of time it takes to finish your degree (except in Scotland, where a bachelor’s degree also lasts four years). In general, degree programs in the US take about one year longer than programs in the UK, although...

What are the Clearing dates?

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If you're not immediately successful, don't give up. Keep ringing – your persistence will pay off. Calls are best as emails may not be responded to immediately.   Remember, getting a place through Clearing isn't as difficult as it sounds, and you may be surprised at the number of vacancies. However, depending on your results there'll be uk university courses that'll be unattainable, and recognizing this early on will save you a lot of time.   What are the Clearing dates? UCAS Clearing runs from early July (the same day International Baccalaureate (IB) results are published) until late October.   While you can't apply through Clearing until you have your results, you should avoid being in Clearing all the way up to the October deadline. The longer you leave it, the fewer places will be available.   See the full breakdown of this year's application deadlines.   How will you know if you're in Clearing? Your UCAS Track status will sa...

Foundation Course Requirements

  Foundation Courses in the UK What is a Foundation course? If you are an international student finishing your high school exams, have completed less than 13 years of education and would like to take your first degree in the UK, you will need to study a foundation course at a UK university or college. A foundation is a one-year preparation course for international students who need additional English language and academic preparation for entry onto a UK university undergraduate course.   Foundation programmes are for school-leavers who have studied a non-British curriculum but wish to pursue a degree at a UK university. The foundation course acts as a bridge between your current qualifications and UK university undergraduate entry requirements and is designed to plug academic gaps, improve your English and familiarise you with UK life and culture in preparation for university.     Foundation Course Types Foundation courses can prepare you for a varie...

What's UCAS Clearing? How does Clearing work?

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UCAS Clearing is a way of matching January intake masters uk without students to students without a university place.   The university Clearing system was created for when things don’t go according to plan but it can be used by almost any potential student, whether applying late or for strategic reasons – for example, trading up to a university you initially thought you wouldn't get into.     Who can use UCAS Clearing and Clearing self-release? Many students are eligible. This includes those who haven't got the grades required to secure their place as well as those who applied later, got no offers or don’t want to take the place they’ve been offered.   UCAS applications received after the deadline, or students who miss their grade target, are automatically entered into Clearing.   Clearing self-release allows students who are already holding a university place to release themselves into Clearing rather than wait for their original choice of un...

What career do I want to have?

    GCSEs have changed Over the last few years, the government has made some changes to subjects that will affect your GCSE options. These changes have more or less been phased in now (2020), and for a timeline of the changes, you can check out the information provided on the AQA website.   Here is a video we made which explains the changes briefly:       In brief, some of the changes that are taking place include:   Changes to subjects Maths: GCSE maths will have more of a focus on problem solving and encouraging students to follow logical steps. There will also be more emphasis on remembering formulae.   English language: Replaces what used to be known simply as "English". The GCSE course in the uk will focus on encouraging students to read a wide variety of high-quality literature and non-fiction texts from a range of genres from the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries.       English literature: Study...

What are GCSEs?

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GCSEs are qualifications that school children in the UK study towards when they’re 14 years old or in Year 10. GCSE stands for General Certificate of Secondary Education and chosen subjects are studied over two years with final exams taking place in Year 11. After choosing their GCSE options and completing their qualifications, school students are then able to decide whether they want to leave school education or continue studying towards A-level qualifications. Students have to stay in education or training till they're 18, although training could be an apprenticeship course taken as part of a paid job.   What GCSEs do I need to find a job?   When it comes to finding a job, most employers will look at your GCSE uk qualifications to see if the subjects that you studied are relevant to the type of work that they do. Although every job is different, most companies will expect you to have at least 5 GCSEs including English, Maths and Science from levels A to C. In som...

Results day FAQs

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  Results day can be an emotional time and it can be hard to organise all the thoughts and questions you may have.   How should you prepare for results day? Whatever your expectations, you should have a contingency plan in place.   You should carefully consider all your options, including resitting your exams, deferring, taking a gap year or reapplying next year.   If you're feeling nervous, talk to people who've experienced results day already, whether that’s a parent, older sibling, friend or teacher.   Read our FAQs and take a look at our results day and Clearing page for more info.   How do you check the listof universities in uk ? The best way is to regularly check UCAS Track.   UCAS Track updates as soon as updates are received from universities. Even if you don't get the grades you need, you should check UCAS Track first as you may still be offered a place.   Remember to have your password and ID number for ...

You can’t get through using the hotline number. What should you do?

    You'll automatically be entered into the Clearing process if you don't get an offer from either your CF or CI choices.   You didn’t meet either of your offers but the universities haven’t declined yet. What should you do? Call the list of universities in uk to check the status of your application.   It may be the case that some results are missing, or you haven't met the grades and universities are placing near misses such as yourself in order to see who they can take. They could also be waiting for other candidates' results to come in before making a decision.   The UCAS system can take time to update. If it hasn't updated later in the day, make a start on your plan B and start calling a few universities with Clearing vacancies.   You can’t get through using the hotline number. What should you do? Be patient. Unfortunately, this is the reality of Clearing!   University hotlines will be extremely busy but persevere and yo...

English for University - Virtual Groups

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  English for University covers the study English in England and practical study skills you will need to study at university. You will develop your confidence and skill in important areas such as research, making group presentations, critical analysis and extended writing.   Who is it for? Our English for University course is designed for international and EU students preparing for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees and advanced studies at university in the UK and other English-speaking countries. Keeping our groups small (maximum 10 students) really-helps your learning and progress.   Some of our alumni universities: SOAS   Kings College London   UAL   University of Westminister Benefits At the end of the course you can expect to:   Listen to lectures more effectively Write academic texts more confidently Develop your academic vocabulary and grammar Gain the research skills required on a university course U...

How long does Adjustment last?

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  How do you use Adjustment? You need to contact university admissions offices directly to ask about vacancies.   Unlike Clearing, there's no comprehensive list of vacancies available for those going through Adjustment, so you must call directly and make sure you have your UCAS number at hand. Tell the admissions office you're applying through Adjustment and you're only researching course vacancies. Once you're sure of a course you want to switch to, you can verbally agree to an offer with them.   If the institution wants to accept you, they'll update your UCAS Track with a new choice and send you a confirmation later. Remember to only verbally accept one offer.   We strongly recommend during this stressful and busy time that you don't make hasty decisions to adjust or upgrade. Think carefully before you register for Adjustment, as higher entry requirements don’t always equal more enjoyment.   How long does Adjustment last? Adjustment is avai...

Exchange programmes

  The most affordable way to get a taste of university life abroad is through an exchange programme, where you’re enrolled at a British university but study part of your course overseas. You remain eligible for a UK student loan and may even have access to grants to help with living costs.   One of the best-known exchange schemes is the Erasmus+ programme. Although the UK has now officially left the EU, current projects will continue until their funding ends. As well as whatever maintenance loans you’re eligible for at home, through Erasmus+ you’ll receive a grant to cover the additional costs of living abroad. You don’t usually pay tuition fees to the international university and the fees due to your UK institution are waived for the time you’re away.   Not all courses are suitable for this programme, so check with your institution (or proposed institution) in the first case. ISEP (International Student Exchange Programs) runs an exchange programme that may ...

Why study abroad?

Studying abroad is much more than just an extended holiday. It’s an academically rewarding and culturally enriching experience. It challenges your existing knowledge by introducing you to new perspectives and ideas.   Most courses at the majority of universities offer the option to spend a year abroad. Here are five reasons to consider studying overseas.   1. It’s not much more expensive than the UK You may think studying abroad is expensive, but with UK universities charging up to £9,250 a year, studying at home isn't necessarily cheaper than going overseas. Some European countries, such as France and Germany, have lower tuition fees and a similar cost of living to the UK. However, in most of Europe there are no student loans available to cover costs, so the upfront cost you’ll have to pay is much higher.   2. You’ll have a great chance to travel Although studying in uk means you’ll spend a lot of time on your studies, there'll also be many opportuniti...

Using the league tables

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  Using the league tables League tables, when used effectively, can play a part in choosing January intake uk universities . They help you identify and refine a shortlist of institutions to consider. Your ideal uni won’t necessarily be the one at the top of the table, with the highest-grade offer, or where you’ve been told to go by friends or family. By comparing and contrasting each university alongside our carefully chosen methods and measures, you can find the right university for you.   Using our up-to-date league and subject tables can help you make your final choice in time for the 18 June UCAS deadline (if all your university decisions were received by 4 June). If you received decisions on or before 13 July (including UCAS Extra), then you have until 20 July to respond. If you’re unsure, check UCAS Track to see your personal deadline.   Keep in mind that subject tables aren’t for specific courses, but for subject areas. For example, your chosen course ma...