United Kingdom
About United Kingdom
About the UK : The United Kingdom consists of England, Wales, Scotland (which together make up Great Britain) and Northern Ireland.
Capital cities : The capital city of the UK is London, which is also the capital of England. For Wales the capital is Cardiff, for Scotland it is Edinburgh, and for Northern Ireland it is Belfast.
Population : The population of the UK is estimated to be around 63 million (England: 53 million, Scotland: 5.3 million, Wales: 3 million, Northern Ireland: 1.8 million).
Land area : The UK is close to 95,000 square miles (245,000 square kilometres), stretching from the Shetland Islands off the north coast of Scotland, down to the Isles of Scilly in south west England, and across the sea to Northern Ireland.
Countryside : The UK’s long coastline is around 5,000 miles (8,000 kilometres). The geography ranges from green meadows and woodland to rugged moorland and mountains. The highest mountain is Ben Nevis in Scotland at just over 1,340 metres.
Heritage : The UK has a fascinating history dating back to 6500 BC. All over the UK you’ll find monuments marking its history, from Stonehenge to Buckingham Palace. The UK is also home to over 28 cultural and natural UNESCO World Heritage Sites and Heritage Cities including Edinburgh, Bath, Canterbury, Chester, Durham, Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon and York.
Economy : The UK is one of the world’s leading business locations and the number one destination for inward investment in Europe. The UK is one of the top ten manufacturers in the world and has the largest industries in Europe for life sciences, ICT and the creative industries. Find out more at UK Trade & Investment.
Language : English is spoken throughout the UK, but there are other official languages too, such as Welsh, Scots and Gaelic.
Money : The currency of the UK is pounds sterling.
Religion : The main religion in the UK is Christianity. However, the UK is a multi-faith society where other religions are widely welcomed and accepted.
Government : The United Kingdom is a parliamentary democracy – this means the government is elected by the people. There is a general election once every five years. The Prime Minister leads the government with the support of the cabinet and ministers. The UK is a member of the European Union.
As well as the central UK government, there are three ‘devolved administrations for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. They are responsible for many domestic policy issues such as health, education, culture, the environment and transport. You can find out more at the gov.uk website.
The royal family : The Queen is Head of State in the United Kingdom. As a constitutional monarch, Her Majesty does not ‘rule’ the country, but the royal family fulfils important ceremonial and formal roles with respect to Government. Find out more at www.royal.gov.uk.
Law : There may be some differences between the law in your country and the law in the UK. For example, in the UK:
Religion : The main religion in the UK is Christianity. However, the UK is a multi-faith society where other religions are widely welcomed and accepted.
You must not use or carry any illegal drugs, including cannabis, ecstasy, LSD or amphetamines.
It is illegal to carry self-defence CS gas sprays, guns or stun guns. There are also very strict laws and penalties around carrying knives.
You must be aged 18 or over to buy tobacco and alcohol.
You should never buy property that you think might be stolen, no matter how tempting it seems.
It is illegal to drive a car without the correct driving licence and without car insurance. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a serious offence.
Source: educationuk.org
Why Study in the United Kingdom?
United Kingdom – England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland possess a lot to offer to international students whether it is World’s Top Universities or the vibrant cities and their culture. Four out of the top six universities of the world are located in the UK, whereas all the institutes based in the UK offer a high quality level of teaching from leading professionals in their selected field.
While you study in the UK, you are assured the topmost standard education because of its updated research methods and fantabulous quality. Programs of the United Kingdom are recognised all over the world and provides a feather to your hat.
The UK has a large international student community and multicultural society. Students come from over 200 nations to study in the UK. Many educational institutes have an international society to enable students from abroad to settle in the UK and make friends. These societies are always very sociable and offer trips to local attractions, and activities such as meals out, parties and gatherings. They also serve as a great source of support and advice and will enable you to make friendships that will last a lifetime.
As an international student you have the option to work for up to 20 hours per week during term time and full time in holidays. There are also opportunities for you to work for up to two years following your graduation. This is a great way to build up your work experience and gain some important skills that may compliment your future career.
Another benefit of being based in the UK is its proximity to the rest of Europe. Many destinations are a short plane journey away, which is fantastic for students who want to travel on term breaks. The UK is a great gateway to Europe, with plenty of travel links and wonderful students deals and guidance to help you on your way.
If you require a visa to study abroad in the UK, there is plenty of useful information out there. The visa process is streamlined to ensure you get the visa type that best suits your needs. There is no limit on the number of student visas issued and each year thousands of students are granted their visas and welcomed to the UK!
Universities and Colleges in UK
Education System
In UK “O” level is equivalent to SSC, “A” levels (2 years) is equivalent to HSC, Bachelors is for 3 years, and 4 Years are Sandwich program, masters for 1 year and PH.D for 3 years.
Types of Certification
Grading System
Usual Grading system in Secondary school:
In UK Alphabetical system of grading is followed i.e. From A to E.
Main Grading system used by higher education institutions:
In UK Alphabetical system of grading is followed i.e. From A to E.
Other main grading systems:
Apart from the alphabetical grading system, the Numerical system is also used in UK.
Types of degrees
Higher Education
Higher education is defined as courses that are of a standard that is higher than GCE A level, the Higher Grade of the SCE/National Qualification, GNVQ/NVQ level 3 or the Edexcel (formerly BTEC) or SQA National Certificate/Diploma. There are three main levels of HE course:
(i) Postgraduate courses leading to higher degrees, diplomas and certificates (including Doctorate, Masters (research and taught), Postgraduate diplomas and certificates as well as postgraduate certificates of education (PGCE) and professional qualifications) which usually require a first degree as entry qualification.
(ii) Undergraduate courses which include first degrees (honours and ordinary), first degrees with qualified teacher status, enhanced first degrees, first degrees obtained concurrently with a diploma, and intercalated first degrees (where first degree students, usually in medicine, dentistry or veterinary medicine, interrupt their studies to complete a one-year course of advanced studies in a related topic).
(iii) Other undergraduate courses which include all other higher education courses, for example SVQ or NVQ: Level 5, Diploma (HNC/D level for diploma and degree holders), HND (or equivalent), HNC (or equivalent) and SVQ or NVQ: Level 4 and Diplomas in HsE.
Education Cost
For international students, undergraduate fees for 2014-15 start at around UK£8,000 (US$11,920) for lecture-based courses, going up to £36,600 ($58,201) for an undergraduate medical degree at the top of the price range. On average, however, international undergraduate fees level out at around £11,987 ($17,870) – approximately £4,000 more than home students.
At postgraduate level, the average international fee for classroom based programs in 2014-15 is £12,390 ($18,470), although the majority of courses range from between £10,000 and £13,000 ($14,900-$19,380). For laboratory-based programs, average annual fees stand at £14,274 ($21,285), while for clinical degree programs the average figure is £21,296 ($31,750). For leading clinical programs (such as medicine) at leading UK universities, however, fees can be as high as £38,532 ($57,440) annually.
Best Course to Study in UK
The practice of law is so closely intertwined the history of human civilisation that it’s no wonder to see it up here as the most popular course in the UK.
A degree in law provides its students with the skills required to practice in law. Transferable skills include research, interpretation and explanation of complex subjects, analytical thinking and practical problem solving, good oral communication, negotiation, teamwork, attention to detail, and the ability to draft formal documents.
Our course chooser throws up the odd surprise now and then, and fashion design coming in as the second most popular search option is one.
Fashion design students develop the skills necessary to become creative designers able to operate at all levels of a fiercely competitive and international industry. Students are exposed to the sector via a number of work placements, meaning they leave university with a commercial understanding of the industry as well as a creative approach to design.
The human mind is an amazing place, and despite a lack of vocational certainty after studying it, psychology remains a popular field of study.
Only 50% of psychology graduates are in positive destinations 6 months after leaving university, but get far in this field and you can reach dizzy heights
This mammoth 5 year (minimum) degree develops in its students the practical and clinical capabilities to practice as medical doctor. There’s more training to be done after the course but this will get you into a well paid position.
As you can see, medicine graduates leave uni the most employable of all with near enough 100% of them in positive destinations within 6 months of leaving university.
Economists apply the scientific method to test hypotheses and produce models to predict future buying behaviour. They’re in the business of the production, consumption, and transfer of wealth so it’s no surprise to see the degree is so popular on our course chooser.
Economists have the opportunity to have an actual impact on economic policy – an important role indeed.
Physiotherapists treat illnesses, injuries and disease via physical methods such as massage, heat treatment, and exercise. This can be alongside, or instead of drug treatment.
Physiotherapists usually work within the NHS or in the private sector, either within hospitals or sometimes for private companies such as professional sports teams.
85% of physiotherapy graduates are in positive destinations within 6 months of graduating.
The systematic administration of financial transactions and the associated summarising and presenting of financial information.
In a world where money rules accountants will always be in demand. At university level students explore the theory and practical application of financial principles.
Accountant graduates have to pursue professional qualifications once they leave uni, but when they’re chartered are sure to reap the rewards.
Most people are fairly adept with computers these days. But a theoretical approach to solving computer problems is the stuff of computer scientists.
It’s reassuring to know that this is one of the most searched for courses in the information age. It’ll be vital to ensuring the economic competitiveness of the UK. And with a lack of digitally skilled graduates to fill the available positions, there’s a good chance of finding gainful employment if you pursue this route.
The process of planning, designing and constructing buildings.
7 years to become a practicing architect (5 years studying, 2 years work experience) doesn’t seem to be putting off prospective university students. Maybe that’s because of the associated benefits. Architects occupy a high status position, are often well paid, and often have the opportunity to get creative.
The scientific study of crime. Criminologist students learn to apply scientific methodology to research the cause of crime and its societal impact.
Criminology graduates are predisposed to a number of job roles including police officer, prison officer, probation officer, and youth worker. Many go on to do a law conversion course and pursue work in this field.
Skill Shortage
Shortage of skilled workers drags down UK jobs market, driving up pay inflation
Engineers, nurses and construction workers are in short supply, depressing the growth in the UK labour market
Average Income
Theme park attendants £6,011
Bar staff £7,317
Play workers £7,400
Waiters & waitresses (£7,654)
Cleaners £8,067
Florists £8,960
Hairdressers £10,174
Fitness instructors £10,378
Shop workers £11,174
Cooks £11,346
Nursery nurses £11,163
Beauticians £12,418
Window cleaners £12,561
Receptionists £12,595
Care workers £12,804
Child-minders £12,949
Telephonists £14,032
Tailors & Dressmakers £14,482
Caretakers £16,114
Secretaries £16,384
Cabbies £16,416
Customer service £16,525
Undertakers £16,526
Packers £16,820
Tele sales £17,362
Chefs £17,391
Gardeners £17,595
Street cleaners £17,616
Butchers £17,681
Hospital porters £17,748
Farm workers £17,925
Traffic wardens £18,065
Travel agents £18,344
Van drivers £18,744
Tyre & exhaust fitters £18,888
Bank clerks £19,908
Youth & Community workers £20,240
Civil servants £20,330
Council administrators £20,351
Vicars £20,568
Security guards £20,841
Plasterers £21,155
Lab technicians £21,168
Fork lift drivers £21,444
Musicians £21,492
Roofers £21,921
Bricklayers £22,476
Painters £22,700
Ambulance staff £22,854
Housing officers £23,001
Bus & coach drivers £23,095
Posties & messengers £23,178
Librarians £23,940
Carpenters £24,029
Photographers £24,242
Farmers £24,520
Estate agents £24,783
Publicans £25,222
Mechanics £25,238
Lorry drivers £25,602
Nurses £26,158
Prison officers £26,616
Welders £26,735
Printers £26,833
Speech therapists £27,470
Plumbers £27,832
Social workers £28,182
Fire-fighters £28,183
Office managers £28,790
Human resources personnel £28,999
Car makers £29,845
Web designers £29,870
Midwives £30,020
Scaffolds £30,591
Coal miners £30,688
PRs £31,818
Telecoms engineers £32,253
Vets £32,374
Hotel managers £32,470
Teachers £32,547
Journalists £35,117
Train builders £37,613
Civil engineers £38,236
Quantity surveyors £38,855
Police officers £39,346
Construction managers £42,066
Architects £44,024
Electrical engineers £44,430
Solicitors £44,787
Train drivers £45,489
Barristers & Judges £45,571
Health managers £46,629
Financial advisers £46,797
Dentists £53,567
Senior police £58,727
MPs Now £66,396
Doctors £70,646
MPs Future? £74,000
Airline pilots £78,482
Chief executives £117,700
Income by occupation
| Occupation | Median full-time gross weekly pay (£) |
|---|---|
| Aircraft pilots and flight engineers | 1,746.6 |
| Air traffic controllers | 1,549.4 |
| Chief executives and senior officials | 1,533.3 |
| Marketing and sales directors | 1,298.7 |
| Advertising and public relations directors | 1,289.5 |
| Information technology and telecommunications directors | 1,226.7 |
| Legal professionals (not included elsewhere) | 1,217.3 |
| Medical practitioners | 1,167.1 |
| Brokers | 1,149.9 |
| Financial managers and directors | 1,143.0 |
| Cleaners and domestics | 285.5 |
| Nursery nurses and assistants | 285.2 |
| Other elementary services occupations (not included elsewhere) | 279.9 |
| Retail cashiers and check-out operators | 278.7 |
| Leisure and theme park attendants | 272.7 |
| Kitchen and catering assistants | 268.4 |
| Hairdressers and barbers | 267.8 |
| Launderers, dry cleaners and pressers | 259.3 |
| Waiters and waitresses | 257.6 |
| Bar staff | 253.6 |
Admission Process
Student Visa Rules – An Introduction
You need 40 points to apply for a student visa. This is achieved by:
Course confirmation : you must receive a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a university approved by UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI). All universities must have been given or applied for Highly Trusted Status (HTS) on the UKVI Tier 4 Sponsor list (30 points).
Funding : you must provide evidence of funding to pay for both your course tuition fees and your monthly living costs (10 points).
Tuition fees are on average £12,000 per year but can range from £8,000 to £36,000. You will also need to show that you have £1,265 for each month of your studies (up to a maximum of nine months) to pay for living costs if you study in inner London.
Visa Application : In order to submit your Tier 4 student visa application, please visit the UK Visa & Immigration website to complete the online application form. International students from all countries (apart from North Korea) have to submit the visa application online.
Immigration Health Service Charge : All nationals from outside of Europe coming to live in the UK for longer than six months are required to pay a ‘health surcharge’ in order to gain access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). The health surcharge is £150 per year (or £75 for 6 months or less) for students and is payable when you submit your visa application on-line.
Before you start
You must be outside the UK, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man to apply for your visa.
You need to :
register for an account
fill in the application form in English
pay for the visa fee online (in most cases)
print out your form
book and attend an appointment at a visa application centre
You must :
have the original and a photocopy of all the supporting documents you need for your visa
translate any supporting documents and include them with the originals if they aren’t in English
Tuberculosis (TB) test
You may need to get a TB test, depending on where you’re applying from.
Document Required
Recent Visas
| S.No | Students | Name | Address | Course | College |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  |
Sukhdeep Kaur | Vpo-Ghaloti (Payal) | Higher Diploma In Management | South London College |
| 2 |  |
Phulvir Singh | Vpo-Chambli | Diploma In Business Management | North West College |
| 3 |  |
Jatinder Singh | Vpo-Rurki Uchi (Amloh) | Higher Diploma In Management | South London College |
| 4 |  |
Gagandeep Singh Raju | Vill-Daheru (Khanna) | B.Tech | Dudely College |
| 5 |  |
Harjot Kaur | VPO-Libra (Khanna) | IELTS Preparation Program | Walshall College |
| 6 |  |
Barinder Singh | Vill- Rurki Uchi (Amloh) | Higher Diploma In Management | Dudely College |
| 7 |  |
Savir Mohammad | VPO-Libra (Khanna) | Diploma In Coockery | Walshall College |
| 8 |  |
Mubarak Ali | VPO-Libra (Khanna) | Graduate Diploma In Management | Walshall College |
| 9 |  |
Jagroop Singh | Vill-Muskabad(Samrala) | Diploma In Computer Science | North West College |
| 10 |  |
Gurbeer Singh Aujhla | Vill-Badhouchhi Kalan (FGS) | Diploma In Business Management | South London College |
| 11 |  |
Mohinder Singh Dhiman | Khanna | Higher Diploma In Management | South London College |
| 12 |  |
Manpreet Singh Khatra | Khanna | Diploma In Computer Science | North West College |
| 13 |  |
Navneet Kaur Lall | Samrala | PG Diploma In International Business | South London College |
| 14 |  |
Jasmeet Kaur | Begowal | Diploma In Hospatility Management | South London College |
| 15 |  |
Kamalpreet Kaur | Dehlon (Ludhiana) | Higher Diploma In Management | South London College |
| 16 |  |
Rajinder Kaur | Kohara (Samrala) | Higher Diploma In Management | South London College |
| 17 |  |
Usha Rani | Vill-Chaunta (KumKalaan) | ||
| 18 |  |
Gurpreet Kaur | Vill-Gandhuan Kalaan (Bassi Pathana) | ||
| 19 |  |
Kamaldeep Kaur | Vill-Malak (Jagraon) | ||
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Scholarship
What documents will be required?
| Scheme | Funding opportunity | Open to students or researchers from |
|---|---|---|
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Research placements in the UK |
All countries |
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Doctoral studies |
China and UK |
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Master’s and doctoral courses (for study in the UK and distance learning), plus academic, professional and medical fellowships |
Commonwealth countries |
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Postgraduate courses |
Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Mauritania, Suriname, Uganda, Uruguay |
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Postgraduate courses |
France and UK |
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Hong Kong – Scotland |
Research placements in the UK |
All countries |
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Doctoral studies, research, visiting fellows and Scottish summer school |
India |
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Doctoral studies, research, visiting fellows and Scottish summer school |
Pakistan |
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Postgraduate courses |
India – Goa |
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Research visits for scientists |
Israel and UK |
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Postgraduate Master’s studies in the EU |
Kosovo |
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Postgraduate courses |
Nigeria |
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Academic exchange for university employees |
Palestine |
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Fellowships for graduates |
Selected countries – see website |
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Scholarships for English language teachers to develop their English language skills |
Selected countries – see website |
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BG Tanzania International |
Postgraduate courses |
Tanzania |
|
Undergraduate, Master’s and PhD courses |
Canada, China, India and USA |
Frequently Asked Questions
You can work for up to 20 hours a week during your studies and full-time during your holidays to help support your studies. This only applies if you are studying a degree level course at a UK higher education institution for longer than 6 months. The university or college must be listed on the Highly Trusted Sponsor (HTS) list and the list of recognised bodies. Find out more information about working in the UK during your studies and after you graduate.
You will need to be offered the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from your chosen university before you can apply for a visa. You can only apply for your visa three months before the start date of your course. This means, if your course starts at the end of September, you will receive your CAS around the end of June.
You can bring your partner and children to the UK as your Tier 4 dependant if you are a government-sponsored student and your course is longer than six months or you are doing a postgraduate level course of 12 months or longer at a publicly-funded Higher Education Institution or a ‘recognised body’.
You cannot bring your family to the UK as a Tier 4 dependant if you are studying an English language course, a course which is below degree level or an undergraduate course (except if you are a government-sponsored student).
If you are applying from outside the UK, the cost of the visa is £322 (plus the Immigration Health Service Charge).
If you are already in the UK, you can apply by post for £439 (plus the Immigration Health Service Charge) or in person for £839 (plus the Immigration Health Service Charge).
All universities in London have trained visa advisors who are able to answer your questions about the Tier 4 student visa and guide you through the application process. You can contact London’s universities directly through this website. You can find out more about each university through the university profiles and simply click on ‘contact’ to send your message.