The United Kingdom offers Further Education and Higher Education programmes

Further education (FE) is often that pursued after 16 years of age but distinct from that at university level. For example A Levels, Foundation Degrees, and Higher National Diplomas. It is usually taught in the sixth-form school or in independent FE colleges, also in other work-based-adult and community learning institutions. It are often designed to provide the skills to advance to Higher Education, going into university would be the most common example. It is also often referred to as continuing education.

Higher education (HE) is mainly post-18 years old and often takes place at universities, colleges and institutions that award academic degrees and professional qualifications. Levels are normally divided between undergraduate and postgraduate.

Undergraduate level studies include:

• Bachelor’s or undergraduate degree:Academic study, normally takes three years. With different titles of degree e.g. Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Education (BEd) and Bachelor of Engineering (BEng).
• Foundation degree: Equivalent of first two years of an honours degree, academic study integrated with relevant work-based learning undertaken with an employer.
• Diploma of Higher Education: Two year, full-time normally equivalent to the first two years of a degree, can be academic, mainly linked to a particular job or profession.
• Certificate of Higher Education: Focuses on either a particular job or profession, or academic study. Equivalent to first year of a full honours degree, the most basic level of qualification.
• Higher National Diploma (HND): A two-year course, can lead to third year of a degree.

Postgraduate level studies include:

• Master's degree. A master’s qualification, allows further knowledge in a particular subject, two main types of master’s: taught and research. Most master's lead to an MA (Master of Arts) or MSc (Master of Science) qualification, also subject-specific qualifications including MEng (Master of Engineering), MFA (Master of Fine Arts), LLM (Master of Laws). MPhil (Master of Philosophy) qualifications are normally research oriented and generally designed for students to progress to a PhD.
• MBA courses. A Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree, internationally recognised and pursued for a successful business career.
• PhDs/doctorates. A Doctor of Philosophy, or doctorate (PhD/DPhil), the highest academic level, very demanding and often leads to careers in academia, usually requires a previous Masters programme.
• Postgraduate diplomas and qualifications. Postgraduate certificates and diplomas study new subjects or reinforce skills and knowledge already gained during first degree.
• Professional and vocational qualifications. Usually taken to improve skills or gain abilities required for specific jobs, involve practical training, opportunity to experience a job first-hand.

A useful distinction in the way programmes are delivered

• Taught, consist of a series of lectures or seminars, assessed through exams or coursework.
• Research, require more in-depth independent study, usually over a period of two or three years, to then report on research by writing a thesis or dissertation.

UK’s quality teaching and excellent results

• Four of the top ten universities in the world are in the UK.
• The UK ranks in the top five in the world for university-industry collaboration.
• Student satisfaction in the UK is higher than ever, with 86% of students satisfied overall with their course.
• International undergraduate satisfaction in the UK is very high, at 91% overall. 85% of international undergraduates would recommend or actively recommend their UK study experience, higher than any major English-speaking study destinations.
• The UK is a world-leading research nation. Researchers in the UK gain more citations and usage per article, and write more articles individually, than anywhere else in the world.
• The UK ranks second in the world for the quality of its scientific and research institutions.
• 54% of the research conducted by UK universities and colleges is classed as 'world-leading'.
• 93% of UK postgraduate students rated the quality of teaching positively.
• The UK has the lowest student drop-out rate in Europe.
• UK universities and research institutions have produced 107 Nobel Prize winners.

About the UK

• United Kingdom: The United Kingdom consists of England, Wales, Scotland (together forming 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, 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.
• 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 religious orientation 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.
• 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.
• Law: There are some differences between the law in your country and the law in the UK. It is important to note these before travelling.
• Academic year: Starts in September or October and runs until June or July. Some courses are more flexible, however, and offer a range of start dates. (*)

*Sources & other useful links

VisitBritain (travel and life in the UK)

Explore the UK (travel and life in the UK)

LearnEnglish (British Council’s website for adult and professional learners of English)

Travel in the UK (travel and life in the UK)

www.royal.gov.uk (the Royal Family)

World Rankings, QS

Learn English Teens (For younger learners)

LearnEnglish Kids (For younger learners)

Government

Visas