Student’s Guide to the United Kingdom

1. Student’s Guide to the United Kingdom The top two universities of UK viz. the Cambridge and the Oxford are some of the oldest higher learning institutions in existence and rank among the top 5 universities in the world. The public universities dominate the higher education sector characterised by institutional autonomy thus allowing free investments and strict adherence to best industry practices in course pedagogy. Some of the best research-intensive institutions fund their operations by partnering with private businesses. Overall student satisfaction at UK higher institution is close to 84%. Notable programs include engineering, medicine, computer science, education, business and administrative studies.

2. In 2015-16, there were 162 higher education institutions in the UK in receipt of public funding via one of the UK funding councils. The UK lays strong emphasis on increasing the diversity of their staff, with the initiative like the Athena SWAN charter and the race quality charter, focusing on improving the representation, progression, working environment, and learning experience. The UK Masters and PhD programs are Bologna compatible which means that there are recognition and equivalence between the UK degrees and those of the 47 signatories of the Bologna process. Most Masters programme involves 12 months of full-time study (90 ECTS). Some programmes take 24 months (180ECTS); these are often offered in collaboration with EU universities. In May 2017, the Higher Education and Research Act 2017 (the Act) was passed by parliament, representing the most significant changes to higher education legislation in England since the Further and Higher Education Act 1992. The Act introduces several changes that are likely to impact on the trends in funding, students and staff at higher education institutions including: The Teaching Excellence Framework, which will award institutions based on quantitative and qualitative assessments of teaching quality; A greater focus on encouraging the entry of new providers of higher education, including the power to award degrees on a probationary basis, and removing some restrictions on gaining university title &reorganisation of the architecture overseeing research funding and strategy. The UK higher education sector can point to a number of past successes over the period:

3. oStudent satisfaction has increased over the period, from 79.9% in 2006 to a new high of 86% during 2016 – 2017 & oStrong and consistent demand for higher education across the UK, with the number of young students from disadvantaged backgrounds entering higher education reaching record levels in 2015 – 16. According to the 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF) exercise, it was found that 76% of work submitted by UK universities was internationally excellent or world-leading. There has been a widespread investment in creating internships and work placement opportunities for students and a renewed focus on tailored careers advice. Universities have embedded employability and enterprise in degree programmes and taken steps to help students develop entrepreneurial skills. Many universities are also encouraging volunteering, helping students to recognize the value of developing their skills and experience during their studies. The UK offers work permit after course completion under its post-study work visa guidelines. Under this scheme, one can stay in the UK after completing graduation, if one holds a job offer with an annual salary of at least GBP20800. Towards this end, one needs to apply in for a work visa from the UK Border Agency and opt for either: Tier 2 (General) Visa - Open to recent graduates holding a UK recognized Bachelor's, Master's or PhD degree with a job offer from a licensed employer paying a salary of at least £20,800 Or Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa - Open to students who are in process of developing a world-class innovative idea and are sponsored by their university.

4. Under the National Health Service (NHS) students enrolled in full-time programs are eligible to receive free medical treatment in the UK. The UK thus provides international students with an unparalleled opportunity to receive an internationally sought-after degree from top academic institutions served by some of the world’s best thinkers and researchers. With a focus on facilitating a positive environment, language and cultural differences do not act as barriers to learning and career growth in a country that welcomes the international community in its campuses. Source:- http://global-studyinuk.blogspot.com/2018/01/students-guide- to-united-kingdom.html