Details about various qualifications offered by UK Colleges and Universities:
First Degree Courses in Arts and Sciences (Bachelor's degree) are normally of three or four years' duration and are largely taught courses, sometimes including the preparation of a short written thesis.
Sandwich Courses are where the coursework is accompanied by practical work. A student could either complete 2 years of college, then a year of commercial training before returning for a final year in college. Or, he/she could do a 4-year course with 3-6 months’ training interspersed each year. The main advantage is that the student gets real experience while in the learning mode. Most universities offer this type of education.
Higher National Diploma (HND) is awarded by Vocational and Technical Educational Councils. They offer a 2-year course in a vocational subject like scientific and technical business subjects. Great emphasis is placed on work experience. It is often seen as the first step towards a degree course as the credits can be transferred.
Vocational Courses offer an opportunity to enter the university system slowly. Business and Technology Education Council (BTEC), General Vocational Qualifications (GNVQ), General Scottish Vocational Qualifications (GSVQ) offer recognized courses in a range of disciplines. Most students opt to take 1-2 years of, for example, BTEC courses before being transferred to a degree programme. BTEC national certificates/diplomas are usually accepted as an alternative to A-Levels.
- Postgraduate study may take the form of an independent piece of research under supervision or a taught course, and leads to a variety of degrees and awards. The taught courses normally last for one or sometimes two years. Completion of a doctorate normally takes a minimum of three years. Many post-experience courses are also available, either leading to a qualification or providing a refresher course for graduates wishing to update or extend their knowledge.
Undergraduate Programme (Bachelor's Degree):
a. Application Forms
Applications are made through a computerized national system known as Universities and Colleges Admission Service(UCAS). Students must complete a single UCAS form which allows them a choice of six universities and courses so that they don’t have to make costly and time consuming multiple applications. UCAS forms are available at all British Council Offices in Pakistan.
b. When to Apply?
UCAS forms should be ideally submitted before 15th December of the preceding year. Students can start applying even if they have received their final results. However, even after 15th December, applications can still be processed in the normal way until 30th June. After that, applications will be handled through "Clearing Process".
UCAS forms should be ideally submitted before 15th December of the preceding year. Students can start applying even if they have not received their final results. However, even after 15th December, applications can still be processed in the normal way until 30th June. After that, applications will be handled through "Clearing Process".
Note: For Oxford and Cambridge
- Students must apply before 15th October of the year preceding their year of proposed entry.
- There are specific forms to be filled and sent to the universities.
You cannot apply to both the colleges in the same academic year.
c. Eligibility
British students undergo thirteen years of pre-university education as compared to twelve years in Pakistan. For those who do not, as yet, have this three year of qualifications, there is a range of access or foundation courses available. Foundation courses range from four months to a year.
Applicants must satisfy both general and course requirements for admissions:
- General Requirements
A specified number of subject passes at both GCE "A" Levels and GCSE at grade C minimum is required for admissions in UK educational system.
- Course Requirements
Course requirement details can be obtained from prospectuses of institutions. Please note that for Entry into Oxford, Cambridge and London University, ‘A’ level results are required.
d. Application Requirements
- Academic Records:Students who are applying for a Bachelor programme or another undergraduate course would be required to submit a secondary school report and transcripts of the final exams.
Admission committees will be interested in learning how you have performed in your own educational system. If the transcripts are in a language other than English, then it must be translated into English only by the issuing authority or university otherwise it may not be acceptable.
- Standardised Tests:
IELTS : For most courses and universities, International students are required to take IELTS (International English Language Test) which is regularly administered by the British Council. Some universities may accept TOEFL as an alternative.
Note :Some Universities may waive IELTS if you have been studying in English medium throughout and they are convinced that you are proficient in English.
- Letter of Recommendation
Letters of reference or recommendation letters play a very important part in your admission especially in courses that earn you a master’s or doctoral degree. A recommendation letter is a signed statement from a person who knows you well or has taught you in a subject at school or college. It should list your positive and negative qualities, strengths and other such information.
The author or teacher must indicate his position, how long he/she has known the applicant and in what capacity. He/she should briefly discuss the need, importance and usefulness of the study the applicant proposes to undertake. Referees are usually asked to rank applicants in their letters of recommendation, which helps admission officers to interpret the academic credentials of foreign students. Students should obtain letters of recommendation (often on the prescribed forms sent by the institutions) from teachers who know them as a person as well as a student. You may like to request your author to give concrete examples that may show your qualities and help your case.
Many universities have their own format and questions that have to be answered by the person who is giving the letter of recommendation on your behalf. Letters, which do not give enough information, can jeopardize a candidate’s chances of selection.
Note : Even if not mentioned, it is advisable to include at least two letters of recommendation in your applications as they increase your chances of getting admissions.
- Statement of Purpose
The personal essays, and/or statement of purpose, play a very important role in the process of evaluating your application for both admission as well as financial aid because it gives the faculty assessing your application their most significant impression of you as an individual. This section is the key to distinguish your application from other suitable candidates and a chance to market yourself. A personal statement should include your reasons for choosing a particular course, the suitability of your education and experience for the chosen course, your personal interests and career goals.
Post Graduate Programme (Master's and Doctorate Degree):
Most UK universities accept the graduation system of three years for entry into most postgraduate courses. However, some courses and universities may require a qualification equivalent to British Bachelor's (Honours) Degree, which requires 16 years of formal education, which would mean another year after graduation or a four year degree course like B.E., BBA or other such courses.
For most Universities, a good first degree from a leading university in Pakistan or its equivalent is essential.
For more details on British Degrees and their Pakistani equivalent, check out the table below:
| British Degree |
Equivalent Degree
|
British Bachelor's (Ordinary) Degree
|
A three-year graduation degree
|
British Bachelor's (Honours) Degree
|
A four-year graduation course like B.E. or other such courses.
Or
A post graduate degree, like M.A., M.Sc. or other such courses.
|
British Master’s Degree
|
A post graduate degree like M.E. or other such courses.
|
Student Housing and Accommodation:
There are various options available for living in UK. Most universities have rooms in their halls of residence where international students can rent a room. But usually if you accept a room in a university, you would be required to sign a binding arrangement to remain in hall for the full academic year. This policy varies with each university.
Alternately, you could also take private accommodation. This could be either with a British family or sharing a flat with other students. Usually universities have an accommodation office, which can help you with this.
Most international students take up independent accommodation close to the university along with other international students. This turns out to be cheaper and convenient.
You need not worry about accommodation in UK. There are several options. You would get a good idea when you join the university. Of course, it always helps to be in touch with students already studying there
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