Education system of the UK has a high degree of sophistication, a matchless charm, and above all, educational quality that’s backed by centuries of tradition. The United Kingdom is just the right place to give your career that global edge. In addition to the hallowed Oxford and Cambridge, UK has a large number of other universities which rank among the best in the world and offer a wide range of courses.

One major advantage of UK education is its one-year Masters Degree for almost all courses – saving you considerable time and money. Also, unlike those in other countries, most UK universities recognize the Indian education system of 3 year graduation.

British Education has long attracted and welcomed high caliber students of different nationalities and backgrounds, and today builds on hundreds of years of

experience in providing quality education to international students. To ensure that the quality is maintained, Britain has implemented unrivalled quality assurance and academic audit systems. The university departments are obliged to meet stringent standards by professional bodies. Standards are high not just in teaching but in other facilities as well : Libraries, computers, research equipment and living accommodation.

British higher education provides value for money by offering shorter, more intensive courses than are available in many other countries, thereby reducing living expenses and time spent away from home. Closely supervised study in an intellectually and culturally stimulating environment, together with an emphasis on student welfare and close contact between staff and students also ensures that individual students get maximum support and, as a result, pass rates are high and the drop-out rate for international students is very low.

UK has long been a popular destination for Indian students. With more than 150 institutes of higher education to choose from, all equipped with extensive facilities, UK is able to offer a broad spectrum of subjects from the highly academic to the purely practical in anything from architecture to zoology.

Why Study in the UK
1. Requires only 15 years of education for direct entry into postgraduate program.

2. International students studying at the UK institutions are not required to obtain permission from the jobcentre to take spare time and vacation work.

3. One centralized application form for six undergraduate courses and generally no application fee for postgraduate courses.

4. In the UK, most undergraduate degrees take only 3 years while postgraduate degrees take one year; you spend less time away from home and less money on course fees.

5. Educational institutions are constantly monitored and reviewed to ensure that courses offered are of high quality.

6. Qualifications from the UK are some of the most recognized and respected worldwide.

7. There is a high success rate for international students in the UK education system.

8. Health insurance is free to students who are studying in the UK for 6 months or more.

9. There are many routes into education in the UK, so chances of accessing the education system are high.

10. UK is the gateway to Europe, rich in history and has welcomed international students for hundreds of years.

Qualifications offered :
1. 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.

2. 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 to 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.

3. 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.

4. 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 to 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.

5. 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. Occasionally, students are admitted by some institutions in limited numbers. They attend courses or undertake research, possibly for a period of one or two years. These courses do not lead to any formal qualification or 'credit' although certificate of satisfactory attendance may be given.

Eligibility for Admission
Undergraduate (Bachelor’s Level)
British students undergo thirteen years of pre-university education as compared to twelve years in India. Outstanding marks from one of the two Central Boards (CBSE or ICSE) or their equivalent, or the first year of an Indian degree program are therefore usually required for direct entry into an undergraduate program in the UK. For those who do not, as yet, have these 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 the UK educational system. An equivalent Indian qualification is a good score in the CBSE or ICSE.

Course Requirements
Course requirement details can be obtained from prospectuses of institutions which are available at the Education Counseling Service located in the British Council offices or Libraries.

Important
For Entry into Oxford, Cambridge and London University, ‘A’ level results are required. This in Indian context would mean one year in a college after 12 years of education.

Post Graduate (Master's & Doctorate level)
Most UK universities accept the Indian graduation system of three years for entry into most postgraduate courses. An Indian bachelor’s degree like B.A., B.Com. or B.Sc. is equivalent to a British Bachelor (Ordinary) Degree. However, some courses and universities may require a qualification equivalent to British Bachelor (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., B.Tech or other such courses.
For most Universities, a good first degree from a leading university in India or its equivalent is essential.