Study Options for International Students Inspiring to Study in the UK

by Zahirul I. Directror

The United Kingdom (UK) is a popular destination for overseas students seeking higher education. Every year, more than 500,000 overseas students seeking to study in the United Kingdom. The following figures indicate the percentage of international students who make up all UK universities, with the United Kingdom ranking as one of the top three nations most international students pick for studies:

International students make up 6% of the total student population in the UK.
International students make up 14% of the undergraduate class in the UK.
International students make up 2% of the postgraduate class in the UK.

The research also discovered the top five subjects chosen by international students.

Top Subjects Chosen by International Students

Architecture
Business and Administrative Studies
Engineering and Technology
Mechanical, Aeronautical & Manufacturing Engineering
Social Studies
Creative Arts and Design
Biological Sciences
Computer Science and Information System
Economics and Econometrics
Law

The study also reflected on the number of students that come to study in the UK from Asian countries.

Students from the Top 5 Asian Countries that Come to the UK to Study

China (106,530)
India (19,750)
Hong Kong (16,350)
Malaysia (14,970)
Singapore (7,020)

As you can see, the United Kingdom is a fantastic and well-known place in which to further your studies. Every year, it attracts a large number of international students. If the United Kingdom is "the" or one of the nations to which you choose to visit for higher education, you must be aware of your study possibilities. The demand for international students to study in the UK has risen considerably as a result of the recent implementation of Post-study employment visas or point-based migration after students' UK study visas have expired.

Your 6 Study Options

Foundation or Undergraduate
Pre-Masters
Postgraduate
PhD/Research Degree
Distance Learning
Accelerated Degree (Two years)

Your study option will be determined by your present educational qualifications. However, understanding more about each of them can better prepare you to make an informed decision about which study option is suitable for you now or in the future.

1. Foundation or Undergraduate

A three-year undergraduate degree consists of lectures, workshops, and seminars. The undergraduate degree will include a list of required modules as well as optional modules that you can study if you like but are not required. However, not all bachelor's degrees are three years long; others are four years long.

If your home country's higher secondary or 12th-grade scores do not qualify you for direct entry to a bachelor's degree, you may need to complete a foundation degree or course before beginning the main course, which is an undergraduate degree. Higher secondary school or 12th-grade certifications in some countries may not be recognised for straight entry to a bachelor's degree, so you may need to do a foundation course before enrolling in a bachelor's degree. In addition, international students can participate in a combined or dual-honours degree program. This form of graduate degree program divides your time between two separate courses, giving you a bigger number of modules and a larger pool of work opportunities after graduation.

A sandwich course may be required as part of your undergraduate degree. A sandwich course, also known as a training course, alternates times of practical practice with periods of formal education. The Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) and the Diploma of Higher Education are two of them (DipHE). The CertHE is a one-year program that can be completed in one year or split over two years. The DipHe has a two-year duration.

However, if you plan to pursue a postgraduate degree later, a three-year degree program is recommended, as postgraduate programs demand at least three years of prior schooling.

2. Pre-Masters

Pre-Masters are for international students who desire to enhance their English or build research, academic writing, and presenting skills. Pre-Masters programs can last anywhere from ten to twelve months and are designed to prepare you for a postgraduate program. You must have earned your undergraduate degree from a recognized educational institution and have an IELTS score of 5.5 to be eligible for Pre-Masters. It should also be mentioned that the Pre-master is usually necessary if your previous qualification does not meet the entry requirements for the main Master's degree at a UK university due to a poor grade or if your country's Bachelor's qualification is not equal to the UK Bachelor's course. The Pre-Masters course, on the other hand, will clearly equip students to perform well in the master's program by building study skills and adjusting to living in a new location.

3. Postgraduate

After finishing an undergraduate program, you can pursue a postgraduate or master's degree. Most postgraduate programs in the United Kingdom last one year. You will save time and money by completing your Master's degree in one year. It will also enable you to begin your profession right after graduation.

A master's degree from one of the UK's top universities will boost your career possibilities, provide you with an internationally recognized credential, and increase your chances of gaining better work opportunities throughout your time there. There are two types of postgraduate programs available:

Taught Masters
Research Masters

Master of Arts (MA), Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Science (MSc), and Master of Engineering (MEng) are all taught master's degrees that take one to two years to complete full-time. A research master's degree entails writing a thesis under the guidance of a professor. PhDs are the most common research degrees, and they might take three to four years to complete. You will be required to compose a thesis of 60,000 to 100,000 words and then deliver it orally.

4. PhD or Research Degree

A PhD is a research degree that requires you to conduct substantial research on a topic of your choosing. In order to be considered for a PhD program in the United Kingdom, you must have completed a graduate program with honours and a master's degree. A minimum IELTS score of 7.0 is also required. For additional information about PhD, see "Research Masters" under "Postgraduate."

5. Distance Learning

Distance learning allows you to study from the comfort of your own home. To be eligible for distance learning, international students do not require a visa or to live in the UK. Distance learning enables you to work and study while remaining at home with your family.

Distance learning has several advantages, including the ability to study on your own time, saving time by studying in the comfort of your own home, not having to relocate to another country, and not having to pay a large sum of money to receive a degree.

You will have everything you need to access the study materials from the university where you are doing the online course. You will meet with your tutor as well. All you need is a working internet connection.

6. Two Years Accelerated Course

A number of British universities offer two-year accelerated degrees to both domestic and international students on a regular basis. In addition to the three-year Bachelor's degree, you can also enrol in accelerated undergraduate degree programs that can be completed in two to 2.5 years. International students can study in the United Kingdom on a scholarship and complete their accelerated degree in two to three years.

Are You Interested?

Our professional advisors can assist you if you want to study in the UK as an international student and need assistance completing your application. Please contact us via our website or request a callback.