Choosing a Course in the UK
The checklist
Thinking of coming to the UK to study? Then you're bound to have lots of questions that need answering. You should consider a range of issues, as well as liking the subject, before choosing a course at university. Although as good degree is always important. As follows is a checklist of things that you will need to sort out in advance of your trip overseas. So get reading! If you have any further queries, check out our web site at www.intstudy.com
1. Compare the content of courses & the style of learning offered at each institution, as degree & courses with the same name may be very different at each university or college.
2. Help with study skills and easy access to and help with computers & technology will probably be useful to you.
3. Are any work experience opportunities of work-related skills offered as part of the course (if that is important to you) and you can ask how many students get relevant jobs at the end of their course. Some university sites list their destinations statistics on their websites of you can ask them to send them to you. Opportunities to study in other countries may also be available. Another way of getting useful experience is by getting involved in student activities, including the Student Union, especially if you become an officer or initiate new projects.
4. Compare the quality assessment reports for research & teaching in Higher Education universities & colleges (searchable by institutions subject) at the:
Quality Assurance Agency
HEFCE (Higher Education Funding Council for England), Scottish Higher Education Funding Council, Welsh Funding Councils
Education Unlimited form the Guardian newspaper, which has complied some league tables of universities.
These tables may be useful in choosing between universities. However, overall league tables of universities or colleges, often quoted in newspapers, will not tell you very much about the particular department or faculty you wish to study at, the quality of teaching, resources or research. Please note that Grade
1 for a Further Education college from the FEFC is the top grade, while Grade 5 for a Higher Education or degree course from the Quality Assurance Agency is the top grade.
5. Social issues, including the range of social, sports & cultural activities, the cost of living, whether the university is on a campus outside of any town or based in a city and the geography of local region may all be important to you in your decision. You may get some useful hints or information from the student union websites at each university. There are also publications which grade universitirtes according to students' views, which you may find in your local library, careers office & in come British Council offices, if you are an international student. It is always helpful if you can visit any universities you are interested in. Look out for or ask about Open Days when staff & students will be available to answer any questions.
6. If you are disabled person, there is information available at SKILL'S web site at on colleges & universities. UK Education
7. Student support services such as counselling, careers, health & childcare are also worth finding out about. Student services staff in universities & colleges will also provide information & support in helping you make decisions about choosing your courses or dealing with any questions you may have.
8. Working part-time while you are studying is likely to be important to many
9. Support for international students varies. If you are bringing a family with you, or want to meet with other international students or need any language help, perhaps before you start your course, you should find out in advance what support there is for international student & their families from the university of college, from organisations in the area for international student & from community groups. Most universities and some FE colleges have International Officers to give you advice & information & help with any problems you may have.
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