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UK - A World of Academic
Excellence














About the country

With an area of 240,000 sq km, 600 miles from south to north and under 300 miles at its widest point, Britain is holding a population of almost 57 million people.

It is easier to understand Britain, if we divide the country into following broad areas:

England boasts nine national parks, six forest parks, 200 country parks, over 600 miles of heritage coastline, as well as thousands of historic buildings and gardens.

South East England: This is a large area comprising the country's capital, London. It is Europe's largest city and one of the most cosmopolitan places in the world. Some of the well-known areas in this region are Bournemouth, Canterbury, Oxford, Cranfield, Northampton, Cambridge and Norwich.

South West England: The region has rich and varied scenery with upland moors, steep river valleys and a magnificent, rocky coastline with sandy coves. The region tends to be warmer than the rest of the country and offers some of the cheapest accommodation in the UK. Some of the well-known areas in this region are Plymouth, Exeter, Bath and Bristol.

Midlands: The Midlands is the term people use to describe central England. It is home to some of the largest Asian communities in the country. Some of the large cities in this area are Birmingham, Coventry and Leicester. The rest of Midlands has many other attractive historic towns including Stratford-upon-Avon where William Shakespeare, the world famous English dramatist and poet, was born and died.

North England: The North is mix of mountainous scenery and farmland, and industrial towns and cities. The cost of living is generally much cheaper in this region. Some of the well-known areas in this region are Manchester, Liverpool, Durham, Sunderland, Newcastle upon Tyne, Lancaster and Leeds. Manchester is often regarded as Britain's second city, with a population of 2.6 million. There is also a vast student population in this region.

Scotland : Its landscape varies from the rolling hills of the borders to the stark and uninhabitable crags. The countryside has an unrivalled variety of wildlife, with some species not found anywhere else in Britain. Scotland is also home to one of the world's leading cultural evens - the annual Edinburgh International Festival. This is the largest arts festival in Britain. Some of the well-known cities in this region are Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirling, Dundee and Aberdeen.

Wales: This region is known for its literary tradition and musical history. Every town has its own special local traditions and events in this region. It has fantastic architecture, Victorian arcades, elegant public buildings and some of the most stunning scenery in Britain. This region is known for its steel making, media-related industry, service industry and the development of technology. Some of well-known areas in this region are Cardiff, Newport, Swansea, Lampeter, Aberswyth and Bangor.

Weather

One of the most noticeable climactic features in Britain is long summer days and short winter ones - getting dark at 10pm in July and 4pm in December. The average temperature remains maximum 20 degree Celsius and minimum 12 degree Celsius in summer, while it remains maximum 7 degree Celsius and minimum 3 degree Celsius in winter.

Why study in the UK

UK education has always placed great importance on the ability of students to work independently and to develop their own thinking. The result is that students emerge from a UK education not only with a thorough understanding of their subject but also with analytical abilities and problem-solving skills that are much prized by employers in later life.

UK offers sheer choices of over 2,40,000 courses at many entry levels including Foundation and Sandwich Course. UK also operates a unique quality assurance system that ensures accountability in all areas.

Life is great in the UK as it is vibrant and vital both. In addition UK offers a multicultural, safe and cosmopolitan society.
Courses in the UK are often shorter, and as a result the total cost of study is lower. Shorter courses also mean students can realise their earning potential sooner than their counterparts elsewhere.

There are many benefits available to international students that can make life in the UK more affordable. All students are entitled to free National Union of Students (NUS) membership, which enable them to avail, up to 50% off on anything from books, stationery and food to clothes, travel and entertainment.

Do you know?

  • UK has produced over 70 Nobel Prize winners for science alone.
  • UK has invented the principle of the World Wide Web.
  • UK has invented wireless communication.
  • UK has produced nearly five out of ten of the world's most widely used antibiotics.
  • UK develops a third of all computer games software.
  • UK carries out five and half percent of the entire world's research and produces eight per cent of its scientific publications.

Not bad for a country with just one per cent of the world's population.

UK Education System

Undergraduate Degrees: The normal undergraduate degree is, generally three years but some degrees require one more year of study. A combined degree will involve different subjects, which will not necessarily have equal weighting. A joint honours degree will have two subject areas with equal weighting. Some universities offer Sandwich course, which usually means that the course extends to four years. These courses are made up of a combination of three years of study and one year spent in industry. In most of the cases students are being paid for their work during this year.

Entry Requirements: Year 12 or equivalent from a recognised board. An alternative entry path is to successfully complete a Foundation Studies program or enter via a Higher National Diploma (HND) course offered by the recognised UK institution. Though it is not mandatory to appear for any English Language Test but some institutions may require. It is suggested to students to appear for IELTS examination and achieve a minimum of band 6.0 (no individual band less than 5.5). Some institutions may require higher level of English proficiency.

Postgraduate Degrees: One of the most attractive things about British Universities for international students is the fact that students can study for a master's degree in one year instead of the usual two. Taught masters' courses allow graduates to specialize in their subject - by way of lectures, seminars and tutorials- followed by a period of research, known as dissertation. Research Degrees take a minimum of three years and students are expected to carry out original research and produce a thesis. PhD students are also often involved in teaching within their department.

Entry Requirements: An undergraduate degree from a recognised university in the relevant subject, although some master's courses (Conversion Courses) are designed into a specific field like Information Technology where relevant undergraduate degree is not required. Students are normally expected to have a postgraduate degree for research program. Though it is not mandatory to appear for any English Language Test but some institutions may require. It is suggested to students to appear for IELTS examination and achieve a minimum of band 6.5 (no individual band less than 6.0). Some institutions may require higher level of English proficiency.

Universities and Institutions

Universities in the UK include:

Besides these universities there are many reputed institutions in the UK, which offer technical/vocational programs. A few of them are:

Tuition Fees and Living Expenses

The tuition fees vary from course to course and from institution to institution. The tuition fees usually vary from UK£ 4,000 to UK£ 20,000 (Rupees 3 Lakh to Rupees 15 Lakh) per annum. The estimated living expenses per annum are around UK£ 6,000 to UK£ 7,000 (Rupees 4 to 5 Lakh approximately), which include accommodation, food, travel expenses, clothing and communication etc.

Part Time Work

All international students are authorised to work for up to 20 hours per week during term time and full time during vacations. International students no longer require permission from the concern authorities.

Further Information

To obtain Application Forms, Prospectuses and more information about Visa requirements and job opportunities, we suggest you to REGISTER WITH US. Our services are Absolutely Free.

FAQ's

How does the teaching method in the UK vary from what we are used to here in India?

Teaching and learning methods in the UK are quite different. On degree and postgraduate courses:

  • You don't have to attend all your classes all the time, and you have much more time to study on your own. This means that you have to organize your private study time.
  • Your instructors/tutors/lecturers won't always provide you with answers - instead, they'll show you ways to find the answers yourself.
  • You won't always be dealing with facts, and there won't always be right or wrong answers. You'll need to learn to think about the subject matter and develop your own ideas and opinions.
  • Classroom teaching may be much less formal than you are used to. You'll be encouraged to ask questions, join in discussions, and even argue with your tutors.

What is the duration of UG and PG courses in the UK?

The duration of under-graduate course is 3-4 years and the duration of post-graduate course is 12-18 months only.

When does the session start?

The session starts mainly in September, but some courses start in January/February & July also.

What is the application procedure for applying to the UK universities?

The UK procedure for under-graduate study is simplified by allowing you to apply to maximum six universities on one common application form called UCAS (Universities Central Admission Service). You simply need to submit your personal details, a statement of purpose as well as a school reference along with the payment of £15. Though the deadline is January 15, international students can apply till June 30. For post-graduate courses, you need to submit individual application for each university. It is in your interest to apply as early as possible to get the admission in the course and university of your choice. The forms are available with us and are Absolutely Free. Please contact us or write us at theteam@triomind.com

What are the last dates to submit application for UG courses?

15 October is the last date for applications to Oxford, Cambridge, medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine or veterinary science. 30 June is the last date to apply to the rest of institutions and courses.
What is a sandwich course?
A sandwich course is a course that indicates a clearly defined work placement, which is approved by the institution providing the course. The work placement does not extend beyond the end of the course.

Is IELTS/TOEFL exam compulsory?

No! In case of UK it is not mandatory but a few institutions require you to obtain a well-balanced score either in IELTS or TOEFL.

Is it difficult to get Education Loan from Bank?

No! The nationalized banks are promoting to disburse the education loan and we assist you to complete the formalities.

Can I pay the fee in Installments?

Yes! Most of the institutions accept tuition fee in installments.

Can I take up a part time job whilst studying in UK? What is the amount I am likely to earn and can I sustain myself on it?

Yes, you can. International students are permitted to work up to 20 hours a week during term time and full time on holidays. The amount earned varies from £ 4 to £ 16 per hour. While this is generally not sufficient to sustain students, it does come in handy as additional pocket money. However, when applying for a visa, students must show evidence of full financial support from other sources to cover their tuition and living costs.

I have got admission into a UK university. Can my spouse accompany me? Can he/she work in UK?

Yes, spouses can accompany full time students on a Dependent visa, provided you can show that adequate funds are available for their support. Spouses can also work full time if his/her stay is for a year or more.

Can my overseas relatives sponsor my studies in the UK?

Yes! You should get a sponsorship letter from them indicating the relationship and the extent to which they are prepared to fund your studies. Besides this, they would also be required to show evidence of financial support (e.g. bank statements, salary certificate, a statement from the Chartered Accountant, their source of income etc.)

Can I stay with my relatives while studying in the UK?

Yes, you can. You could also of course, live on campus. This would enable you to use the library, IT and extracurricular facilities to a greater extent. You would also get to know other international students better. Most institutions would be happy to arrange on-campus accommodation for international students during their first year.

Can I take up a job after completing my course in the UK?

Student visas cannot be converted to work permits. If you are offered a job, your employer has to apply to the Home office for your work permit. This can take three months or more. During the interim period, you would need to return to your home country.

What is internship?

An internship is a short period of paid work, which an employer may offer a potential employee. The internship may be offered to a student on a first or higher degree course in the UK, even if the potential permanent employment is outside the UK.

What do I do to procure a student visa to study in UK?

To begin with, you will need the following to procure a student visa for studying in the UK:

  • An unconditional offer of acceptance on a full time course
  • Proof of accommodation
  • All education certificates & transcripts
  • Evidence of funding for the entire duration of the course (to cover both tuition and living costs)
  • A valid passport

These documents need to be attached along with the visa fee and 2 passport size photographs to the visa application form. The form has to be filled and submitted to the Visa Section at the UK High Commission. You will also need to go for a medical examination after submitting your documents, details of which the visa officer would let you know.
It takes approximately 10-15 working days to get a student visa.

I will be leaving shortly to do a course in the UK. Could you tell me more about the National Health Service? Do I have to register myself?

The National Health Service (NHS) provides free and subsidized treatment to an international student if he/she is enrolled on a course lasting for six months or more. (full-time students in Scotland may use the NHS even if their course lasts less than six months).
To receive any kind of treatment through the NHS, you must be registered with a doctor. You should register with a local doctor as soon as possible after you arrive at your destination and have a permanent address - don't wait until you're ill.
After you've registered, you will receive a medical card stating your NHS number. Take this card whenever you go to see your doctor or any other NHS health provider.

Is it possible for me to drive my own vehicle while I am studying in the UK?

The UK boasts of an extensive network of rail, coach and bus services, and most students get along very happily without their own vehicle. But if you do want to drive while you are in the UK, this is what you need to know.

To drive a car or motorcycle in the UK, you must have a valid license and you must be at least seventeen years old. During your first year in the UK, you may use your driving license from your own country or an International Driving Permit. After that, you will have to apply for a UK provisional license and take a driving test.

Please advise me about running a bank account in the UK while I am studying there?

It's important to make secure arrangements for your cash. You have two options:

Banks - The main ones offer specific accounts for full-time students, featuring special facilities and fewer charges. However, at some banks these special student accounts are available to UK students only. So ask about this before you decide where to open your account.

Building Societies - These institutions were originally formed to lend money to people who wanted to buy a house. Now they offer a range of financial services, including banking. You may find that, unlike some banks, a building society will offer you interest on a current account.

Can I stay on for practical training, work experience or a graduate training program after my course?

The Training and Work Experience Scheme allows employers to apply for a permit to employ a particular person for a period of maximum 2 years to gain work experience.

I am currently studying for an undergraduate course in the UK and have got admission into a Masters course. Do I have to return to India to extend my student visa?

Not necessarily. You could get your visa extended in the UK without returning to
India. You will have to go to the Home Office, with the evidence that you have been admitted into a full-time course. You will also be required to show evidence that you have sufficient funds to cover both the tuition fee and living expenses for the entire duration of your stay.

What is our role in the whole procedure?

We are the career consultants; we assist you for career pathway planning, course selection, university selection, admission formalities, scholarship, education loans, visa formalities and accommodation arrangement etc. If you do not find the answers to your queries please do not hesitate to contact us or write us at theteam@triomind.com