Understand the UK Higher Education System
Before applying to a higher education institution in the UK, you must first understand the different programme options offered by the UK higher education system. It will help you to make an informed decision.
The UK higher education system can be categorised into three parts:
- Undergraduate Programmes
- Postgraduate Programmes
- Doctoral Programmes
Undergraduate Programmes
There are various undergraduate programmes offered by higher education institutions in the UK. In 2022, UCAS, a charity and private limited company which handles all UK-based university applications, accepted 767,000 students for undergraduate courses. And pretty soon, you can be one of those students. The purpose of all these courses is to provide you with a thorough understanding of your chosen subjects, whether it is arts, science, business management, information and technology (IT), education, construction, or anything else. All the undergraduate programmes are divided into sub-categories depending on the duration of study and level of qualification.
Following are the types of undergraduate programmes offered by higher education institutions in the UK.
Programme
|
Duration
|
Foundation degree
|
6 months to 2 years
|
Higher National Certificate (HNC)
|
1 to 2 years
|
Higher National Diploma (HND)
|
1 to 2 years
|
Certificate of Higher Education (Cert HE)
|
1 to 2 years
|
Diploma of Higher Education (Dip HE)
|
1 to 2 years
|
Bachelor's degree
|
3 years (England, Wales and Northern Ireland)
4 years (Scotland)
|
Sandwich degree
|
4 years (with one year in industry)
|
Integrated courses (a master's is provided as the first degree)
|
4 years
|
Postgraduate Programmes
In the 2021-2022 academic year, the number of postgraduate students increased by 9%, reaching 820,310 in the UK. This means that more students in this English country are now going for higher education after completing their undergraduate degree. If you are interested in pursuing a postgraduate degree from a higher education institution, there are several programmes for you to choose from. These programmes usually span 1 to 2 years and result in a master's degree. You can choose between taught programmes that focus on career-specific skills and knowledge or research-based programmes that train you to conduct independent research. Some popular postgraduate degrees in the UK include:
Programme
|
Duration
|
Postgraduate certificate and diploma (PG Cert/PG Dip)
|
9 to 12 months
|
Taught Master’s (such as MA, M.Sc., LLM, MBA, MRes)
|
1 year
|
Research Master’s (such as MPhil, PhD, DPhil)
|
2 to 3 years
|
Doctoral programmes
A doctoral programme is the highest level of academic qualification you can obtain. According to HESA, in 2021-122, more than 104,000 students were studying for doctoral research programmes in various higher education institutions in the UK. It will take you approximately three to four years to complete the programme and earn a Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD). It is designed to make you an expert in your field of study.
Therefore, it’s important to learn about the different programmes the UK higher education system offers so that you can decide which course you want to study. It is also the very first step in choosing the right higher education institution.
Steps to choosing and applying to the right Higher Education Institution
Below, we have listed a simple eight-step guide to help you select and apply to a higher education institution for a thriving career.
Step 1: Be clear about the qualification you want
You must have a clear idea of the subject and the qualifications you want to pursue in higher education. This choice can significantly impact your future career, so it's important to carefully consider your options. Take the time to research the course, its duration, career prospects, and potential earnings after completing it. If you need help, consider seeking guidance from a career counsellor to make an informed decision.
Step 2: Select your chosen course from a reputable higher education institution in the UK
In the UK, different higher education institutions offer diverse levels of qualifications. You must search for an institution that offers the course you want to study. Ensure that the higher education institution in the UK you have selected is recognised and approved by prominent educational authorities like the Office for Students (OfS) and the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA). These agencies provide valuable information about the quality of the courses each higher education institution offers and whether they align with the UK higher education system. By doing your research and making sure the institution you choose is recognised, you can feel confident that you're making a wise investment in your education.
Step 3: Learn everything about the course curriculum
Once you have decided on the higher education institutions you are interested in, you should look at their websites for a detailed explanation of the course curriculum. Go over the modules that the course will cover and check if there are any opportunities for hands-on learning during the course. This will help you get a better understanding of the course and decide if it is the right fit for you.
Step 4: See if the higher education institution offers student support
Have you considered looking into the support services offered by your higher education institution? They can be incredibly beneficial to your success as a student. These services can include academic assistance, development of study skills, student welfare, specialised support for students with disabilities, and confidential support. Joining an institution with the services you need can contribute to your overall success and enrichment.
Step 5: Look for the activities and events held by the institution
When you're looking for a good higher education institution in the UK, it's important to consider the events and resources they offer to support your learning and future career. Open days, workshops, career fairs, seminars, webinars, and lectures from industry leaders can all be valuable opportunities to learn and connect with professionals in your field. To get a sense of what's available at a particular school, check out their events section or reach out to the institution directly. And if possible, visit the campus to get a firsthand look at the resources and support available to students.
Step 6: Check for upcoming intakes for admission
Once you have done your homework on the higher education institution you plan to attend, the next step is to find out the date of the upcoming admission intake. You can find out if admissions are currently open, or if they will be opening in the coming months, by visiting the institution's website.
Step 7: Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria for the course
When applying for a higher education programme, it's important to ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria and any specific requirements set by the institution you're interested in. To avoid any complications during the admission process, it is important to verify that you meet all the prerequisites before applying. If you don't meet certain requirements, create a plan to address the gaps before submitting your application. By doing so, you'll increase your chances of being accepted into your preferred programme.
Step 8: Apply for the course at your desired higher education institution in the UK
Once you have found the course and the higher education institution and met the eligibility criteria, it's time to apply. To do this, you must visit the higher education institution's website and follow the specific application steps for your chosen course. For instance, to apply for a higher educational programme at GBS (Global Banking School), you can simply click on the APPLY NOW button.
The steps given above can help you to choose the right higher education institution in the UK. Remember, this decision can significantly impact your future, so each step should be given a fair amount of time and attention; only then will you be able to make an informed decision.
Explore GBS Courses
At GBS, we offer diverse courses at various levels in finance, management, and healthcare. Our programmes are designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of current industry practises and equip them with the necessary skills to enhance their employability and succeed in their careers. Whether you're looking to upskill, advance your career or make a career change, our courses will help you achieve your goals.
Explore our wide range of courses now!