Text 3. British Universities.

There are about 90 universities in Great Britain. They are divided into 3 types: the old uni­versities (Oxford, Cambridge and Edinburgh Universities), the 19^lh century universities such as London and Manchester Universities, and the new universities. Some years ago there were also polytechnics. After graduating from a polytechnic the student got a degree, but it was not a uni­versity degree. 31 former polytechnics were given university status in 1992.

Full courses of study offer the degree of Bachelor of Arts or Science. Most degree courses at universities last 3 years, language course 4 years (including a year spent abroad). Medicine and dentistry courses are longer - 5-7 years. Students may receive grant from their local educa­tion authority to help pay for books, accommodation, transport and food. The grant depends on the income of their parents.

Most students live away from home in flats or halls of residence.

Students don't usually have jobs during term time because the lessons called lectures and seminars , classes or tutorial (in small groups) are full time. However, many students have to work in the evenings.

University life is considered "an experience". The exams are competitive but the social life and living away from home are also important. The social life is excellent with lots of bars, con­certs, clubs and parties.

There are not only universities in Britain but colleges. Colleges offer courses in teacher training, technology and some professions connected with medicine.

Exercise 1. Find in the text the English for: политехнический институт; окончить вуз; получить степень; университетская степень; курс обучения; бакалавр гуманитарных и ес­тественных наук; получать стипендию; местный орган образования; зависеть от; доход родителей; общежитие; практическое занятие; конкурсный; подготовка учителей.

Exercise 2. Transcribe the following words: technology; graduate; tutorial; competi­tive; bachelor; polytechnic; authority; accommodation; residence.

Exercise 3. Answer the questions.

1. What are the three types of universities in Great Britain?

2. What degrees do students get after finishing full courses of study?

3. What grants do students receive?

4. Do students work during term time?

5. Why is the university life considered "an experience"?

6. What courses do colleges offer?

Exercise 4. Paraphrase the sentences. Use words and phrases from exercise 1.

1. After finishing a polytechnic a student got a degree.

2. Students may get grants from their local educational authorities.

3. Many students live in the hostels.

4. Students don't usually work during term time.

5. Colleges offer courses in pedagogic and technology.

Exercise 5. Translate into English.

1. Многие студенты работают вечером потому, что занятия занимают полный день.

2. После окончания университета студенты получают степень бакалавра.

3. Студенты получают стипендию для оплаты стоимости жилья, транспорта, питания и учебников.

4. Размер стипендии зависит от дохода родителей.

5. Курс обучения в университете длится 4 года или больше.

6. Степень бакалавра в политехническом институте не соответствует университет­ской степени.