Text b. University Education in Great Britain

The UK has a vast variety of higher education establishments including universities, university colleges, technical colleges and other specialized colleges (teachers training colleges, commercial colleges, etc.) for students from both the UK and around the world.

There are about 100 universities in Britain. They can be divided into three types: the old universities (Oxford, Cambridge and Edinburgh Universities), the 19th century universities such as London and Manchester universities, and the new or provincial universities. Some years ago there were also polytechnics. After graduating from a polytechnic a student got a degree, but it was not a university degree. 31 former polytechnics were given a university status in 1992.

Pupils going on to higher education or professional training usually take “A” level examinations in two or three subjects. Universities accept students mainly on the basis of their “A” level results, although they may interview them as well. The more popular the university, the higher the grades it will ask for. In 1971 the Open University was started, where these formal qualifications are not necessary. Nearly a quarter of all adult part-time students follow its degree courses on radio and television or online.

Undergraduate courses normally take three years of full-time study, although a number of subjects take longer, including architecture, medicine and dentistry courses (5-7 years) and foreign languages (where courses include a year abroad). They lead in most cases to a Bachelor’s degree in Arts or Science. Many students then continue their studies for various postgraduate degrees, including Master and Doctor of Philosophy. The last two are awarded for research in arts or sciences.

At universities students attend large formal lectures given by lecturers and professors, but most of the work takes place in tutorials: lessons in groups of ten or more when students discuss their individual work with a lecturer (tutor). The tutorial system is characteristic of the students' studies in British universities.

The tuition fee in Britain is very high, higher than in other countries. From 2007, universities in the UK are allowed to charge British students up to £3,000 - £4,000 per year. This differs from university to university. Students from the EU have to pay the same fees as students from the UK, but the fees for international students can range from £9,000 right up to £13,000 per year or even more for some degrees.

At present, students who have been accepted by universities or other institutions of higher education receive grants from their local authorities, which cover the cost of the course, and may cover living expenses (books, accommodation, transport and food). Parents with higher incomes are expected to make a contribution. Until 1990, the grants did not have to be paid back, but now a system of loans has been introduced.

Most students choose to go to university a long way from their home town. University life is seen as a time to be independent, to live away from home (in flats or halls of residence) and develop new interests.