Ryazan Radio-Engineering University.

Ryazan Radio-Engineering University was founded at the end of 1951. It is a specialized radio-engineering higher educational establishment that trains engineers for the most important branches of modern science and technology.

More than 7000 students study at the University. The University has all the necessary facilities for teaching: auditoriums with closed-circuit TV, well-equipped laboratories where students get practical skills, computing centers, libraries, reading halls, halls for doing course and graduation papers.

The course of study lasts from 4 to 6 years depending on the faculty. The academic year is divided into 2 terms. Terminal examinations are held in January and June. At the end of studies the students are to submit a graduation paper. The main subjects include: higher mathematics, physics, descriptive geometry, electrical engineering, theory of mechanisms and machines, information science, drawing, chemistry, history, foreign languages and many other subjects. The teaching staff of the University consists of Professors, Doctors of Sciences, Assistant Professors, Candidates of Sciences, experienced teaches,

Admission to the University is by examinations and selection. Education here consists of full-time and part-time education.

At present there are 7 faculties at the University. They are:

1. Radio-engineering faculty

2. Electronics faculty

3. Automation faculty

4. Commuting Technique faculty

5. Engineering and Economics faculty

6. Evening faculty

7. Correspondence faculty

At the University students are engaged in scientific and research work. In Students' Design Bureau they carry out their researches under the guidance of experienced supervisors. After graduation the advanced students can continue their scientific research works while taking postgraduate courses,

The aim of higher education is not only to provide the students with necessary knowledge but develop them creatively. The extracurricular work is conducted by the Students' Club. Sport is popular with the students. The University issues its paper "Radist".

The University gives good engineering education and provides industrial enterprises and scientific centers with well-qualified engineers.

Education in Great Britain.

All British children must stay at school from the age of 5 until they are 16. Many of them stay longer and take final examinations when they are 17 or 18. Before 1965 all children of state schools had to go through special intelligence tests. There were different types of state secondary schools and at the age of 11 children went to different schools in accordance with the results of the tests.

State schools are divided into the following types:

Grammar schools. Children who go to grammar schools are usually those who show preference for academic subjects, although many grammar schools now also have some technical courses.

Technical schools. Some children go to technical schools. Most courses there are either commercial or technical.

Modern schools. Boys and girls who are interested in working with their hands and learning in practical way can go to a technical school and learn some trade.

Comprehensive schools. These schools usually combine all types of secondary education. They have physics, chemistry, biology, machine workshops for metal and woodwork and also geography, history and art departments, commercial and domestic courses.

There are also many schools which the State does not control. They are private schools. They charge fees for educating children, and many of them are boarding schools, at which pupils live during the term time.

There are about 90 universities in Britain. They are divided into three types: the old universities (Oxford, Cambridge), the 19^th century universities such as London and Manchester, and new universities

Full courses of study offer the degree of Bachelor of Arts or Science. Most degree courses at universities last 3 years, language courses 4 years. Medicine and dentistry courses are longer (5-7)

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

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

“Higher Education in Great Britain”.

Pupils going on to higher education of professional training usually take “A” level examination in two or three subjects. Universities accept students mainly on the basis of their “A” level results, although they interview them as well. 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.

Undergraduate courses normally take three years of full-time study, although a number of subjects take longer, including medicine, architecture and foreign languages (where courses include a year abroad). They lead in most cases to Bachelor’s Degree in Arts or Science. There are various postgraduate degrees, including Master of Philosophy. The last two are awarded for research in Arts or Science. Degrees are awarded either by the institution itself, or by the Council for National Academic Awards, particularly in vocational areas. Students of law, architecture and some other professions can take qualifications awarded by their own professional bodies instead of degrees.

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

The most famous universities are Oxford and Cambridge, called “Oxbridge”. They are famous for their academic excellence.