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College vs university - the difference?

College is not the same as uni in the UK. But, what's the difference?
At college you would take lots of different classes/subjects and choose a major (your main one) and it takes 4 years

At university, most courses are 3 years and you only study one subject, although you can sometimes do optional modules (lasting one semester) that are from another course
In the UK, a college is equivalent to 11th and 12th grade. You study a few subjects and then either go on to get a job or go to university to get your Bachelor's degree. At universities in the UK, it's three years, you typically just study your course (major) which you applied to study (a few will let you take a few other classes) and when you graduate you get your Bachelor's degree.
Hello. Most colleges in USA require all students to complete general course requirements on top of their chosen degree program. Obviously these requirements vary from school to school and program to program, but it is expected that you'll be taking at least one or two classes that probably do not necessarily interest you or have anything to do with what you're studying lol. A lot of people go to college "undecided," meaning they haven't chosen a degree program yet. I'm not sure if universities in the UK allow that. People also have a lot of flexibility to switch their major in the first two years while still being able to graduate on time. I guess the most obvious difference is the timeframe of college vs. university. College is usually 4 years long, unless you do a special integrated program that allows you to get a Bachelor's as well as a Master's degree. Some schools also have ways to finish your studies earlier and save a bit of money.
The terms "college" and "university" are often used interchangeably, but there are some differences between the two.

Generally speaking, a college is a smaller institution that typically offers undergraduate degrees. Colleges tend to focus on teaching and providing students with a strong foundation in a particular field of study, such as liberal arts, business, or engineering. They may offer some graduate programs, but they are often limited in scope.

On the other hand, a university is a larger institution that typically offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees. Universities tend to have a broader range of academic programs, including professional programs in fields such as law, medicine, and business. They also tend to have more research-oriented faculty and a stronger emphasis on research. If you need some help with your studies visit https://plainmath.net/secondary/physics/force-motion-and-energy and see how you can improve your grades.

It's worth noting that these are generalizations, and there can be significant variation between individual colleges and universities. Some colleges may have strong research programs, while some universities may focus more on undergraduate education.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to attend a college or a university depends on your individual needs and goals. If you're looking for a smaller, more focused academic environment, a college may be a better fit for you. If you're interested in a broader range of academic programs and opportunities, or if you're planning to pursue a graduate degree, a university may be a better option.
(edited 1 year ago)
Original post by Jodie_Furlong
The terms "college" and "university" are often used interchangeably, but there are some differences between the two.

Generally speaking, a college is a smaller institution that typically offers undergraduate degrees. Colleges tend to focus on teaching and providing students with a strong foundation in a particular field of study, such as liberal arts, business, or engineering. They may offer some graduate programs, but they are often limited in scope.

On the other hand, a university is a larger institution that typically offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees. Universities tend to have a broader range of academic programs, including professional programs in fields such as law, medicine, and business. They also tend to have more research-oriented faculty and a stronger emphasis on research.

It's worth noting that these are generalizations, and there can be significant variation between individual colleges and universities. Some colleges may have strong research programs, while some universities may focus more on undergraduate education.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to attend a college or a university depends on your individual needs and goals. If you're looking for a smaller, more focused academic environment, a college may be a better fit for you. If you're interested in a broader range of academic programs and opportunities, or if you're planning to pursue a graduate degree, a university may be a better option.


couldn't have summed it up better.

Also, about the exceptions.... well... *laughs in Caltech*. Literally a small university that doesn't offer a wide range of majors :frown:

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