What to expect from the UK education system as an international student
Moving to the UK for university is an exciting journey, but adjusting to a new education system can feel overwhelming at first. I have listed useful advice for you to get prepared for your amazing journey at City St George’s.
Duration
An undergraduate course in the UK usually takes 3 years to complete. However, many universities, including City St George’s, do offer 4-year undergraduate courses, known as ‘sandwich year’. You could choose either a study aboard option or a professional placement which will take place in the third year. A master's degree usually takes 1 year of full-time studying (or 2 years part-time).
Grading System
The grading system in the UK is completely different from other countries. You may be used to getting marks of 90%-100%, but this is very unlikely to happen at UK universities.
UK degree classifications are as follows:
- First-Class Honours (First) (70% and above)
- Upper Second-Class Honours (2:1) (60-70%)
- Lower Second-Class Honours (2:2) (50-60%)
- Third-Class Honours (Third) (40-50%)
Independent Learning
UK universities emphasize independent study, and you’ll have fewer contact hours at school than you might be used to. Students will spend a considerable amount of time outside the classroom reading and researching on their own. Alongside lectures, you’ll attend seminars and tutorials, which are smaller classes that encourage students to share their opinions and discuss within the classroom.
Citation & References
Additionally, citing and referencing correctly is crucial when doing research in order to acknowledge other people’s work. You always need to cite your sources to avoid plagiarism. At City, we mostly used Harvard reference style. You can find help in Cite them right online.
Adapting to a new educational system takes time, but don’t forget lecturers and seminar leaders are always there if you need help and guidance.
Duration
An undergraduate course in the UK usually takes 3 years to complete. However, many universities, including City St George’s, do offer 4-year undergraduate courses, known as ‘sandwich year’. You could choose either a study aboard option or a professional placement which will take place in the third year. A master's degree usually takes 1 year of full-time studying (or 2 years part-time).
Grading System
The grading system in the UK is completely different from other countries. You may be used to getting marks of 90%-100%, but this is very unlikely to happen at UK universities.
UK degree classifications are as follows:
- First-Class Honours (First) (70% and above)
- Upper Second-Class Honours (2:1) (60-70%)
- Lower Second-Class Honours (2:2) (50-60%)
- Third-Class Honours (Third) (40-50%)
Independent Learning
UK universities emphasize independent study, and you’ll have fewer contact hours at school than you might be used to. Students will spend a considerable amount of time outside the classroom reading and researching on their own. Alongside lectures, you’ll attend seminars and tutorials, which are smaller classes that encourage students to share their opinions and discuss within the classroom.
Citation & References
Additionally, citing and referencing correctly is crucial when doing research in order to acknowledge other people’s work. You always need to cite your sources to avoid plagiarism. At City, we mostly used Harvard reference style. You can find help in Cite them right online.
Adapting to a new educational system takes time, but don’t forget lecturers and seminar leaders are always there if you need help and guidance.
(edited 2 months ago)
Also other stuff:
Don’t be surprised if your lecturer tells you to call them by their first name.
The title Professor isn’t used for every lecturer (teacher).
The attitude towards drinking alcohol might be different to what you’re used to.
Don’t be surprised if your lecturer tells you to call them by their first name.
The title Professor isn’t used for every lecturer (teacher).
The attitude towards drinking alcohol might be different to what you’re used to.
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