A guide to

studying and living

in the UK

www.britishcouncil.org
Introduction

The UK has an excellent reputation as an

international study destination with world class
career prospects, state-of-the-art facilities and a
multicultural student community. Studying in the
UK goes beyond the classroom – it's a chance to
discover its unique culture, cities and
countryside.

See historical artefacts like the Rosetta Stone at

the British Museum or enjoy international modern
art at the Tate Modern Gallery. Discover UK's
exciting nightlife packed with comedy shows,
restaurants and pubs. Revel in award winning
theatre productions in Westend, or experience
festivals like Glastonbury, Edinburgh Fringe or
Hay-on-Wye in Wales. Manchester United, Arsenal
The UK is home to some of the most reputed or Chelsea? Watch your favourite football club in
universities in the world and is home to four of action! If you're a literature buff, then where
the world's top ten universities and has the better to celebrate 400 years of Shakespeare
second highest number of Nobel Prize winners in than at his birth place in Stratford-Upon-Avon or
the world - five new winners from the UK, were sit in Wordsworth's room in Lake District where he
announced in 2016 in the fields of Physics, wrote Daffodils. You must also indulge in some
Chemistry and Economics. historical wonder by exploring the UK's ancient
monuments and castles in Edinburgh and
The UK is also proud and welcoming of its Stonehenge. In other words, have the adventure
international student community. More than of a lifetime!
400,000 international students studied in the UK
in 2014-15. There are over 33000 students from This magazine will take you through the entire
South Asian countries of which Indians are the process of applying to study in the UK. We have
second largest international student community curated information on the UK education system,
in the UK. We saw a 6% increase from 2015 in how to choose a course and institution, various
student visas issued to Indian students, which degrees available, profiles on popular subjects,
shows that the UK continues to be a popular visas, scholarships, career choices, alumni stories
choice for students in India and other South Asian and more. I hope this will help make the
countries. application process easier.

Despite the European Union referendum, the I wish you every success with your applications.
British Council remains committed to supporting We look forward to welcoming you to the UK.
the educational excellence that exists across the For more information about studying in the UK
whole sector of the UK. International students visit www.britishcouncil.org.
are an asset to the UK, both to its cities and With best wishes
communities, and the UK needs to remain open
to the world at this time. The British Council will
continue to work with policy-makers and the Richard Everitt
education sector to welcome, prepare and Regional Director, Education Marketing and
celebrate the quality of our international students Consultancy, South Asia
and academics, against an increasingly complex British Council
and competitive global market for talent and
creativity.

www.britishcouncil.org 01
Contents

The UK education system, qualifications and degrees 05

. Further Education courses - an alternative route in Higher Education 08

How to choose a reputable university or college? 10

Adventure of a lifetime - experience life in the UK 12

Subject profile: MBA 18

Subject profile: Engineering 21

Alumni profile: The power of ideas leading to social change 23

Subject profile: Medicine 24

Subject profile: Law and legal studies 25

Subject profile: Art and Design 27

Subject profile: Social Science and Humanities 29

Scholarships: A guide to find funding for your courses in the UK 31

Transnational Education – Study a UK course outside the UK 32

Alumni Speak: How I got a scholarship to study in the UK 33

Working in the UK after your studies: A guide to visas 34

Q&A with Nick Crouch, Regional Director for UK Visas & 35

Immigration for South and Southeast Asia

Budget your UK stay and be money-wise 36

Moving to the UK: The essential student checklist 38

Career Counselor Speak 39

Alumni speak: My UK education opened up so many opportunities 40

Study English in the UK 41

Have a business plan? Look at the Graduate Entrepreneur Visa 43

Alumni Speak: A degree in the UK kick-started my career 44

Useful websites 46

www.britishcouncil.org 03
The UK education system,
qualifications and degrees
UK universities and colleges offer thousands of study. Equivalent to the first year of a full honours
excellent courses, leading to qualifications that degree, they are the most basic level of
are respected by employers and academics qualification that can be gained in higher
worldwide. When you think of UK higher education and show that you are capable of
education qualifications, you might think of studying successfully at university level. You can
bachelors and master's degrees, MBAs and PhDs. use a CertHE to gain confidence to study
But there are many more to choose from. successfully at university level, change careers or
progress your current career, or to achieve a
At undergraduate level the main qualifications foundation degree, DipHE or full honours degree
offered are: through additional study.
Bachelor's or undergraduate degree:
Academic study designed to help you gain a Higher National Diploma (HND): A two-year
thorough understanding of a subject. Full-time, course which, if completed with high grades, can
this normally takes three years to complete (four lead to the third year of a degree.
in some institutions). The degrees have different
names too, such as: Bachelor of Arts (BA), At postgraduate level, the main qualifications
Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Education offered are:
(BEd) and Bachelor of Engineering (BEng). Master's degree: A master's qualification allows
you to further your knowledge in a particular
Degrees are classified as either Ordinary or subject, or to go in a completely different
Honours – this can vary between universities and direction, using the skills you have gained from
colleges. Generally an 'ordinary' or 'unclassified' your undergraduate studies. A master's degree is
degree may be awarded if a student has an academic qualification awarded to individuals
completed a full degree course but hasn't who successfully demonstrate a higher level of
obtained the total required passes sufficient to expertise in a particular field of study. You can
merit a third-class honours degree. In Scotland, study one in almost any subject, but there are
an 'ordinary' degree is usually a three-year full- two main types of master's courses: taught and
time course, whereas an 'honours' degree is research.
usually a four-year full-time course.
Most master's courses lead to an MA (Master of
Foundation degree: The equivalent of the first Arts) or MSc (Master of Science) qualification, but
two years of an honours degree, this may be there are also subject-specific qualifications
studied full or part-time, and consists of including MEng (Master of Engineering), MFA
academic study integrated with relevant work- (Master of Fine Arts), LLM (Master of Laws), MArch
based learning undertaken with an employer. It (Master of Architecture), and more. Courses
may be studied as a standalone qualification or leading to an MPhil (Master of Philosophy)
upon completion, you may progress to the final qualification are research-led and often designed
year of an honours degree. for students to progress to a PhD.

Diploma of Higher Education: Two year, full-time MBA courses: A Master of Business
DipHE courses are normally equivalent to the first Administration (MBA) degree is an internationally
two years of a degree and can often be used for recognised qualification which gives you the skills
entry into the third year of a related degree you need for a successful management career.
course. They can be academic, but are mainly MBA courses cover topics such as business
linked to a particular job or profession such as policy and strategy, operational and strategic
nursing and social work. management, marketing, market research,
finance and accounting, IT, human resource
Certificate of Higher Education: Focuses on management, leadership, entrepreneurship and
either a particular job or profession, or academic international trade.

www.britishcouncil.org 05
PhDs/Doctorate degrees.: A Doctor of prepare themselves for the job market.
Philosophy, or doctorate (PhD/DPhil) is the Taught postgraduate programmes consist of a
highest academic level a student can achieve. series of lectures or seminars, and are assessed
These degrees are very demanding and often through exams or coursework. Research
lead to careers in academia (as a lecturer or postgraduate programmes require more in-depth
researcher). Doctorate courses can be applied independent study, usually over a period of two
for by students who achieve at least a 2:1 result or three years. You then report on your research
at undergraduate level. Although you don't by writing it in the form of a thesis or dissertation.
necessarily need a master's degree, it is common
practice to undertake one before a PhD. Subjects and modules
Most higher education courses have a 'modular'
Postgraduate diplomas and qualifications: For structure. This means that you can build a
those wishing to continue their studies beyond an personalised course by choosing modules or
undergraduate degree, a variety of options are units of study from different subject areas. For
available. Postgraduation certificates and example, if you are studying english literature, for
diplomas allow students to study something new your first year you could choose one module on
or build on the skills and knowledge already science fiction, one module on children's
gained during their first degree. literature, and one module on short stories.

Professional and vocational qualifications: A If you are interested in more than one subject,
professional or vocational qualification is usually you may be able to study a combination as part
taken to improve skills or gain attributes required of your course, e.g. English literature and
in specific jobs. Most awards will involve practical psychology. You can often decide for yourself
training, giving you the opportunity to experience how much time you would like to spend on each
a job first-hand. subject. 'Joint' means the two subjects are
studied equally (50/50), 'major/minor' means the
Conversion courses: A conversion course is a time spent is usually 75/25.
vocational postgraduate qualification usually
taken by graduates who wish to change their For further information:-
subject area after their first degree and better https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org/options/
courses-qualifications

06 www.britishcouncil.org
Further Education courses - an alternative
route in Higher Education
While most of you will be considering applying
directly to study a higher education degree in the
UK, it is worth looking at popular alternative
routes to such degrees. Further education
courses provide a wide range of options, and can
be a common and recognised route of
transitioning to HE degrees.
Some major benefits of a further education
qualification are that they can be used as an
equivalent of an A-level or for pre-sessional
qualifications, allowing you a smooth transition
into HE degrees. They are also very useful to
develop your English language skills, which is
crucial for your academic career in the UK. It
offers a truly UK experience as well as a chance There are a number of shorter undergraduate
to enjoy your independence as you get ready for courses you can do at further education
your adventure in the UK. It combines classroom- institutions:
based learning and independent study with One-year courses are called Certificate of
practical training and is relatively cheaper than Higher Education (CertHE). When you complete
other similar courses available in the UK. the course, you are considered a Level 4 or Level
While some colleges can offer degrees, usually C graduate.
accredited by a partner university, there are
others like the Newcastle College Group which is Two-year courses include Foundation degrees,
allowed to grant their own degrees. the Higher National Diploma (HND), and the
There are many kinds of FE qualifications, and Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE). At the end
you need to find the one best suited for your of these you are considered a Level 5 or Level I
needs: graduate.

The Diploma: Top-up courses Top-up courses give you the

The Diploma is available across all industry option of doing an extra year after you finish your
sectors and is the most popular choice for further education course so you can progress to
students without industry experience who want a full undergraduate (honours) degree.
to gain a professional qualification. A Diploma is Many further education colleges have
an intermediate qualification, equivalent to an A- partnerships with universities so students can do
level, and can provide a route into higher that final year without leaving their college – and
education or employment. still get a certificate from an accredited UK
university. FE students have to leave the UK after
National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) and 2 years and re-apply for the final year visa.
Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs): Students from South Asia cannot work while they
If you have some experience in the workplace, study FE qualifications.
NVQs and SVQs demonstrate that you have the
knowledge and practical ability to carry out your For more information:
job to the required standard. https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org/

Other specialist further education courses

include:
City and Guilds qualifications: This organisation
offers over 500 qualifications at more than 8,500
institutions worldwide and is based in the UK.

08 www.britishcouncil.org
How to choose a reputable university
or college?
UK colleges and universities offer a world-class department and location are important elements
and high quality education giving you the chance to consider before creating your wish list. Refer
to follow your passion for learning and gain to following websites:-
qualifications that are respected by employers • Unistats allows you to search for and
and academics worldwide. When you are compare information on courses across
choosing a course, make sure it is with a the UK. Find out what previous students
reputable university or college that is quality thought about the course you are
assured and has met the strict standards set out interested in, the likely costs, and the kind
by the UK government and education sector. of jobs or further study that students
pursued after graduating. Website:
There are 160 universities and colleges in the UK www.unistats.direct.gov.uk
that have degree-awarding powers for a wide
variety of courses that are recognised by the UK • QAA conducts reviews of all recognised
authorities. These are known as 'recognised and listed UK higher education
bodies'. institutions, evaluating the quality of their
teaching, facilities and academic
There are also over 700 colleges and other education. Website:- www.qaa.ac.uk/en
institutions which do not have degree-awarding
powers but provide complete courses leading to • The Research Assessment Framework
recognised UK degrees. These are known as evaluates UK universities and colleges in
'listed bodies'. Courses at these institutions are terms of the quality of their academic
validated by institutions which have degree- research. Website:- www.ref.ac.uk/
awarding powers. These recognised and listed
universities and colleges must undergo regular • Register of Licensed Sponsors:- This is a
inspections to ensure the standard of their list of institutions licensed to sponsor
teaching, facilities, academic education and migrants under Tier 4 of the points-based
student care is high. system.
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/
Selecting the most suitable university or system/uploads/attachment_data/file/54
college 5195/2016-08-
While the UK government does not have a 11_Tier_4_Register_of_Sponsors.pdf
ranking system for its higher education
institutions, there are a number of independent List of independent rankings:
ranking systems that you may refer to. These can • The Complete University Guide
be useful, but use them only as a reference guide. • The Guardian University League Table
We recommend you consult a range of different • The Times/The Sunday Times
sources to find a university or college that is right • QS World University Rankings
for you. For example, you may want to investigate • Financial Times
how the institution performs in terms of:
• student satisfaction Please note: All these rankings are
• career prospects and industrial independent rankings and student must check
connections methodology and parameters taken into
• student care consideration for conducting these rankings.
• teaching standards
For a comprehensive list of all the courses
Besides these, there are other factors that will available to international students, please visit:
help you identify the most suitable institutions for https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org/
you. The course contents, eligibility criteria,
international student ratio, profile of the

10 www.britishcouncil.org
Adventure of a lifetime - experience Traditional UK specialities and dishes
When you are in the UK, it's a good idea to try
• Private accommodation (where you rent from
a private landlord)

life in the UK some of the local specialities.

• Homestay accommodation (where you stay
• The UK's extensive coastline offers excellent with a UK family or guardian)
seafood. Smoked salmon and mussels are
particularly tasty Visit the UK Council for International Student
Moving away from home on your own to live in a new country can Affairs website (www.ukcisa.org.uk/) for excellent
be both exciting and daunting. Whether you are already familiar • UK cheeses are a great speciality too. Try advice on student accommodation.
with UK culture or it's completely new to you, it's likely there will varieties such as Stilton, Cheddar and The UK has a long history of welcoming
be a period of adjustment. The United Kingdom is a diverse and Shropshire Blue or even Stinking Bishop, international students from around the globe.
officially one of the world's smelliest Along with pastoral care and student welfare
multi-ethnic society, where students of all backgrounds are cheeses! services, many UK schools, colleges and
welcome and immersing oneself in the local communities is universities have an international society to help
encouraged. • For drinks, people here are big tea lovers. international students settle in, make friends and
Most like to add milk after the tea leaves have fun. International societies will offer a
have brewed. For meals, try some of these variety of social and cultural activities throughout
Food and drink Tips about eating in the UK
favourites: Sunday roast, full English the year, as well as non-academic advice.
The rich history and the variety of modern British Vegetarian and vegan food is very popular in the
breakfast, cream teas, and of course, fish
cuisine has not been done justice by its UK. For halal, kosher and other specialty diets, in
and chips. For further reading on living in the UK, please
reputation abroad. However, as an international towns and cities you can find international shops
visit:
student you will not just eat British food, but and restaurants clearly marked specialising in this
enjoy food and drink from around the world – food, imported from around the world. In smaller • And for dessert, don't miss out on trifle, suet • https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org/planning/
perhaps even prepared by your own classmates. towns, specialist stores are rare, but you can pudding, treacle pudding or roly poly. health-safety
Did you know the UK's favourite dish is Indian usually find a wide range of meat, fish and • https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org/living
curry? vegetarian food wherever you go. For cooking, Accommodation
staple foods such as rice, noodles, pasta and There are many different accommodation options
spices are widely available for international students. The most common are:

• Accommodation owned by the college or

university

12 www.britishcouncil.org www.britishcouncil.org 13
Brought to y ou by
Subject profile:
Engineering

UK engineering holds a prominent place in global industry and is

renowned for a commitment to innovation and research. Having a
full-fledged advanced engineering sector in areas such
aerospace, advanced materials, systems and dynamics
engineering means international students will benefit from the
close relationship between the industry and academic sectors.
The range of engineering courses in the UK is consultancies as commercial enterprises. At
very broad, across the different levels of higher education level, engineering students
education and different areas of engineering. At often gain experience in a professional
school and further education level, you could environment as part of the degree course, with
study engineering as a GCSE, AS or A-level. There some employment placements lasting up to a
are also many Foundation Degree courses year for four-year engineering degrees.
designed to give you skills for the workplace, or
you can take a BTEC National Diploma or Many UK engineering degrees are recognised
Certificate foundation qualification. For many with industry accreditation such as the
students, this is the first step towards a Incorporated Engineer (IEng) or Chartered
professional engineering qualification. Engineer (CEng) awarded by the Engineering
Council UK (ECUK).
In higher education, most undergraduate
students choose to specialise in a field such as Six months after graduating, the majority of UK
aerospace engineering, chemical engineering, engineering graduates work in a role related to
electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, their degree, and the proportion of those in
structural engineering, marine or biomedical employment is higher than in other subjects, a
engineering. You will also find courses in music trend that is expected to increase.
technology, sound engineering, metals
technology, motor vehicle technology and Roles include mechanical engineer, design and
industrial design. development engineer, production and process
engineer, technician and civil engineer. There are
Many UK engineering courses have been also many opportunities for electrical and
developed to include interdisciplinary research – electronic engineering graduates, who might go
if you're interested in medical science, for on to work in software development and
example, you might take part in research on programming, web design and development, IT
diagnostics and surgical solutions. business analysis, systems design or architecture.

Undergraduate engineering degree programmes

are typically three-year courses leading to a
Bachelor's degree (BEng or BSc). At postgraduate
level, you can then go on to a Master's degree
(MEng or MSc), or study for a PhD or EngD – this
is an industry-based doctorate, combining high-
level academic research with practical training.

Careers
UK engineering courses have close links to
industry, and many UK universities even run their
own manufacturing groups or engineering

www.britishcouncil.org 21
Alumni Profile: The power of ideas
leading to social change
business leader Dian Gomes, and Ajit Jayaratne, a
former chairman of the Colombo Stock Exchange.
“There are certainly many ideas that can be
imported to the Sri Lankan workplace from the
UK. However, it is important to only select ideas
which suit Sri Lanka,” Arosha says.

Having completed his studies in the UK, Arosha

emphasises that there are many opportunities for
UK graduates. “I feel that UK universities are
Image © Dr. Arosha Gunasekera
highly respected, particularly amongst the
business community in Sri Lanka, and that is an
advantage. You are also exposed to new ideas
Dr Arosha Gunasekera, CEO of Innovest and meet people with different views. With good
Investments (Pvt) Ltd, shares his experience resources and a well-trained lecturing panel, the
of pursuing higher education in the UK and universities I have been to created a useful
the impact it has had on his goal to create experience.”
long lasting social change within Sri Lanka.
Along with his ambition to study in the UK was the
ultimate goal of working towards creating lasting
“I feel that UK universities are highly social impact in Sri Lanka. “I was always
respected, particularly amongst the interested in coming back to Sri Lanka. I never
business community in Sri Lanka, and that wanted to live abroad after completing my
is an advantage.” university education. I felt that my place was
here,” explains Arosha. A believer that Sri Lankans
should contribute to the social and economical
advancement of the country, he urges his peers
Dr Arosha Gunasekera believes studying in the to capitalise on opportunities in Sri Lanka by
UK exposed him to a wealth of knowledge and leveraging on their international exposure.
harnessed his skills, a learning he transferred to
his company Innovest Investments (Pvt) Ltd. For his part, Arosha considers the development
of rural areas and the empowerment of women,
Arosha began his primary education at Royal an integral part of developing the nation. His
College before switching to Stafford International passion for the subject was what led him to focus
School at age 14. He graduated with a bachelors his doctoral thesis on the economic development
degree in management from the University of of Sri Lanka. He says, “Microfinance, working
Warwick. Subsequently, he read for his masters in towards the empowerment of women and
management research from the University of agrarian development, are important aspects that
Oxford. In 2015, he reached the pinnacle of his must be considered for the development of rural
academic career by graduating from the areas. This is a very important aspect of
University of Cambridge with a Ph.D. developing the country.”

Arosha is now a Director and the CEO of Innovest Arosha believes that the exposure he gained
Investments (Pvt) Ltd, a licenced investment through his education will aid him in his goal in
management company that manages portfolios making a social contribution in Sri Lanka.
on behalf of investors who wish to invest in the
stock market and fixed income securities. The
company was founded by him along with

www.britishcouncil.org 23
Subject profile: Subject profile:
Medicine Law and legal studies

The UK has a strong history in medical education, influencing In the UK, law and legal studies cover criminal In the UK, the term 'lawyer' generally includes
and civil justice systems, and is generally solicitors (usually employed by a law firm and
medical approach in many countries around the world. In the UK, focussed on common law. British common law work directly with clients), barristers (called
colleges and universities are supported with excellent clinical and has influenced jurisdictions around the world for 'advocates' in Scotland – usually self-employed,
lab facilities and direct relationships with both industry and over two hundred years, with over 30 countries and work mainly in court or tribunals) and
government, allowing hands-on work experience for many using it as a basis for their legal system and many chartered legal executives (England and Wales
more in hybrid legal systems. Today, common law only).
international students. Due to the learning resources made is the most widely used legal system in the world.
available to medical students, tuition fees are invariably more To work as a barrister in England and Wales,
expensive than other courses. The most popular undergraduate and students must first gain an undergraduate degree
postgraduate degrees are respectively known as – either in law or another subject followed by the
LLBs (Bachelor of Laws) which is a three or four CPE/GDL conversion course – then take the Bar
Careers which permits you to work in medicine in the UK. year degree; and LLMs (Master of Laws) which Professional Training Course (regulated by the
Competition for student places in these Following this, most students go on to three years can be taken in one year full time. UK diplomas in Bar Council), then work for one year as a pupil in
programmes is high, as these qualifications of general practitioner (GP) training, or between Law, LLBs and LLMs are popular in countries and barristers' chambers or another approved
typically provide a long term career prospect. five and eight years of specialist training. regions that use common law systems, including pupillage training organisation.
While UK universities and colleges offer training India and Sri Lanka and while Bangladesh applies
in a wide range of fields, from surgery to nursing, Entry requirements statutory law, it is founded in the common law To work as a solicitor in England and Wales,
dentistry, physiotherapy and veterinary medicine, To join an undergraduate degree, you should system. Many courses also include optional following your undergraduate studies (a law
graduates may find themselves working in have a good academic record and A-levels, modules in civil law, customary law and Sharia degree, a non-law degree followed by the
pharmaceutical companies, private hospitals, International Baccalaureate or equivalent law. CPE/GDL, or a CILEx course), you must train for
government hospitals, charities, or large qualifications in relevant science subjects. To up to two years in a firm of solicitors or other
organisations such as universities, military and study medicine, most universities require you to If you have an undergraduate degree in a subject authorised organisation, and complete a 12-day
other places. have studied chemistry, and some require other than law, you can take a conversion course Professional Skills Course.
biology. to join the legal sector. The Common Professional
Higher education Exam (CPE) and Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) Did you know…
In the UK, you can start studying healthcare and If you are applying for a degree in medicine or give the training required to work as a solicitor or Each year around 18,000 students
medicine courses at undergraduate or dentistry, some institutions require you to take barrister in England and Wales. enrol in more than 1,500 law courses
postgraduate levels. Undergraduate medical the BMAT (BioMedical Admissions Test) or UKCAT in the UK.
courses lead to a Bachelor of Medicine and (UK Clinical Aptitude Test) before submitting your Careers
Surgery qualification (this might be abbreviated university application. You may need to attend an Studying law in the UK can train you to be a The UK ranks second in the world for
as MBBS, MBBS/BSc, MB ChB, MB BCh or BMBS, interview as part of your application. If English solicitor or barrister, but it can also open the collaboration between universities and
depending on the institution). isn't your first language, many courses will also door to other careers – such as company businesses. (Source: BIS)
Medicine degrees usually last five years, but ask for evidence of your English language skills, secretary, patent agent, tax adviser or court
courses vary in length. Students who already such as an IELTS or equivalent qualification. reporter. You could specialise in environmental
have an undergraduate degree in another subject Applications for medicine degrees are submitted law, commercial law, financial, corporate tax or
can join medicine by taking a four-year Graduate using the UCAS website and students can apply intellectual property law. If you studied
Entry Programme (GEP). Others choose to study to four medicine courses. You can, however, criminology, you might work with the police, in
an intercalated degree, which means studying for choose a different fifth subject such as security services, forensics, welfare and social
an extra year and gaining an additional biomedical sciences. You have to submit your policy, or in journalism. Understanding the law is
qualification – this might be a BSc, BMedSci, BA or completed UCAS application by 15th October to also the strength of any expert, director or
MMedSec qualification in a subject related to start studying the following September. politician.
science.
All schools, colleges and universities have
After completing your undergraduate degree, different entry requirements, so make sure you
you can move on to a two-year foundation read the course details thoroughly and ask
programme (this is a general medical training your chosen institution directly if you have any
programme, which combines work experience questions.
with training), and then register with the GMC,

24 www.britishcouncil.org www.britishcouncil.org 25
Subject profile:
Art and Design
The UK has one of the largest and most diverse Why study creative arts and design in the UK?
creative industry sectors in the world, accounting
for 6 per cent of the UK economy and employing
2.3 million people. According to UKTI, the UK is • The UK has 'the largest creative sector in
home to world-renowned businesses in Europe, one of the world's largest music
advertising, fashion, television, film, design and industries and one of its most advanced
architecture. digital TV and radio markets (Source: CBI)

The UK offers a huge range of creative art and • The UK has consistently attracted more
design courses, delivered from world class foreign investments than any other
facilities and faculty. In higher and further location in Europe, with businesses
education, you will find Bachelor's degrees, basing their European operations here
foundation degrees, Higher National Diplomas (Source: UKTI)
and many other courses where you may learn
either academically, vocationally, or both. At the • The UK has the highest number of
postgraduate level, you can study for a Master's computer game publishers in Europe.
(MA) or doctorate (PhD). In addition to academic From Tomb Raider to the Harry Potter
programmes, you can choose more practical or games to Grand Theft Auto, UK-made
applied courses on supporting skills and crafts, games account for £1.34 billion in sales
such as business, entrepreneurship, set design, (Source: UKTI)
media technology or arts management.
Whichever level you are studying in the UK, art • The UK is a global player in advertising
students will have opportunities to contribute to and innovations in digital marketing – the
galleries, displays, performances and shows. UK accounts for over a quarter of all
Applicants are usually assessed on the basis of online advertising spend in Europe
their portfolio (a collection of your work) or in (Source: IAB)
performance arts, you may be assessed through
audition.
• The UK's fashion industry is globally
influential. Big names include Ozwald
Careers Boateng, Julien Macdonald, Stella
With an art or design qualification, there are McCartney, Paul Smith and Vivienne
many careers you could enter. For example, you Westwood. London Fashion Week is one
might go on to work in marketing, gallery of the 'big four' international fashion
curation, animation, theatre, TV or film shows – and Graduate Fashion Week is a
production, or even teaching. Most UK art showcase for new designers.
graduates are in jobs related to art, design,
culture and sport – the most common roles are
graphic designer, fashion designer and artist –
but the possibilities are very broad, as
organisations seek creative thinking and
innovative solutions. Many graduates go on to
start their own business or work on a freelance
basis.

www.britishcouncil.org 27
Subject profile:
Social sciences and humanities
Social sciences and humanities encompass a very broad range of
disciplines, but all focus on the study of human behaviour,
communication, history or thinking. These disciplines are well
suited to combine two or more subjects for degrees, allowing you
to specialise your studies closer to your chosen career.
Social studies the world and supported with significant
Social studies focus on human society and social investment from public funding.
relationships. Subjects include politics,
anthropology, economics, international relations, Did you know…?
sociology, social work and human geography. • UK universities top global rankings in the arts
and humanities (Source: QS World University
Humanities Rankings), and four UK universities are in the
The humanities include a broad range of subjects top six overall.
to do with the study of human culture – for
example, archaeology, religious studies • The UK government supports the arts and
(theology), history, philosophy and literature. humanities through the Arts and Humanities
Students will be asked to apply academic theory, Research Council, which each year offers
critical analysis and emulation to gain about 700 new research awards and 1,500
understanding of these subjects. postgraduate awards worth more than £60
million.
Cultural studies and languages
You can study almost any combination of modern • In communications and media, the UK has 'the
languages and cultures in the UK. There are largest creative sector in Europe… and one of
interdisciplinary courses that focus on particular its most advanced digital TV and radio
geographic regions, such as British Studies, markets' (Source: CBI). Broadcasters such as
European Studies, African Studies, East Asian the BBC and the UK's newspaper, magazine
Studies and Latin American Studies. These are and book publishers are globally renowned.
often combined with languages, as well as
subjects such as business, history, social studies • The UK is a world leader in digital research
and communications. collections and archives, and students can
access these huge online archives for free.
Communications and media Over 100 collections cover centuries of social
Many students choose to study communications development.
or media alongside social studies. Subjects
include media, marketing, advertising, PR (public • History and archaeology students also benefit
relations), publicity, publishing and journalism – from the UK's rich history and unique sites
which can focus on broadcast, radio, newspaper such as Hadrian's Wall in Cumbria and the
or magazine (or periodical) journalism. Roman amphitheatre in Chester. Despite its
small size, the UK has 28 UNESCO World
History and classics Heritage Sites.
Whether you're interested in ancient or modern
history, you'll find the right course in the UK. You • National institutions such as the British
can study history at school, college or university. Library, the British Academy, the British
Museum and the Museum of London (which
Why study social sciences and humanities in houses the largest archaeological archive in
the UK? the world) are dedicated to the study and
The UK has a strong heritage in the social preservation of art, society and culture, and
sciences and humanities both in education and offer extensive resources for students.
research – with some of the oldest universities in

www.britishcouncil.org 29
Scholarships: A guide to find
funding for your courses in the UK
Scholarships are provided for the financial Commonwealth Shared Scholarships
assistance of some international students who Commonwealth Scholarships for Master's and
wish to study in the UK. Scholarships are PhD study in the UK are offered for citizens of
generally limited in number and are offered to a developing Commonwealth countries, including
specific segment or for a specific field of study. India. These scholarships are funded by the UK
They differ from other forms of financial
assistance in that the criterion often includes a Department for International Development
level of academic achievement. As such they are (DFID), with the aim of contributing to the UK's
always highly competitive and are aimed largely international development aims and wider
at postgraduate level students. For overseas interests, supporting excellence in UK
undergraduate studies, scholarships, bursaries higher education, and sustaining the principles of
and partial fee waivers are much rarer. the Commonwealth. Further information:
It is important to note the following. The http://cscuk.dfid.gov.uk/apply/shared-
application process, amount of scholarship and scholarships/info-candidates/
criteria will differ for each scholarship.
Scholarships are rarely offered to cover all costs Scholarships offered by External Agencies
such as tuition fees, daily living, transportation Euraxess UK
and accommodation expenses. Often Euraxess UK is a British Council hub, which aids
scholarships are awarded on condition of or after researchers in their career development,
a successful application at a UK university. supporting mobility and acting as a support
Scholarships in the UK are funded by: mechanism for researchers moving abroad or
moving to the UK. Further information:
• UK government www.britishcouncil.org/new/euraxess/

• External agencies Hornby Educational Trust Scholarships:

Scholarships for English language teachers to
• Universities/higher education institutions develop their English language skills.

There are a number of scholarship schemes run Further information:

by governments, charities and other https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org/options/
organisations. Here are a few global schemes you scholarships-financial-support
may want to have a look at:
Scholarships offered by various UK
Chevening UK government scholarships institutions:
Chevening is the UK government's international Apart from above mentioned scholarships, most
awards scheme aimed at developing global of UK institutions offer scholarships, bursaries to
leaders. Funded by the Foreign and international student. Scholarships offered are
Commonwealth Office (FCO) and partner either partial or full scholarships and at
organisations, Chevening offers two types of undergraduate, postgraduate and PHD level. For
awards – Chevening Scholarships and Chevening further information you may check website of
Fellowships – the recipients of which are individual institution.
personally selected by British Embassies and
High Commissions throughout the world. Further
information: www.chevening.org/

www.britishcouncil.org 31
Transnational Education – Study a UK Alumni Speak: How I got a scholarship
course outside the UK to study in the UK
What is Transnational Education? local partner for providing learning resources Culture shock
Transnational education (TNE) is the delivery of such as libraries, classrooms, meeting facilities, I was lucky enough to attend Chittagong
education courses or services in which learners student welfare and in some cases, the teaching Grammar School where I followed an international
are located in a different country from the delivery. Local partners will also feed into the curriculum. I was taught by teachers from
awarding institution. This can range from delivery programme ensuring its relevance to the South overseas and met lots of international students
of a one-off academic course to a full UK Asia region. who visited our school on a cultural exchange, so
university campus abroad. when I came to the UK it did not feel like I had
Because of these benefits, last year Bangladesh, landed on a completely different planet. I have to
Transnational education can provide India and Sri Lanka were hosts to over 37,700 UK admit though that I have never walked so much in
internationally recognised awards and prestige of TNE students, easily doubling the figure of my life, the UK has very pleasant weather, the air
international institutions, while offering the 15,600 just five years ago. We expect these is clean, the city is safe and there is much less
convenience of studying within your home numbers to continue to grow in the future as traffic than in Bangladesh. The university is
country. demand from both students and employers located just a few minutes away from the high
increases. street, so I did not need to use a bus or train and
Why choose UK TNE? could get everywhere I wanted simply by walking
The UK is a global leader in the provision of TNE, - a big change for me as I always used my car
with the growth rate and total number of UK TNE Currently, there are over half a million people when back home, even for the shortest trips.
students recruited exceeding that of international taking UK professional exams abroad.
students going to the UK to study. Currently, Scholarship opportunities to study overseas
there are over 600,000 international students When I started researching funding opportunities
registered in UK TNE courses around the world. Offshore education, non-local courses, cross- in 2012, I unsuccessfully applied for many
border education and distance learning are scholarships. I quickly realised that if you want to
Students can be assured of receiving the same terms that have been used to describe get a good scholarship you need to stand out
quality of education as that delivered in the UK, transnational education. from the crowd and take time preparing your
which is maintained through many layers of application. It is not something that can be done
quality assurance by the UK institution, their local overnight. So I got really serious about adding
partner and related regulatory bodies. This extra-curricular activities to my CV. The first step
means the certificate of your award will be of the towards achieving my goal was to get a new job
same value and recognition as that issued in the which would give me international exposure, so I
UK. started working at the British Council as an Exam
Services Officer. In addition to this I started
UK TNE is often an affordable alternative to teaching English at a public school to
studying abroad. Many students can live with underprivileged children. I also attended many
their families, saving on living cost. The flexibility workshops on subjects such as development for
of the courses means they are very likely to third world countries or management.
remain in employment, upholding their financial
commitments at home. Also staying in your home After building this experience I finally felt ready to
country students can avoid the process of visa apply for scholarships again. I submitted
application and travel costs. applications to seven UK Universities and in the
end received a Westminster Scholarship from the
You will find that transnational education offers Image © Tasmina Chowdhury University of Chester to study MSc Management
additional choices for a student both in terms of with International Business.
modes of learning and subjects available. Many Tasmina Chowdhury,
TNE programmes are designed with the working from Chittagong in Bangladesh, had a
professional in mind, and many courses are Westminster Scholarship to study MSc
offered part-time, in the evening and weekends. Management with International Business at the
They often have flexible and hybrid or blended University of Chester.
learning are invariably supported by a strong

32 www.britishcouncil.org www.britishcouncil.org 33
Working in the UK after your studies: Q&A with Nick Crouch, Regional Director for UK
Visas & Immigration for South and Southeast Asia
A guide to visas

There are lots of options available to international fields of science and medicine give leave for up deal with all of our student visa applications. They
students who want to stay and work in the UK to two years. check that the correct qualifications and financial
after their studies. Below are the three most documents are included in the application and
common visa routes available to international The following visa is suitable for graduates then assess the applications accordingly.
students: Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 5. Depending on who want to start up their own business in the We also do a lot of outreach work with students,
the type of employment you want to pursue, how UK: agents and universities across the region. We
long you want to stay and your current visa attend British Council agent and student events
status, you may be eligible to apply for one of • Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) visa: To be to meet applicants and agents face-to-face and
these three work visas. You can apply online at eligible, you need to be endorsed by a UK answer questions. This summer we've run a
www.gov.uk/apply-uk-visa higher education institution (HEI) social media campaign (#dontbelateforclass)
participating in this scheme or by UK Trade across our High Commission and Embassy
The following two visas are suitable for and Investment. The HEI does not necessarily Facebook pages, to provide students with
graduates who want to work in the UK: need to be the institution where you information and advice on applying for a UK visa.
• Tier 2 (General) visa: Open to recent previously studied. On this scheme, you can We continue to improve the service we offer
graduates with a Bachelor's or Master's stay in the UK for one year with the option to students to make it quicker and easier to apply.
degree, PGCE or PGDE, or at least 12 months extend for a further 12 months if an This year we extended our 3 to 5 day Priority
study towards a PhD, from a UK educational authorised institution is willing to endorse Visa Scheme to student applicants – so, for a fee
institution. You can apply for a Tier 2 visa if you. (£125), they can get their application processed
you have an offer of a graduate level job, more quickly.
paying at least £20,800 per annum from an Doctoral students
employer that is a licensed sponsor. There is Under the Doctorate Extension Scheme doctoral A lot of students are quite daunted by
no limit to the number of students who can students (e.g. PhD students) who have completed applying for a student visa, why is the process
gain a Tier 2 visa, and no requirement for their UK studies can now stay in the UK to search so complicated?
your sponsor to carry out a Resident Labour for skilled employment or establish their own
Market Test, provided you find a job which Image © Nick Crouch It's not complicated. The vast majority of students
business for up to 12 months after they have
meets these requirements within four months across South Asia who apply for their visa are
completed their doctorate. Applications for this
of finishing your course and switch visas What advice can you give to students applying successful – the issue rate in India, for example, is
scheme need to be made before the expected
whilst still in the UK. You can stay in the UK for their UK visa? 90%.
completion date of the doctorate, and cannot be
for up to six years, with the possibility to made after a doctorate is completed. The two most important things are to apply for
apply for settlement if you meet certain your visa as early as possible and to make sure Of course, we have rules and measures in place
criteria. Some Important Links you read and understand the guidance, which is to ensure that anyone applying for a student visa
online at www.gov.uk/ukvi. is going to an educational institution on our
• Tier 5 (Temporary Worker) Visa: If you Further information: It's a good idea to start preparing your visa sponsor list, has the correct qualifications to do
secure an internship or a period of https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org/planning/visas application ahead of receiving your Confirmation the course, and can afford to support themselves
professional training on a Government https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org/your-future- of Acceptance for studies (CAS). Make sure you whilst living in the UK. In the past we had a lot of
Authorised Exchange scheme, relating to career/after-your-studies/post-study-visas have all the supporting documents in the right abuse of the student route with bogus colleges
your course, you can switch to a Tier 5 visa format (translated into English and original set up and people coming over pretending to
and stay in the UK for a further 12 months copies) and that you can prove that you can study but actually coming to the UK to work.
List of licensed sponsors: -
before pursuing a career overseas. afford to study in the UK by providing clear Our system quickly responded to this and as a
www.gov.uk/government/publications/register-of-
licensed-sponsors-workers evidence of funds. Funds can be held in a bank result we are seeing much higher quality
If you return home, you can also reapply for a account in your or your parent's name or you can applicants. The majority of students from South
Tier 5 visa, if you secure a work placement or provide a scholarship offer or proof of a loan or Asia now go to study at a university rather than a
Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) authorised
internship. There are a number of different fixed deposit in the correct format. further education college and most apply for and
endorsing bodies – April 2016:-
routes via the Tier 5 visa including youth obtain visas without any difficulties. If you follow
www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/upload
charitable work and internships. For most the guidance and provide the correct documents,
s/attachment_data/file/517747/HEI_List_for_Apri How does the UKVI team in South Asia
internship schemes the time permitted on the
l_2016.pdf support students applying for their visa? the process really is straightforward.
visa is up to 12 months, but other schemes
We have a team of Entry Clearance Officers who
covering research, fellowships and training in the

34 www.britishcouncil.org www.britishcouncil.org 35
Budget your UK stay and be
money-wise
It is important to plan a budget before your first When you're going out for the day or evening,
semester in a new country – there will be many bring only the amount of cash you want to spend.
one-off expenses, social events, activities and
societies to join, and things you'll want to buy for If you can, pay for things in cash. Studies have
your new home. Many people will tell you to shown people are likely to spend less if they pay
watch out and avoid splurging (spending too using cash rather than credit or debit cards.
much) at the beginning of term. The important
thing is to be sensible and make savings where Important websites
you can. Student Calculator: -The international student
calculator will help you work out how to manage
Second-hand shopping is common for students your money and build a budget for living and
and student discount schemes can be easily studying in the UK. Link
found for public transport, restaurants, storage, www.international.studentcalculator.org/
freight forwarding, haircuts and entertainment.
Second-hand shopping: - For larger purchases
Some general tips like a bicycle, kitchenware or furniture, you can
Weigh up how much money you have versus what save a lot of money by buying from charity shops
you need to buy. Make a list and decide which or vintage markets.
items you need straight away – and which are not https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org/planning/
essential. You can buy these items later in the money-costs
year if you still need them.
Decide on a weekly limit for overall expenses,
especially on spending like entertainment, eating
out and takeaway food. Put money aside for bills
you know will be coming up during the term (rent,
electricity, heating, gas, etc.)

Seek out the best deals! If your college or

university has a students' union building, hang
out there and read the noticeboard and flyers.
Students often advertise things they want to sell
(like course textbooks) there.

Email newsletters and Facebook groups are great

ways of finding out what the latest offers are –
many organisations write free newsletters about
student deals, healthy and cheap cooking, fun
student events and more. Similarly, remember to
sell your unwanted items.

Always allow a little bit of a safety net in your

budget in case things end up costing more than
you expected.

36 www.britishcouncil.org
Moving to the UK: The essential Career Counselor
student checklist Speak
How easy is it to get a job in the UK? • Reach out to alumni working in the
It is possible to work in the UK after your course organisations or sectors which most
is over, provided you are fulfilling the criteria set interest you
out by the visa regulation authorities, such as
achieving the minimum salary amount and • Join relevant industry clubs and
Take travel applying for the appropriate visas. You can find professional bodies
Register for insurance out more about work visa regulations for the UK
Apply for Orientation
Scholarships or health and how they affect international student hiring Employers are much more likely to recruit
Programme insurance on the UK Government website – http://ukvi.org/ graduates who have interned with them
Apply for
accommodation Here you will be able to the see the Register of previously, so take advantage of any out-of-term
Sponsors and identify which employers hold a time internship opportunities your university
Apply for
licence to recruit international students. offers.
visa
The students who succeed in getting jobs in the Should I get some work experience whilst I
UK work just as hard on their job search strategy study?
The packing checklist: Keep the following in your hand as they do on their degree. Here are some ideas Yes! Students enrolled in a higher education
as to how to manage your job search: institution can work for up to 20 hours a week.
• Clothing and shoes for all seasons, luggage:
including coat, comfortable shoes for Find a part-time job, vacation placement or
All your important documents
walking around, and an umbrella • Visit your careers service, most UK internship or even volunteer. This will help you
Enough money (in pounds sterling or travellers universities will have one with specialist develop skills to add to your CV. All employers
cheques) for your first couple of weeks careers advisors
• Plug adaptors for electrical items (UK value the range of transferable skills and
Any valuable items – but make sure you don't
plug sockets take three rectangular pins) commercial awareness which you can gain
exceed your airline's hand luggage allowance.
• Attend careers fairs, employer events, through work experience in addition to your
networking sessions and open evenings. academic qualifications. They want you to
• Favourite photos of friends and family,
Whilst there, seek out and actively develop soft skills such as leadership, team work,
posters and pictures – some items to Further information: engage with the employers you most communication, interpersonal skills and more
make you feel at home in your new room https://study uk.britishcouncil.org/ want to meet which can be done in the workplace.
planning/money-costs
• Books and schoolwork that may be useful www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa • Prepare thoroughly for the fairs –research
for your new course
and select the employers you want to Contributed by By: Ellen O'Brien, International
work for and rehearse the questions you Careers Consultant
• Important documents (bring the originals,
List of licensed sponsors: - would like to ask Careers Network,
and scan or photocopy all important
www.gov.uk/government/publications/register-of- University of Birmingham, UK
documents too, just in case):
licensed-sponsors-workers • Actively develop your network, keep
notes of who you meet and maintain
o Plane tickets, passport, visa, birth
Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) authorised these relationships
certificate and driving licence if
endorsing bodies – April 2016:-
you have one
www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/upload • Visit your careers service to help improve
s/attachment_data/file/517747/HEI_List_for_Apri your CV, application skills and interview
o All correspondence from your
l_2016.pdf technique
institution, including your offer
letter and accommodation letter
• Attend skills development workshops
either in your faculty or as part of the
o Evidence of funding for your
central careers programmes
tuition fees and living costs
• Attend alumni events on campus
o Health certificates, vaccination
records and any important x-rays
and any insurance documents

38 www.britishcouncil.org www.britishcouncil.org 39
Alumni speak: My UK education opened Study English
up so many opportunities in the UK
Students tend to spend a lot of time searching Learning a language is a skill that can help you England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales,
through detailed information about their course, attain both personal and professional ambitions, accessing distinct local cultures of each region.
but often settle on a university that just seems to and the prominence of English is evident in many Courses are available for all ages and all abilities,
feel right for them. Getting to grips with a fields: with some programmes developed to include
university in a foreign country can be difficult at learning beside other subjects or within specific
first, and I was no different. I relied upon the • Business: English is considered the global fields within say science or business.
support of the university's International Office business language.
and attended all the social events giving me a Visas
chance to meet other students in the same • Academia: English is the language most While two-thirds of international English language
situation as me; becoming a member of the commonly used by academics worldwide. students came to the UK last year under the Tier
Indian Society helped me meet other students Proficiency in English is often a requirement 4 (General) student visa, it is important to note
from India. Arriving in the UK was a bit of a to study at universities around the world. the short term visas that are highly suited to
culture shock at first but once I found the balance studying English in the UK:
between my academic and social activities, my • Science and technology: Over 90% of the
daily student life became far more engaging. scientific journals are written in English. • Short-term study visa (6 months)
English is most often the language of Applies to students aged over 18 years
MSc Mechanical Engineering is taught very software and programming; and the planning to study for a maximum of 6
differently in the UK compared to India. The majority of websites are written in English. months (including English language courses)
timetable is very flexible allowing the students to
pace their work to suit them. At the University of • World organisations: International • Short-term study visa (11 months)
Portsmouth I was able to build a close Monetary Fund, Olympics, Organisation for Applicants aged 18 years and over who
relationship with my academics. They were the Economic Co-operation and Development, come to the UK for a maximum of 11 months
best part of my course; being both United Nations, World Bank, World Trade to study English language only
knowledgeable and approachable. The faculty Organisation, World Health Organisation and
also goes out of their way to help everyone, many more global organisations have
Image © Vignesh Krishan • Tier 4 (child) visa
particularly those who show initiative, to make English as an official language.
the most of their time at the university. With an Students aged between 4 and 17 years old
Vignesh Krishan
open door policy, I was able to gain support who wish to study at an independent school
The University of Portsmouth Of course, learning any language can be fun,
MSc Mechanical Engineering – Graduated 2015 throughout the year enabling me to graduate giving you access to other countries and
with distinction. As indicated by the average duration of stay for
cultures. With English you are joining an
English language students is under 6 weeks
A former University of Portsmouth student, estimated 1 billion English speakers and learners
Having now graduated, I would advise any (Source: Student statistics report 2016,
Vignesh Krishan, originally from Chennai, has today. Don't be surprised to find English the
prospective or future students to "find the right EnglishUK), short term routes are very popular.
successfully found himself a graduate job common language used between travellers
working at Tata Steel UK Ltd as a Manufacturing balance between studies and enjoying the good meeting from different countries.
life". That balance means that you can be in the Visa rules often change, always check the latest
Graduate. Vignesh took some time to reflect on
right frame of mind for your studies, allowing you student visa information from the UKVI website:
his experience at the university and as a Studying English in the UK
graduate working in the UK. to focus and achieve. I accessed a graduate www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/student-
scheme in the UK, using the university's Last year saw approximately 1.4 million students visas
recruitment consultancy, Purple Door, which travelling abroad to the top eight major
I studied MSc Mechanical Engineering at destinations to learn English. Of course, the UK
Portsmouth, choosing to start in January 2014. helped me prepare for job applications and for English language testing
interviews. Since starting with Tata Steel I have being the home of English, it was by far the most
The course appealed to me because of its well- While learning English you may wish to be
travelled all over the UK and parts of Europe for popular destination (Source: StudentMarketing,
balanced structure between practical and assessed and be awarded with certificates to
work and have been using my free time to watch 2015) with over 530,000 international English
academic learning and I felt Portsmouth gave off highlight your level of achievement. Employers,
as much English League football as possible. So language students coming to the UK last year
a good vibe, located on the south coast offering (Source: Student statistics report 2016, English
a warmer climate and a really broad mix of many personal and professional opportunities
have opened up for me since studying and UK)
students coming from around the world. I
followed my "gut feeling" and certainly wasn't graduating with University of Portsmouth that I
really recommend studying in the UK. Students can choose from studying at over 465
disappointed. state and private language centres throughout

40 www.britishcouncil.org www.britishcouncil.org 41
education institutions and even the UK Visa and
Immigration often require a level of English
language tests, but it is important to read the
latest requirements from the universities, Have a business plan?
language proficiency. This can be proven by employers and immigration agencies you are
successfully taking one of a number of
recognised English language tests.
interested in. Look at the Graduate Entrepreneur Visa
For the UK's officially approved test centres visit.
IELTS, Pearsons, TOEFL, Cambridge English If you are a recent UK graduate or post-doctoral Education qualification:
provide some of the more well recognised English www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/upload researcher with a Tier 2 visa and you have a You need a UK-recognised bachelor's degree,
s/attachment_data/file/541659/Approved_Secur genuine and credible business idea, you can master's degree or PhD awarded before your
e_English_Language_Tests_and_Test_Centres.pdf apply to stay for one year on a Tier 1 Graduate date of endorsement.
Entrepreneur visa.
Funds:
From 6 April 2015, it is possible to apply for a Tier You will need evidence of £945 in savings if
1 Graduate Entrepreneur visa if the main purpose applying from inside the UK, or £1,890 if applying
of your business is to engage in property from outside the UK. You must have had this in
development or property management. your bank account for 90 days before you apply.
This 90-day period must end within 31 days of
What do I need to apply? your application date.

Sponsorship - There are two ways of getting Proof of English language level:
endorsement: You may need to pass an approved English
language test with at least CEFR level B1 in
From an authorised UK college or university (this reading, writing, speaking and listening, OR have
does not have to be one where you have already an academic qualification that was taught in
studied) issued in the last three months. English and is recognised by UK NARIC as being
equivalent to a UK bachelor's degree.
Take part in the Sirius Programme, which
supports final-year students and recent Documentation:
graduates with advice on funding and Check the Gov.uk website to see what other
immigration. documents you need for a complete application.

42 www.britishcouncil.org www.britishcouncil.org 43
Alumni Speak: A degree in the UK
kick-started my career
perfect balance of studies, industry exposure,
and student life. The international community of
teachers and students provided me with the
opportunity to build lasting relationships and
create a global network. The whole experience
has allowed me the privilege of developing myself
as a professional, confident and well-equipped
individual, ready to dive into the professional
world .

Soon after my graduation in 2015, I returned to

Bangladesh. While being on the lookout for job
opportunities, I saw an advertisement for the
British Council's Career Summit. I took special
Image © Saif Nazrul
note of this since my O and A Levels were
accredited by them, and I had been a member of
the British Council library during my primary and
Saif Nazrul studied Business and secondary school years. I attended several
Management at the University of Hull. Here undergraduate education exhibitions hosted at
he describes how he secured his dream job British Council with representatives from a range
of British universities. So I saw the summit as a
at Maxwell Stamp, a management
great opportunity that would enhance my
consultancy firm, through visiting a British
professional network, and perhaps even lead to a
Council Career Summit in Bangladesh. fitting job.

“
Maxwell Stamp - a management consultancy firm
I graduated in 2015 with first class
headquartered in London – had a stall that
honors in Business and Management
immediately sparked my interest and I ended up
from the University of Hull, studying at
“
the university's campus in Scarborough -
a quaint seaside town in North-East
talking to their representatives. Soon after the
event, they called me back for a meeting, and
England. after a rigorous selection process I began to
work for them.

In 2012, I was awarded the Hull University I have worked for Maxwell Stamp for a few
International Undergraduate Scholarship, which months now, and I am thoroughly enjoying my
was then renewed twice due to continued merit. work here.
This meant that I effectively received a full tuition
fee waiver while completing my three year
undergraduate degree. I also took part in a
summer school program at the Copenhagen
Business School (CBS) with the assistance of a
grant arranged by the Hull University Business
School taking part in the summer programme's
weekend trip abroad in Germany, which was a
thrilling experience for me.

I found the people I had met over the last few

years to be very friendly, and the university
offered an unrivalled student experience with the

44 www.britishcouncil.org
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Research Assessment Exercise (RAE)

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discipline of research by UK Institutions Teaching
An online guide for students interested in Quality Assessment
studying in UK featuring articles on UK courses,
qualifications, scholarships and visas, as well as Review, Comparisons by Subject
information on student life in the UK. www.unistats.com
Access to up-to-date information about the
Student Visas quality of higher education in UK institutions
www.gov.uk/browsw/visas-immigration/student- Ranking by.
visas
Information about UK visa procedures, guidance Universities and college Admissions
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Register of licensed sponsors Information about UCAS and the application
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