The United Kingdom Education System is well-known for its quality standards, course duration and world-wide recognition
UK basically has 5 phases in its educational system namely;
- Early year’s education
- Primary education
- Secondary education
- Further education (FE)
- Higher education (HE)
It is mandatory for every Briton to enter the study at the age of 3 till 16 which is said to be compulsory education. Rest of their education depends on their choice. Compulsory education generally includes the 2 stages of Primary and Secondary Education.
But, the administration of the UK education system varies with the zones of England, Scotland and Wales. But, it is not a considerable quantity and the higher education in the UK is all one.
The UK Compulsory Education:
Stage 1:
This is the basic stage of pupils and it generally has children of 5 – 7 years old. Here, children are taught at the very basic level of knowledge that includes English, Mathematics, Physical Training and basic concepts of Social Studies and arts like Music.
Eventually, at the early stages of their studies, the children learn to improve their ability to understand and interpret phonics. For example, the student has to read or recite a 40 word list. At the end, there happens a conventional examination which measures their improvement in English, Science and Mathematics.
Stage 2:
After the previous stage, the student enters stage 2 at the age of 7 and it extends till he/she is 11 years old. It is nothing different and just an extension of stage 1 learning more about the same subjects.
Gradually, a conventional examination occurs at the end of this stage which assesses the student’s abilities in English reading and grammar, Mathematics and Science. It is to note, the subjects of English and Mathematics are assessed by the national assessment but science is assessed independently by the teacher.
Stage 3:
You can find pupils at an age span of 11 – 14 years and this is the 3rd stage of compulsory education. Certainly, this is a very crucial stage of Briton’s education journey. Therefore, the students after a few years have to appear for the test of General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) qualification.
In fact, the UK education system introduces new subjects. Basic knowledge in those new subjects will help the students in their further stages of studies.
The subjects include in stage 3 are;
- English
- Science
- Mathematics
- History & Geography
- Music, Art and Design
- Physical Education
- Physical Education
- Foreign Languages
- Computer Technology
If the student chooses, he/she can take national qualifications and GCSE.
Stage 4:
Here, the fourth stage becomes the final stage of compulsory education. We get students at an age group of 14 – 16. This is the time where students take the national assessment exams and upcoming national qualifications or GCSE.
Besides, students study the core and foundation subjects. The ‘core’ subjects include English, Mathematics and Science. And the ‘foundation’ subjects are Computing, Physical Education and Citizenship.
In addition, the UK education system offers certain subjects like;
- Design & Technology
- Humanities
- Arts
- Modern Foreign Languages
Higher Education in the UK Education System:
Undoubtedly, the UK higher education is renowned and recognized everywhere in the world for its quality and standards. Many educationists and eminent professionals who are recognized world-wide came out of the UK universities.
For your information, certain universities and colleges in the UK are known to be the best education providers in the world. So, this is the reason London, the British Capital is said to be the ‘ capital city of the world’s higher education’.
Note, four universities among the best 10 universities in the world exists in London, the capital city of the UK. Besides, the UK has the highest density of the world wide recognized universities per city.
Now, higher education is generally follows the secondary education in the hierarchy of education in the UK. After that, the Britons have to take the standard examination. In fact, the standard examination determines if the student is eligible for further higher education or not.
Important, the UK education system has got a bit of contrast when compared with other nations. Suppose, in the case of the US, the colleges are known as the higher education providers but this definition doesn’t regard the UK educational system.
In the UK, colleges offers courses to students who seek further education. And, a university is a licence higher education institute where students gain degrees.
The UK Educational System – The Courses:
The UK Education System, according to the preferred educational regulations, has different classifications of course levels.
Postgraduate Courses:
- Doctorate
- Master’s Degree
- Postgraduate Diplomas
- Postgraduate Certificates of Education
- Professional Degrees
Note, to be eligible for the above postgraduate course level, you should possess a first degree (Bachelor degree).
Undergraduate courses:
- Honours and Ordinary Degree
- Qualified Teacher Status
- Enhanced First Degree
- Intercalated Degree
Particularly, Intercalated degrees are for certain first degree students whose on-going studies are interrupted due to work in some other specific fields and spend a year working on their major study subject.
Other undergraduate courses the UK universities offer are:
- Foundation Degrees
- Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ)
- National Vocational Qualification (NVQ)
- Higher National Diploma (HND) (or equivalent)
- NHC (or equivalent)
Most crucial, it should be noticed that in the usual case, 3 years is the course duration of an undergraduate degree. But, Scotland is an exemption as it takes 4 years for the same.
Additionally, there are many universities in the UK offering 4 year undergraduate degrees. Hence, such degrees are ‘sandwich courses’. It provides working opportunities probably in 3rd year.
Did you know? Even fast-track study programs are available through some universities. And, you will gain a Master’s degree too. Fortunately, its cost is less if you compare them to the conventional undergraduate course programs. You should notice, these programs are pretty intense due to a limited time. Usually, the schedule becomes heavy.
According to the UK education system, the syllabi are usually set by the universities which offered the study course. It is not controlled by the government or any educational institution in Britain (except the Teacher Education Programs).
Interestingly, the British Government has recruited an Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted). Eventually, it maintains the education, children’s services and skills. Not just here, many other countries employ certain regulations for their teachers.
Conclusion
Summarizing the blog, all the above reasons made the UNITED KINGDOM Educational System has become one of the best educational systems and a study abroad destination in the world.
It is essential to know the top reasons to study in the UK that international students find it the best place.
Finally, the UK is a historical place offering the best quality higher education through its universities. Each university has its set of unique opportunities for students. Besides, the UK is the best destination for international students. ALL THE BEST!!!
