Undergraduate Education In The United Kingdom And Application Requirements

Bachelor’s degree education in the United Kingdom lasts three years, while certain technical programmes take four years. In most universities, the academic year starts in September and October and ends in June. An academic term is 12 months for postgraduate students and 9 months for undergraduate students. More than 100 universities host tens of thousands of students each year from all over the world, from all cultures and languages. To pursue their bachelor’s degree in the United Kingdom, students must complete their high school education satisfactorily and require having a sufficient level of English. Students whose high school graduation average and English level are not eligible to be directly accepted to the first year of undergraduate studies, can participate in a one-year foundation programme. The primary purpose of this programme is to ensure that students coming to the UK from different countries familiarise themselves and adapt to the education system in this country, as well as to complete the student’s academic qualifications. Students with a high-grade point average and a high level of proficiency in English have the opportunity to start their undergraduate education directly without participating in the foundation programme with certain conditions. Every university may not accept the foundation education provided by each institution. For this reason, another issue to be considered when choosing the institution to receive a Foundation education is whether the university to be applied for accepts this foundation education. To apply directly to undergraduate programmes of selected UK universities and to be accepted, you require to have A Level or IB Diploma. In addition to your A Level and IB grades, your English proficiency level should be at least IELTS 6.0. There are also different universities that accept Turkish High School Diploma for direct admission.

Applying For University In The UK

How To Apply For University In The United Kingdom?

If you decide to study at a university in the UK, deciding on the institution you aspire to receive your undergraduate education is the most significant element to consider. You need to identify the most appropriate institution in accordance with the department you wish to apply to in the United Kingdom. As each higher education institution has specific requirements, and it is vital whether you can meet these admission requirements, selecting the appropriate universities is highly significant in this process. After choosing the right university for your education, the first step is to apply to the UCAS system. Briefly about UCAS; UCAS (The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) allows applications for undergraduate study in the United Kingdom to be submitted on a single form. When you apply through UCAS:

• You can submit a maximum of five applications for UCAS.
• UCAS Application System is an online application system
• You can track your applications

All international students applying through UCAS are treated fairly within the framework of UCAS procedures and rules.

Preparing Your UCAS Application

The current application fee is £22.5 for a single application and £27 for up to five applications. You can only submit one UCAS application in an application period.

UCAS Application Dates

If you are from outside the European Economic Area (EEA), you can apply anytime between mid-September and 30 June. If you are applying to Oxbridge or medical, dental or veterinary programmes, you must have applied by 15 October. Although some educational institutions in the UK accept applications until the start of the programme, it is better to send your application early, as there is no guarantee that the applications submitted after January 25 will be considered for September 2023 entry. Thus, some universities close their applications on 15 January.

What Should Be Considered When Applying For A UK University?

It is recommended that all students who are considering university education in the UK should participate in summer school programmes in the United Kingdom, a minimum of 2-3 weeks during the summer holiday periods particularly after they start their high school education, to acquire more information about the education system in the UK, and to comprehend different opportunities provided by the education programmes. The United Kingdom summer school programmes you will attend will provide you with the opportunity to improve your English level and familiarise yourself with British culture. In addition, by studying on university campuses in the UK, you will observe university campus life closely, and find satisfactory answers to your questions regarding accommodation, social activities and city life. If your English level is suitable, you can attend a summer school related to the department you want to study at the campuses of leading universities and experience the courses specific to the departments from university academics. University education in the UK is 3 years in total except for the Departments of Medicine, Dentistry, Architecture, and Nursing. Due to the differences between the education systems in Turkey and the UK, students graduating from high schools in Turkey are subject to a university preparatory education called “International Foundation” before university education. Some universities offer admission without the International Foundation programme for students with a high school grade point average of 85 and above. One of the most important details to know here is that some universities accept students who are academically successful and have sufficient English language skills to the “International Year One” programme. In addition, if you have an international diploma such as IB, Abitur or AP, and your diploma grade is high enough, you can start your education directly from the first year of university without studying International Foundation. International Year One Programme is a programme that allows foreign students with high IELTS scores and GPA to complete their university programme in 3 years without studying International Foundation. Even if this system is not currently applied in all departments and universities, the recognition of this programme is increasing day by day. Accordingly, the application period will be shaped in accordance with your Turkish high school education, your GPA and future academic objectives. The programme you can be accepted to is determined by looking at these criteria.

United Kingdom University Education Undergraduate Degrees

The table shows the classification of graduation degrees. British undergraduate degrees are classified into two, a Bachelor of Art (BA) and a Bachelor of Science (BSc), through these programmes you prepare your combination of courses and complete 15 credit hours in three years. The Honours degree is a 4-year degree that you will choose to specialise in and complete 20 credit hours along with some compulsory courses. Students enrolled in a regular bachelor’s degree must pass all selected courses, therefore, failing a course means that you will not be awarded a degree. On the other hand, an honours degree not only indicates whether you have passed or failed all your courses, but also highlights your level of expertise and performance in your courses throughout your studies, which helps an employer get a clear idea of a student’s ability. For this reason, an honours degree has a greater value and greater recognition in the United Kingdom than an ordinary bachelor’s degree.

UK Undergraduate Unconditional Offer

If you have an unconditional offer, it means that the university or college considers that you are a qualified applicant who will perform well in the educational programme. It also means that you will be accepted unconditionally if you choose them as your definite choice. However, it is important to remember that accepting any offer is a big decision – and the university should be your primary decision!

UK Undergraduate Conditional Offer

The conditions stated on your conditional offer refer to the academic or English language requirements you must fulfil in order for your place to be confirmed. A conditional offer may require you to provide a certain level of:

• English exam scores
• Turkish High School Diploma graduation grade
• Certain courses you need to take in the last year or the last two years of high school education
• Your International Baccalaureate Diploma grade

United Kingdom University Fees

University tuition and fees to study in the UK is around 15,000 -30,000 GBP per year on average. Although the costs seems considerably high when converted to Turkish Lira, you can be sure that you will get more than enough return on your investment. Whether in the UK or in another country, the diploma of the university you graduate from will provide peerless opportunities for your academic and professional career.

Living Costs In The United Kingdom

The budget you prepare for your living in the United Kingdom should include the amounts to be spent for nutrition, accommodation, clothing, social activities in addition to school expenses. The cost of living in the UK varies from region to region. Although the cost of living is higher in big cities such as London, Oxford and Cambridge, this usually depends on the student’s lifestyle. The average monthly cost for a student is estimated to be £400 – £600, excluding tuition and accommodation fees. In London and south-east England this ranges from £700 – £900.

The Importance Of Your English Proficiency In Applying To A UK University

If you are considering studying at a university in the UK, having an excellent comprehension of the English language is a priority. It is highly useful to choose an English-based course with summer schools and improve your language skills while experiencing daily life in England before starting university. In order for the school to accept you without the English requirement, a base score you need to get from the IELTS exam is announced by each school in the department entrance requirement section.

Grade Point Averages Of UK Universities And Their Equivalents In Turkey

As we have already mentioned, the grading and scoring systems of the faculties in the UK correspond to the table in our country.

Important Points To Consider When Deciding On A University In The UK

The most important thing to consider when deciding on a university in the UK is the department you will study and the mission of the university you wish to study in this field. Considering this element, the preference for the location of the university may become a second priority.

Undergraduate Education In The United Kingdom And Application Requirements Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Do To Study At University In The UK?

You should plan for this during high school and follow the steps mentioned in the explanations. If you intend to attend a second university or a master’s degree, you can also contact the university you are interested in or apply to companies that provide overseas education counselling to guide you.

How Much Does It Cost To Study At A University In The UK?

Tuition fees average are around £15,000 – £28,000 per year. You will be provided with an overall budget planning of this in your UCAS application.

Do Universities In The UK Charge Fees?

Yes, although they are public universities, there is a varying range of tuition fees for different programmes.

Can I Attend University In The UK From Turkey?

Yes. If you would like to develop your career and gain experience in studying English abroad, this will be a great opportunity for you in the future.