There quite a few types of degree in the UK (Bachelors Degrees, Foundation Degrees, Masters Degrees and Doctorates), which are all universally recognised qualifications.
You can do either a 3-year degree leading to a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BSc) or a four-year sandwich course which includes a year in industry or a year abroad. If you study in Scotland, you will do an MA (Master of Arts) or MSc (Master of Science) degree over four years.
What are the main differences between American and British degrees?
UK degrees are more focused and professionally oriented than the US liberal arts education, which requires each student to learn a broader curriculum. For students who have a clear idea of what they want to study, a British degree is ideal as you are allowed to specialize in your subject area from the start.
UK undergraduate degrees are typically 3 years in length (4 in Scotland).
The UK style of education is particularly suitable for students who want to immerse themselves in a specific subject or combination of subjects straight out of high school e.g. Art and Design, Law, Business, Medicine (or Medical Related subjects) Psychology, Politics and Education are particularly suitable.
British Degrees leave the learning much more up to you, with the emphasis on lectures backed up by
tutorials rather than a more interactive learning environment.
Undergraduates are expected to read widely around their subject and to motivate themselves outside of
lectures.
There is a high degree of flexibility and choice with UK degrees. You can pursue your interests and
ambitions in fields as diverse as sound-engineering to marine biology.
How are British degrees taught?
Lectures: formal presentations to large groups of students, who take notes on what is said in the Seminars: smaller groups of eight to sixteen students who discuss assigned topics with a tutor
Tutorials: less structured meetings in which one to three students discuss their work with a tutor. The close contact between student and tutor in seminars and tutorials is a particular strength of UK degree courses.
Continuous assessment: Depending on your degree course you will be expected to produce course-work, projects, seminar participation, ongoing exams, etc. Plus, usually, a final dissertation and final exams.
What degree type do I choose?
There are 2 types of British degree which you can apply for:
Single honors programs involve focused study of a single subject. The core of each program is already designed and you have the opportunity to shape your work by choosing additional modules.
Joint honors programs enable you to study a combination of subjects, creating opportunities for you to build a degree program to suit your personal interests and needs.
British Academic Year
The academic year is divided into 3 terms of 10 weeks as follows:
• Autumn Term: Oct to Dec
• Spring Term: January to March
• Summer Term: April to June/July
