Have you thought about getting a university degree but weren’t sure where to study? If so, the UK should definitely be high on your list.
The UK has some of the most well-known universities in the world and offers top-notch education, diverse culture, cool cities and excellent job prospects after graduation. Not forgetting amazing online colleges to ensure that you have all the qualifications needed to gain entry to your chosen UK University.
Here’s a close look at all the reasons the UK is a brilliant option for studying a degree.
#1 Top Notch Teaching You Simply Can’t Rival
One major factor for studying in the UK is the extremely high-quality education you’ll receive. UK universities have outstanding reputations across the globe – in fact, four UK universities rank in the global top 10 right now (Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London and UCL).
No matter what you want to study, whether it’s engineering, business, arts or anything else, you’ll find a UK university that offers a world-leading degree programme.
The education system places big emphasis on critical thinking, debate and crafting strong arguments. You’ll be pushed to engage, question and challenge theories and ideas throughout your degree.
This focus means graduates gain not just in-depth knowledge but vitally useful skills in analysis, communication and problem-solving. As a result, UK university graduates are hugely valued by employers.
#2 An All-Round Enriching Student Life
On top of the top-notch academic education, studying in the UK offers a rich overall student experience. The student community is incredibly diverse, with people coming from all over the world to study their degree in the UK. You’ll make lifelong friends from all sorts of cultures and backgrounds.
UK students also have access to fantastic extracurricular activities. Most universities have hundreds of student societies for sports, arts, volunteering and more so you can pursue existing interests or find new ones.
There are loads of opportunities to gain additional skills and experience through work placements, internships, mentoring programmes and entrepreneurial competitions too. All this helps students grow on a personal level and become well-rounded graduates.
#3 Graduate with Advantageous Employment Prospects
A big reason to study in the UK is the strong employment prospects available after finishing your degree. Many companies specifically target UK university talent because the graduates are so high-performing. According to a 2019 survey, 56% of UK graduates secure full-time jobs within 15 months of completing their degree.
Career support at UK universities can also help you prepare for getting a job. They offer guidance on CVs, cover letters, practice interviews and networking meetups with potential employers.
Many even organise careers fairs attended by major graduate recruiters. With UK graduates’ reputation, you’ll be in a great position to launch an awesome career across the globe once you finish your studies.
#4 Surround Yourself in a Hub of Great Thinkers
The UK has a long-standing reputation for producing brilliant thinkers, intellectuals and innovators throughout history. By choosing to study there, you’ll be absorbed in this energetic intellectual culture surrounded by people passionate about pushing boundaries.
As a student, you’ll play an active role in this culture. The tutorial-style teaching at UK universities means you’ll be encouraged to constantly debate theories and ideas with professors and peers.
The UK’s innovative and critical environment will challenge you to grow academically and intellectually in exciting new ways.
#5 Craft a Personalised Degree Experience
The UK gives students flexible options when it comes to designing your degree. One perk is that undergraduate degrees only take 3 years to complete (versus 4 years in many other countries). The shorter timeframe saves you money and lets you start your career or further study faster.
For greater flexibility, many UK universities offer degree programmes where you can:
- Take a year working or travelling as part of a 4-year ‘sandwich’ degree
- Combine subjects and customise your degree with a joint honours programme
- Do placements as part of your degree to gain professional experience
- Study abroad at an overseas partner university for a semester or year
There are also more part-time, distance learning, modular and blended learning courses available. This level of flexibility lets you tailor your degree to match your interests and career goals.
#6 Access Cutting-Edge Research Resources
If you’re keen on postgraduate research, the UK offers access to some of the best research facilities and tech globally. UK universities lead the way on research outputs and innovation.
They receive considerable government funding and private investment each year to enable pioneering research across all fields.
For research students, this means hands-on access to advanced equipment, technology and laboratories unavailable in many other places. From genome sequencing tools to particle accelerators to flight and wind tunnels, UK research facilities are on par with top institutions like MIT or Stanford.
As a research student here, you’ll gain industry-relevant skills and opportunities to contribute to world-changing research.
#7 Affordable Costs of Living
Though tuition fees for international students are higher in the UK compared to some countries, day-to-day living costs can be quite affordable, especially outside of pricey London. The average international student spends around £12,000 per year on housing, transport, food and other living expenses (outside London).
Many universities have initiatives to help make costs more manageable for students. From budgeting classes, to affordable halls of residence, to secondhand shops, you’ll find many ways to reduce expenses and get the most out of your student budget.
Working part-time during your studies or in the UK after graduating (for up to 2 years) can also help offset costs.
#8 Innovative Teaching Methods
UK universities swiftly take up innovative teaching techniques and technologies that improve the learning experience. Virtual learning, interactive forums and collaborative projects are common across UK degree programmes. This gives students chances to apply academic concepts to real-world situations and build professional digital/online working skills.
Some UK universities now offer flexible ‘microcredential’ courses in specialist subjects like data visualisation, artificial intelligence and digital marketing.
These short online courses enable you to gain cutting-edge skills and showcase expertise to employers. Adopting new educational methods like this ensures UK graduates have all the skills needed for modern careers.
#9 Support Services to Help You Settle In
Doing an international degree can be thrilling but also challenging. UK universities provide exceptional support services for international students to help learners feel at home straight away. You’ll have access to:
- Orientation programmes – To help you get settled, learn about your new city and make friends. Orientation week includes social events, tours, workshops and priceless tips.
- Language support – If English isn’t your first language, you can access classes, workshops and online tools to boost language skills.
- Visa and immigration advisors – Dedicated teams guide you through visa/permit applications and ensure you stay compliant with UK regulations.
- Academic tutoring – Individual tutoring sessions help you adapt to the UK academic setting and study skills needed at university.
- Mental health and wellbeing services – On-campus professionals offer confidential counselling and support for any issues.
- Disability and accessibility assistance – Support staff and mentors ensure students with disabilities or long-term illnesses can thrive.
- Intercultural exchanges – Groups and events, often student-led, that promote cultural understanding between UK and international students.
Knowing this robust support system is there will help you feel at ease taking the leap to study in the UK as an international student.
#10 A Launch Pad for Global Careers
Gaining a degree in the UK serves as an incredible launch pad for global careers. With its reputation for excellence, the skills developed and diverse student community, UK universities equip graduates to work anywhere worldwide.
Huge international companies actively recruit UK-educated candidates for roles across the globe. UK alumni also access useful worldwide employment databases through their university career centres.
Today’s job landscape is very international – according to LinkedIn, over 70% of grads take their first job abroad. Given this context, a globally recognised UK degree paired with the international experience of studying there readies graduates for success wherever their career takes them.