by the University of Sheffield International Office
Why the UK?
The UK offers students the opportunity to gain an internationally recognised and respected academic qualification, whilst at the same time experiencing life in a culturally rich and diverse environment.
UK Higher Education is renowned for the quality of its teaching and research. Many of the leading UK universities boast world-class research facilities and produce research of the highest standard, enabling both taught and research students to benefit from the knowledge and expertise of some of the world’s most acclaimed specialists.
British universities encourage students to think creatively and independently in a stimulating learning environment, providing them with the confidence, knowledge and ability to excel in their chosen career. Employers across the world recognise and value the quality of a UK university education.
Studying and living in the UK also provides international students with an excellent opportunity to improve their English language skills, further enhancing their future employability.
Quality assurance
The quality of teaching in UK universities is rigorously assessed by the British Government's Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA). Subject areas and departments at each university are assessed on criteria such as curriculum design, assessment, student support, learning resources etc. Subjects are then given a rating of “Excellent”, “Satisfactory” or “Unsatisfactory”, and departments are given a score out of 24 (with anything over 22 considered as excellent).
The strength of research activity in UK university departments is assessed in the Research Assessment Exercise (RAE). The latest assessment results were published in December 2008 by panels of independent experts from universities, industry and commerce. Research is rated on a scale of “Unclassified” – “4*”, with definitions of each category as follows:
4*
Quality that is world-leading in terms of originality, significance and rigour.
3*
Quality that is internationally excellent in terms of originality, significance and rigour but which nonetheless falls short of the highest standards of excellence.
2*
Quality that is recognised internationally in terms of originality, significance and rigour.
1*
Quality that is recognised nationally in terms of originality, significance and rigour.
Unclassified
Quality that falls below the standard of nationally recognised work. Or work which does not meet the published definition of research for the purposes of this assessment.
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements differ at each university. Typically, those universities with higher rankings will have higher entry requirements. For entry onto taught Masters programmes, most universities would require a good first degree and evidence of English language ability (see below).
English requirements
Students who have not been educated in English would usually be required have an internationally recognised English language qualification such as IELTS or TOEFL before joining the university. The exact English requirements will depend on the university and course, but typically range from IELTS 5.5 to IELTS 7.5 (TOEFL 525-625).
Students who have been educated in English are often able to submit high school English qualifications (eg. IGCSE or O-level) instead of IELTS or TOEFL. Most universities would require the equivalent to a grade C at GCSE level to satisfy these conditions.
English Language preparation programmes
Students who do not meet the minimum English language requirements have the option of taking an English Language preparation programme. Many universities offer intensive English Language summer schools, specifically designed to help students reach the required English level for their chosen academic programme. These courses usually range from 4-16 weeks. Alternatively, there are several private English Language schools across the country which can offer English preparation courses. Students taking these courses should check that this will be accepted by their chosen university.
Pre-Masters programmes
Students who do not meet the minimum academic entry requirements for their chosen course may have the option of taking a pre-Masters programme. These programmes are designed to prepare students for postgraduate study in the UK. Some universities run their own pre-Masters programmes, while others may work in partnership with specialist colleges.