HIGHER EDUCATION IN THE UK
Vocabulary for Higher Education in the UK
1. University – a place where people study after finishing school (Університет)
2. College – a smaller institution, sometimes part of a university (Коледж)
3. Course – a program of study at a university (Курс)
4. Degree – a qualification you get after completing a course (Ступінь)
5. Bachelor’s Degree – the first degree you get at university (Бакалаврат)
6. Master’s Degree – the next level of study after a Bachelor’s (Магістратура)
7. PhD – the highest academic degree (Докторат)
8. Tuition fees – the money students pay for their education (Плата за навчання)
9. Student loan – money students borrow to pay for education (Студентський
кредит)
10. Scholarship – money given to a student to help pay for education, usually because
of good grades (Стипендія)
11. UCAS – the system for applying to universities in the UK (Система подачі
заявок до університетів)
12. Application – the process of applying for a course (Заявка)
13. Lecture – a class at university where a teacher talks to many students (Лекція)
14. Campus – the buildings and grounds of a university (Кампус)
15. Clubs – groups of students who share common interests (Клуби)
16. Library – a place where students can study and borrow books (Бібліотека)
17. Degree Certificate – a document that shows you have finished a course (Диплом)
18. International Student – a student who comes from another country to study
(Міжнародний студент)
19. Research – studying a subject in detail to learn new things (Дослідження)
20. Dormitory (Dorm) – a building where students live while studying (Гуртожиток)
The United Kingdom is renowned worldwide for its prestigious higher education system.
With some of the oldest universities in the world, like the University of Oxford and the
University of Cambridge, the UK continues to attract students from all over the globe.
Here's an overview of how the system works.
1. The Structure of Higher Education
Higher education in the UK primarily consists of:
Undergraduate Degrees (typically 3 years in England, Wales, and Northern
Ireland, and 4 years in Scotland)
Postgraduate Degrees such as:
o Master's Degrees (usually 1 year for a full-time course)
o Doctoral Degrees (PhD) (usually 3 to 4 years)
2. Types of Higher Education Institutions
Universities: Traditional universities offer a wide range of undergraduate and
postgraduate courses. Some of the most famous ones include the University of
Oxford, University of Cambridge, and Imperial College London.
Colleges: Some colleges offer higher education qualifications like Higher National
Diplomas (HND) and foundation degrees.
Russell Group Universities: This is a group of 24 research-intensive universities
in the UK that are considered the most prestigious in terms of research and
academic achievements. They include institutions like the University of
Edinburgh, University of Bristol, and King's College London.
3. Admission Process
To apply for undergraduate programs, students typically use the UCAS (Universities
and Colleges Admissions Service) system. Here are the basic steps:
Research: Students research universities and courses before making their choice.
Personal Statement: Applicants write a personal statement explaining their
motivations and achievements.
Predicted Grades and References: Teachers provide predicted grades and
references to support the application.
Interviews: Some universities, such as Oxford and Cambridge, require interviews
as part of the admission process.
For postgraduate study, students usually apply directly to the university of their choice.
4. Funding and Tuition Fees
Tuition fees in the UK vary depending on the type of course, the institution, and whether
the student is a domestic or international student. For UK students, the fees for
undergraduate courses are typically capped at £9,250 per year in England. However, for
international students, fees can range from £10,000 to £38,000 or more, depending on the
course and university.
To support their studies, students can apply for:
Student Loans: These cover tuition fees and may also provide financial support
for living expenses.
Scholarships and Grants: Many universities offer scholarships to outstanding
international students, as well as grants to students with financial need.
5. Life as a Student
Student life in the UK is vibrant and diverse. Many universities offer a wide range of
extracurricular activities, including:
Clubs and Societies: From sports teams to debate clubs, students can engage in
activities outside of their
The United Kingdom has many famous universities, like Oxford and Cambridge. Higher
education in the UK usually has two main parts: undergraduate studies and postgraduate
studies.
Undergraduate Studies
Undergraduate studies last about three years. During this time, students earn a Bachelor's
degree. They can study different subjects, such as Business, Science, or Art. To get into
university, students use a system called UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions
Service). They need to send their school grades, a personal statement, and sometimes
references from teachers.
Postgraduate Studies
After getting a Bachelor’s degree, some students choose to study more. This is called
postgraduate education. They can get a Master’s degree, which usually takes one year.
Some students may also study for a PhD, which is a higher degree that can take three to
four years. In postgraduate studies, students do research on specific topics.
Student Life
Student life in the UK is fun and full of activities. Universities have many clubs and
societies. Students can join these to make friends and learn new things. Many universities
also have sports teams, so students can play sports.
Studying in the UK can be expensive. Tuition fees for international students are higher
than for UK students. Living costs can also be high. Many students apply for scholarships
or work part-time jobs to help pay for their studies.
Tasks
1. Multiple Choice Questions
1. How long does an undergraduate course usually take in the UK?
a) 2 years
b) 3 years
c) 4 years
2. What is the name of the application system for UK universities?
a) UCAS
b) SAT
c) TOEFL
3. Which of these is one of the oldest universities in the UK?
a) Harvard
b) Oxford
c) Stanford
4. What does PhD stand for?
a) Bachelor’s degree
b) Master’s degree
c) Doctorate degree
5. What can students do in their free time at university?
a) Take exams
b) Join clubs and societies
c) Study all day
6. Vocabulary Match
Match the words with their meanings:
1. University
2. Bachelor’s degree
3. Postgraduate
4. Scholarship
5. Tuition fees
a. Money given to a student to help pay for school.
b. A place where students go to study after school.
c. The first degree you get at university.
d. Money students pay for their education.
e. Studies done after getting a Bachelor’s degree.
7. Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the blanks with the correct words: (UCAS, three years, sports, Master’s degree,
research)
1. Students use ______ to apply for university.
2. A Bachelor’s degree usually takes ______ to complete.
3. Students can join clubs and play ______ at university.
4. After a Bachelor’s degree, students can study for a ______.
5. In postgraduate studies, students do ______ on specific topics.
8. True or False
Read the statements and decide if they are true or false:
1. Oxford and Cambridge are not universities in the UK.
2. Undergraduate studies last for about three years.
3. A PhD is a type of undergraduate degree.
4. Students can join clubs and sports teams at university.
5. Tuition fees for international students are lower than for UK students.
9. Short Writing Task
Write 3-4 sentences about what you would like to study at university and why.
