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The United Kingdom is home to some of the most prestigious universities in the world and this is just one of the attractions for international students to study in the UK.
The job opportunities potentially available on completion of your studies and the UKs multi-cultural society are other attractions, because they make it easier to fit into UK life in terms of study, work, and society.
To gain access to higher education in the UK, there are three main factors to consider:
1: The quality of your writing, speaking and comprehension of the English language
2: If you are an undergraduate candidate
3: If you are a post graduate candidate
English Language Courses
Don’t be surprised to find that having a specific certified level of English is an entry requirement of many higher education courses of study in the UK.
You will need to provide proof that your English language ability meets that specific standard of the course you wish to study. This will require the passing of one of the following English language tests to the level required:
IELTS
IELTS Indicator
Duolingo English Test
TOEFL (China)
PTE Academic
Where your English does not meet the entry requirements for your course of study, most universities provide English language courses to give students the opportunity to reach the required level.
These high-quality programs help international students fill in any language gaps before taking on a challenging academic degree. Many academic courses require a high level of ability in English.
Undergraduate Studies for International Students
For international students that lack some of the required entry requirements to study a degree, there are International Foundation Year Courses available.
By passing these one-year courses you will be able to enter most undergraduate degrees. This course focuses on giving international students the appropriate level of research and study capabilities to cope with the requirements of an undergraduate degree.
The course will include academic writing, lab skills and critical reading, combined with modules focused on the student’s chosen area of study. So, everything being studied has real relevance to your chosen undergraduate degree.
International students learn how to improve their existing study habits to ensure they can be confident about the challenges of further studies.
Postgraduate studies for international students
International students who already have undergraduate degrees wishing to study higher level courses in the UK can complete a Pre-Masters course.
This is similar to the Foundation Year courses, aimed at helping equip international students with everything they need to complete their Master’s with confidence. The course has additional depth and flexibility suited to students about to enter the more independent world of postgraduate study.
The course will help students further develop their English Language, critical reading, and research skills. With the Pre-Masters programs, students can take modules related to their chosen Master’s subject. They even get to complete a relevant introductory research project.
This is an excellent way for international students to improve their skills and have confidence that they can produce strong results in their further studies.
With the large number of universities scattered throughout the UK, you may also wish to consider the city where universities are located and the living costs of that city. Also be sure to check out how committed the university is to supporting international students via their student support services.