| INTRODUCTION TO STUDYING IN THE UK
With its highly developed infrastructure, long history and tradition of providing high quality education, the UK is a prestigious destination for Vietnamese students. It also has the advantage of being close to the European mainland with easy transport links.
The UK is becoming better known in Vietnam because of the number of institutions which seek to recruit Vietnamese students. The UK has over 150 Higher Education providers, for example. However, with 2 systems- state and private- and many different pathways available, students need a good guide to help them select the most cost effective ways of achieving their study objectives.
The UK Education System
Students in the UK go to state or private primary school at age 5 and after 6 years, at age 11, they start secondary school. In years 7, 8 and 9 they follow a general curriculum, and in years 10 and 11 they study 5 or more subjects for their GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) exams. At age 16 they can either leave school or continue studying for 2 more years at A level (Advanced level).
If they study A levels, students in the state system can choose to enter the Sixth Form in their secondary school, in another school, in a special Sixth Form College or in a College of Further and Higher Education. If they want to join the private system they can go to an independent school as a boarding or a day pupil, or to a private college.
After A levels, students can apply for University. This is done through a central applications system called UCAS .
Not all students take GCSEs or A levels. There is an alternative Vocational Education system for students who want to follow more practical careers. There are many cross- over points between the academic and vocational systems. Most vocational programmes for ages 16+ are provided by State Colleges of Further and Higher Education.
International students in the UK system
International students can enter the UK system at any age, but up to the age of 16, they can only be admitted to private schools which can provide boarding or host family accommodation.
From the age of 16 they can choose to attend independent boarding schools , private colleges or state Sixth Form or FE Colleges.
All students under the age of 18 must, by law, have a guardian in the UK . If they do not have a suitable friend or relative who can provide this service, and if their school cannot offer guardianship, they can use the services of a guardianship agency which TEC can recommend.
Students can study the national curriculum up to year 10, the two year GCSE programme in years 10 and 11, or a one year International GCSE programme, then a 2 year A level or International Baccalaureate programme to gain entrance to University.
For students on Vocational programmes, they can take A level equivalents (called the BETEC National Diploma or AVCEs) to enter college or University.
(see diagram)
In addition to these programmes there are a number of other pathways to University entrance available to international students.
International Foundation courses: for students who do not follow A level or IB programmes in the UK , but want to enter University in the UK after finishing school in Vietnam , a Foundation course is a "bridging" programme which will bring students up to A level standard. They can be studied at state FE Colleges, private colleges or at Universities. Most programmes are 30-36 weeks in duration and students must have finished year 12 in Vietnam and have an average score of at least 6.5. Most programmes start in September, but some also have a January start. The English language level required for entry varies according to the requirements of the institution, but is usually between IELTS 4.5 and 5.5. English can also be studied before entering a Foundation course.
Some Universities are now offering "Fast-Track" routes in special Junior Colleges on their campus. These programmes may accept very good students who have finished year 11, and provide a faster way of entering University in the UK . The length of the course depends on the level of English at entry.
University degrees in the UK
Duration
The standard length of a University degree in England and Wales is 3 years (longer for special subjects such as Architecture, Medicine or Pharmacy). In Scotland it is 4 years, although students with good A level or IB results may enter year 2.
Some universities are offering 2 year accelerated degrees (which is the 3 year programme delivered in a more intensive format).
Most Masters degrees are 1 year (12 months) in duration, although some MBA courses may be longer. For students who do not have the required level of English or academic studies, or work experience to join a Masters degree directly, many Universities, FE Colleges and private colleges offer pre-masters programmes .
For undergraduate and postgraduate students who have the academic level but lack English language skills, a wide range of general, academic and pre-sessional English courses are available at most institutions.
Fast Track Pathways
The Universities which offer Fast Track routes to an undergraduate degree also have pathways which allow students to take a bridging course into year 2 of a UK degree , and in this way they can save up to one year in tuition fees and living costs on the traditional 1 + 3 programme.
Degrees taught in other institutions
Colleges of Further and Higher Education also offer honours degrees, foundation degrees or Higher National Diplomas, and even Masters degrees, and their fees may be lower than those of Universities.
All degrees offered by UK state institutions are accredited by the UK government and are internationally recognised. Some private colleges also offer UK University degrees and also business degrees (such as BBA and MBA) accredited by European or American organisations.
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