The UK is an amazing place to study and further your education. According to statistics in 2019, just over 450,000 international students are living, working and learning here. If you’re considering joining this growing number, then here’s everything international students need to know about undergraduate study in the UK.
What is undergraduate study?
Undergraduate study is academic learning that takes place after high school and college in the UK. Students typically begin this study when they’re 18, although there's no age limit on course enrollment.
There are different types of undergraduate study but the most popular is a bachelor’s degree. This is the highest qualification that a student can achieve at this level. The different honour’s degrees are:
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
- Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.)
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.)
- Bachelor of Philosophy (B.Phil.)
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.)
- Bachelor of Science in Public Affairs (B.S.P.A.)
- Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.)
- Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)
- Bachelor of Laws (LL.B)
- Bachelor of Dentistry Surgery (BDS)
You’ll need to gain an undergraduate degree before you can begin a postgraduate course, which is the next level of qualification.
How long do undergraduate degrees usually last?
Course lengths can vary but usually, international students complete a three-year undergraduate bachelor’s degree. The course is made up of modules that can include lectures, seminars, workshops, research work, tutorials and practicals - depending on the degree subject.
There might be some compulsory modules, mainly in the first year, but then you may be able to choose modules that most interest you. There’s also the option to study a dual-honours degree that covers two different courses, allowing you to choose from a wider pool of modules and increasing your possible career prospects.
Degrees can take longer than three years to complete. The course may just require four years to finish or you can take the option of a year-long work placement. This extends the length of the course but allows you to pick up valuable skills and knowledge that will be useful in the future.
How much do undergraduate degrees cost?
Different factors can impact the overall cost of an undergraduate degree in the UK. Firstly, the university that you choose.
Next, the type of course you pick can increase or lower the cost. Choose a laboratory-focused programme and you might have to pay a little bit more to cover the cost of the world-class facilities.
Finally, international students do need to pay a little more than British citizens. However, there are a number of scholarships that can cover the fees, both from UK-based institutions and from organisations in your home country. This student loans blog goes into more detail about the scholarships available and financial aid information for anyone hoping to study in the UK.
Will it help my future career?
Yes, completing an undergraduate degree will significantly improve your chances when it comes to finding your dream job. Many employers won’t consider candidates unless they have a degree.
Not just that, but recruiters will also look to see the university that you received the degree from. For example, within the UK, a degree from a university that’s part of the Russell Group like Newcastle University is held in high regard.
Whether you plan to stay in the UK to work following your degree or return home to begin your career, a degree from a UK university shows that you’re hard-working, prepared and at the front line of your industry.
To achieve your goals, you may need to complete further qualifications which you can only do because you’ve already received your undergraduate degree.
How do I find the right undergraduate degree for me?
Choosing a university to study at is a major decision, so you should give yourself plenty of time to make the right choice. We’d recommend beginning the process around 18 months before your planned start date.
You might have made the choice to study abroad, but still be undecided when it comes to the exact programme you’d like to enrol onto. As we’ve mentioned, dual-honours degrees allow you to combine two of your preferred subjects into one course, so there are plenty of options available. At Newcastle University, we have a combined honours programme that offers even more flexibility.
Education fairs and open days are a great way of speaking to representatives from different universities and finding the answers to any questions that you may have. If you haven’t already, download the prospectus of any university you’re considering. It’ll be filled with course information to give you a better idea of what to expect.
Download Newcastle University’s prospectus
Newcastle University is a member of the prestigious Russell Group of universities and is committed to providing an outstanding learning experience that includes a serious dedication to industry-leading research.
International students attend Newcastle University thanks to our state-of-the-art facilities, diverse and welcoming city and the wide range of exciting undergraduate programmes that we offer.
Take a closer look at the courses you can choose from by downloading our prospectus.
