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EuroEducation.net The European Education Directory |
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Structure of Educational System Pre-higher Education System Higher Education System Administrative structure of higher education Admissions to Higher Education and Recognition |
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INSTITUTION TYPES & CREDENTIALS Types of higher education
institutions: University Open University College and
Institution of Higher Education Open College College of
Technology Teacher Training
College Institute School leaving and higher education
credentials: General Certificate
of Secondary Education General Certificate
of Education Advanced Level General Certificate
of Education Advanced Supplementary Level First Diploma Higher National
Certificate National Diploma Higher National
Diploma Certificate Diploma Diploma of Higher
Education Bachelor's Degree Foundation Degree Bachelor's Honours
Degree Master's Degree
(taught) Postgraduate
Certificate of Education Postgraduate Diploma Master's Degree Master of Philosophy Doctorate Higher Doctorate STRUCTURE OF EDUCATION SYSTEM Pre-higher
education: Duration
of compulsory education: Age of
entry: 5 Age of
exit: 16 Structure of school system: Primary Type of
school providing this education: Combined Junior and Infant School Length
of program in years: 6 Age level from: 5 to: 11 Basic First Stage Type of
school providing this education: Infant School Length
of program in years: 2 Age level from: 5 to: 7 Basic Second Stage Type of
school providing this education: Junior School Length
of program in years: 4 Age level from: 7 to: 11 Comprehensive Type of
school providing this education: Comprehensive School Length
of program in years: 5 Age
level from: 11 to: 16 Certificate/diploma awarded: General Certificate
of Secondary Education (GCSE) Secondary Type of
school providing this education: Secondary Modern Length
of program in years: 5 Age
level from: 11 to: 16 Certificate/diploma awarded: General Certificate
of Secondary Education (GCSE) Academic Secondary Type of
school providing this education: Grammar School Length
of program in years: 5 Age
level from: 11 to: 16 Certificate/diploma awarded: General Certificate
of Secondary Education (GCSE) Technical Type of school
providing this education: CTC (City Technology College) Length
of program in years: 5 Age
level from: 11 to: 16 Certificate/diploma awarded: General Certificate
of Secondary Education (CGSE) Sixth Form Type of
school providing this education: Sixth Form Length
of program in years: 2 Age
level from: 16 to: 18 Certificate/diploma
awarded: General Certificate of Education Advanced Level/General Certificate of
Education Advanced Supplementary School
education: Primary education may take the
form of combined junior and infant schools and therefore lasts for six years or
a first stage covering infant schools (two years) and a second stage covering
junior schools (four years). Secondary education covers schooling from the age
of eleven to the minimum school leaving age of sixteen. Pupils follow a common
curriculum leading to the GCSE which has replaced the General Certificate of
Education Ordinary Level. At some schools, pupils may stay on at a school sixth
form for a further two years when they sit for the General Certificate of
Education Advanced Level (GCE A Levels) or the General Certificate of Education
Advanced Supplementary examinations (GCE AS examinations), or vocational
courses leading usually to General National Vocational Qualifications (GNVQs)).
Further education colleges also offer these courses. Higher
education: Higher education is provided by
three main types of institutions: universities, colleges and institutions of
higher education and art and music colleges. All universities are autonomous
institutions, particularly in matters relating to courses. They are empowered
by a Royal Charter or an Act of Parliament. As a result of the Further and
Higher Education Act of 1992, the binary line separating universities and
polytechnics was abolished and polytechnics were given university status (i.e.,
the right to award their own degrees) and took university titles. The Council
for National Academic Awards was abolished, leaving most institutions to confer
their own degrees. Higher Education Funding Councils were created for England,
Scotland and Wales, replacing the Universities Funding Council and the
Polytechnics and Colleges Funding Council. Most universities are divided into
faculties which may be subdivided into departments. Universities UK examines
matters of concern to all universities. Many colleges and institutions of
higher education are the result of mergers of teacher training colleges and
other colleges. The Department for Education and Skills is responsible for all universities.
Students have to pay a maximum fee of £1,075 a year (2002-2003). Non-university
higher education institutions also provide degree courses, various non-degree
courses and postgraduate qualifications. Some may offer Higher Degrees and
other qualifications offered by most non-university higher education
institutions are validated by external bodies such as a local university or the
Open University. An institution can also apply for the authority to award its
own degrees but it must be able to demonstrate a good record of running degree
courses validated by other universities. Institutions can apply for university
status but must satisfy a number of criteria, including the power to award its
own first and higher degrees. Some higher education is also provided in further
education institutions. This provision is funded by the Higher Education
Funding Councils and the Department of Education Northern Ireland. The Further
and Higher Education Act 1992 allows for the transfer of further education
institutions to the higher education sector, if 'the full-time enrolment number
of the institution concerned…for courses of higher education exceeds 55% of its
total full-time equivalent enrolment number'. A new national body, the
Institute of Learning and Teaching, is being established in 1999 to set up an
accreditation scheme for higher education teachers and to encourage innovation
in teaching and learning. Main
laws/decrees governing higher education: Decree: Education Reform Act Year: 1988 Decree: Further and Higher
Education Act Year: 1992 Academic
year: Classes
from: Oct to: Jul Long
vacation from: 1 Jul to: 30 Sep Languages
of instruction: English Stages
of studies: Non-university level post-secondary studies
(technical/vocational type): Non-university
level: Non-university level
post-secondary technical education is provided by technical colleges, colleges
of further and higher education and accredited independent colleges which offer
a large number of vocational courses leading to a professional qualification.
The Business and Technology Education Council offers many vocational courses
leading to the BTEC First Diploma (one year, full-time) or to the BTEC National
Diploma (two to three years, full-time). A Higher National Diploma is conferred
after three years' study by the Business and Technology Education Council. As
regards professional education, the professions have laid down their own
professional qualifications (some thirty major professional bodies exist). University level studies: University
level first stage: Undergraduate stage: This stage lasts for three or four years and leads to the award of a Bachelor's Degree
in Arts, Science or other fields (Technology, Law, Engineering, etc.). In some
Scottish universities the first degree is a Master's Degree. The Bachelor's
Degree is conferred as a Pass Degree or an Honours Degree where studies are
more specialized. The Bachelor's Honours Degree is classified as a First Class
Honours, a Second Class Honours or a Third Class Honours. In some universities
and colleges of higher education, a two-year course leads to a Diploma in
Higher Education (DipHE). This is a recognized qualification in its own right.
Some universities have adopted the credit-unit or modular system of assessment.
In some universities students must follow a foundation course before embarking
on the course leading to the Bachelor's Degree. Students of foreign languages
are usually required to study or work for an additional year in the country of
the target language. Sandwich courses generally involve an additional year's
work experience. Some institutions have introduced accelerated two-year degrees
which require students to study during the normal vacation period. It is now
rare for the class of degree to depend entirely on student performance in final
examinations. Most institutions base a component of the degree class on
examinaions taken during the period of study, especially those taken at the end
of the second year, and many also use some form of continuous assessment. University
level second stage: Master's Degree: A Master's Degree is conferred after one or two
years' study following upon the Bachelor's Degree. Study is in a specialized
field. In some cases, the degree is awarded solely after a written examination
but candidates must usually submit a memoir. At Oxford and Cambridge, the
Master of Arts is conferred automatically after a certain period of time on all
holders of Bachelor's Degrees. In other fields, it is awarded under the same
conditions as in other universities. Some Master's Degrees (eg. at Imperial
College, London) are awarded as undergraduate degrees after four to five years
of study. The Bachelor's programme is then included in the programme. University
level third stage: Master of Philosophy, Doctor of Philosophy: The third stage is that of pure research. At a
university, it leads, after two years of additional study and the successful
presentation of a thesis, to the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) Degree. After
usually three years' further study beyond the Master's Degree, the candidate
may present a thesis for the Doctorate of Philosophy (D.Phil. or Ph.D.). University
level fourth stage: Higher Doctorate: A further stage
leads to Higher Doctorates which may be awarded by a university in Law,
Humanities, Science, Medical Sciences, Music and Theology after a candidate, usually a senior
university teacher, has submitted a number of learned, usually published,
works. Teacher education: Training
of pre-primary and primary/basic school teachers Primary school teachers must hold a first degree
and a Postgraduate Certificate of Education awarded by a university or college
of higher education. Alternatively, they must hold a BEd Degree and have a
qualified teacher status which can be obtained after successful completion of
an approved course of initial teacher training (ITT). The main types of ITT
courses are the one-year Postgraduate Certificate in Education course or the
Bachelor of Education (BEd) course. Training
of secondary school teachers Secondary school teachers must hold a first degree
and a Postgraduate Certificate of Education awarded by a university or college
of higher education. Alternatively they must hold a BEd Degree and have a
qualified teacher status which can be obtained after successful completion of
an approved course of initial teacher training (ITT). The main types of ITT
courses are the one-year Postgraduate Certificate in Education course or the
Bachelor of Education (BEd) course which normally lasts for four years. Training
of higher education teachers Higher education teachers
normally hold a higher degree. Non-traditional studies: Distance
higher education The Open University offers instruction for
part-time study for degrees and other courses by correspondence, supplemented
by radio and television broadcasts, residential summer schools and an extensive
counselling and tutorial service which operates through local study centres.
Three main types of courses are available: undergraduate level courses,
postgraduate courses and study packs. They are offered as part of Certificate,
Diploma or Degree programmes. Undergraduate students take a series of courses
which are worth one half or one full credit. A one-credit course is estimated
to require 350-400 hours of study. An Ordinary Degree BA or BSc is awarded to
students who have obtained six credits; an Honours degree (BA or BSc Honours)
to students who have obtained two of these credits at the higher levels of
study. Students may choose from a selection of 134 courses at four levels of
difficulty. Up to three credits may be allowed for previous qualifications such
as an initial teacher training qualification or a Higher National Diploma. The
Open College offers vocational and professional training often leading to
recognized qualifications. The Open College of Arts, set up in 1987, is
affiliated to the Open University. It aids students of the arts who wish to
study at home. It receives no government funding but as a registered charity it
receives donations from other organizations. Lifelong
higher education Extra-mural education is provided by universities
or other institutions of higher education to adults living in the region served
by the institutions and who do not belong to the regular student body. Higher
education institutions may also choose to offer courses that are specifically
intended to meet the needs of the local community. Thus they may offer
part-time courses providing professional updating which people attend on
day-release from work or attend in the evening, or leisure courses on local
History or Geography, or Language and Literature classes. Higher
education training in industry There are sandwich courses in which an
undergraduate course is incorporated with periods of industrial training. The
duration of study for an Honours Degree is four years. Admission conditions
vary enormously and courses are offered only in universities which were
formerly colleges of advanced technology. Other
forms of non-formal higher education Foundation degree
programmes were finalized in autumn 2000 for the first students to begin the
courses in 2001. Foundation degrees are employment-related higher education
qualifications designed to equip students with work-related skills.The sectors
include construction, creative industries, e-business, e-commerce, finance,
information technology and law. Foundation degrees have been designed with
employers to provide an employment base at associate professional and higher
technician level. They are awarded by universities and higher education
colleges. A Foundation Degree can be used as a starting point for further
study, either a related Honours Degree or further professional development in
the workplace. There are no specific entry requirements and it is up to the
college or university providing the degree to decide if a candidate is eligible. NATIONAL BODIES Administration
& co-ordination: Responsible
authorities: Department for
Education and Skills Head: Estelle Morris, Secretary of
State Sanctuary
Building Tel: +44(20) 7925-6257 Fax: +44(20) 7925-6000 EMail: sec-of-state@dfes.gov.uk WWW: http://www.dfes.gov.uk Role of governing
body: Administrative
and coordinative role Universities UK Head: Martin Harris, Chairman Administrative officer: Diana Warwick,
Chief Executive International relations: Pilar Teran,
International Relations Manager Woburn
House Tel: +44(20) 7419-4111 Fax: +44(20) 7388-8649 EMail: info@universitiesUK.ac.uk WWW: http://www.universitiesUK.ac.uk Role of governing
body: Represents
the interests of the universities in relation to the government, Parliament,
local and national institutions Standing Conference
of Principals (SCOP) Head: John Cater, Chair Administrative officer: Patricia
Ambrose, Executive Secretary 20
Woburn House Tel: +44(20) 7387-7711 Fax: +44(20) 7387-7712 EMail: info@scop.ac.uk WWW: http://www.scop.ac.uk Role of governing
body: educational
policy design and scientific advice Universities
Scotland Head: David Caldwell, Director 53
Hanover Street Tel: +44(131) 226-1111 Fax: +44(131) 226-1100 EMail: info@universities-scotland.ac.uk WWW: http://www.universities-scotland.ac.uk Role of governing
body: Represents
higher education institutions in Scotland Higher Education
Wales (HEW) Head: Adrian Webb, Chairman PO Box
413 Tel: +44(29) 2078-6216 Fax: +44(29) 2078-6222 EMail: HEW@Wales.ac.uk WWW: http://www.hew.ac.uk Role of governing
body: Represents
higher education institutions in Wales Universities England
and Northern Ireland Role of governing
body: Advises
on the planning and funding of higher education in England and Northern Ireland Association of University Teachers Head: Natalie Fenton, President Administrative officer: Sally Hunt,
General Secretary Egmont
House Tel: +44(20) 7670-9700 Fax: +44(20) 7670-9799 EMail: hq@aut.org.uk WWW: http://www.aut.org.uk Society for Research
into Higher Education Head: William Taylor, President 3
Devonshire Road Tel: +44(20) 7637-2766 Fax: +44(20) 7637-2781 EMail: srheoffice@srhe.ac.uk WWW: http://www.srhe.ac.uk ADMISSIONS TO HIGHER EDUCATION Admission
to non university higher education studies Name of secondary school credential
required: General Certificate of Education Advanced Level Name of
secondary school credential required: General Certificate of Secondary Education Admission
to university-level studies Name of
secondary school credential required: General Certificate of Education Advanced Level Minimum score/requirement: 2/3 passes at
A-level Name of
secondary school credential required: General Certificate of Education Advanced
Supplementary Level Other
admission requirements: School report and interview. Universities may also
impose their conditions, such as a certain combination of passes or a
particular standard achieved in subjects taken at A level. Foreign
students admission Definition
of foreign student: A foreign student is a person who is enrolled at an
institution of higher education in Great Britain but is not a permanent
resident. Admission
requirements: Foreign students must hold qualifications equivalent to the United
Kingdom General Certificate of Education with five or six passes including two
at Advanced level. Entry
regulations: Passport, a visa and evidence confirming their registration in full-time
courses and evidence of funds. Health
requirements: Students who come from countries outside the European Union need a
medical certificate Language
requirements: Students must have a good knowledge of English. English courses and
English-as-a-Foreign-Language courses are available in the private/state
sector. Application
procedures: Apply to
individual institution for entry to: For access to postgraduates studies. Apply to
national body for entry to: For undergraduate studies. Apply
to: Universities and
College Admission Service (UCAS) Fulton House, Jessop
Avenue Tel: +44(1242) 22-24-44 Fax: +44(1242) 22-16-22 WWW: http://www.ucas.ac.uk Recognition
of studies & qualifications: Studies
pursued in foreign countries (bodies dealing with recognition of foreign
credentials): National Academic
Recognition Information Centre (NARIC), ECCTIS Ltd Head: David Boynton, Chief Executive Administrative officer: Cloud Bai Yun,
Head of the NARIC Oriel
House Tel: +44(1242) 260-010 Fax: +44(1242) 258-611 EMail: naric@ecctis.co.uk WWW: http://www.naric.org.uk Deals
with credential recognition for entry to: University and Profession Services
provided & students dealt with: Recognition and equivalence information. Multilateral
agreements concerning recognition of foreign studies Name of
agreement: Convention on the Recognition of Studies, Diplomas and Degrees in Higher
Education in Europe Year of
signature: 1979 References
to further information on foreign student admissions and recognition of studies Title: British Universities
Guide to Graduate Studies Author: Association of Commonwealth
Universities Title: Commonwealth
Universities Yearbook Author: Association of Commonwealth
Universities Title: Higher Education in
the United Kingdom Author: British
Council/Association of Commonwealth Universities Publisher: Longman Group Ltd Title: International
Comparisons Author: UK NARIC Publisher: UK NARIC Title: Studying and Living
in Britain: the British Council's Guide for Overseas Students and Visitors Author: British Council Publisher:
Northcote
House in association with the British Council STUDENT LIFE Main
student services at national level Association of
Commonwealth Universities John Foster House,
36 Gordon Square Tel: +44(20) 7387-8572 Fax: +44(20) 7387-2655 EMail: info@acu.ac.uk WWW: http://www.acu.ac.uk Category
of services provided: Academic and career counselling services Association of
Recognized English Language Schools (ARELS) 125 High Holborn Category
of services provided: Social and welfare services British Council 10 Spring Gardens Tel: +44(20) 7930-8466 Fax: +44(20) 7839-6347 WWW: http://www.britcoun.org Category
of services provided: Academic and career counselling services National Union of
Students 461 Holloway Road Category
of services provided: Academic and career counselling services; Special
services/Centre for foreign students Services
available to foreign Students: Yes The Council for
International Education (UKCOSA) 9-17 St Albans Place Tel: +44(20) 2263762 WWW: http://www.ukcosa.org.uk Category
of services provided: Academic and career counselling services National
student associations and unions National Union of
Students 461, Holloway Road Tel: +44(20) 272-8900 Fax: +44(20) 263-5713 EMail: Nusuk@nus.org.uk Student
expenses and financial aid Student
costs: Home
students tuition fees: Minimum: 1050 (Pound Sterling) Maximum:
18000
(Pound Sterling) Foreign
students tuition fees: Minimum: 4000 (Pound Sterling) Maximum:
26000
(Pound Sterling) Publications
on student services and financial aid: Title: Awards for
Postgraduate Study at Commonwealth Universities Publisher: Association of Commonwealth
Universities, London Title: Financial Aid for
First Degree Study at Commonwealth Universities Publisher: Association of Commonwealth
Universities, London Title: Study Abroad
2000-2001 Publisher:
UNESCO/IBE Year of publication: 1999 Title: The Grants Register Publisher:
Palgrave INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION & EXCHANGES Principal
national bodies responsible for dealing with international cooperation and
exchanges in higher education: Department for
Education and Skills Sanctuary Building,
Great Smith Street Tel: +44(20) 7925-6257 Fax: +44(20) 7925-6000 WWW: http://www.dfes.gov.uk Participation
of country in multilateral or bilateral higher education programmes Name of
exchange programme: SOCRATES GRADING SYSTEM Usual
grading system in secondary school Full
Description: Alphabetical system A to E. A: excellent/outstanding; B: above average;
C: average; D: below average; E: failing. Highest
on scale: A Pass/fail
level: C/D Lowest
on scale: E Main
grading system used by higher education institutions Full
Description: Alphabetical system A to E. A: excellent/outstanding; B: above average;
C: average; D: below average; E: fail. Highest
on scale: A Pass/fail
level: D/E Lowest
on scale: E Other
main grading systems Numerical system. NOTES ON HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM Data for
academic year: 2001-2002 Source: UK Naric, ECCTIS Ltd, 2002 Copyright © International Associations of Universities |
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STUDENT SERVICES
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