HIGHER EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS
It is necessary for an Indian applicant to understand the distinction between the various types of institutions existing in the United Kingdom for post-school education.
Universities
Britain has 95 universities. Universities in the UK are autonomous (self-governing) and have been incorporated as such by the British Parliament. Each university provides courses for all the major professions. Universities in Britain are located in diverse settings, e.g., in large cities, in smaller towns or in the country side. Besides the location, universities vary in size from a thousand students to 10,000 students. Manchester universities are really large. Leeds and London Universities are in city centers while Nottingham University is in a suburb. There are universities on the coasts such as Aberdeen University, in towns and those which have a country campus such as the University of Keele.
Colleges and institutes of higher education (CIHE)
CIHE in UK offer a variety of courses leading to degree level and professional qualifications. The courses are either full time or part time. Their certificates or diplomas are validated by external bodies, councils and professional organizations. These institutions are not as large as universities and hence a closer personal contact is fostered between students and tutors. The colleges of higher education must not be confused with colleges that are part of universities such as Oxford or London. Higher education colleges offer degrees or specialized professional qualifications such as in teaching, physiotherapy, art, music, agriculture, etc. These colleges award their own degree or alternatively are affiliates of universities.
Colleges of further education
Further education implies post-secondary education pursued at institutions other than universities. There are almost 600 colleges of further education funded by Further Education Council. Further education is also offered at independent and private colleges of varying sizes, e.g., there are colleges which have over 20,000 students while others have just 200 students. Further education colleges form a link between schools and university. The courses are offered by schools at secondary level (GCSE/GCE - A levels) or higher diploma courses offered by universities. Some further education institutions allow for transfer to or the first year of university or higher diploma courses after one year intensive access or bridging course.
Colleges of further education offer training at many levels:
- The pre-vocational and vocational courses
- Access to higher education courses (bridging and foundation courses of 1 year duration)
- Specialized courses for craftsmen and technicians
- Professional courses (secretarial/business courses, etc.)
Graduate level courses
Further education institutions also offer general education courses that allow people without formal qualifications to enter further education at the most elementary level and eventually get the highest qualification available.
Hence the choice is between an academic, vocational or intermediary option. The academic route leads to university degrees, vocational route to skilled training and the intermediary route to a mix of academic and vocational training allowing entry to both academic/vocational options.
Colleges of education:
These are teacher training colleges.
Colleges of art and design:
Art and Design courses at all levels are conducted at these colleges.
Private colleges (Accredited):
While most primary and secondary schools are managed privately in the higher education sector there are several accredited institutions offering correspondence and regular courses which are privately managed.
ACCREDITION:
Accrediting organizations lay down standards for private colleges. They inspect and assess them against standard criteria. Many private colleges which have got accreditation offer national qualifications such as of Business and Technology Education Council (BTEC) and City and Guild of London Institute (CGLI) which are widely accepted by employers and the academic bodies. The recognition of their courses is monitored by the Department of Education in Britain.
Independent Further Education Colleges are accredited by the British Accreditation Council.
Professional accreditation
Most professional courses are accredited by professional organizations in the UK. They review course content and training standards from time to time and conduct professional qualifying examinations.
Accrediting organizations in Britain
There are several accrediting bodies the major ones being the Council for the Accreditation of Correspondence Colleges, the British Association Council for Independent Further and Higher Education (BACIFHE) or (BAC), British Council English Language Schools Recognition Scheme.
These professional organizations also provide accreditation of courses; these are for different subjects. Those seeking admission in a private college may verify its course validity from the professional body.
QUALITY ASSURANCE:
The UK government and higher education institutions are partners in monitoring quality of higher education. There is a council which monitors quality and ensures that laid down requirements are adhered to. Colleges of further education are inspected regularly. Since course participants have to take exams set by independent organizations, these bodies also give a constant feedback about the quality of teaching thereby maintaining excellence. Such a system helps to maintain a uniformly high system of education in all institutions.
METHOD OF INSTRUCTION
The learning process demands maximum participation from students. Students are generally expected to spend many hours on self-study after guidelines are given through lectures.
Teaching methods:
Lectures, tutorials, seminars and practicals in different combinations are used by most institutions for teaching. The group size varies. Generally a very large group may have 150 to 200 students. Lectures may be for 4 hours a week and up to 15 hours a week. Often notes or summary may be given as handouts. However, emphasis is on `reading' rather than on directive teaching. Most tutors concentrate on research work at the postgraduate level.
EVALUATION SYSTEM: Marking system
Students get a degree in first, second or third class or just `pass'. `Honors' degrees. The class you would pass determines to a large extent whether you would be admitted to a Master's program.
