USA - Higher Education

HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS
The vast expanse of USA is divided into seven regions through which are spread out almost 3300 higher education institutions generally termed as `college' or `university'. These colleges/universities offer almost 500 different fields of study, providing international applicants with a variety of options and opportunities for education. There are 1,200 community and junior colleges, and 1,800 colleges and universities. The variety includes public colleges and universities, private institutions, liberal arts college, specialized institutions, men’s' colleges, women’s' colleges, military colleges, etc. Federal academies provide free education to a select group of qualified students. Colleges vary in size; some are large while others are quite small. In some colleges an applicant may find students from many different States, while in others the student community may belong to a particular State. In terms of costs the total cost for tuition, room, board and fees in a college may be $10,000 per annum while in other colleges cost is much more. The most competitive colleges may even cost more than $30,000 per annum. Besides costs there are colleges in USA which cater to the special needs of students, e.g., colleges catering to the needs of learning disabled students providing special facilities. Institutions with these diverse characteristics have been attracting students from across the globe.
The liberal arts colleges, also called liberal arts and science colleges, provide academic studies of subjects in the Humanities (Languages, Literature, Philosophy, Arts), the Social Sciences (Economics, Sociology, Anthropology, History, Political Science) and the Sciences (Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry). Institutes of technology offer higher education in specialized science and technology subjects. Some universities are considered most reputable as they form an Ivy League. Considered to be highly selective, these institutes are renowned the world over for their educational programs.
There are several types of institutions imparting higher education

Universities
Universities comprise of undergraduate colleges and graduate or professional schools. They are located on a large campus with colleges and schools spread out on the campus. Generally each college/school has all facilities for day-to-day functioning.
They are specialized institutions imparting professional education and training in science and engineering along with basic science, social sciences and even humanities courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels. There are also technical schools imparting 2-year training for Para professional occupations. They do not grant degrees.

4-year colleges and 2-year community colleges
There are 4-year colleges offering bachelor's degree programs and community colleges which offer 2-year courses after class 12. These are cheaper in costs. Courses offered in community colleges are of 3 months to 2 years duration. 3 months courses are certificate courses while 2 years courses are associate degrees in technical and Para professional trades, e.g., data processing, auto mechanics, electrical and electronics, etc. The 2 years courses at community colleges are also preparatory courses for transfer to 4 years degree colleges, i.e., the degrees awarded by community colleges are either `terminal' or `transfer'. Terminal associate degrees prepare students for employment in technical and Para professional fields and are similar to vocational courses in India. Transfer associate degrees allow students to study for 2 years at a community college or junior college and then transfer to a degree course in a 4 years college where they receive a bachelor's degree.

Professional training schools
Professional courses in medicine, law, dentistry, veterinary schools are of 3 to 4 years duration. Only undergraduates can seek admission to these courses. Limited openings are offered for residency training to foreign medical graduates.

Short-term study programs - Courses and seminars of a few days to a years duration are conducted by community colleges, technical schools, colleges, universities, hospitals and research centres. Application procedures to these are much simpler than that followed for college and university programs.

ACCREDITION
Before seeking admission to any educational institution in USA a foreign student should determine whether the institution is currently accredited. Accredition is a certificate given by an accrediting association after the institution has been judged to meet established standards.
This is a periodic assessment carried out not by the government but by committees of education and other private organizations. Institutions are visited by committees deputed by one of the 6 regional accrediting bodies. The regional accrediting bodies are:

• New England Association of Schools and Colleges
• North West Association of Schools and Colleges
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
• Western Association of Schools and Colleges
• North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
• Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools

These accrediting associations are recognized by the US Department of Education and the Council on Postsecondary Accredition (COPA).
In the absence of a Ministry of Education responsible for regulation of educational institutions, institutions are self-regulatory, i.e., they have institutional and professional accredition. While institutional accredition is granted by regional accrediting bodies, professional accredition exists only in programs which concern occupational competence. Professional accredition is granted to a program only after institutional accredition has been granted to the school conducting the program. Professional accredition is of particular importance in fields such as business, engineering, medicine and law.
The advantage of studying in an accredited institution is that you would be in a more secure position as an applicant to a graduate school. Most accredited graduate schools prefer to select students from accredited undergraduate schools. Secondly, if you wish to change college midway, your credits would easily get transferred from one college to the other. Most accredited institutions offer financial aid, fellowships and grants. Even on return to India only accredited degrees and diplomas are viewed favorably.

RANKING OF UNIVERSITIES
Some directories publish ranking of colleges and universities in terms of competitiveness. This is based on the ratio of the number of students who apply to the number admitted. Such rankings are useful because they give the applicant an idea of the chance of admission. There is, however, no official ranking of colleges and universities in USA. Some rankings are based on opinion surveys of professionals in the field or on Federal Governments' allocation of funds for research grants. For an international applicant these may be rough indicators about the criteria for admission but it is only the application process that would give a true picture of what the chances are for entering a college. However, when a school is ranked high, it must not be presumed that it is the best option for every applicant. A student's academic and professional ambitions as well as financial resources, schools location and size need to be considered to decide which the best choice is.

INTER-SCHOOL TRANSFERS
US higher educational institutions have the unique characteristic of allowing transfer from one course to another, from one campus to another and even one university to another. Students transfer from 2-year colleges to universities or even midway during graduation. Some universities even consider Indian degrees for allocating credits for courses covered at an Indian university. While choosing a university it may be worthwhile scrutinizing the transfer policies - what has been the average GPA, the acceptance rate, the year when transfer has been readily accepted, can your course credits be transferred, etc.

USA - The Education System

EDUCATIONAL STRUCTURE Education in the United States of America is different in form and content from what we have in India.

School education
School education in USA is for 12 years. American children begin schooling at the age of three or four years and till the age of five years most children attend kindergarten. Elementary school begins at the age of 6 years. Schools follow two patterns : (a) elementary grades go upto class four followed by middle school for 3 years and then comes senior school from grade 9 to 12, (b) in another system elementary grades extend upto grade 6 followed by a combined Junior and Senior High School, i.e., from grade 7 to grade 12. With a secondary school (`high school') diploma or certificate, a student can enter college, university, vocational (job training) school, secretarial school and other professional schools. Some secondary level programs of other countries are recognized as being higher than USA secondary program.
Schools in USA are managed both privately and by the State; in fact the public school system is run by the State Government which controls almost 80% of the country's elementary and high schools. The rest are private schools run by religious organizations or private groups. Public schools in USA are supported mainly by taxation. Private schools get their operating funds chiefly from tuition and contribution of private citizens.

Higher education
Undergraduate Education - Bachelor's degree in USA usually takes 4 years of study. There are Community/junior colleges or technical/vocational training institutions that grant a diploma or certificate which can not be equated with college degrees. Community and junior colleges offer academic and non academic subjects in 2-year programs granting associate degrees in Science or Art. The non academic associate degrees are for immediate employment and can not be transferred as a credit for a 4-year college degree course, where as academic transfer associate degree programs do allow students to transfer to degree courses at a university.

Graduate Education takes 2 years and requires 16 years of education for entry.

University and colleges - University education begins at 18 years after secondary education for undergraduate study. In higher education universities have autonomy to design their programs, curriculum and standards for admission. There is no `national university' or federal education ministry. Legal authority for the governance of most USA higher educational institutions rests with a Board of trustees who are honorary appointees. They generally delegate the day-to-day management to the administrative staff and faculty particularly for curriculum development, instruction and research. Every college or university - whether in a large city or in a smaller community - has a campus on a land which it owns. On this campus are located libraries, classrooms, laboratories, administrative and service buildings, hostels with dormitories, apartments, canteens and staff quarters. Facilities for sports and games, entertainment, e.g., club houses, theatre, student centre, etc. There is generally also an infirmary or hospital and a bookstore along with other special facilities a campus may provide.
A unique characteristic of a USA university campus is that it is a physically and socially unified community within a larger community. This has had a profound influence on the development of an individual's personality. Campus living encourages a close association among the students and the faculty. Many students find this association informal, friendly and supportive.
Generally the administrative organization of any university depends upon the number and size of schools or colleges on a campus. Many universities offer programs of professional preparation and hence have separate schools or colleges such as college of engineering, school of law, school of medicine. Each school has a chief executive officer known as `Dean'. Schools have departments and administrative sub-divisions, e.g., department of computer engineering, department of mathematics, economics and the like. Many universities have a general program called `liberal' program which is a separate school and has departments of subjects such as philosophy, mathematics, history, psychology, etc. The executive officer of each department is addressed as `chairperson' or `head'.

Objectives of higher education - The special objectives which higher education institutions hope to achieve are theoretically and even practically similar to ours in India. They aim to equip students with the necessary skills to take their places in a highly demanding, complex and multifaceted society. The courses have been designed for developing critical and practical skills for being useful contributors to society. They believe in placing greater emphasis on experiential learning through observation and measurement. Hence any student who plans to study in USA must be sure not to expect a directive `spoon feeding' approach in teaching but an approach which demands active participation and a self-steering attitude.

Academic year - The academic year is usually divided into two semesters: Fall is the August beginning semester and spring is the January beginning semester. All universities accept students in the fall semester. Only a few admit foreign students in the spring or January session.
The academic year is roughly 32 weeks long and sessions may begin from last week of August or during September. Each session is divided into academic terms or semesters. A two semester calendar seems to be the most popular option, each semester being of 16 weeks duration. The quarter system has 3 terms in an academic year each of about 10 weeks duration. There is a rare chance for a university to offer a trimester calendar for undergraduate study. In this system the whole calendar year is divided into three equal terms of 12 weeks duration. A few holiday periods range from one week to a month. Most universities have summer programs which last for the vacation period of 6-10 weeks. Many foreign students use this vacation time for planned study to complete a four year course in 3 years.

UK - Educational Routes to Popular Courses

Indian students generally intend to pursue an academic stream, i.e., a degree course of 3 to 4 years duration in a foreign country. The aim is to continue and complete a postgraduate qualification and then return to India to take up a job. Many do, however, wish to stay on and work.

There are Foundation and Bridge courses which you could take before entering the university. These courses intend to `bridge the gap' between Indian education and British education.

After a degree or a postgraduate degree students register with professional organizations to become members. This assures them a status of professional competence

Studying Accountancy

In UK specialist professional bodies impart training and award qualifications in Accountancy. These qualifications are generally equivalent to under graduation.

Following are five major professional organizations in the area of Accountancy:

• Chartered Association of Certified Accountants, 29 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London WC2A 3EE
• Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, 63 Portland Place, London W1N 4A
• Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accounting, 3 Robert Street, London WC2N 6BH
• Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, Chartered Accountants Halls, PO Box 433, Moorgate Place, London EC2 2BJ
• Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland, 27 Queen Street, Edinburgh EH2 1LA

Chartered Association of Certified Accountants (ACCA) - The ACCA conducts the professional exams in 3 stages - Foundation, certificate and professional. Minimum eligibility is 2 A-levels and 3 GSCE in 5 separate subjects including English and Maths. Students who have work experience and are graduates may be exempted from the foundation exam. Partial waivers from the professional level are given to those who have done a degree or HND/HNC in Accounting. For membership of ACCA three to five years of experience is required. ACCA offers distance learning courses also. ACCA has examination centers in almost 100 countries.

Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) - The CIMA course has 4 stages of exams and practical training for membership. Applicants to the course require two A-levels and three GCSEs including English and Maths. Some exemption may be granted to those who have a BTEC (see BTEC in earlier sections) or higher national diploma or Degree in a relevant subject.

Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accounting (CIPFA) - CIPFA course is relevant for those keen on working for Public Bodies in UK. The course consists of three professional examinations for which the minimum entry requirements are 2 A-levels, 3 GCSE including Maths and English. Graduates are exempt from the foundation course if they have studied related subjects.

Association of International Accountants (AIA) - This has several branches in the world. In Asia, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore have branches; AIA curriculum can be oriented to local requirements. The exam can be taken after study course for which eligibility is 2A levels. 3 GCSE passes including English and Maths or graduation from any discipline which may permit some course exemptions. AIA qualification is granted after 3 years work experience.

For information write to:

Association of International Accountants, South Bank building, Kingsway, Team Valley, Newcastle upon Tyne NE II OJS

Study of Maths, Business, Legal and Social Studies will also help in gaining exemption from part of the professional training.

Studying business studies

A degree in Business Studies is offered by several universities and colleges in UK. The subject includes study of economics, accounting and finance management, marketing, statistics, human resources, and law. Last year of the degree is normally spent in specialization in a branch of business management. Special feature of degree courses in UK is that it offers specialized degrees and even joint degrees. You could, e.g., do a specialized degree in strategic marketing or a joint degree in business studies and computer science.

Business studies in a degree course are offered as a sandwich course of 4 years duration or a non-sandwich course which takes 3 years.

Postgraduate courses - Postgraduate studies can be done in areas such as in management, finance, marketing, information systems, tourism management, human resource management, industrial relations etc. Course choices are diplomas, certificates or masters and last one to two years. The entry requirement is a degree/BTEC or a higher national diploma.

For MBA courses, experience and GMAT scores are considered for entry.

Professional membership - In Britain membership of professional bodies is sought for better employment prospects. In the area of Business Studies some of the professional qualifications of relevance are given by:

• City and Guilds, National Examination Board for Supervisory Management, 76 Portland Place, London, W1N 4AA
• Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators, 16 Park Crescent, London, W1N 4AH
• Chartered Institute of Marketing, Moor Hall, Cookham, Maidenhead, Berkshire 8L6 9QH
• Business and Technology Education Council (BTEC), Central House, Upper Woburn Place, London WC1H 0HH
• Institute of Management, Management House, Catt Ingham Road, Carby, Northamptanshire, NN 171 TT
• London Chamber of Commerce and Industry Examination Board (LCCIEB), Marlowe House, Station House, Sidcup, Kent DA 15 7BJ
• National Council for Vocational Qualification (NCVQ), 222 Eusten Road, London NW1 2BZ

NCVQ provides a national framework for vocational qualifications. The standards of this are laid down on the basis of the skills required in employment. Qualifications are structured by City and Guilds, and BTEC.

Studying management

In the UK, as in most parts of the world MBA or a postgraduate course in management is very popular. Most universities have a business school which conducts the MBA course as well as short management programs. In Britain private management colleges also offer short term courses as well as postgraduate courses in affiliation with universities. These MBA courses are designed to give practical inputs to managers along with academic skills. The standards as required in the job market are explored and then laid down as set standards in courses for potential managers. At the undergraduate level there are only management related courses available such as business studies. If you have studied Economics and Maths at school you certainly have better chances of entering an undergraduate course. Institutions have different entry requirements and generally 2 or 3 A-levels are required. Maths is certainly a valuable subject for someone who wishes to pursue studies in management, science and operational research. Postgraduate courses in management are of nine months duration followed by 3 months of project work. M.Sc or MA in Management offers specialization in project management, marketing, tourism, entrepreneurship, industrial relations, information systems, etc. MBA is offered as full time/part time course as well as through distance learning. In the UK most universities give favorable consideration to applicants with work experience.

Graduate Management Aptitude Test (GMAT) scores are valid for admission to most MBA courses. Students with an undergraduate degree and no work experience must opt for a diploma in management studies and then apply for a master's degree course.

Addresses for reference for applicants to MBA, MA, MS courses in Management

• Association of Business Schools, 344-354 Greys Inn Road, London WC1X 8BPX
• Institute of Management Services, 1 Cecil Court London Road, Enfield, Middlesex EN2 6DD
• Institute of Administrative, Management, 40 Chatsworth Parade Pitts Wood Orpington, Kent BR5 1RW, Web site : www.educationuk.org
• Business and Technology Education, Council Central House, Upper Woburn Place, London WC1H 0HH
• Institute of Management Specialists, Alexander House, 58 Clarendar Avenue, Royal Leamington Spa, Warwickshire CV32 45A

Studying art and design

The study of art and design incorporates a wide number of fields of study. Painting, fine art, printmaking, lithography, sculpture, film, photography, cinematography, performance and computer aided design.

Types of courses - Entry to an undergraduate course is usually after a foundation course of one year duration followed by 3 or 4-year degree courses. Art education follows 2 major patterns in UK. One is related to enhancing and exploring individual creativity while the other is more technical (applied) and oriented to the industry. There are courses in graphic design, e.g., which teach techniques for print making (typography, illustration) and design for film and television including computer graphics. Industrial design, i.e., designing of products, furniture, ceramics, plastics, interiors form part of three dimensional design.

There are courses in photography, textiles, fashion, audio-visual design and multidisciplinary courses in which the study of design and other subjects is integrated. At the postgraduate level art and design courses can be pursued at the higher degree level (through research work), diploma or certificate level.

Art Teachers certificate/diploma/courses are to train those holding a B Ed degree for teaching art subjects in schools. Indian applicants for Art Teachers Certificate (ATC), Art Teachers Diploma (ATD) or for Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) must apply to the art and design colleges.



Professional designers may seek membership of professional organisations in the UK, e.g., the Chartered Society of Designers. For membership portfolio has to be submitted and membership examination has to be cleared. The address for correspondence is as follows:

• Chartered Society of Designers, 29 Bedford Square, London WC1B 3EG
• Art and Design Admission Registry, Penn House, 9 Broad Street, Hereford HR4 9AP
• Chartered Society of Designers, 29 Bedford Square, London WC1B 3EG
• National Society for Education in Art and Design, The Gate house, Corsham Court, Corsham, Wiltshire SN13 0PZ
• National Association of Fine Art Education, Department of Art, Birmingham Institute of Art and Design, International House, Lancaster Street, Birmingham B4 7AT

Studying architecture

The study of architecture normally takes seven years in UK. A full time course is offered at schools of architecture in universities and other institutes of higher education. There are 2 professional bodies which regulate the course structure -

• The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), 66 Portland Place, London W1N 4AD.
• Architects Registration Council of the United Kingdom (ARCUK) 73 Hallam Street, London W1N 6EE.

The study of Architecture can be done in 3 stages. The first stage leads to an honors degree and lasts for 3 years. This is followed by a year of practical experience with an Architectural firm. The second stage of the training extends for 2 years. After completion of both these stages student can register with RIBA. The third stage is the Professional Practice Examination taken during the second stage of practical training. On completion of the seven-year period students can register as architects with the Architects Registration Council of UK and become members of professional bodies. For entry essential subjects are English, Maths and Science at the GCE `A' level or class XII level.

Studying tourism

Tourism courses can be studied through many types of courses: college awards, vocational qualifications, first degrees and postgraduate qualifications.

The GNVQs and NVQs are vocational courses in the travel industry. They are available for all types of jobs in the travel sector. The NVQ can be taken after registering with one of the professional bodies. Generally students are admitted to these courses after secondary education.

BTEC course in business studies covers travel and tourism also. British Travel Agents Association is a government authorized body for a career in travel. They run travel agents certificate course at 2 levels one for travel agents and the other for travel consultants. The Travel Training Company runs the International Air Transport Authority (IATA), Air Travel courses which deal with all aspects of air travel. IATA membership can be acquired on gaining the required training points.

Undergraduate courses are of 3 years duration. Sandwich courses need an additional year of work experience.

Relevant addresses are as follows:

The Travel Training Company, the Cornerstone, The Broadway, Woking, Surrey GU21 5(offers travel tourism courses through distance education.)

International Air Transport Association, Agency Services Office, Imperial House, 15-19 Kingsway, London WC2B 6UN

Studying hotel management

Hotel and Catering International Management Association (HCIMA) is a professional body which validates hotel management qualification. It admits members as Licentiate or Corporate Members.

HCIMA recognizes a 2-year certificate course and a diploma course of 3 years duration. Licentiate members of HCIMA are certificate holders. Corporate members are those with managerial experience. First degree courses are for 3 or 4 years and these provide exemption from the Hotel and Catering International Management Association's membership examinations. Postgraduate courses are of one year duration. Research degrees take longer. Information about HCIMA membership may be asked from:

Hotel Management Association, 191 Trinity Road, London SW17 7HN

Studying engineering

Engineering qualifications like most other qualifications can be studied at several levels. There exists the craft level, technician’s level, and the advanced technician level and degree courses accredited by the Engineering Council. There are exams conducted by the Engineering Council which provide an alternative route to technical personnel to get a degree. It is particularly meant for those who have not got a professional engineers status.

Those who register with the Engineering Council after acquiring a graduate/postgraduate qualification do not need it to practice engineering but only to establish there competence as an engineer in the international job market. The various branches of engineering civil, electrical and electronics, mechanical all follow the same training pattern. At the bottom of the rung is the crafts level which is training through jobs in the industry, qualifications being given by training boards. Next are the engineering technicians who take the BTEC national diploma or higher national diploma.

First degree courses are 3-year full time courses or 4-year sandwich courses leading to a Bachelor of Engineering. The Masters in Engineering takes another year. PhD or M.Phil studies are longer.

As in most other careers engineers too register with professional bodies concerned with their area of work and get the status of chartered engineers.

Here is a list of some professional bodies in various branches of engineering:

• Institution of Mechanical Engineers, 1 Birdcage Walk, London 8W1H 9J
• Institution of Mechanical Incorporated Engineers, 3 Birdcage Walk, London SW1H 9JN
• The Engineering Council, 10 Malt avers Street, London WC2R 3ER
• The Engineering Council, Examination Department, Essex House, 12-13 Essex Street, London WC2R 3EG
• Engineering Careers Information Service, 41 Clarendon Road, Watford, Herts WD1 1HS
• Institution of Electronics and Electrical Incorporated Engineers, Savoy Hill, Savoy Hill House, London WC2R 0BS
• Institution of Electrical Engineers, Savoy Place, London, WC2R 0BL
• Institution of Lighting Engineers, Lennox House, 9 Law ford Road, Rugby CV21 2DZ
• Institution of Electrical Engineers, Education and Liaison Service, Michael Faraday House, Six Hills Way, Stevenage, Herts SG1 2AY
• Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers, Delta House, 222 Balham High Road, London SW12 9BS
• Institute of Highway Incorporated Engineers, 20 Queensberry Place, London, SW7 2DR
• Institution of Civil Engineers, 1 Great George Street, London SW1P 3AA
• The Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors, 26 Market Street, Altrincham, Cheshire WA14 1PF

Studying medicine

Postgraduate medical studies in the United Kingdom (UK) require taking Professional and Linguistics Assessments Board (PLAB). The PLAB test is designed to assess both knowledge and skills, and ability to work safely as a senior house officer in a British hospital. The test can be taken in two parts. Part one is held at centers in the UK and in certain other countries. It consists of a single computer markable paper to a standard set using the 'Angoff method'. Part two can only be taken in the United Kingdom. If consists of a 14-station objective structured clinical examination (OSCE). This tests both clinical and communication skills. Entry to second part requires passing the first part. The second part must be taken within two years of having passed the first. Results are either 'pass' or 'fail'. The costs for part one is £ 145 and for part two is £ 430. In India the British Council Division administers the test in Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata and Delhi.

Registration is generally in September for the test usually held in November.

Addresses for Contact:

Chennai
British Council Divisioin, 737 Anna Salai, Chennai 600 002,
nirupa.Femandez@in.britishcounsil.org

Mumbai
Mittal Tower 'C' Wing, 2nd Floor, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400 021, vivek.singh@in.britishcouncil.org

New Delhi
17 Kasturba Gandhi Marg, New Delhi - 110001

UK - School Education System

EDUCATIONAL STRUCTURE:

UK has a long and rich tradition of offering opportunity for study to International students. British education is internationally renowned for academic excellence, innovation, curriculum development and quality assurance.

UK has 2 distinct systems of courses and qualifications: One for England, Wales and Northern Ireland and one for Scotland. These are all compatible systems.

School Education:

School Education in the UK is compulsory for all between ages 5-16, and is imparted in 2 kinds of schools: State funded schools and independent (fee charging) schools.

Primary School education begins compulsorily at the age of five and continues to age eleven. It extends till age 12 in Scotland and few areas of England.

State system: Most children take their primary and secondary education entirely within the State (maintained) system. In England and Wales, the responsibility is given by the Department for Education (DFE) to about 100 Local Education Authorities (LEAs). The State education system provides compulsory schooling from age 6-16 years after which the school leaving exam is taken. State schools funded by the government offer free education. Inspection of schools is a regular feature.

Private sector: There are currently approximately 2,500 non-maintained schools in England, Scotland and Wales providing education to about 7.4 per cent of the total school population. They follow the norms laid for state run schools. The better known of the private schools are also called `public schools'. Most private schools have a selective entry based on academic ability and they conduct classes which are more traditionally organized than those in the maintained sector. The proportion of boarding schools in the private sector (40 percent of the total) is very much higher than in the maintained sector.

Pre-School Education - Preschool education is available in both private (independent) and the state run schools. Children can enter at age 3-4.

Primary School - Most children enter the state run schools at the age of 5 years and go to secondary schools at age eleven. Independent schools admit students at age five and children stay on till age thirteen- Many international students enter at age seven and then transfer to secondary schools.

Secondary Education - All U.K. secondary schools, both state and independent, teach pupils up to age 16 years and prepare them for GCSE or equivalent qualification.

School qualifying exams

GCE O level - In 1988 a major change took place in the British school education system. GCE O-level was replaced by a new examination - the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE). GCSE is taken by students from a broader ability range than the GCE-O level and the examination places more emphasis on practical and oral work. Students are judged on the work they have done during the course, as well as the final examination. Although GCSE replaces O-Level in Britain, the A-level structure in British schools remains unchanged.

Post sixteen education

GCE examinations A and AS levels - Student complete compulsory education generally at 16 years and prepare for A levels or equivalent qualification in schools, sixth form colleges or colleges of further education. `A' levels prepares students for higher education.

Students can opt for Advanced Supplementary (AS) levels for higher proficiency levels. They take one or more `AS' levels subject to supplement or substitute an `A' level subject. Vocational courses are also offered at the secondary school stage.

National curriculum - The national curriculum is comprised of core subjects - English, Mathematics and Science and foundation subjects - History, Geography, Technology, Foreign language, Art, Physical Education and Music. Students have to study all these 7 foundation subjects. In Wales students also study Welsh.

In Scotland students study English, Maths, Science, a Modern European Language, Social Studies, Technological Activities, Art, Music or Drama, Religious Education, Physical Education.

In Northern Ireland, students study English, Science and Technology, Mathematics, Society and Environment, Foreign Languages and Creative Studies. The evaluation is at the age of 8, 11, 14 and 16.

Post eighteen education

Secondary education (A levels) usually gets completed by age 18. Students then go for Higher education/further education colleges (for career based courses & some degrees) or in higher education colleges for degree program.

Higher education

Britain has almost 100,000 international students entering schools and higher education institutions every year and is one of the most popular destinations for Indian students. Britain certainly has something glorious and rich about its higher education institutions which attract International students. This tradition, so to say, was set during the 13th and 15th centuries by renowned universities at Oxford, Cambridge, Glasgow and Aberdeen. It was in 1960 that a very large number of universities were added to the already existing ones mainly in large cities, e.g., at London, Manchester, Leeds etc. The period between 1960 and 1993 saw no further expansion and what became popular during that time is what could be termed as a `binary' system of education. Polytechnics and universities existed side by side and degrees were granted by polytechnics as well as by universities. This seemed to be an inappropriate structure for higher education and called for reform. British higher education system has hence undergone many changes. The merger of the old universities admission system with that of the old polytechnics has created the new Universities and College Admission Systems (UCAS).

Since 1992 the Higher and Further Education Act has given the right to polytechnics to call themselves universities. In 1993 thirty universities were established. Some of these were polytechnics conducting technical and vocational courses and some non-technical courses. University status was expected to give all courses more value.

EDUCATIONAL STRUCTURE IN SCOTLAND

Scotland has 2,293 publicly funded primary schools, 389 publicly funded secondary schools in membership of the Scottish Independent Schools Council, 47 further education colleges, 21 institutes of higher education in membership of Universities Scotland and 80 independent schools, numerous training providers and private language schools. Scottish education offers flexibility and breadth of study, and there is a wide range of qualifications at different levels and many different subject from which to choose.

The main organizations involved in Scottish education and training are: the Scottish Parliament and the Scottish Executive which has advisory responsibilities.

After seven years of primary education and four years of compulsory secondary education, students aged 15 to 16 may take the Scottish Certificate of Education (SCE). The Scottish Certificate of Education is recognized throughout Britain as the equivalent to GCE A-levels and is usually the entry qualification for university

Scottish enterprise and Highlands and Islands enterprise:

These statutory organizations are responsible for safeguarding employment, enhancing the skills of the work force, promoting Scotland's industrial efficiency and international competitiveness, and improving the environment.

A regional network of local enterprise companies is responsible for business development, administering government-funded training programs, and attracting investment to Scotland. Local enterprise companies work with colleges and higher education institutes to deliver the training and retaining schemes which are part of their economic strategies.

Local government

There are thirty-two local authorities in Scotland and they are responsible for funding and implementing nursery, primary and secondary schooling within their areas. In Scotland, all schools are subject to regular inspection.

The Scottish qualifications authority (SQA)

The SQA is the single national body in Scotland responsible for development, accreditation, assessment, and certification of qualifications other than degrees and professional qualifications. It is also responsible for providing advice as required to the Scottish Executive on Scottish qualifications, and the education, training and assessment which contributes to the achievement of qualifications.

Full information on all the SQA qualifications can be obtained via the SQA web site at www.sqa.org.uk or by contacting: The Scottish Qualifications Authority, Help desk, Hanover House, 24 Douglas Street, Glasgow G2 7NQ, e-mail: helpdesk@sqa.org.uk

The Scottish council of independent schools (SCIS)

The SCIS represents over ninety-six percent of independent schools in Scotland. Among its key functions are negotiations with the Scottish Parliament, the Scottish Executive and Members of the Scottish Parliament on behalf of the independent sector.

The SCIS represents around eighty member schools all of which are registered with the Scottish Executive Education Department and are subject to inspection by HM Inspectorate of Education and by the Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care. Most SCIS schools follow the Scottish examination system, and some also present pupils for GCSE, AS - and A-level examinations.

Address for contact:

Scottish Council of Independent Schools, 21 Melville Street, Edinburgh EH3 7PE, e-mail: admin@scis.org.uk, website: www.scis.org.uk

Qualifications in Scotland

The Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework (SCQF) - All mainstream Scottish qualifications are being incorporated into a single unified framework - HE qualification including Higher national certificates (HNCs) and Higher national Diplomas (HNDs), National Qualifications such as Higher and Advanced Highers and SVQs. The SCQF covers all levels from Access 1 (National Qualification) to HE doctorate.

The aims and benefits of the SCQF include:

• Increasing understanding of the qualifications system
• Showing the relationship of qualifications to one another
• Assisting learners to plan their progress from one qualification to the next.
• Facilitating transfers of relevant credit gained from one qualification towards another
• Helping employers plan training for employee's
• Stabilizing links with other framework developments across the UK and also in Europe to facilitate cross - border credit transfer.

SCQF levels are not directly related to years of study. All qualifications awarded by Scottish degree-awarding institutions and those awarded are accredited by the SQA. SCQF credit points are used to quantify learning and give it a value or credit. In common with other credit systems; the SCQF works on the basis that 120 general credit points are awarded for a full year's learning. The SCQF is intended to show the relative size and level of qualifications in the Scottish education and training system in a way which allows a wide range of users to understand the system better, and to track progression routes through the system.

UK- Application Procedure to Higher Education Institutions in UK

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

DEGREE COURSES:

Application for admission to full-time and sandwich first degree courses, diploma of higher education (Dip HE) and higher national diploma (HND) courses at UK universities and most colleges of higher education should be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), P.O. Box 67, Cheltenham, Glos. GL50 3SF.

The UCAS is the central agency which acts on behalf of all UK universities and most colleges for higher education for processing of applications for entry to their first degree, diploma in higher education, higher national diplomas and certain university diploma courses. This centralized system attempts to make the process as fair as possible.

The UCAS form is available from 1st September each year and is generally made available at all British Council offices in the country.

Application schedule for international students

May - September - You should try and find out all you can about the universities and courses you are keen to apply to.

September - October - 1st September UCAS begins receiving applications. 15th October is applications deadline.

1st September - 15th January - Oxford/Cambridge application should be made.

November - December - UCAS member universities begin interviews. Last date for UCAS application is 15th December.

January - March - Art and Design Applications (ADAR). Last date being 31st March.

April - ADAR institutions begin interviews for first choice offers. Second choice interviews are in 3rd week of May.

May - UCAS acceptance deadline is 15th May for first choice institutions

June - ADAR placements

August - September - Clearing process begins from UCAS

Filling the form

In the UCAS form there is a section headed `Personal Statement'. This is for you to say why you are applying and to support your application you must give evidence of relevant interests or work experience. Put down anything you have achieved: Duke of Edinburgh Awards, sports certificates, participation certificates and awards acquired in curricular activities.

The cost for applying is £ 5 for a single choice and £ 15 for up to six choices.(subject to revision)

Referee's report or recommendation

Your `referee' (teacher, principal, and counselor) should fill in the recommendation page of the form. They should describe your academic achievements and your potential (including their assessment of what grades you will achieve), what type of student you are (how motivated and interested you are) and how you cope with organizing your work. This report is confidential. If you have experienced any particular health or personal problems which are known to the school, these may be mentioned here if your referee thinks they have affected (or are likely to affect) your exam performances at school.

The form must reach the UCAS office between 1st September and 15th December in the year preceding the proposed year of entry. UCAS forwards applications to universities/colleges who consider it at their discretion. The UCAS process is:

• The receipt in the UCAS office of completed application forms (applicants are asked on the form to name up to 6 courses to which they wish to apply) ;
• Transmission by the office of a copy of each application form to those institutions named on it by the applicant ;
• Communication to the applicant, by the office, of decision made by each university/college on his/her application ;
• A Clearing Scheme which enables applicants whose original applications were unsuccessful to be considered by other institutions with vacant places.
• The British system requires everyone to apply one year in advance of entry. UCAS allows an applicant to fill in only one form each year.

Application acceptance

Universities usually give an unconditional offer to those who satisfy entry requirements by their existing qualifications. UCAS institution sends acceptance or rejection directly to the applicant. Conditional offers are made when A grade level have to be considered. After receiving all replies a student has the option to keep one as firm offer and the other as a standby. Grades at your exam decide whether you will go to the college of your first choice. The responses must reach UCAS by mid May after decisions from all universities have been received.

On failing to fulfill conditional requirements for admission:

Conditional offers are made by Universities which define the Grades you need to achieve for getting a final offer; these are generally in relevant subjects at the `A' level. If you fall short of the desired grades for your first and second choice colleges you may take the `clearing option' through which UCAS places students in vacant places. Direct contact with the universities also helps since many universities accept students even after the term has begun.

The clearing process

Clearing is like a waiting place for applicants who fail to receive offers or who do not get the right grades. The clearing house has all remaining vacancies in institutions and hence it helps to place unplaced applicants into a vacant position.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE COURSE (ELC)

Some ELC can be started at any time of the year whereas others have fixed admission schedules. Students must apply directly to the school.

BOARDING SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

Most schools begin in September. Some admit students even a year in advance. Application can be made through British Council Libraries.

CAREER BASED COURSES

Students must apply directly to the institution offering these courses. There is no application deadline usually but students must keep ample time for making arrangements for travel & stay.

APPLICATION PROCESS FOR SPECIAL COURSES:

Art and design courses

There are 2 types of institutions providing art and design degrees - the conventional universities and the studio based courses.UCAS is responsible for helping applicants to some design degrees while ADAR makes admissions to studio based courses in England, Wales and Ireland.

Address for contact:

Art and Design Registry at Penn House, 9 Broad Street, Hereford HRG 4 9AP,

Merger of UCAS and ADAR - Application for art and design courses from 1997 are submitted in 2 ways, 1st option: For some courses (given in UCAS handbook) 6 choices can be given and the form submitted by 15th December. Applications are sent to all 6 institutions. 2nd option: you may enter 4 choices send in your application by March. The order of preference has to be given on a separate form so that your application is considered in that order.

Fine art courses in the portfolio submission scheme - Since 1995 four separate portfolio submission schemes are in operation. These are listed below:

Central portfolio submission scheme - University of Wales, University of Edinburgh, Reading offer honors degree courses in Fine Art, and have a central scheme for the submission of portfolios during January. The scheme is administered by the University of Reading. A separate registration fee is payable for this service. Applicants who include on their application form a course in Fine Art at one or more of the above universities get details about the submission of portfolios.

For the Bachelor of Fine Art course at the Ruskin School, Oxford, applicants are to submit an Oxford application card by 15th October and a portfolio of artwork by 15th November. Portfolios are returned to applicants in time for the Central Portfolio submission administered by University of Reading, and the State Portfolio Examination.

Details may be obtained from:
Oxford Colleges Admissions Office, Wellington Square, Oxford OXI 2JD.

The Slade School of Fine Art, University College, London conducts an independent portfolio examination, in mid-January. A separate fee is payable for the examination. Applicants who include the Slade on their application form receive details of the scheme.

Goldsmiths' College, University of London assesses applicants through 12 slides showing examples of their work.

In order to be certain of receiving detailed instructions in time to meet the portfolio submission deadlines, application forms which include courses in Fine Art within the central portfolio submission scheme and the Slade Portfolio examination, should reach UCAS well before 15th December.

Each centre (Reading University, the Ruskin School, the Slade School, and Goldsmiths’ College) clears any doubts about the scheme, not UCAS.

Teacher's training courses

For B.Ed courses application must be made through UCAS at

Fulton House, Jessop Avenue, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL 50 34H

In Ireland the Department of Education is responsible for the teachers training program. Applications may be procured from -

Department of Education in Northern Ireland, Rethgael House, Balloo Road, Bangor, Co Dawn BT 19 7, Northern Ireland

For post graduation, the Graduate Teacher Training Registry (GTTR) and the Indian Human Resource Ministry, coordinate the application process.

For Special Education address enquires to:

Information Section, Teacher's Training Agency, Portland House, Stag Place, London SW/E 5TT.

Nursing/Social work

To work as a nurse in UK a nursing license issued by UKCC is required. This is the regulatory body in UK. A qualified nurse from overseas works on annual contracts initially. Information about Indo-UK Nurses Association (INKUNA) is available on Website: www.indouknurses.org.

Nurses Central Clearing House (NCCH), PO Box 346, Bristol BS 99 7FB handles applications for individual nursing institutions in England. This organization keeps information about all current and proposed courses. UCAS also handles diploma and degree courses in nursing.

In Scotland the application must be sent to NBS Centralized application to:

Nurse Training Clearing House (CATCH) Post Box 21, Edinburgh, EH2 1NT.

For postgraduate courses in social work applications must be sent to (SWAS):

Social Work Admission System, Fulton House, Jessop Avenue, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL 50 3SF. Undergraduate placements are monitored by UCAS.

Applying to Cambridge and Oxford

Many applicants to Oxford and Cambridge Universities have been admitted on the basis of special entrance examinations organized by the colleges, but increasing discontentment with this system which is thought to discriminate against the maintained schools is leading both universities towards the use of 'A' grades together with interviews as the main method of selection.

The rules for Oxford and Cambridge applications differ from UCAS in the following ways:

Unlike UCAS the closing date for Oxford and Cambridge is 15th October

Oxford has an application card which must reach its office by that date

Cambridge preliminary application form should be sent to the Cambridge Intercollegiate office and to UCAS

Address for reference is as follows:

University of Cambridge Intercollegiate Application Office, Kellett Lodge, Tennis Court Road Cambridge CB 2 1QJ.

Oxford application too must go through UCAS and to Oxford Colleges Admissions Office

Address for reference is as follows:

Oxford College Admissions Office, University Offices, Wellington Square, Oxford OX1 2JD.

Cambridge conducts interviews in September and December. In September interviews are held for those who are school leavers. Responses are sent out to reach the applicant by end of October/ January. Cambridge colleges often give conditional offer to those who are awaiting `A' level results.

Oxford admits students who have not yet taken (A) examinations, either by interview and conditional offer (mode N for post A level students) or by entrance examination (mode E for pre A level students). Cambridge, however, since 1987, has made use, for some candidates, of a new sixth-term examination (`STEP') as an adjunct to (A) examination.

Currently Oxford has stopped the separate entry exam.

Mode N has no written exam but has the scheme offering conditional offer. A level applicant gets conditional placements based on these grades.

Applicants cannot apply to Cambridge and Oxford in the same year except for those who are applying for `Organ award' at both these universities.

For Scotland universities applications must go through UCAS. The degree courses are of 4-year duration like in other university systems throughout the world. The first year is the foundation year for students from many faculties.

APPLICATION FOR POSTGRADUATE COURSES

Postgraduate courses in the UK are perhaps one of the best in the world. There are generally more applications than vacancies. The very best places have a high demand and get filled up very quickly. An international applicant will take roughly a year and a half to complete all formalities.Applications is received between November and March. You have to apply directly to the university and not through UCAS as for first degrees. There is no central clearing house for postgraduate courses. Application to the university may be addressed to the Central postgraduate admissions department or to the international department for overseas applicants.

International applicants are assessed on the basis of their application form, references and academic record. Universities welcome work experience. Both part time and full time work experience are considered when granting admission. University admissions office would like to assess your motivation. You may be asked to write why do you want to pursue the course or what do you expect after the course. Genuine interest in the program offered by the university brings a favorable response.