Introduction to the Series
This week, I am going to be posting a series of short articles that outline some of the key advantages of studying in the UK for prospective university students from North America--and their parents--who are considering pursuing a degree at any level in politics or international relations.
While the topics covered are specifically geared to North American students, most of the information should also be useful to other prospective students from abroad.
I should note that I am making no universal claim about the superiority--or inferiority--of any national higher education system. What system, institution, and programme is going to best for anyone is related to individual needs, skills, motivations, likes, and dislikes. These lists simply identify some of the less obvious things that might be appealing to some of those who are looking to see what options are available to them in higher education.
One final caveat: The advice given here does not necessarily apply to specific institutions or degree programmes. Given the importance of choosing a programme and institution that is right for you, make sure to be carefully consulting the information offered directly from the provider.
7 Reasons to Consider a UK University for Your Undergraduate Degree
1. You know you want to study politics and/or international relations and wish to specialize immediately. Unlike North American universities where you do not get to focus on a specific subject area until your second or third year, UK universities offer the opportunity to focus your studies from day one. This eliminates the frustration of having to take courses in subject areas that don't really interest you for the first couple of years of study. There are also joint degree or combined studies programmes if your interests span across several subject areas (e.g., politics and sociology, french and international relations). It is also possible to go immediately into professional degrees like Law.
2. You enjoy independent study. UK university programmes are structured to include lots of time for independent study on topics that interest you. There are generally fewer lectures and seminars that need to be attended. This means that courses are more focused in what they cover. Through independent study, you are able to become an active participant in lectures and seminars rather than a passive receptor for the ideas of your instructor. You are also able to gain greater mastery over the subject area.
3. You are motivated by assignments and exams that are meaningful to your final mark. There is less course work in UK classes than in North American equivalents. This means that assignments and exams are more significant in terms of their weighting towards your final mark. Busy work assignments of low weighting that are often a staple of undergrad assessment in North America can often be avoided in the UK.
4. You want to be taught and inspired by active researchers in your subject area. Most UK universities place a heavy emphasis on research. Thus, it is expected that everyone--from the lowest lecturer to the highest professor--is engaged in research that is being published in leading academic journals and presses. Courses offered at an institution will reflect the research expertise of the staff. This will provide you with the opportunity to take a class by someone who is currently publishing on the topic rather than from a person who might read something written by your instructor after it gets published.
5. You want to live in Europe and explore what it has to offer rather than just visit for a summer. The UK is a part of the European Union. Rail travel within the UK is relatively cheap for students. Compared to North America, travel times between destinations are short. Moreover, many major urban centers outside of London (e.g., Manchester, Newcastle, Bristol, Edinburgh, Bradford/Leeds, Glasgow amongst many others) have international airports with daily flights to the continent. Air fares--if ordered well in advance--can be unbelievably inexpensive with budget airlines like RyanAir, Easyjet, or Jets2. Port cities may also have ferry services to places like Ireland, Spain, France, and the Netherlands. Thus, pursuing an undergraduate degree at a UK university offers the opportunity to combine an education with frequent travel opportunities that are simply not possible from North America.
6. You want to distinguish yourself from the pack and pick up an edge for the job market. Being able to demonstrate that you have international experience is always a plus for prospective employers, particularly in today's globalized economy. Moreover, having studied abroad is an indication that you are able to embrace change, take calculated risks, work in a diverse environment, show initiative, and be independent, all of which are highly sought qualities.
7. It's not quite as expensive as you think. Tuition--or what are called fees--for North American students are usually around £10,000-£13,000 ($17,000-$22,000 US) depending on the institution--note that some are higher than this. Living expenses for nine months can range from £7000-£10,000 ($11,500-$17,000 US) depending on the city. While not inexpensive by any stretch of the imagination, this is certainly competitive with many American institutions such as top 20 research universities, the Ivys, and selective liberal arts colleges. Moreover, undergraduate degrees in England and Wales are typically only three years long, cutting your costs by 25% relative to comparable US institutions.
Tomorrow, I'll be posting on Masters level programmes.
Photo credits: Toots Fontaine and clagnut
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