Like many other UK systems which have grown up organically, higher education is extremely complex. This concise guide is aimed primarily at those thinking about applying to university in the UK. It takes readers through the whole application process to life after graduation. From the beginning, readers are invited to consider whether UK education is right for them. This includes making sure that British qualifications will be acceptable in their homeland.
The guide points out that although academic levels are broadly the same, each university is unique in its syllabus and the way it delivers degree courses. The different types and level of higher education are outlined, whether you need to clarify the term “sandwich degree” or understand what “doctoral” means. There is also a helpful overview of how to apply to universities via the national UCAS organization. Oxford and Cambridge are highlighted as two universities where the old collegiate system still applies, and students apply direct to the college of their choice. Some medical degrees also have a slightly different application process. In general, once a student has been accepted to a university it is highly likely that they will achieve their degree. British university timelines are usually much less flexible than most of those elsewhere, and this book also covers the semester system and details of the usual academic breaks.
For many overseas students, the collaborative British approach to teaching and learning methods will be new. A whole chapter is devoted to tutorials, seminars, blended, distance and self‐study, and the difference between formative and summative feedback. Readers are asked to rate which method of assessment they enjoy most – formal essays, reviews, oral examinations (viva voce), reports, dissertations, presentations, portfolios, products, performance or shows. Plagiarism is briefly touched upon, with suggestions for writing assignments.
Since part of the reason for studying overseas is to experience the country as a whole, not just academia, several chapters touch upon life beyond study. These chapters include information on student union campus social life, culture shock, and how to meet “the British”. Although the main focus of the book is the university system, students will also find outlines of such important features of British life as food, the National Health Service (NHS) and of course the ever‐changing weather. The potentially difficult subjects of religion, politics, sex, drinking, drugs and pub etiquette are also touched upon.
The guide is written in very accessible language, and wherever possible jargon is avoided. Explanations of the educational aspects of study in the UK in this book are generally excellent, but as the subtitle is Unlocking University Life and Culture, future editions could be improved still further by expanding on some of the extremely important cultural and social aspects of studying and living in a foreign country. Whether a student chooses a university in the north or the south, rural or urban areas, London or a provincial city, for instance, will make a huge difference to their overall experience but merits only a very brief mention. Several extremely important aspects of non‐academic British life are touched upon only very briefly or not included – the importance of football (soccer), for instance, is not mentioned. Further education (FE) colleges get only a brief mention, although many now offer degrees in partnership with their local universities. The information on travel could also be expanded, and the description of the train service as “fast and convenient and unlike buses are not held up by traffic jams” is charming but not always entirely accurate. There is also little mention of the cost of living and studying in the UK, which remains high and is likely to be a strong factor for overseas students in deciding whether to study in the country. There is also little information aimed specifically at mature students with families or about the breadth of subjects it is possible to study at British universities.
The book concludes with a glossary and a short index. Some of the entries are excellent, for instance the description of “put up with something” from chapter 4. Other definitions only really apply in the context of the chapter, e.g. “umbrella” from chapter 6.
Overall, this is a very comprehensive overview of the UK higher education system as it relates to universities. Although aimed at overseas students in the main, home students will also find much of value here, especially those who have had a break from education or represent the first generation in their family to enter higher education. This title is excellent value for money and would be particularly useful for careers libraries, school libraries, sixth form or community colleges, universities, international offices and recruiting offices.
