| 1.
I am in class 11. Is it possible for me to apply for studying
in UK ? |
Yes. You will find a number of options
to choose from if you go to UK now: You could complete school
by doing the 'A' levels, the 'AS' levels or the Scottish Highers.
Alternatively, you may wish to do a vocational course or a diploma.
All these will enable you to take up an undergraduate programme,
should you intend to do so later. Moreover, depending on the
course that you take, it may be possible to obtain a few credits
and get one to two years waived from your undergraduate programme.
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| 2.
When is the right time to apply to a UK university? |
The academic year in Britain begins
in end September/ early October.
For undergraduate entry: Applications should be made through
UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service), a centralised
clearing agency. UCAS forms are available on their website (http://www.ucas.com/apply/index.html). UCAS is working towards a 100 per cent electronic application system by 2006 entry called ucasapply. UCAS Apply is a secure web-based online application system for all students (UK and International). The key message from UCAS is for all international students to move as rapidly as possible from the traditional paper-based method of application to UCAS Apply electronic application. Students wishing to apply to Oxford and Cambridge
need to do so before 15 October of the previous year. You could
apply to either one or the other in any given academic year,
not to both. At all other universities/colleges, the deadline
is 15 January of the previous year. Late applications are taken
till 30 June. For further information on application deadlines,
you can contact the Education UK Zone at any of our British Council offices or British Libraries in India.
For postgraduate entry: Certain institutions (eg. Oxford,
Cambridge, the London School of Economics (LSE) etc.) have deadlines
and would want applications to be made strictly within the given
timeframe. However, most universities/colleges do not have any
deadlines. The best time to apply is in October before the year
admission is being sought.
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| 3.
Can I get a scholarship to study in UK? |
Yes, you can. UK offers Indian students a number of scholarships under a variety of programmes. Most of these are for postgraduate study, although limited awards are also available for undergraduate and research programmes. For more information, please refer to the section Scholarships & Funding under Study Advice and Scholarships.
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| 4.
English has been my first language throughout school and college.
Do I still have to sit the English Language Test? |
Most British institutions require
you to prove your proficiency in English only if it has not
been your first language. You may be required to either take
the IELTS test which is administered regularly by the British
Council at all its centres. Alternatively, the TOEFL is also
recognised by British institutions.
|
| 5.
We are interested in sending our children to study in a British
school. At what age do they start accepting international students?
|
Independent schools in the UK start
accepting international students from the age of nine. You would
however be required to arrange for a local guardian who would
be prepared to take on the responsibility of your children as
and when necessary. Many schools try and organise meetings between
parents and those who are willing to act as local guardians.
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| 6.
How do I choose a university? |
There are various parameters that
you need to keep in mind when choosing a university:
* course contents: does it suit your requirements?
* faculty
* teaching methodology: this is important particularly for the
MBA, design related or practical courses
* facilities: library, computers, recreation, social welfare,
accommodation etc.
* international links
* location
* size
* cost
The strength of each department is assessed by its research
rating, teaching quality assessment and student/teacher ratio.
Besides this, do speak with alumni to get a correct picture
of the university.
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| 7.
How can I gauge the reputation of a university? |
It is important to check the research
ratings and teaching quality assessment of universities and
colleges. You can access these at the following web sites:
* For Research Ratings: http://www.hero.ac.uk/rae
* For Teaching Quality Assessments: http://www.qaa.ac.uk/reviews/reports/subjIndex.asp
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| 8.
Are British degrees recognised in India? |
Most British degrees awarded are
recognised in India. The following programmes are however, not
recognised:
* postgraduate Medicine
* courses run by City and Guilds
* courses run by the Chartered Institute of England and Wales
* the LLB degree, if done after class 12 is not recognised for
practice in India.
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| 9.
I am in class 12. I would like to do an undergraduate degree
in Law in Britain. How can I go about it? |
To practice law in India, you should
have done a bachelor's degree prior to an LLB from the UK. The
Bar Council of India recognises the following British degrees:
- Buckingham University: LL.B.
- City University of London: Diploma in Law
- University of Hull: LL.B.
- Inns of Courts School of Law: three year law course
- University of Leeds: LL.B.
- University of Leicester: LL.B.
- University of London: LL.B., LL.B. (External) (Prior to 10th & 11th Feb 1990)
- University of Oxford: B.A.
- University of Cambridge: B.A.
- Thames Valley University: LL.B. (H)
- University of Birmingham: LL.B.
- University of Lancaster: LL.B.
- University of Hertfordshire: LL.B. (H)
- University of Durham: LL.B.
- University of Liverpool: LL.B.
- University of Warwick: LL.B.
- Cardiff University (Listed as the University of Wales College of Cardiff)
- Council for National Academic Awards
Indian students who go to Britain for an LLB directly after
their Class 12 are not allowed to practice and their degree
is not recognised by The Bar Council. Hence the only route which
seems viable for them is:
* to complete their graduation degree (in any subject) and then
go to any of the institutions listed above
* to do their LLB from India and
go to Britain for an LLM. The latter
is recognised by the Association
of Indian Universities. If students
have done an LLB from a British institution
which is not recognised by The Bar
Council, they can make a representation
for recognition, but this is often
a time consuming process.
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| 10.
Can I do an LLM without having a LLB degree? Can I practice
law in India? |
Yes, you could do an LLM without
doing an LLB course. There is a professional examination called
CPE that permits students to take the LLM course. The LLM course
is recognised in India. However, it does not permit you to practice
law in India without having obtained an LLB degree first. With
an LLM, you could however, work in a law firm.
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| 11.
I am an Indian working abroad. Can I do a British MBA by distance
learning? |
Yes, you can do a British MBA by
distance learning based practically anywhere in the world. In
fact, our distance learning courses are preferred by many who
cannot spare the time to do a full time course in Britain. A
distance learning programme equips them with an internationally
recognised qualification. Further information in this regard
can be obtained from http://www.distance-learning.co.uk/
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| 12.
Do all UK institutions have the same IELTS requirement? Where
can I find IELTS test centres? |
No. The level at which institutions
would expect students to be - would vary depending on both subject
and institution.
Please contact the British
Council office closest to you for
more information on IELTS training and exams.
|
| 13.
How do I choose the right foundation programme to do a degree
in the UK? |
The acceptability of foundation
programmes varies considerably and students should check with
their intended university or college before signing up for any
particular foundation programme.
|
| 14.
Is it possible to go on a short course at a UK higher education
institution to upgrade my skills and to get an idea of UK expertise?
|
Virtually every institution offers
short courses. They can be a good alternative for students who
can devote neither the time nor the funds to following a course
of a year or more.
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| 15.
How do I apply for a course in art and design? |
The arrangements for processing
applications for courses in art and design differ from those
for other courses because of the possibility of following two
different routes each with a separate timetable.
Route A (simultaneous): The closing date for applications
through this route is 15 January, i.e. the same date as for
other UCAS courses. Earlier application is advisable, although
some institutions may consider applications after 15 January.
Late applications received up to 30 June will be sent to institutions
by UCAS for consideration at their discretion. Applications
received after 30 June will be entered in Clearing.
Route B (sequential): The closing date for applications
via this route is 24 March of the year in which the course will
commence. Applicants should indicate on a separate form, the
order in which they wish to be interviewed or to have their
portfolios considered by the institutions, and the forms will
be sent to institutions in that order.
Selection for courses in art and design is normally by interview
and inspection of a portfolio of work.
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