"Why students prefer UK for higher education?"

Updated on: Tuesday, April 05, 2011

UK education has been preferred by many students due to various reasons like curriculum pattern, recognition, exposure and doing every little related to academics in a different way.

In our interaction with Rachel Sunderland, International Officer at Bournemouth University revealed quite a few reasons that compound for students preferring UK as the destination for higher education.

The British Council describes that UK has 'centuries-old tradition of excellence and an innovative, which is recognised and respected worldwide'. It is largely for this reason that so many students are attracted to study in UK.

By the time students' graduate, they develop professional skills through teaching of critical and independent thinking, as well as innovation and open mindedness. This combination of academic theory and professional skills gives them the ability to reach their full potential.

Dr Chindu Sreedharan, a former Indian journalist who now leads the MA in International Journalism at the Media School, Bournemouth University said, "The main attraction for Indian students is the exposure that UK educational institutions provide. Studying here exposes them to a different educational environment, a different culture of teaching and learning - a different way of doing things. It offers them a rich multicultural experience - also a certain international currency - that allows them to do well in their chosen careers."

There are currently 110 universities in the UK, approximately 25% of which appear in the top 200 in the world (Times Higher Education-QS World University Rankings 2010).

Each UK institution is responsible for maintaining the standard and quality of its programmes, under the watchful eye of the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA). The QAA regularly carries out independent audits to ensure they are providing higher education, awards and qualifications that meet the required standards.

The QAA has also developed a code of practice for UK institutions that deliver degree programmes in other countries. So if you choose to study a UK qualification in your own country, you will benefit from the same high standards of teaching, resource and support as you would from studying in the UK.

But those who do study in the UK certainly seem to enjoy the experience. As Dannielle Elster, Head of International Marketing and Student Recruitment at Bournemouth University said, "Indian students integrate well into university life and enjoy the fact that a UK education gives critical thinking skills which prepare them for their professional career".

Anee Jayaraj from India remembers her time at Bournemouth University studying a media production course. She said, "I was a bit nervous at first, but the staff and teaching methods have helped to make this course enjoyable and accessible for me."

Indian students in particular find the transition from their own education system to that in UK to be straightforward. Most UK institutions offer study skills and language courses prior to the academic year if students require further support.

"Why students prefer UK for higher education?"

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