YOUR SCHOLARSHIP IN EUROPE

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Your Scholarship in Europe 2008-2009
United Kingdom
BASIC INFORMATION ABOUT THE UNITED KINGDOM
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is located off the north-western coast of
Europe between the Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea. It is separated from the continent by the
Strait of Dover and the English Channel, and from Ireland, or the Republic of Ireland, by the Irish
Sea and St. Georges Channel. The United Kingdom comprises four constituents: England, Wales
and Scotland, which form Great Britain, as well as Northern Ireland and several island groups.
The United Kingdom has a population of approximately 60 million people. The offi cial language
is English, although Welsh and Gaelic are spoken by minorities in Wales and the Scottish Highlands,
respectively. The capital of the country is London. The United Kingdom is a constitutional
monarchy. The head of state is Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. There is no written constitution
in the British system, but the Constitution refers to the Crown, succession to the Crown, the UK
Parliament, and the Union of Scotland, Wales, England and Northern Ireland.
THE HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM
Higher education in the United Kingdom is provided by three main types of institutions:
universities, colleges and higher educational institutions, and art and music colleges.
The binary line separating universities and polytechnics was abolished and polytechnics
have been given university status and acquired university titles. Most universities
are divided into faculties, which may be sub-divided into departments. Students have
to pay tuition fees, which can differ depending on whether the student is a resident of
the European Union or from a non-European country.
University level fi rst stage: Undergraduate stage
This stage lasts for three or four years and leads to a Bachelors degree in the arts, science
or other fi elds (technology, law, engineering, etc.). In some universities and colleges of
higher education, a two-year course leads to a Diploma in Higher Education (DipHE). This
is a recognised qualifi cation in its own right. In some universities, students must follow a
foundation course before embarking on a course leading to a Bachelors degree. Students
of foreign languages are usually required to study or work for an additional year in the
country of the target language. Sandwich courses generally involve an additional year's
work experience. Some institutions have introduced accelerated two-year degrees requiring
students to study during the normal vacation period.
University level second stage: Masters degree
A Masters degree is conferred after one or two years' study following a Bachelors degree.
Study is in a specialised fi eld. In some cases, the degree is awarded after taking