For seven hundred years Oxford and Cambridge universities dominated the British education. Scotland had four universities, all founded before A. D. 1600. Wales only acquired a university in the 20th century; it consisted of four university colleges located in different cities (Cardiff, Swansea, Bangor, and Aberystwith). The first English university after Oxford and Cambridge (sometimes referred to as Oxbridge) was Durham, in the North of England, founded in 1832. The University of London was founded a few years later in 1836.

During the nineteenth century institutions of higher education were founded in most of the biggest industrial towns, like Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield (sometimes called the Redbrick Universities). At first they did not have full university status but were known as university colleges; since 1945, however, all have become independent universities, and in recent years a number of other universities have been founded: Sussex, Essex, Warwick, and others.

In the middle 60s there was a further new development. Some of the local technical colleges maintained by local authorities had gained special prestige. By 1967 ten of these had been given charters as universities. Many of them are in the biggest cities where there were already established universities; so now we have the University of Aston (Birmingham), Salford (close to Manchester), Strathclyde (Glasgow), Herriot-Watt University (Edinburgh), Brunei University (London).

When we add all these together we find that the number of universities in England increased within ten years from nineteen to thirty-six, and in Scotland from four to eight.

Oxford university is a federation of colleges, and it is impossible to understand its structure unless one first understands the nature and function of these colleges, which have no resemblance whatever with the institutions called "colleges" in America.

Oxford has twenty-three ordinary colleges for men, five for women. All these are parallel institutions, and none of them is connected with any particular field of study. No matter what subject a student proposes to study he may study at any of the men's colleges.

Each college has a physical existence in the shape of a dining-hall, chapel, and residential rooms (enough to accommodate about half the student membership, the rest living in lodgings in the town). It is governed by its Fellows (commonly called "dons"), of whom there are usually about twenty or thirty. The dons are also responsible for teaching the students of the college through the tutorial system. The Fellows elect the Head of the college (whose title varies from college to college).

The colleges vary very much in size and extent of grounds and buildings.

Colleges choose their own students, and a student only becomes a member of the University by having been accepted by a college. Students are chosen mainly on academic merit, but the policy of colleges in this respect varies from college to college. Some tend to be rather keen to admit a few men who are very good at rugby or some other sport, or sons of former students or of lords, or of eminent citizens, or of millionaires.

The colleges and university buildings are scattered about the town, mostly in the central area, though the scientific laboratories and the women's colleges are quite a long way out.

The university teachers are mostly Fellows of colleges, who may at the same time hold university appointments as lecturers or professors. Part of the teaching is by means of lectures and any student- may attend any university lecture. At the beginning of each term (there are three terms in the Oxford academic year) a list is published showing all the lectures being given during the term within each faculty, and every student can choose which lectures he will attend, though his own college tutor will advise him which lectures seem likely to be more useful. Attendance at lectures is not compulsory, and no records of attendance are kept.

Apart from lectures, teaching is by means of the "tutorial" system, which is a system of individual tuition organized by the colleges. Each Fellow in a college is tutor in his own subject to the undergraduates who are studying it. Each student goes to his tutors room once every week to read out an essay which he has written, and for an hour he and the tutor discuss the essay. A student does not necessarily go only to his own tutor but may be assigned to another don in his own college or in another college when he is studying some particular topic which is outside the special interest of his own tutor.

Higher education in the UK

For seven hundred years, Oxford and Cambridge universities were the main ones in the British education system. There were four universities in Scotland, all founded before 1600. The university in Wales was founded only in the 20th century, it included four university colleges in the cities of Cardiff, Swansea, Bangor and Aberystwyth. Next to Oxford and Cambridge (sometimes called Oxbridge) is Durham in the north of England, which was founded in 1832. The University of London was founded a few years later, in 1836.

In the nineteenth century, higher educational institutions were founded in the largest industrial cities - Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield (they are also called Redbrick universities). At first they did not have university status, but were known as university colleges and from 1945 all became independent universities. IN recent years Universities such as Sussex, Essex, Warwick and others were founded.

In the mid-60s, universities received a new development. Some of the local higher technical educational institutions, supported by local authorities, acquired a special status. By 1967, ten of them had been given university rights. Many are located in big cities, where there were already universities. Today these are the universities of Aston (Birmingham), Salford (near Manchester), Strathclyde (Glasgow), Harriot-Watt University (Edinburgh), and the University of Brunei (London).

Having analyzed all this, we see that the number of universities in England has increased in ten years from nineteen to thirty-six, and in Scotland from four to eight.

Oxford University is a federation of colleges, and one cannot understand its structure without understanding the structure and function of these colleges, which have nothing in common with American "colleges."

Oxford has twenty-three regular men's colleges and five women's colleges. All these are institutions with general program, and none of them are associated with any particular field of science. Whatever subject a student is offered to study, he can study in any of these colleges.

Each college has a dining hall, a church and living quarters (enough to house half the students, the rest live in apartments in the city). The university is governed by members of the college council (faculty), usually twenty or thirty people. They are also responsible for the studies of college students through the advisory system. Council members elect the college chairman (this title is called differently in each college).

Colleges vary in size and area of ​​land and buildings.

Colleges select their students, and a student becomes a member of the university only after being accepted into the college. Students are selected primarily on academic merit, but college policies on this issue also vary. Some colleges tend to admit those students who are good at rugby or some other sport, or the sons of former students or lords, or distinguished citizens, or millionaires.

Colleges and universities are scattered throughout the city, usually in the central part, although science laboratories and women's colleges are located far from the center.

University teachers are typically members of the college council who serve as lecturers and professors at the university. Part of the study is lectures, any student can attend any university lecture. At the beginning of each term (at Oxford, for example, three terms per academic year) a schedule of lectures by department for the semester is published, and each student can choose which lectures he will attend. Typically, his university advisor can advise him on which lectures are most important. Attendance at lectures is not required, and no attendance records are kept.

In addition to lectures, teaching is carried out using a consultation system - this is a system of individual training organized in colleges. Each college teacher is also a supervisor in his own subject for final year students. Each student comes to their teacher once a week to read the paper they have written and discuss it with their mentor for an hour. A student does not have to attend only the lectures of his mentor. He can study with any teacher in his own or in another college, if he is studying a topic that is not within the circle of interests of his mentor.

Every country has different educational system. There are Kindergarten, schools, college, university everywhere, but the period of education and program can be different even in two neighbor countries.

So Great Britain is one of the countries where you can have the best education in the world.

At the age of two children go to kindergarten where they learn to count and write. 15 hours per week child can stay there for free, but extra hours have to be paid by parents. Kindergartens are not mandatory, so parents can keep children at home.

Primary education starts at the age of five to six. At this age children have to know counting and writing. But there are situations when children don’t know this because they were at home all childhood. That's why kindergartens are important. So at primary school children study English, maths, geography, music, art.

Secondary education starts at the age of 11. Here already you have to study Core subjects: maths, English and science. There are also subjects children can choose by themself.

You can finish school at the age of 16, but those who want to study at university have to continue at Sixth form and be ready for A-levels.

One more interesting thing is that in Great Britain children have marks: A, B, C. Minimum mark can be- U and that is very bad. And A is excellent.

High education in Great Britain is divided into University colleges, Polytechnics, Colleges of High Education. If you want to have the highest degree, you have to study about 8 years.

Well I see it’s not easy, but you can have great education and good profession in the future.

Education in the UK

Each country has its own education system. Of course, kindergarten, school, college and university are everywhere, but training times and programs can be completely different even in two neighboring countries.

So, UK is one of the countries where you can get the best education in the world. At the age of 2, children go to kindergarten, where they learn to write and count. A child can be in kindergarten for 15 hours a week for free; parents must pay for all additional hours. The gardens are optional, so children can be at home.

Primary school begins between the ages of 5 and 6 years. At this age, children should be able to write and count. But there are times when they don’t know all this, because they were sitting at home instead of in the garden. That is why kindergartens are very important. IN elementary school Children are taught English, mathematics, geography, music and art.

Secondary school begins at age 11. Here you already need to study compulsory subjects: mathematics, English and various sciences. There are also items that children choose themselves.

You can graduate from school at the age of 16, but if you want to study at university, you need to continue your studies until you are 18 and get “excellent” in all subjects.

Another interesting thing is that in the UK children get grades like A,B,C. The minimum mark U- is considered the lowest, and A is excellent.

Higher education in the UK is divided into college, polytechnic and university. If you want to get the highest degree of education, you will have to study for up to 8 years.

So I see it's not easy, but you can get a great education and have good profession in the future.

Hello my beloved readers.

Probably each of you at least once in your life thought about what it would be like to study in the UK! The country is famous for its wonderful teachers, classrooms equipped with the latest technologies, modern techniques training and strict standards. All this is tightly controlled to ensure that the reputation for quality in British education is not undermined in any way.

So today I want to tell you how possible - but not so easy - it is to study in the UK. Let's go in order.

First and most important

Unlike our education system, where right after school we rush to conquer the open spaces of the university, in the UK school knowledge will not be enough for you. System higher education there is created in such a way that without confirmation of passing the program tests A-level or Foundation No one will let you into the university!

What is A-level?

This is a 2 year program. Once a child reaches 16 years of age, compulsory education ends there. After that, he can go to college to study as an engineer, cook, hairdresser and other similar professions. But those who want to go to university remain in school for another 2 years. There they choose a few subjects that they plan to specialize in in the future and study them. And at the end of the program they take an exam, which is counted as an entrance exam.

What is Foundation?

This is a program designed specifically for foreign students, of whom there are a great many studying in the UK. The program lasts only a year, but in terms of intensity it will be more difficult than A-level. Here, in addition to their subjects, students also... Typically, these programs are organized by the institution where you want to enroll, so carefully study all the information about admission on the university website.

British education pyramid.

• When you have successfully completed the A-level or Foundation stages, then your journey begins on the ladder of higher education in England. And the first step is here - bachelor's degree . A bachelor's degree program takes 3 years, and in some specialties - such as medicine, for example - several years longer. Upon completion, you receive a diploma and a Bachelor's degree. With this degree you can begin your professional activities.

• The next step is master's degree . The duration of this step is only 1 year. Here, students take classes to improve their knowledge acquired at the undergraduate level. At the end of the program, exams are taken again and students receive a diploma.
• The last level of higher education in the UK is graduate school , or in other words - doctorate . This complete analogue Russian postgraduate study, although in terms of complexity it can be compared more with doctoral studies in Russia. Here students engage exclusively in research. They choose a topic, study it and prepare for it. dissertation. And it lasts 3-4 years. That's all))

Order of admission!

The procedure for enrolling in the university is not that complicated, but it requires special attention. You submit an application form where you indicate the scores on the previously mentioned exams, a motivation letter where you need to indicate why you want to work in this field, as well as a list of institutions where you would like to study, and a description from the place of study. All this must be submitted no later than January.

Please note that the requirements not only for documents, but also for knowledge vary from university to university. For example, to enter Oxford or Cambridge, it is not enough to present an A-level or Foundation certificate. There, the system requires you to take internal exams. Therefore, always carefully study the necessary information on the university website.

Tuition fees

Another problem is the cost of training. After all, you don’t have to go to Cambridge or, where the fee for a semester can be equal to the annual salary of a resident of Russia. It is quite possible to find a university that will give you equally good knowledge in the desired specialization, while the payment will be much less and quite affordable. On average, 1 year at a university costs about 15,000 euros, not taking into account the costs of accommodation, food and flights.

Online courses

Recently, online courses from world universities, including British ones, have become very popular. Therefore, in order to at least minimally experience the quality and system of British education, try to go through them. You will immediately understand whether you like this or that item or not. Whether you like the teacher at this university or not. And at a minimum, you can improve your abilities. Isn't it great?

I hope you remember everything! Now let's practice a little.

Topic in English

I offer you to study the topic of everything I just wrote about. Text on English will allow you to study this topic in a linguistic interpretation.

Higher Education in Great Britain.
Higher Education in Great Britain consists of several steps.

After finishing school you can enter some colleges where you will get some manual skills, and also learn t typing, engineering, cooking, hair-dressing and so on.
In case you want to go to the university, you need to get the A-level or Foundation examination. A-level is a program where you are supposed to study 5-6 subjects that you will study at university then. It lasts for two years.

If you are not an Englishman you are supposed to go through a Foundation program. It lasts for a year and is more intensive than the A-level program. Usually this program is conducted at the college or university you are going to enter.

The first step is the Degree of Bachelor. It takes you 3 years to get it. And if you are going to be a doctor, then it will take several years more.

Then if you want you can take a Master’s Degree Course. Here you deepen your knowledge from the Bachelor Degree. And in case you want to get more - you can go to the Doctor’s Degree. It is the most complicated part. Here you need to conduct a deep research of the topic. Usually it takes 3-4 years to finish it.

So, that is how the British Higher Education system works.

Useful phrases:

to enter a college - go to college

manual skill - working skills

to be supposed to - to be assumed

to go through - to go through

to last for a year - last a year

it will take 3 years - it will take 3 years

to conduct a deep research - conduct a thorough study

Well, my dears, congratulations! By the end of today's lesson, you will be able to talk about higher education in the UK, and also do it all in English. By the way, I have 2 more texts for you (with translation into Russian) about higher education in the UK - this is, and this is.

I hope this was helpful to you. I will be glad to see your answers in the comments. Moreover, by becoming a subscriber to my blog, you can instantly stay up to date latest events and news. Don't miss anything.

All the best, see you again!

The education system in England has been developing for many centuries and today is one of the best in the world, meeting high standards quality. Streamlining was achieved after the adoption of the first important legal act in this area, namely the Education Law of 1944. This is where a glorious story began.

Education in England today is compulsory for all citizens of the country aged five to sixteen. The structure of the educational system is divided into two sectors: public and private (paid education). In general, there are two systems in the state on which the educational process is based: one of them operates directly in England, Northern Ireland and Wales, and the second - in Scotland.

Secondary education

In England, schools are very diverse. Boarding schools are common, where students not only receive knowledge, but also live. Such educational institutions appeared in Britain in the early Middle Ages, mainly they opened in monasteries. And since the twelfth century, the Pope introduced the obligation for all Benedictine monasteries to create charitable schools. Later they began to charge tuition fees.

At first, the prevailing belief in aristocratic families was that it was better for children to study at home rather than in monastery schools, but then the understanding came that, regardless of origin, it was better for children to gain knowledge together with their peers. This opinion became the foundation for the formation and development of privileged boarding schools, some of which operate to this day and have been educating and nurturing the elite of British modern society for more than a thousand years.

Classification

The education system in England includes:

1. Preschool institutions.

2. Full-cycle schools for children aged three to eighteen years.

3. Institutions for junior schoolchildren, which are divided into Junior Schools and Primary Schools.

• Junior Schools educate children aged seven to thirteen. They are taught a special general initial cycle of subjects, and the training ends with an exam, successful completion which is necessary in order to enter high school.
• Primary Schools accept children aged four to eleven years. In the second and sixth years of study, SATs exams are taken - they, as in the previous case, are needed for admission to high school.

4. Institutions for senior schoolchildren are divided into Senior Schools, Secondary School and Grammar School.

• Senior Schools are for children between thirteen and eighteen years of age. In such schools, teenagers first study for two years, then take GCSE exams, after which they undergo another two-year training program.
• Secondary School provides educational opportunities for children from eleven years of age.
• The Grammar School also educates children from the age of eleven, but it offers in-depth programs. In such a school you can even get full preparation for entering a higher educational institution.

5. University preparation schools are intended for older teenagers aged sixteen to eighteen.

Additionally, in the United Kingdom, schools are classified according to the gender of their students. There are separate educational institutions for boys and girls, as well as mixed schools. There are many supporters of separate education for children of different sexes in the country, who argue their position by the fact that boys and girls develop differently physically and emotionally, and in the case of separate education they do not have to adapt to each other.

in England

It can be obtained from both private and public educational institutions. Often the British send their children to nurseries and kindergartens at the age of three or four years. Preschool education in England it continues until the child reaches the age of seven and includes learning to read, write, and count. As a rule, children's development occurs in the form of play. Many private schools in the country have preparatory classes for children aged five years and older. Upon completion, children continue to receive primary and secondary education in the same educational institutions.

Primary school

As already mentioned, most parents send their children to school at the age of five (in preparatory classes). In general, in England it begins at the age of seven and continues until children reach eleven years of age. After this, the children move to classes high school usually within the same educational institution. In this sense, education in Russia and England is not much different. Children study mathematics, English, music, geography, history, art and industrial technology. Parents choose the necessary items themselves.

High school

It should be noted that education in England is carried out in English, and for children under sixteen years of age it is compulsory. Secondary schools educate teenagers between the ages of eleven and sixteen and prepare them for the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) or the General Certificate of Vocational Qualifications (GNVQ).

Secondary education in England, as one of its most important tasks, is responsible for the formation of independent, self-confident, creative individuals. At school, students master a general special cycle of instruction in various subjects, followed by passing exams. In order to successfully pass the exams (in seven to nine subjects), which is necessary for admission to high school, schoolchildren begin preparing for them at the age of fourteen.

University Preparatory School

Upon completion of the compulsory educational cycle, sixteen-year-old boys and girls can either go to work or continue their studies at the Sixth Form - a school where preparation for entering a university is carried out. Those interested are invited to take a two-year A-levels course, which involves passing two exams: after the first year of study - AS, and after the second year of study - A2-levels. In the first year, four to five subjects are studied, and in the second, three or four. At the same time, students choose them independently from fifteen to twenty proposed options; there are no compulsory disciplines. Thus, young people determine their future specialization, to which they will subsequently devote three to five years of study at a higher educational institution.

Foreign students, as a rule, begin their education in England with a two-year A-levels course.

Professional and higher education

Great Britain has more than six hundred private and state universities and colleges where young people can acquire a profession. Educational institutions offer a variety of options. Completing the A-levels preparatory course gives students the opportunity to receive either professional or higher education in England. The first consists of mastering a professional training course in the chosen specialty, and the second already includes bachelor's, master's, doctoral, and MBA programs.

Tuition fees

Education in England is paid for both its citizens and foreigners, but for the latter its cost is much higher. Citizens of the country have the opportunity to study in debt, and the state requires its repayment only if, after receiving a diploma, a person can get a job with a salary of at least 21 thousand pounds a year. Otherwise, there is no need to repay the debt. Recently, debates have continued in the English Parliament about whether or not to increase tuition fees, and many deputies are inclined to believe that it should be increased.

International assessment of the quality of educational services

Conducted international studies indicate that in last decade The quality of secondary education in England has a negative trend in relation to the preparation of school graduates for universities. As for higher education, the UK traditionally ranks second or third in international rankings of higher education institutions.

England is one of the top countries which offer excellent education. English educational system is quite different from the system in many other countries. It is class-divided into state and private schools. For children aged between 5 and 17 full-time education is compulsory. Primary education starts at the age of 5. Before that children may attend a nursery school. Secondary education starts at the age of 11 and continues up to 18. After that children receive tertiary education. Almost 93% of English children attend state-funded schools, which are without charge. Only some activities such as theater visits or field trips may require voluntary payment. All state schools in England are divided into six categories:

1. Community schools, in which the local authority is responsible for school staff and admissions.
2. Free schools are newly established institutions in England, which are set up parents, businesses, charities. These schools are free to attend and funded mainly by tax-payers.
3. Academy schools have recently replaced poorly-performing community schools in economically challenged areas. They are monitored by the Department for Education.
4. Foundation schools are institutions in which the governing body or a charitable foundation is responsible for the admissions and staff.
5. Voluntary Aided schools can be linked to various organizations, such as churches, trade associations, etc. They can be faith schools or non-denominational schools.
6. Voluntary Controlled schools are almost always linked to the church. While their lands and buildings are owned by charitable foundations, the local authority is responsible for the staff and admissions.

Some English children attend private or independent schools, which require additional fee. Children with particular skills are sometimes offered scholarships for studying in such schools. Private schools do not follow the National Curriculum. Both private and state-funded schools hold GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) examinations for children aged 14-16. It’s a group of tests taken in a number of subsequent subjects. From age 18 children normally enter university to receive an academic degree.

The typical first degree offered in British universities is the bachelor’s degree, which usually takes three years. There are universities which offer a master’s degree as well. Such education usually lasts for four years. British universities have a certain hierarchy. The most prestigious universities in the country are Oxford and Cambridge. They are also world-famous. Although the state doesn’t control the syllabuses of higher education institutions, it does influence admission procedures. Undergraduates, who have already completed a first degree education, may continue studying in postgraduate to achieve a Master’s degree or a Doctorate.

Education in England

England is on the list best countries, offering excellent education. English educational system quite different from the system in many other countries. It is divided by class into public and private schools. For children aged 5 to 17 years full-time training is mandatory. Primary education begins at age 5 years. Before this, children can attend kindergartens. Secondary education begins at age 11 and lasts until age 18. After this, children receive higher education. Almost 93% of English children attend state-funded schools, which are free. Only some activities, such as going to the theater or hiking, may require voluntary contributions. All public schools in England are divided into six categories:

1. Public schools in which local authorities are responsible for employees and students.
2. Free education schools, newly created institutions in England, which were formed thanks to parents, business institutions, and charitable organizations. These schools are free to attend and are funded primarily by taxpayers.
3. Academic Training Schools - Newly Created Replacements public schools, poorly coping with their responsibilities, in economically needy areas. They are controlled by the Department of Education.
4. Foundation-funded schools in which the governing body or charitable foundation is responsible for the staff and students.
5. Voluntary aid schools may be affiliated with various organizations such as churches, trade associations, etc. These may be religious or non-denominational schools.
6. Schools controlled by voluntary organizations are almost always associated with a church. While their lands and buildings belong to charitable foundations, local authorities are responsible for staff and students.

Some English children attend private or independent schools, which charge additional fees. Children with special talents are sometimes offered scholarships to attend such schools. Private schools are not subject to the National Program. Both private and public educational institutions provide the GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) exam for children aged 14-16 years. This is a group of tests administered in several specific subjects. After the age of 18, children usually go to university to obtain a degree.

Typically, British universities offer a bachelor's degree as a first degree, which takes about three years. There are also universities offering master's degrees. This education usually lasts for four years. British universities have a certain hierarchy. Oxford and Cambridge are considered the most prestigious universities in the country. They are also world famous. Although the state does not control training programs higher educational institutions, it has a certain impact on the admission process. Students who have already completed their first degree can continue their studies in graduate school to obtain a master's or doctorate degree.