UK Universities
Selecting the right universities for you is fundamental.
You will have time to make final choices during the application journey, but its worth getting your application short-list right from the start. This means making informed selections, as there are a wide range of options and very different institutions and locations, each with their own strengths.
Rankings
Rankings can be an important consideration when selecting the best university options for you.
Unless you are very familiar with the UK, you might not be aware of every university name and the academic reputation it carries, so rankings can give you a good indication of an institution’s standing.
Despite this, its also worth keeping in mind that yearly rankings do change from year to year, so it can be best to think of them just as a rough guide. You may also want to think about what any given ranking is based on, and how important those metrics are to you.
Some of the most famous rankings for UK universities are The Times/The Sunday Times, The Complete University Guide and the Guardian university rankings. You may also want to consider the REF (Research Excellence Framework) and TEF (Teaching Excellence Framework.)
Bentley GSC can provide ranking information and make recommendations based on your preferences and academic background.
Admissions Requirements
UK Universities usually specify their main academic guideline requirements for any given course. For example if you are looking to apply for a masters course, many universities will ask for a 2:1 in your degree, or equivalent, depending on your university’s and country’s usual grading system.
Most but not all masters courses do not ask for work experience and regard an undergraduate degree as the most important requirement for admission. You can also check whether there are subject requirements in your degree without making any assumptions on whether the course is open to you.
As well as your qualification certifications and grades/transcripts, university will often ask for a personal statement and references. Depending on your background and the course, many also ask for some form of documentation certifying your ability in English language.
At Bentley GSC we are able to use our existing knowledge and to do research on your behalf to help you navigate the whole admissions process.
Location and Environment
The university and location you choose can make a big difference on the experience you will have in the UK. Each destination has something to offer but finding the best environment for you can help to make sure you thrive and have a positive experience.
Its worth thinking about whether you might prefer to be on a campus or at a university that is integrated within a city or town. Campus universities can be very attractive in terms of safety, convenience and ease of making friends. On the other hand some people like the buzz of being in an urban space and want to immerse themselves in a UK city.
Or perhaps you don’t want to be in a city at all? UK universities range from huge city locations like London to very rural remote spots and plenty that are in between those extremes.
Though the UK is a relatively small set of countries, its also worth considering which region might suite you. If you have friends or relatives that you’d like to be near to, then don’t underestimate the journeys that might be involved. Also consider whether you have a preference to be in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
Even if you don’t have a clear idea of these factors, Bentley GSC will be happy to give you help and advice.