The UK is a popular destination for international students, and for good reason. Choosing a UK education means you will be part of a system recognised all around the world. Learning in any of the UK’s top universities will give you a great springboard into your chosen career path.
Studying in the UK is also a great way to meet new people, experience a new culture, and enjoy new experiences. There will be plenty of support at university, and chances to experience a great student lifestyle. There's a huge range of clubs and societies, as well as a diverse social life on offer, so whatever your interests, there’s something for everyone.
However, the costs of studying in the UK as an international student are high and, as with any investment, it is important to thoroughly evaluate the upside to counteract the associated risks.
In this article we will explore some of the main benefits of a UK education to help you make an informed decision before committing to studying in the UK.
Employment prospects
One of the first thoughts that springs to mind when evaluating the benefits of studying in the UK is what it will do for your career. After all, many students choose to undertake a degree programme in order to support their pursuit of their chosen career path.
The QS global survey of graduate employers consistently shows that degrees from UK universities are highly valued worldwide, with UK universities regularly topping the QS employer reputation ranking.
Internships and work experience
During your studies, there will be an opportunity for you to develop the critical thinking skills, creativity and confidence that employers look for. There may also be the chance for you to get involved in internships, work placements, and volunteering. Many UK undergraduate courses also offer an industrial placement year, giving you the chance to work full-time for one year in your chosen field, sandwiched between your second and final year of academic study.
Having a form of work placement experience definitely gives you an advantage in a competitive graduate job market. Work placements provide you with hands-on experience in a profession that you can’t experience in lectures.
Careers advice
All UK universities employ professional career advisers to give guidance on how to plan your career, build your CV, and prepare for interviews. Careers advisors can also help you to focus on developing the skills you need to succeed in particular industries. By focusing on specific attributes which will make you more employable, you will stand out against others. There are also lots of UK based organisations that offer great career planning and support.
Cultural experiences
Another key benefit of studying in the UK is immersing yourself in a new culture. This awareness will help to broaden your social skills and make you more adaptable, which will also pay dividends later in life. It’s also great fun.
Whilst studying in the UK, there are any number of ways for you to enjoy yourself, learn new things, and experience the best of the culture on offer.
Art and culture
The UK has a vibrant performing arts community, with theatres featuring any number of plays and productions, from Shakespeare to opera, musicals to modern dance. Some of the largest music venues in the world are in the UK with many world renowned artists visiting the UK each year, lots of whom will also play at university venues, plus many bars and cafes offering live music and dancing. There are also many art galleries to peruse too.
History
From London with its long standing history, to Roman remains and Stonehenge, there are also the many castles, ruined and not, and hidden villages and famous residents from over the centuries. Combined with the many museums dotted around the country, there is more history in the UK than you will be able to cover during your time studying, but you can give it a try!
Travel
The UK has some incredible transport networks, from trains to buses through all the major cities in the country, plus London’s famous Underground. Whether you’re based in the city or countryside you’ll be able to travel to most places quickly.
With the Eurostar providing connections to Paris, Calais and Brussels, international coaches and great flight connections, the UK is also a great place from which to explore the rest of Europe.
Food
Food can be one of the best parts of living in the UK. Many towns and cities have food markets with access to foods from all over the world, plus many supermarkets too. Restaurants are also around every corner, with every cuisine you can think of catered for.
Language learning
One of the benefits of studying in the UK is learning the English language. The simple act of living in the country will boost your English skills as you’ll have to communicate and socialise in English. Studying in the country will also give a boost to your English reading & writing, with many universities offering opportunities for international students to be paired with UK students who you can meet with regularly and practise English while also making friends.
So studying in the UK can help you kill two birds with one stone, because you’ll not only learn your subject but also come away with a fluency in English you could not easily obtain at home, if you come from a non-English speaking background.
Academic excellence
As we can see from the QS employability index, the UK’s academic reputation is world renowned. The approach to education in the UK brings the highest academic standards through universities that often top international rankings, with innovative teaching methods producing successful graduates who are sought-after by employers all around the world.
Quality education
The UK’s many higher education institutions’ are overseen by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) who will recommend (or renew) accreditation to the UK Government if the University has met stringent quality standards, so you know you are getting the best teaching, support and resources available, including free access to a huge range of books, journals and articles through their libraries. A full list of universities and colleges that can award degrees is published every year. This is to make it easy for students to compare the quality on offer up and down the country and ensure their qualifications will have credibility overseas.
Students will have an opportunity to learn from the very best in their field. Many teachers and lecturers in UK universities are industry leaders in their field, giving you the opportunity to learn from their vast experience. UK universities also cultivate industry relationships, allowing students to get practical experience in their field within world-leading organisations, and to make connections to give their career an edge.
Opportunities offered
UK universities often combine traditional lectures with a variety of innovative teaching techniques, designed to encourage independent thinking, problem-solving skills and self-motivation. There will be opportunities to work in small groups to solve problems related to future careers, whether in the classroom, the lab or on field trips. Students have access to leading technology, from top laboratories to interactive screens and online learning.
Overall, studying in the UK offers many benefits, and should it be a choice that you make, we’re sure you won’t be disappointed. Ultimately you will come away with a quality degree that is recognised around the world, with a great student experience to take with you for the rest of your life.