UK vs US in university is an intriguing issue worth many discussions. The UK and the US are two popular destinations for international students to receive a high-quality college education and are home to some of the world’s most prestigious universities. However, there are distinct differences between the UK and the US that international students should consider before deciding where to study for their further educational degree.
In this blog we will provide you with a detailed comparison between UK and US University, helping you think carefully and make the best educational choice.
UK vs US: Duration of Study
UK vs US in university of one big difference is how long degree will take. Typically, a bachelor’s degree in the UK takes 3 years, versus 4 years in the US. Similarly, UK master’s degrees usually last for 1 year, while US master’s degrees commonly take 2 years. A PhD degree takes 3 years or more in the UK while 5-7 years or more in the US.
Each system has its merits. If you know what subject interests you most and don’t want to lose any time, or aren’t interested in studying other topics, you might want to pick a UK university. However, if you aren’t certain yet what you’d like to study, and you don’t have any time constraints, the flexibility of the US system may suit you best.
UK vs US: Time of Choosing Subject
One key difference between the UK and the US higher education systems is at what point students choose degree subject.
UK University
In the UK, students choose their degree speciality before they begin their first year. Students can choose one subject or a joint honors degree that is evenly weighted. Applications are made through UCAS. There is some flexibility to change your subject, but you’ll typically need to do so within your first semester. All of your classes will be related to your degree subject.
US University
By contrast, in the US, students can study any subject they are interested in for the first year of their degree and must complete 120 credits each year. In their second or third year, students are asked to declare a major and start to specialize towards one subject area. Students apply directly to each university and will study a core curriculum of arts, humanities and science classes, alongside the subjects of your choice. This allows you to explore various disciplines and find which one suits you best before you choose your major. Students who wish to specialize in Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary or Engineering fields must first complete their bachelor’s degree before undertaking a postgraduate degree in their chosen profession.
UK vs US: Academics and Assessment
Both of teaching and assessment styles in Academics will suit different people. Both UK and US universities expect students to complete independent reading, essays, projects and presentations. If you are an independent learner and comfortable taking exams, you might like to study in the UK; if you prefer a more collaborative study experience, the USA might suit you better.
UK University
The UK has more lecture-style classes and more independent learning. Grades are based primarily on final exams. Degree studies in the UK tend to be heavily lecture based, with some smaller group tutorials mixed in. UK universities put a focus on self-directed study, meaning depending on which subject you study, you may have relatively few ‘contact hours’ with your tutors, when you are attending lectures or seminars. With a UK degree, the bulk of your grade will be based on end-of-year exams. Degrees are awarded as first-class honors, upper and lower second-class honors and third-class honors.
US University
The US has a mix of lecture-style and discussion-style classes, and grades may be based on various assignments and participation in class. US students tend to have much busier schedules. They usually have more assignments to complete and more classes to attend. Those classes will also often include a lot of active discussion between the students and the professor. In fact, a large part of your grade at a US university will be based on your participation in classes. Assignments are graded as A to F and at the end of the degree, a grade point average (GPA) is calculated.
UK vs US: Cost of Degree
The price of a degree is a major factor for many students when deciding where to study. Wherever you choose to study, tuition fees will be a significant investment, but typical costs do vary between countries.
UK University
For a three-year bachelor degree, the total cost is about £130,000. For a one-year master’s degree, the total cost is about £45,000.
Domestic students can apply for a loan to cover the costs, which you pay back once you start earning a certain amount (this changes annually). International students are unable to apply for government loans but might be able to apply for scholarships or financial aid to help with the costs.
US University
For a 4-year bachelor degree, the total cost is approximately US$280,000. For a 2-year master’s degree, the total cost is about US$150,000.
However, the great majority of students on campus receive some form of financial aid. International students receive financial aid primarily through scholarships, grants, and private student loans from specific colleges. The availability of these awards will depend on the school’s admission and aid policies for international students, so it is important to do your research. International students can also seek out scholarships from private foundations and other organizations dedicated to supporting study in the US.
UK vs US: Accommodation
UK University
Most universities provide private rooms in on-campus accommodation for first-year students, with shared kitchen and living spaces. In the UK, very few universities offer shared rooms. It is much more common to have your own bedroom in a shared flat instead. Alternatively, lots of universities and student accommodation providers in the UK offer studio apartments where you can live by yourself.
Students also choose off campus student accommodation after first year which is affordable and comfortable.
US University
Most universities offer on-campus dormitory accommodation to first-year students, which they share with a room-mate and have shared living and kitchen spaces with other students. This is great if you enjoy spending most of your time with other people – your roommate could be a built-in best friend.
Students who want to have private and quite space will choose off campus student accommodation.
UK vs US: Social Life
Each college or university has its own unique culture. The UK and the US also have distinctly different and diverse cultures which affect the cultures of their universities.
UK University
The legal drinking age in the UK is 18. The UK has more extensive public transportation which gives international students more opportunities to explore off campus. Social activities in the UK focus more on academic activities like debating societies. Soccer, rugby, and cricket are popular in the UK, but in general, college sports are less of a priority in the UK than in the US.
US University
The legal drinking age in the US is 21, so universities often arrange “dry” events for students to enjoy without alcohol. US universities tend to have more extracurricular activities overall. Fraternities and sororities are unique to US universities. For sports, American football is huge at many US colleges as well as basketball and baseball.
UK vs US: Term dates
UK University
Most universities in the UK begin in September and have breaks at Christmas and Easter.
US University
In the US, most universities begin their term in mid to late August and have a long break at Christmas, starting in mid-November or mid-December to include Thanksgiving. Students then return to studies in mid-January.
Pros and Cons of Studying in the UK
Pros
- UK universities have high QS rankings and academic qualification recognition, with 17 of the top 100 schools in the UK.
- Studying in the UK is cost-effective becausethe course schedule is very compact which shortens time costs and average tuition fee is much cheaper than in the US.
- The security environment is generally good.
Cons
- Although there are dual visas (PSW and Individual High Potential Visa), it is still more difficult to stay in UK compared to Australia, Canada, New Zealand and other places.
- The number of applicants in the UK has increased significantly in recent years, and the threshold and difficulty are becoming higher and higher.
- The weather in the UK is bad and it rains all the time, and there are not as many types of food as there are in China, so there may be problems such as acclimatization.
Pros and Cons of Studying in the US
Pros
- In the latest USNews global university rankings, 16 of the top 20 schools are American universities. There is no doubt that the number of the world’s top universities in the US is unsurpassed by any other country.
- US universities implement a flexible and convertible credit system. As long as students complete the required courses and prescribed credits, they can graduate and obtain the corresponding degree.
- US universities have abundant scholarships, totaling up to 50 billion dollars each year, including federal government scholarships and private foundation scholarships.
Cons
- Tuition and living expensesin the US are the most expensive, and they keep rising every year.
- The security situation in the USis relatively complex and guns are not prohibited.
- Visas are more difficult to apply for.
Conclusion
UK vs US in University is clearly demonstrated in this blog. Studying in UK vs US is a big decision, as you will be leaving behind your home and family in exchange for a lot of unknowns. Ultimately, a college degree from either the UK or the US can be worth the financial and logistical challenges that come with studying abroad. A degree from either place has the potential to improve your career opportunities and quality of life. It’s all about which will align best with your budget, what you want to get out of your college experience, and your long-term academic, professional, and personal goals.
After you have been admitted into UK or US universities, uhomes.com will provide you affordable, reliable and comfortable Student Accommodation in UK or Student Accommodation in US.
FAQ
Both countries are renowned for the high quality of their education. Which country would suit you better as a study destination depends on a host of factors, from financial and time-related considerations to cultural preferences.
It is difficult to say which country has a harder level of education. Which you consider harder will probably depend on your style of learning, and what field you hope to focus your studies on.
Yes, of course. UK universities are recognized internationally for their creative and challenging environments, which help students achieve their best. Their standards are highly regarded they generally feature extensively within internationally university rankings. The UK higher education system has been the basis for higher education standards around the world for a long time, with revolutionary teaching styles and modern facilities.
Yes, of course. The US is recognized for the high quality of its education, in particular at university level. Approximately half of the world’s top 50 universities are located in America, an accolade which can be attributed to factors such as accomplished faculty, and advanced technology and research capabilities.
Yes, international degrees are valid in the US. However, their recognition and equivalency may vary depending on several factors, such as the country of origin, the educational institution, and the type of degree.
There is no direct equivalent of GCSEs in the United States education system. The closest equivalent is probably a high school diploma or a General Educational Development (GED) credential, both of which are typically obtained after completing four years of high school education.
Working Beyond – SAT Score 107+ typically achieve a grade 7 or better at GSCE. Working At – SAT score 100-106 typically achieve around a grade 5 at GCSE level. Working Towards – SAT score below 99 typically achieve around a grade 3 at GCSE level.
