High education in Great Britain.
All British universities are private institutions. Students have to pay
fees and living costs, but every student may obtain a personal grant from local
authorities. If the parents do not earn much money, their children will receive
a full grant which will cover all the expenses. Students studying for first
degrees are known as “undergraduates”. New undergraduates in some universities
are called “fresher”. They have lectures, there are regular seminars.
After three or four years the students will take their finals. Those who
pass examinations successfully are given the Bachelor’s degree: Bachelor of
Arts for History or Bachelor of Science. The first postgraduate degree is
Master of Arts, Master of Science. Doctor of Philosophy is the highest degree.
It is given for some original research work which is an important contribution
to knowledge. Open Days are a chance for applicants to see the university, meet
students and ask questions. All this will help you decide whether you have made
the right choice.
The most famous universities in Britain are Oxford and Cambridge. They
are the two oldest English universities and they both have a long and eventful
history of their own. Oxford and Cambridge are regarded as being academically
superior to other universities and as giving special privilege and prestige.
Cambridge University consists of a group of 32 independent colleges. The first
students came to the city in 1209 and studied in the schools of the cathedral
and monasteries.
Further education in Britain is for people over 16 taking courses at
various levels up to the standard required for entry to higher education. The
Open University offers degrees for people who do not have a formal education
and qualifications, or who are older. Students study at home and then post them
off to a tutor for marking. Most courses take six years and students get a
number of credits for each year’s work. The Open University was founded in 1969
and started its first course in 1971. About 120, 000 people have enrolled since
then.