ENGLISH OAK
RECRUITMENTSTUDYING
IN GREAT BRITAIN
Studying in Britain is a challenging and exciting experience for many overseas students. In some European countries higher education involves the acquisition of large tracts of knowledge, which is then learned and recycled in examination answers. That is not the way learning is organised in Britain. Our universities encourage understanding, analysis, discussion and debate.
THE
LEARNING EXPERIENCE
We do this by structuring the learning experience in a rather different way:
1. Many subjects are taught for the whole of the academic year (i.e. from September until April)
2. Most students will study a maximum of 5-7 subjects during an academic year.
3. Lectures play only a small part in the learning process. Extensive use is also made of tutorials, seminars and presentations
4. You must be prepared to make a significant contribution in the classroom, if you are to be successful. Universities encourage you to state your opinions – and defend them – both verbally and in print. The most important point is that you should be able to justify your arguments
5. Students spend relatively little time in the classroom (c.10-14 hours per week) because most of the learning takes place elsewhere. Universities in Britain have large, well-equipped libraries that enable you to research a topic before the lecture/tutorial and then to develop your knowledge more fully afterwards.
TEACHING
BLOCKS
Teaching in British universities is normally organised into two semesters or three terms. Classes will normally begin in late September/early October and will continue without a break until mid-December. After a three-week Christmas vacation, classes resume in early January and continue until Easter when there is a two/three week vacation. Examinations will be scheduled for May/June. If you are required to retake any examinations, these will be timetabled for the Summer months
HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?
Students are
assessed in a variety of ways but the most common are certainly the
assignment and the examination:
The assignment is an essay of 2-3,000 words on a title provided by your lecturer. You will be expected to make use of extensive published sources and to provide a detailed analysis of the subject.
Examinations are set at the end of the teaching period and will generally be of 2-3 hours’ duration.
Other means of assessment may include:
Tutorial Assessment
Presentation (Group or individual)
In-Class Test
Multiple Choice Test
Extended Assignment
Many courses also require students to complete a dissertation. This is rather like a very long assignment and may be 7-15,000 words in length. Some students (particularly those on business courses) opt to finalise their dissertation title before they leave their own country. This means they can discuss the title with their own tutors and choose a subject area that reflects their own knowledge and interests within their own country. Students required to complete a dissertation will be assigned to a dissertation tutor who will maintain close contact throughout the year, offering advice and support as appropriate.
The Honours System
Language Requirements
STUDYING IN GREAT BRITAIN
