Should I study in the UK or the US is one of the first questions for a lot of international students considering their study abroad options. Of course there is no easy answer to this question.
Interestingly, when the British Council asked American employers a similar question, 73% believed UK university degrees are the same or better than those in the United States.
US employers said they valued UK university degrees thanks to the tutorial style of learning, the specialisation in specific subjects, and the focus on independent study.
What are the Differences Between UK and US University Degrees?
There are a number of differences between university courses in the UK and America.1) Course length
Courses in the UK are shorter, saving you time and money. First degrees (undergraduate/Bachelors degrees) usually only take three years to complete in the UK compared to 4 years in the US. Postgraduate Master’s courses in the UK take just one year to complete compared to two years in the US. That’s one year less tuition fees and living costs, plus you’ll be able to start your career earlier.
2) Course costs
In the UK, tuition fees for international students range from about £8,000 – £20,000 per year. Some Medicine, Dentistry and MBA courses can have higher tuition fees. Most private universities in the US charge a minimum of £20,000, with costs at Ivy League institutions significantly higher.
3) Course choice and specialisation
UK universities give students the chance to specialise in their chosen subject whereas courses in the US offer you a more general education with a variety of subjects. That means there is a much broader course choice in the UK with a wide range of very specialist courses. These courses are ideal if you know what you want to study and you are considering a specialist career. Courses such as Law and Medicine are studied at undergraduate level in the UK, while in the US students would have to complete another degree or ‘pre-med’ course before enrolling for a Law or Medicine degree.
4) Teaching and independent study
Teaching in UK universities gives you more of a chance to explore your chosen subject. In UK universities you are encouraged to study independently and read widely outside of your lectures and tutorials. This gives you the opportunity to learn much more about the subject areas you are interested in.
5) Working while studying
International students who are studying on a Tier 4 (General) student visa are normally allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during the holiday periods. Students can work on or off-campus. In comparison, international students in the US can normally work up to 20 hours per week on the campus of the university at which they study. There are strict restrictions for off-campus work in the US.
