With more than half of the world’s 200 best universities situated in either the United States or the United Kingdom, these countries are popular destinations for students seeking a rich academic experience as they pursue post-secondary education.
Both the US and the UK provide resources for an excellent university education, but there are certainly differences to consider if you’re debating whether to continue your studies at home or venture abroad.
- Terms
Classes generally begin in the US in late summer, early fall – usually the last part of August. After a long December break, second semester stars early in January, and wrap up toward the end of April. In the UK, however, the year can be divided into trimesters or even into quarters. Classes will often start later, in September or October, and run all the way until May or June.
- Duration
The broad course programs in the US requires students to attend for four years to receive a bachelor’s degree. But thanks to the more focused, intensive programs in the UK, students there can generally complete their degree in three years. Students at universities in the UK will also usually complete a Master’s degree before a PhD, but both countries do offer the option to continue on to a PhD program directly after completing an undergraduate program.
- Structure
UK universities are usually governed by one body, but are often divided into smaller colleges that cover specific areas of study. Instead of applying to the university in general, prospective students must know in advance which subject they hope to study – and apply directly to that college. In the US, you spend your first year or two attending courses from a wide range of fields, known as “elective,” often getting into their second year of school before declaring a major.
- Assignments
Courses in the US require a great deal of homework. Assignments are handed out on a weekly or biweekly basis, ranging from simple readings to major research papers or presentations. These are all graded individually, and these scores make up a significant portion of your final grade. Schools in the UK put more emphasis on lectures – homework is assigned infrequently, if at all, and a large part of your grade will come from your score on the final exam.
- Financial burden
University is expensive no matter what, but laws in the UK limit the amount schools can charge per year to approximately $14,300 per year. In the US, however, tuition fees are determined by the schools themselves, and can cost up to $50,000 per year. Financial aid is available in both countries, though, to make sure students are able to access post-secondary education no matter what their financial situation is.
Despite these difference, though, schools in either the US or the UK will both offer plenty of options for academic success and provide a very well-rounded educational experience. It mainly depends on if you’re looking for a broad education or to study in a more specific field.