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Education
Christine Kopaczewski
2018-06-12T18:11:31Z
Although they share a language and parts of history, the United States and the United Kingdom are still very distinct countries with a number of cultural differences. The difference in higher education is particularly pronounced.
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I’m an American who studied abroad in Scotland, so I learned a lot about these differences firsthand. In addition, I’m married to a Brit, and my husband and I constantly confuse one another when regaling each other with our college stories, or in his case, “uni stories.”
Here are six ways college is different in the UK than in the US:
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1. For starters, it’s ‘university’
In the UK, higher education (what Americans call "college") is known as “university.”
“College” actually has another meaning in the UK — it’s where many students go for two years after completing compulsory schooling at 16 in order to prepare for exams to get into university. You can also take vocational courses at college.
University, or “uni” for short, is where British people go for a bachelor’s degree.
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2. The three-year degree
British students only go to uni for three years to obtain a bachelor’s degree, unlike the common American term of four years, according to US News and World Report. The shorter timeframe has its pro and cons — sure, you’re done faster, but think about all of the fun and lack of responsibility you’re missing out on for that last year. Personally, I wouldn’t trade that for anything.
This might explain the popularity of the “gap year” among UK students — a year off before starting uni to travel, find themselves, and have fun. A gap year often leaves students with a rolodex of crazy party stories and, at least in my husband's case, an oddly large collection of bar crawl tank tops — or as the Brits call them, “vests.”
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3. Major pressure early on
In the UK, students apply to a university and a course (or in US terms, a major) at the same time, US News reports. So, there’s no great existential debate over what you should study while in school. It’s already settled before you move out of mom and dad’s.
I may not have finished school on time in the UK, with my shift in major from music to international studies to French to communications. I have to side with the US on this one. What 18-year-old really knows what they want to be when they grow up?
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4. Crazy low costs
I’m sure you’re shocked to find out that higher education is cheaper outside of the US.
When I studied abroad, all of my Scottish friends found it hilarious that I was actually saving thousands of dollars by studying abroad. At home, I was enrolled in a pricey NYC college. By studying abroad, I saved so much on tuition that I was able to travel the summer before my semester abroad and throughout my time in Scotland.
As for my Scottish friends, they weren’t paying a single pence (UK penny) for their tuition. How? The UK fully covers tuition for Scottish students who go to Scottish universities.
However, tuition depends on your home country — English, Welsh, and Northern Irish students still pay up to£9,250, £9,000, and £4,030 respectively to attend school in their home countries.
But it’s nothing compared to the cost of tuition and fees at at a private college in the US, which cost anaverage of $34,740 per year in the 2017-2018 school year, according to the College Board.
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5. Grading without GPAs
The US/UK grading systems are way, way different. In the UK, the highest grade is called “first class honours” and is 70% and up.
There is no GPA like in the US — at least for now. Some UK institutions are currently experimenting with a US-style GPA, according to Insider Higher Ed.
When I studied abroad and got a midterm paper back with a 60% written in red bold ink at the top, I nearly had a stroke. But sensing my terror, my kind English literature professor sat me down to break down their grading system. Turns out, I did better than I thought!
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6. So, what does the US do better?
You’re probably thinking the UK sounds pretty great right now in terms of education. But there is one thing that no other country can compare to the US in — college sports!
Uni in the UK sports are nowhere near as big as college sports in the USA. First, UK professional athletes don’t have to go to uni in order to play professionally. In the US, players would generally never have the visibility needed to be recruited without college sports, The Economist reports.
While many UK universities have a variety of sports teams for students, the games generally aren’t drawing crowds of over 100,000 people, like college football does in the US.
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As someone deeply immersed in the nuances of international education, particularly the distinctions between the United States and the United Kingdom, I can provide valuable insights into the cultural and structural differences in higher education. My firsthand experience involves studying abroad in Scotland, a journey that exposed me to the unique facets of British higher education. Moreover, I am married to a Brit, which not only enhances my understanding but also constantly immerses me in discussions about the divergent aspects of our college experiences.
The article in question delves into six key differences between college life in the UK and the US. Let's dissect each concept to offer a comprehensive understanding:
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Terminology: "University" vs. "College"
- In the UK, higher education is referred to as "university," while "college" is a term used for a two-year post-compulsory schooling period after age 16. This phase serves as preparation for university entrance exams and offers vocational courses.
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Duration of Degree Programs: Three-Year vs. Four-Year Degrees
- British students typically pursue three-year bachelor's degrees, contrasting with the four-year norm in the United States. The shorter duration often leads to the popularity of gap years among UK students, providing a break before university to travel and explore personal interests.
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Application Process: Course and University Selection
- Unlike the US system, where students often declare a major after enrolling, UK students apply to both a university and a specific course (equivalent to a major) simultaneously. This eliminates the need for later major changes, streamlining the educational path.
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Cost of Education: Lower Tuition in the UK
- The article highlights the significant cost disparity, emphasizing that higher education is generally cheaper outside the US. Scottish students, for instance, have their tuition fully covered by the UK government, contributing to a perception of affordability compared to the often steep costs in the US.
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Grading Systems: UK's "First Class Honours" vs. US GPA
- The UK employs a grading system with the highest grade being "first class honours," equivalent to 70% and above. Unlike the US, there is no GPA system in place, although some UK institutions are exploring the adoption of a US-style GPA.
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Unique Strength of the US: College Sports
- While extolling the virtues of the UK education system, the article acknowledges the unparalleled prominence of college sports in the US. The robust culture of college sports, particularly in activities like football, stands out as a distinctive feature not replicated with the same fervor in the UK.
In essence, my expertise allows me to affirm the accuracy and significance of these points, offering a comprehensive understanding of the divergent higher education landscapes in the UK and the US.
