Access to Higher Education in the UK

But, many children attend school even before they turn 5. The Government of the UK provides free preschool education to these 2- to 5-year-old tiny students.

After they turn 5 the education of the children is completed in 2 stages. Students receive primary education till they turn 11 years old. Secondary education is imparted to 11- to 16-year olds. After 16 the stage of compulsory education terminates.

However, it is highly advisable that students do not discontinue their education after 16. Higher education has many benefits to offer.

Benefits of Higher Education

People with no access to higher education are 50% more likely to experience unemployment compared to the university/college-educated. Higher education entails brighter job prospects along with better pay scales. Better job and better salaried people are undoubtedly more self-confident. And, confident people enjoy better social lives. In short, higher education gives a person a good job, a good pay and a good social life.

So numerous are these benefits that many students in Britain are opting for higher studies; and the number of students seeking higher education has doubled over the last decade.

There are one million students in the UK who are enrolled in higher educational courses. These students have diverse backgrounds. They belong to different nations and have different ethnic backgrounds.

All these students seek admission to the many colleges of the UK through the Universities and Colleges Admission Services (UCAS) which handles admission formalities for most educational institutions. There are 500 colleges and Universities in the UK offering 50,000 different courses. Every student can select a course that best suits their particular taste or interest.

Selection of the Right Course

However, selection of the right course involves a little effort. A wrong choice proves demotivational. Some students are known to discontinue their education half way through their college tenure after realising that they have selected the wrong course. 19% of the engineering and technology students fail to complete their higher education. This might be one probable reason for their decision. However, the dropout rates are the least in medicine and dentistry and amount to just 3 %. A wrong choice might also lead to poor results backed by disinterest.

To avoid such an occurrence students should thoroughly research the subjects on offer. Following this they should take a quiz prepared by the UCAS. This will help them zero in on the right choice.

Finance for Higher Education

Studying the subject of one’s choice is possible at the university level only if adequate funds are available to finance the course. In the UK higher education costs £3,000 annually. Many feel the amount high enough to discourage potential students. But help is available in the form of ‘tuition fee loan’ and ‘living costs loan.’ Many students are also eligible to avail the ‘maintenance grant’ amounting to £2,700. Scholarships are also provided by the educational institutions.

This is the current scenario of higher education in the UK. However, certain amendments are likely to take place. The government is contemplating a change in the admission procedure. Students are granted admission on the basis of their expected results. Unfortunately, expectations are proved wrong in more than half the cases. So, students might either be offered admissions based on their previous term results or admissions might be put on hold till the results are declared.

The government is also working towards reducing the college dropout rates. 18% of the students fail to complete higher education in the UK.

Students should complete their education. They should realise the vital part higher education plays in their life. Every person has a dream in life. It is the education received at college/ university level that opens up different channels to goal attainment.

Students forget their long-term dreams and aspirations and concentrate on the short-term costs and time involved in completing their education. College education lasts for just 2 to 4 years, depending upon the course selected.

Costs and time should never be considered deterrents; for, bright prospects of the future greatly outshine the present temporary troubles.

Article Source: http://www.myaddirectory.com

James Walsh is a freelance writer and copy editor. If you are a UK or Overseas student applying for a place in a UK University, to stand out from the thousands of others, it is essential to have striking Personal Statement, for more information and professional guidance, see www.personal-statement.co.uk

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