According to Times Higher Education’s global university rankings, more than half of the top 200 universities worldwide are found in either the US or the UK. Both nations have a long history of offering top-notch higher education, world-class research facilities, and a culture that values intellectualism and academic independence. However, despite the fact that both undoubtedly offer the best learning environments, there are significant variations between the two nations in terms of how universities are set up and how students live.
Read ahead to learn about the main educational contrasts between the American and British systems.
University organization
In the US, you apply to a larger university and take classes in a number of subjects for the first year or more before declaring a major at the end of the first year or possibly even in the middle of the second. The “schools” or departments that make up American universities include the School of Arts and Sciences, which is home to a number of related majors.
Unlike in the US, in the UK you apply directly to the college of the subject you want to study rather than the main university admissions office.
Length of academic term
The time it takes to complete your degree may be the most significant distinction between the US and UK educational systems.
An undergraduate degree is for 4 years in the US whereas in the UK it is only for 3 years. Because the academic curricula are typically considerably more narrowly focused than in the US, study programmes are shorter in the UK.
Homework and grades
Due to the emphasis on breadth placed by the US educational system, courses also include assignments, including minor writing projects, large research papers, and oral presentations spread out over the course of the entire semester.
Most schools in the UK focus significantly more on lectures, with little homework given throughout the semester. In other situations, there may be no actual homework assignments and your grade will instead be determined by your performance on the final exam.
Accomodation
Both nations offer resident halls for students to live in.
They are nearly equal, although in the UK, having a bedroom to yourself is more common, but in the US, sharing a bedroom with at least one other person is highly likely.
Cost
Both nations’ educational costs are very expensive, but, American educational costs are often greater. A 2012 law allows universities in England to charge up to £9000 ($14,300) annually in tuition.
In contrast, the government in the United States has relatively limited control over the tuition fees charged by institutions. While private four-year universities often charge over $29,000 per year in tuition, public two-year institutions typically charge around $3000 annually.
How can Rostrum help?
At rostrum we prove a customised experience for all our students. We take into account your needs and requirements while helping you with the college admissions process. Not only do we guide you and provide you with information regarding all the important study abroad factors, but we also recommend the best options for you. Contact us for a free consultation today!
