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Want to study in the UK? Your questions answered
Do you want to study in the UK but unsure of how to go about choosing a university and applying?
Are you interested in doing a programme in business studies but wondering how to go about it?
Do you need IELTS and TOEFL scores for all UK education courses?
To answer these and other related questions, EdUK advisors from the British Council hosted a chat with readers on August 3. For those of you who missed the chat, here's the unedited transcript:
EdUK Advisor says, Good Afternoon, Welcome to the Education UK web chat! This is your EdUK Advisor
PADUKAHAN asked,
I m interested in doing MBA from UK.Pls guide.EdUK Advisor answers, Hi Padukahan, MBA is a very popular course in the UK, therefore competitive too. The entry requirements are bachelor's degree, 2-3 years of full time work experience, GMAT score & IELTS/TOEFL score. The strength of the UK MBA is that they are designed to build on your work experience so that you acquire business & management skills of a very high order. In recent years MBAs have taken a variety of forms. The most common are general MBA, which normally cover all aspects of business administration and the different functional specialisms finance, accounting, marketing, organisational behaviour and strategic management.
There are some MBAs that are more specialists in the sense they are designed for particular industries, e.g. finance or retailing or the public sector, etc. There are many other masters' courses in management, which deal with functional specialisms, e.g. marketing or human resources, rather than giving broad overview provided by the general MBA. More information on Masters (including MBA or any other related courses) is available on the following websites: www.educationuk-in.org and www.hotcourses.com The total cost involved can be divided into tuition fee and cost of living (accommodation, food, clothing, and other basic needs). The total cost will vary between 4,000 to 40,000. You will have to check for individual fee structures on specific university web sites.
The ratings of institutions according to Departments are available on www.rae.ac.uk and www.unistas.ac.uk There are other factors you should consider before finalising your choice of universities which are student-teacher ratio, number of international students already studying, location, availability of accommodation, scholarships and fellowships, feedback from alumni, etc. University Application Forms are available on the institution web sites in most cases. Please download them from there or you can directly request the institution to send the application to you.
A very good web site to search for institutions & courses is www.educationuk-in.org Your application pack should contain the following: 1) Application form of the institution 2) Statement of Purpose 3) Attested photocopies of mark sheets, certificates, etc from your previous education institutions. Any other recent certificates of your extra curricular activities/sports or participation in debates/seminars/lectures, etc that you have mentioned in your application 4) IELTS/TOEFL scores if your results have been announced. 5) Two references (academic/ professional) along with the application form 6)GMAT Scores if asked for . In most institutions, sessions begin in September/October. There are no specific application deadlines for most institutions; however you should send the applications as early as possible. This allows enough time for correspondence and clarifications both ways.
There are a number of scholarships available for postgraduate students ranging from part to full tuition fee to full cost of study. Please log on to our website www.britishcouncil.org.in/scholarships for information on scholarships. Most of the information that you seek in terms of number of international students, intake periods, location, etc is specific to every university and can be easily found through their web sites. For working in the UK . From 30 June, international graduates who have studied in the UK will be free to seek employment for up to two years under the Post Study Work Scheme of the Tier 1 of the Points Based System (PBS).
This is twice the length of stay permitted under the old International Graduate Scheme (IGS) rules and allows the most able international graduates to find work in the UK without the need for a sponsor or work permit. Tier 1 (Post-study work) replaces IGS and the Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland Scheme. For more information, log on to www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk . Kindly log on to this website and read the details carefully to seek your eligibility for the same. You could log on to www.mbaworld.com to check for accredited MBA Schools. I hope this is useful.
Kau asked, Hi....i am interested in doing MBA from UK. Can you please suggest a good and reliable source of ranking for the universities
EdUK Advisor answers, Hi Kau. Reliable websites for checking out department ratings of UK institutions are www.rae.ac.uk and www.unistats.ac.uk. In case you wish to check out AMBA accreditation please visit www.mbaworld.com Currently Education UK is organising a virtual exhibition wherein 17 UK institutions are participating. In case you have any institute specific queries you may wish to log on to www.edukvirtualexhibition.com. There is a Query Centre and also webchat sessions with participating institutions
Pavan asked, which courses can be enrolled after BSc IT?
EdUK Advisor answers, Hi Pavan. It depends on your area of interest. If a career in IT suits you, you can go in for a specialised masters in IT; in case you wish to pursue a career in management you could opt for a masters in Management; and if your interests lie in both the areas you could opt for masters in IT with management. To find out which UK institutions offer you the course of your choice please look up www.educationuk-in.org. Department ratings of UK institutions are available on www.rae.ac.uk and www.unistats.ac.uk. Do also look up www.edukvirtualexhibition.com to find out the courses available at 17 of the participating institutions/exhibitiors and also to post your specific queires
sam asked, i want to do MS in UK or Europe.How to get funding through erasmus mundus programme?
EdUK Advisor answers, Hi Sam for detailed information on the programmes offered under the Erasmus Mundus do look up www.ec.europa.eu/education/programmes/mundus/index_en.html For details on UK institutions offering you the course of your choice please visit www.educationuk-in.org. Do check up department ratings of UK institutions on www.rae.ac.uk and www.unistats.ac.uk
kaustubh asked, I got to know that if one has scored above 70 marks in English (1st Language) one is exempted from IELTS. Is this true.
EdUK Advisor answers, Hi Kaustubh under the new Tier 4 of the Points Based System (UK Student Visa Application)for a student intending to study at a degree and above level - the decision of whether or not the student needs to sit the IELTS or not rests entirely at the discretion of the UK Education Provider (the UK institution you have applied to). So you will need to check this up with the UK institution you intend joining for a course.For detailed information on the Tier 4 please visit www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/studyingintheuk
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'How do I apply for a UK study visa?'
gauravC asked, Plz tell can we get visa to work in UK after completion of MBA?
EdUK Advisor answers, Hi Gaurav From 30 June 2009, international graduates who have studied in the UK will be free to seek employment for up to two years under the Post Study Work Scheme of the Tier 1 of the Points Based System (PBS). This is twice the length of stay permitted under the old International Graduate Scheme (IGS) rules and allows the most able international graduates to find work in the UK without the need for a sponsor or work permit.
Tier 1 (Post-study work) replaces IGS and the Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland Scheme. For more information, log on to www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk . Kindly log on to this website and read the details carefully to seek your eligibility for the same. You could visit www.educationuk-in.org for information on which UK institution offers you the course you are looking out for.
kaustubh asked, When we apply to the universities for MBA what in general should be the strategy?
EdUK Advisor answers, Hi Kaustubh the parameters you need to keep in mind while shortlisting UK institutions are -course contents, fees, entry requirements, alumni feedback, funding support, international student ratio, facilities, department rating (www.rae.ac.uk and www.unistats.ac.uk) and AMBA accreditation (www.mbaworld.com).
The universities will gauge you on your academics, IELTS/TOEFL scores, GMAT, work experience and extra curricular achievements. A good place to start your search would be www.educationuk-in.org. You may also look up details of the 17 exhibitors on British Council's ongoing Virtual Exhibition by logging on to www.edukvirtualexhibition.com
gauravC asked, what are job prospects after completing Post graduation in UK ? Do they prefer britishers there?
EdUK Advisor answers, Hi Gaurav. From 30 June 2009, international graduates who have studied in the UK will be free to seek employment for up to two years under the Post Study Work Scheme of the Tier 1 of the Points Based System (PBS). This is twice the length of stay permitted under the old International Graduate Scheme (IGS) rules and allows the most able international graduates to find work in the UK without the need for a sponsor or work permit. Tier 1 (Post-study work) replaces IGS and the Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland Scheme. For more information, log on to www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk .
Kindly log on to this website and read the details carefully to seek your eligibility for the same. Annually UK welcomes thousands of students from all over the world and prides itself on being a country which respects people from all genders and races. Further UK qualifications are globally recognised. So placement should not be an issue of concern
kaustubh asked, Can you please touch upon the visa details for UK and also part time availability of work while pursuing full time MBA?
EdUK Advisor answers, Dear Kaustubh. Student Visa Applications fall under Tier 4 of the Points Based System. To qualify for a UK student visa students need to accumulate 40 points - 30 points are provided if the UK institution which the student is joining is listed as an "Approved Education Provider" with the UK Border Agency on www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/studyingintheuk And 10 points are provided for the maintenance - a student needs to show he has enough funds to take care of one year of tuition fees and 9 months of cost of living ( 7,200 if the UK institution is located in the "inner buroughs of London" and 5,400 if the UK institution is located elsewhere). For detailed information on this please visit www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/studyingintheuk
Part time jobs would be available - so long as you do not narrow down your options to white collar jobs. As you are a student you would need to be flexible to work at fast food joints, supermarkets etc. Universities would have placement cells to help you out with part time jobs; internet too would be a useful place to start your search; and you could also leave your resume/CV with head hunting agencies in the UK. Do remember you are allowed to work only for 20 hours part time per week and full time during vacations - if you are on a course which is at degree or above level (barring foundation courses)
ssm4u asked, I've a HSMP Tier 1 visa. Do I need a student visa again to apply for a course there
EdUK Advisor answers, Hi SSM4u. Yes if you intend studying a full time course in the UK you would need to apply for a student visa under Tier 4 of the Points Based System. For more information please visit www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/studyingintheuk
Rajitha asked, My son is doing Diploma in Recording Arts from School of Audio Engineering, Chennai. He is interested in doing BSc in Audio ENgineering from SAE London. Is IELTS required? Can he work while studying? Can he stay in UK after his studies and work?
EdUK Advisor answers, Hi Rajitha. Your son will need to check up with SAE if he needs to sit the IELTS. Yes while studying he is allowed to work 20 hours per week part time during term time and full time during vacations Yes he can stay back in the UK for two years post completion of his Bachelors Degree.
From 30 June 2009, international graduates who have studied in the UK will be free to seek employment for up to two years under the Post Study Work Scheme of the Tier 1 of the Points Based System (PBS). For more information, log on to www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk . Kindly log on to this website and read the details carefully to seek your son's eligibility for the same.
Guidance on PhD, law, MBA courses
vikas asked, hi, I have completed my MBA from IIM Indore and now I wish to apply for Phd from London Business School. Is it necessary to appear in TOEFL. I will be appearing for GMAT in oct 2010. Is there specific preperation required.
EdUK Advisor answers, Hi Vikas Do check on www.educationuk-in.org and www.findaphd.com for institutions offering you a PhD in the subject of your choice. Departmental ratings of UK institutions are available on www.rae.ac.uk Contact the institution directly as you will need an academic guide for the same. The normal minimum period required to complete a Ph.D. is three years. However, majority of students take longer than three years to complete 'writing up'. A realistic time frame for completion of a Ph.D. is three-and-a-half to four years.
Research programmes end in a dissertation or thesis of 70,000-100,000 words & must present original findings that are in principle publishable. Check the eligibility criteria for your chosen course with your shortlisted institution. Generally, it's a Masters degree or an MPhil and evidence that you know something about research procedures. Some experience of working alone on a research project is very useful. The fees for the same would range from 8000 to 15000 p.a.The decision of whetehr or not you need to sit any english language proficiency exams rests with LBS
Radha asked, Hello, are there any courses on Instructional Design available in UK?
EdUK Advisor answers, Hi Radha. We have checked up on www.educationuk-in.org and found out that University of Hertfordshire offers an MSc - E-Learning Technology course vunder which one of the modules is Instructional Design. Do check up www.hertfordshire.ac.uk for detailed information. Department Ratings of UK institutions are available on www.rae.ac.uk and www.unistats.ac.uk
JOE asked, Hi,my brother is planning to do his MBA from magna carta university of wales,can u tell if this is a good college and will it have value to fetch a good job in the UK itself?
EdUK Advisor answers, Dear Joe - do check up department ratings on www.rae.ac.uk and www.unistats.ac.uk. Besides also look up www.mbaworld.com for AMBA accreditation
AADI asked, Hi I am Interested in doing 1 yr MS Finance Course from UK or Europe . Pls guide me regarding this?
EdUK Advisor answers, Hi Aadi. To find out which UK institutions offer you the course you are interested in please visit www.educationuk-in.org. Parameters you need to keep in mind while short listing institutions are - course contents, fees, funding support, entry requirements, facilities, international student ratio, alumni feedback and department ratings (www.rae.ac.uk and www.unistats.ac.uk) Documents your UK institution would assess would be - academics, extra curricular, IELTS/TOEFL etc Do visit British Council's ongoing virtual exhibition at www.edukvirtualexhibition.com for information on courses offered by 17 UK institutions and also posting your specific course related queries to UK academics
Shubh asked, Can you please guide on LLM in UK ?
EdUK Advisor answers, Hi Shubh. Do vsiti www.educationuk-in.org for list of UK institutions offering you the LLM specialisation you are looking out for. Department Ratings are available on www.rae.ac.uk and www.unstats.ac.uk. Documents you would need while applying to UK institutions would be your academics, your extra curricular achievements, IELTS scores, projects done, work experience if any. While shortlisting institutions you need to keep in mind factors like - course contents, fees, entry requirements, facilities, funding support and international student ration besides department ratings
kamal.lohani asked, HI, I am a CA and wanted to go for further study in UK, is there any course available for chartered accountants in UK
EdUK Advisor answers, Hi Kamal. You could opt for either a Masters in Accounting/Finance (for detailed information please visit www.educationuk-in.org) or you could opt for the ACCA programme (www.accaglobal.com)
aditya asked, hi, i have already applied to a university but since the amount needs to be kept in bank account for 28 days, i will be getting close to the course start date.The course starts on Sept 22, i am planning do lodge the file on August 26. Please advise me whether i should go ahead and lodge the visa or drop off the plans ?
EdUK Advisor answers, Hi Aditya. What we suggest you can do is request your UK institution to mention in the CAS letter an extended date up to when they can allow you to join. You do need to keep a time frame of 10 working days for your visas to get processed by the UK Border Agency
Rajkumar asked, Hi, This is Rajkumar from Agra. I have been selected for DPhil in Medical Oncology at University of Oxford. I have to join by this October. Due to financial problem I may not be able to join this course. Because I have to show financial confirmation of Rs. 82 lakhs including 54 lakhs tution fees (this is very high). I have arranged Rs. 40lakhs so far including two scholarships and my own deposits. My application was not successful in Clarendon and Felix scholarship. I am really tired to seek another scholarship.Can any one tell me how can I arrange rest?
EdUK Advisor answers, Dear Rajkumar. Felicitations on getting through at University of Oxford for such a prestigious programme. Unfortunately it is too late in the year to apply for any other scholarship. You may either take an educational loan from a bank or you may request Oxford to defer your admissions till September 2011 and apply fresh for scholarships (do look up www.britishcouncil.org.in/scholarships for information on scholarships partially/fully administered by the British Council)
Jitendra asked, I just want to find out scholarship options for doing MBA from London Business school. Does govt provide scholarship to Indian students?
EdUK Advisor answers, Hi Jitendra. For information on scholarships partially/fully administered by the British Council please visit www.britishcouncil.org.in/scholarships
ARSHAH asked, I am likely to clear 12th grade CBSE exam in april 2011.i want to persue undegraduate studies in computer engineering in UK.can you please guide me which are the best universities for the subject and what is the admission procedure and admission prospects for me.i have scored 97% marks in 10th cbse exam and around 94% in 11th class. ARshah
EdUK Advisor answers, Hi ARShah. For information on the undergraduate application procedure in the UK please look up www.ucas.ac.uk. Department Ratings are available on www.unsitats.ac.uk
EdUK Advisor says, This is your EdUK Advisor. This is all the time we have for today. Thank you for participating in our web chat session. For those of you whose queries are still unresolved please send in an email to ahmedabad.ecs@in.britishcouncil.org Please check the schedule for all events organised by Education UK, British Council by visiting www.educationuk-in.org You may also wish to visit British Council's ongoing Virtual Exhibition having 17 UK institutions by logging on to www.edukvirtualexhibition.com Have a nice day!