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England is more than the land of Big Ben, Stonehenge and the Queen. Filled with cultural diversity and historical roots, this country holds prestige in dozens of colleges and universities. From the distinguished universities of Cambridge and Oxford to the hipster and down-to-earth University of Leeds and University College London, England’s universities hold unique and remarkable opportunities for their students. But which makes it to the top college in UK?
From tons of degrees, boss student unions, career opportunities and city life, we’ve narrowed down your options to 10 college in UK. Just make sure to finish reading before you think about applying or transferring.
1. Imperial College London
Imperial College London is a public research university in London. The college focuses exclusively on science, technology, medicine and business. Imperial is ranked 10th globally by the 2020 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, as well as 3rd in Europe and in the UK after Oxford and Cambridge in their 2019 European universities ranking.
Admission Details
Meeting academic requirements is only one of the factors taken into account when students make their decision on an application. Other factors include suitability for the course, proficiency in English (you will need to have passed a College-approved English Language test), relevant work experience and references may also be important.
We encourage you to look at the sections headed ‘Entry requirements’ included in each of the Faculty and Departmental pages on the College’s course list pages as they contain guidance on the selection criteria for your chosen program, the subjects you need to have studied and additional entrance tests, if applicable.
Financial Aid
- Imperial Bursary
- Loans & Grants
- Scholarships
2. King’s College London
King’s is ranked in the top 10 UK universities in the world (QS World Rankings 2020) and based in the heart of London. With nine faculties, institutes and schools, King’s is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge, learning and understanding in the service of society.
Admission Details
King’s offers undergraduate courses in a very broad variety of subjects.
If your school offers a national diploma that is recognized in the UK for direct entry into undergraduate degree, or if you are taking A levels, IB, APs or SATs in your country, then you must make an online application via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
To apply for a Postgraduate program at King’s you will need to complete an application form on King’s online application system.
Financial Aid
- Erasmus, Elective & Travel Awards
- Hardship Funds
- Scholarship & Bursaries
- Student Loans & Grants
3. Exeter College
Exeter College is a general further education college in Exeter, Devon; it was first such college in UK, and is currently the highest-ranked in the country. The College is based around a campus at Hele Road, though owns several other sites around the city, and educates approximately twelve thousand students, including both sixteen to eighteen-year-olds and mature (adult) students.
Admission Details
For most programs the requirements are:
- GCSE English Language and Maths at grade C or above (or equivalent O Level or numeric GCSE grades)
- 64 UCAS tariff points (minimum) from relevant Level 3 qualifications, such as two or more A Levels or an Extended National Diploma
- An appropriate NVQ at Level 3 or
- An Access to Higher Education Diploma at Level 3 (see pages 32-33) or
- Qualifications deemed equivalent to the above
Some programs require specific additional requirements, these are detailed on the College’s individual course pages.
Financial Aid
- 16-19 Bursary Fund
- Army Bursary Scheme
- Care to Learn
- Free Meals
- Free Travel
- Residential Support Scheme
4. Newcastle College
Newcastle College is a respected, trustworthy and successful government funded UK education provider. Established in 1894, the College has the teaching experience to help improve students’ English or gain their desired academic qualifications at Undergraduate and Postgraduate Degree level.
Its specialist schools and Academies have outstanding buildings and facilities, focus on English Language, Business and Management, Computing, Engineering, Aerospace and Rail, Art and Design, 3D and Digital Skills, Travel and Tourism, Music and Performing Arts, Sport and Exercise and Beauty.
Admission Details
- Foundation programs (Level 3): Students are required to have completed the majority of their high school education and have a minimum of IELTS 5.0 (with no component less than 4.0) or equivalent to satisfy the English language requirements of the course. Some subjects require a minimum of IELTS 5.5 (with no component less than 4.0) and this information is listed within the course information sheet.
- Undergraduate programs (Level 4,5,6): Students are expected to have completed a level 3 foundation programme or equivalent and have IELTS 5.5 (with no component less than 4.0) or equivalent to satisfy the English language requirements of the course.
- Postgraduate programs (Level 7): Students are expected to have completed their undergraduate studies or have equivalent work experience to join a postgraduate course. In exceptional circumstances, students with extensive work experience and/or a professional qualification may be considered for entry.
Financial Aid
- 16-18 Support & Bursary
- Adult Support Fund
- Advanced Learner Loan
- Free or Discounted Study
5. Eton College
Eton College is a 13–18 independent boarding school for boys in the parish of Eton, near Windsor in Berkshire, England. Eton has been described as the most famous public school in the world, and has been referred to as “the chief nurse of England’s statesmen”.
Eton has educated generations of British and foreign aristocracy, and for the first time, members of the British royal family in direct line of succession: Prince William and his brother Prince Harry, in contrast to the royal tradition of male education at either naval college or Gordonstoun, or by tutors.
The Good Schools Guide called the school “the number one boys’ public school”, adding that “The teaching and facilities are second to none.” The school is a member of the G20 Schools Group.
Admission Details
To register, you must request a registration form from the school, which you then may complete and return with the associated fee. You will then complete a two stage assessment. The first stage involves online pre-tests (The independent Schools Examination Board Common Pre-Tests) and a report from your child’s head teacher outlining your child’s academic strengths, interests and personality. The test is comprised of an interview between your son and one of Eton’s masters, a computerized reasoning test, and an assessed group activity.
Financial Aid
- Scholarships and Bursaries
6. Edinburgh College
Edinburgh College is one of Scotland’s biggest Colleges with around 26,000 students across 4 campuses in Edinburgh and the Lothians. Offering a wide variety of vibrant vocational and academic courses, Edinburgh College provides flexible learning opportunities to suit all learning needs. Edinburgh College has achieved the highest rating possible in its recent Education Scotland inspection report.
Admission Details
Entry requirements for each course will vary depending on the level and subject you wish to study. For an NQ level 5 course up to 5 National 4 qualifications may be required, while for an HNC/D level course you may need one or more Highers or a relevant NQ or equivalent. Other courses may expect you to be currently employed in that area such as PDAs.
The entry requirements listed are based on the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF). You can find out more about the SCQF at www.scqf.org.uk.
If you are returning to education and have no formal qualifications, your experiences in work and life may also provide entry.
For most courses, you will be required to attend an interview before an offer is made. You can find specific entry requirements for your chosen course under the course entry section for each of the courses in the course entry. These are the minimum entry requirements needed to secure an interview and do not guarantee entry.
Financial Aid
- Grants and Scholarships
- Green Project Fund
- The Hard Times Fund
7. City of Glasgow College
City of Glasgow College is a further and higher education college in Glasgow, Scotland. It has a wide range of full time and part time college courses, as well as evening and Saturday classes to choose from.
Admission Details
You must demonstrate that you meet the entry requirements for the program that you wish to study. The College asks that your qualification is an equivalent level to the required Scottish qualification. Your school-leaving certificate or college diploma may already meet these requirements. You’ll be asked to upload a scanned copy of your qualifications in your online application. The International Office will check that it meets the entry requirements for your choice of course.
Financial Aid
- Care Experienced Bursaries
- Childcare Funds
- Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA)
- Further Education Bursary
- Hardship Funds
8. Walsall College
Walsall College is a further education college in Walsall, West Midlands, England. The college is the largest provider of qualifications for 14- to 19-year-olds in the Borough of Walsall. Courses offered by the college include GCSEs, NVQs, BTECs, Diplomas, Apprenticeships and Access courses. Walsall College’s sixth form department, V6 is a vocational sixth form for young people focussing on vocational skills and qualification; however it does not offer A Levels or academic study.
Admission Details
How to apply for a full-time university level course:
- You can apply through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) system
- Apply from October 2019 for courses starting 2020
- Make sure UCAS receives your application by 15 January, unless it’s listed with a 15 October deadline
- For art and design courses, make sure UCAS receives your application by 24 March, unless it’s listed with a 15 January deadline
- If you apply after the deadline, we will consider your application on an individual basis (if places are still available)
- For more details visit ucas.com
How to apply for a part-time HE course and Access to Higher Education courses:
- Find the course you’d like to apply for and apply directly to us, using our online college application form. Once the College has received your application, it will arrange an interview with the relevant admissions tutor.
- Don’t apply through UCAS. There are fees attached to these courses.
Financial Aid
- Advanced Learner Loans
- Bursaries
- Higher Education Financial Support
- Smart Card
9. Ayrshire College
Ayrshire College is a further education institution in Scotland. Formed in August 2013 from a merger between Ayr College, Kilmarnock College and the Largs and Kilwinning campuses of James Watt College, it serves the Ayrshire area, surrounding areas and overseas students.
Admission Details
N/A
Financial Aid
N/A
10. University College London
University College London, officially known as UCL since 2005, is a public research college in UK. It is a member institution of the federal University of London, and is the largest college in UK by total enrolment apart from the Open University, and the largest by postgraduate enrolment.
Admission Details
Depending on the degree program, UCL makes offers in the range AAA–ABB. The requirements for individual programs can be found on the relevant degree page.
Financial Aid
- Scholarships and Bursaries
- Loans
Final thoughts
College in UK is among the best in the world, and consistently perform well in world rankings. They also have a reputation for world-class research. You get the opportunity to develop the skills, knowledge, critical thinking, and connections to drive forward their careers.
All in all, UK is a great place to live and study. If you’re thinking of studying in the UK, a college in UK listed in this guide may be the perfect choice for you.
