英国留学：研究生留学指南(一）

　　Despite its relatively small geographic size, the UK is a big player on the international stage, in terms of its economy, cultural influence and also its higher education system. Second only to the US as a study abroad destination, the UK boasts an impressively large selection of universities ranked among the world’s best. It’s also well-known for its innovation and leadership in multiple industries, from engineering and finance to fashion design and music.

　　For those looking to undertake graduate study in the UK, here’s an overview of top UKuniversities, common application requirements, scholarships for international students and tuition fee information.

　　Comprised of four countries, England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, the UK has a highly impressive total of 69 universities represented in the QS World University Rankings® 2014/15, more than any other country except the – considerably larger – United States. Four of these UK universities are ranked among the world’s top 10, and 29 are in the top 200.　　Deciding where to study in the UK

　　As of 2012, due in no small part to the stand-out international reputation of UK universities (and despite the nation’s famously rather dreary weather), over 420,000 international students from 200 countries were studying in the UK. Of these, more than 199,000 were postgraduate students, according to the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). And, according to the 2013 HE Academy Postgraduate Taught Experience survey, 93% of taught postgraduate students in the UK rated the quality of teaching positively.

　　For many, the appeal of studying in the UK is largely focused on future prospects; a UK degree is likely to be held in high esteem among potential employers worldwide. But for many, the experience of immersion in British culture and life are also a large part of the attraction. A multicultural and relatively compact country, the UK offers opportunities to explore a range of landscapes and locations, and to get to know people from many different backgrounds.

　　The UK countryside deserves a mention, with highlights including the famously rugged Yorkshire moors; the stunning vistas of the Lake District; the Somerset Quantocks with their grazing wild horses and abundant wildlife; and the atmospheric meadows and woodlands of the Sherwood Forest, still full of the legendary tales of Robin Hood.

　　What else can you expect from UK life? Well, it’s fair to say the British are known for their love of a good pub, a rather dry and self-deprecating sense of humor and a predilection for sport, music festivals (there are now hundreds every year, including the likes of Glastonbury, V Festival and Bestival), and the classic, yet greasy, “full English” fried breakfast.

　　Top student cities in the UK

　　London

　　Rated consistently as one of the top cities in the world for students, coming third in the QS Best Student Cities 2015 (behind Paris and Melbourne), the UK capital offers an experience which is distinctly different to anywhere else in the country. A city of over eight million people and one of the most-visited places on the planet, London is an immensely diverse center of culture, commerce and education, offering something new and exciting every day. Whether you’re into history, theater, art, fashion, food or music, you’ll find endless entertainment – from grand (usually free) museums to trendy pop-up shops, and from no-frills music venues to high-end theatrical productions.

　　While London’s magnetic pull continues to swell its international population, many would say the real British charm and character is to be found outside the capital. In addition to the world-famous Oxford and Cambridge, other historic towns and cities known both for their universities and their rich history includeEdinburgh (26= in the QS Best Student Cities 2015), St Andrews, Durham, York and Bath.

　　If you’re looking for multiculturalism and a dynamic urban environment without the London price-tag, then perhaps Manchester, Glasgow, Bristol, Birmingham, Sheffield or Leeds may be right for you – cities all markedly cheaper than the capital and all with a university ranked among the world’s top 100. Also, this year for the first time, the city of Coventry entered the QS Best Student Cities, owing to the area’s large student community (the University of Warwick is very nearby) and a great reputation for producing employable graduates!

　　Types of postgraduate degree in the UK

　　In the UK, master’s level degrees are typically categorized as either “taught” or “research” programs. Taught programs are often just one year in length, consisting of lectures, seminars, exams, assignments and dissertation work. The workload is likely to be more intensive than at undergraduate level, and students will be expected to pursue independent work, but with a significant amount of class time and supervision; this will vary by subject.

　　Research-based master’s degrees usually take longer, often two or three years, and require students to complete in-depth independent research within a specific field – similar to the work required for a PhD, and resulting in the production of a thesis or dissertation report. A PhD takes longer again – at least three years, but often longer. Usually a master’s degree is needed in order to apply for a PhD position, but this is not always the case.

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　　英国留学：研究生留学指南(二）

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