UK Higher Education System: All You Need to Know

While there may be a few differences between schooling in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, broadly speaking, there are five parts to the UK education system: early years, primary, secondary, further, and higher education. 

Education is compulsory for all children between the ages of 5 (4 in Northern Ireland) and 16. Further education is not compulsory and includes any study after secondary education that isn't part of higher education, meaning it doesn't form part of an undergraduate or graduate degree.

The fifth stage, higher education, mostly takes place in universities and other higher education institutions and colleges. Higher education qualifications include diplomas, bachelor degrees, foundation degrees and postgraduate degrees. 

What are the different levels of higher education in the UK?

When it comes to choosing a college or university to attend, know that the UK’s higher education institutions are all held to strict standards by the government, so you know you are getting the best teaching, support and resources available.

The Register of Regulated Qualifications contains details of Recognised Awarding Organisations. This full list of 'recognised bodies' – universities and colleges that can award degrees – is published every year, to make it easy for you to see what’s available in the UK – and ensure your qualification will have credibility overseas. Head to the gov.uk website to search the Register of Regulated Qualifications and find out if the organisation providing your qualification is regulated. 

There are an incredible range of education institutions all across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland - in fact, there are over 160 universities alone! With limitless courses and study options on offer, it will be easy to find a pathway to your dream career. We’ll list the UK’s education institutions on the screen now. 

Now, let’s discuss your academic calendar. Each college and university in the UK will have its own unique term dates, but generally speaking, you can expect your academic year in the UK to be split into three terms across two semesters. The academic year usually begins in September, and will run until June. You can expect longer holidays in December, for the winter break, and in April, for the spring break. Throughout the year, there will also be ‘reading weeks’, which are short breaks part-way through terms to give you time to catch up on your course reading or to prepare for exams and assignments. 

Check your chosen college or university’s academic calendar online to see all of the key dates that you need to be aware of, so you can start planning your year.