The Higher Education System in England
Learn about the higher education system in England. Find out how it compares to the rest of the UK, the different kinds of programs and qualifications offered and how long they take to complete.
Unlike the rest of the UK, England expects everyone between the ages of 16 and 18 years to be engaged in full-time or part-time education or training.
So, the higher education phase only really begins at the age of 18 after students have finished their qualification exams.
Find a program
Why settle for one country when you can get four? Find programs in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales using our search engine.
Universities in England
England is home to some of the most prestigious universities in the world. In addition to the ancient universities, Oxford and Cambridge, an additional eighteen of the twenty-four Russell Group universities are located in England. These research universities rank among the best in the world and more than 30% of the students in attendance are international students.
In total, there are 106 universities and 5 university colleges in England. These institutions are recognized by the Office of Students as universities or university colleges. There are numerous other higher education institutions in England, including colleges, private colleges, institutes, and schools all charged with delivering higher education across a broad range of vocational and academic qualifications, including certificates, higher national certificates, diplomas, higher national diplomas as well as a variety of foundation, undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate degrees.
Generally, the following timeframes apply to higher education studies in England:
| Programme | Duration | ||
| National Certificates (NC) | 1 year | ||
| Higher National Certificates (HNC) | NC + 1 year | ||
| Diplomas | 2 years | ||
| Higher National Diplomas | HNC + 1 year | ||
| Foundation Degrees | 2 years | ||
| Bachelorโs Degrees | 3 years | ||
| Masterโs Degrees | Bachelorโs degree + 12 months | ||
| PhDs | Masterโs degree + 3-4 years |
Grading standards in England
Quality standards for English universities are among the best in the world and credentials from English institutions are well respected internationally. So no matter your level or length of study - studying in England is a surefire way to make a positive step towards your prospective career in any field.
Like the rest of the UK, English universities follow a standard grading system for degree classifications based on the overall percentage achieved. The four university grade boundaries are:
| Grade Class | Percentage Needed | Description |
| First-Class Honours (1st) | 70% or above | Exceptional academic performance |
| Upper Second-Class Honours (2:1) | 60-70% | Strong academic performance* |
| Lower Second-Class Honours (2:2) | 50-60% | Satisfactory academic performance** |
| Third-Class Honours (3rd) | 40-50% | Minimum passing grade for an honours degree |
*This is the most common degree class
**Lower Second-Class Honours degrees are widely accepted by employers
Business schools in England
In England, you can also find exceptional business-related degrees. An MBA in the UK will grant you access to the world's best career opportunities as it is sought after the biggest companies internationally.ย
Learn more about studying in England:
English Language & Culture
England is a country with a rich heritage. Find out more about what the country offers in terms of language, culture, and more!ย
Tuition Fees In England
Tuition fees for higher education programs in England can vary. Many international and domestic students pay different tuition fees, depending on where they are from. In this section you'll find all the information on how this works in England.
Living Costs In England
No matter where you study abroad, itโs important to create a budget in advance so that youโre prepared. Therefore, weโve detailed average living and housing costs so that you can get a better idea of what you would be paying as a student in England.
Entry Requirements for UK Universities
Learn more about the United Kingdom's national application portal and how it applies in England. This section covers what you'll need to do when applying as an undergraduate and postgraduate.
Scholarships
Don't let international student tuition fees stop you from studying abroad in England. Find out more about some of the scholarships available to international students here!ย
Student Visas for the UK
Do you need a visa to enter England to study? Learn more about the student visa process, and what you need to enter the country, depending on your citizenship. Don't worry! We've gathered the information you'll need to make it happen.
Programs in England
Ready to browse higher education courses in England? Use our search engine to find and compare top programs in England and the rest of the UK today!
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