Study in the UK

Introduction to the UK education system

With its highly developed infrastructure, long history and tradition of providing top quality education, the UK is a prestigious destination for Vietnamese students. It also has the advantage of being close to the European mainland with easy transport links.

The UK is becoming better known in Vietnam because of the number of institutions which now recruit Vietnamese students. The UK has over 150 Higher Education providers, for example. However, with 2 systems- state and private- and many different pathways available, students need a good guide to help them select the most cost effective ways of achieving their study objectives.

The UK Education System

Students in the UK go to state or private primary school at age 5 and after 6 years, at age 11, they start secondary school. In years 7, 8 and 9 they follow a general curriculum, and in years 10 and 11 they study 5 or more subjects for their GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) exams. At age 16 they can either leave school or continue studying for 2 more years at A level (Advanced level).

If they study A levels, students in the state system can choose to enter the Sixth Form in their secondary school, in another school, in a special Sixth Form College or in a College of Further and Higher Education. If they want to join the private system they can go to an independent school as a boarding or a day pupil, or to a private college.

After A levels, students can apply for University. This is done through a central applications system called UCAS.  For International students who do not follow A level or IB programmes in the UK , but want to enter University in the UK after finishing school in Vietnam , a Foundation course is a "bridging" programme which will bring students up to A level standard.

Most Foundation programmes are 30-36 weeks in duration and students must have finished year 12 in Vietnam and have an average score of at least 6.5. Many programmes start in September, but some also have a December or January start.

The English language level required for entry varies according to the requirements of the institution, but is usually between IELTS 4.5 and 5.5. English can also be studied before entering a Foundation course.

University degrees in the UK

The standard length of a University degree in England and Wales is 3 years (longer for special subjects such as Architecture, Medicine or Pharmacy). In Scotland it is 4 years, although students with good A level or IB results may enter year 2.  Some universities are offering 2 year accelerated degrees (which is the 3 year programme delivered in a more intensive format).

Most Masters degrees are 1 year (12 months) in duration, although some MBA courses may be longer. For students who do not have the required level of English or academic studies, or work experience to join a Masters degree directly, many Universities, FE Colleges and private colleges offer pre-masters programmes.

For undergraduate and postgraduate students who have the academic level but lack English language skills, a wide range of general, academic and pre-sessional English courses are available at most institutions.