Whether you are studying on a US "island" program or taking a full UK degree it is important for you to understand the undergraduate and graduate (called postgraduate in the UK) degrees so you know what you or your British counterparts are striving for!
Terms
The traditional division of the British academic year is into three "terms" (roughly fall, winter, spring) although in recent years many institutions have moved to semesters (check prospectuses, or catalogs, for more information). Each term is roughly 10-12 weeks with three week breaks in between terms. Students normally return to their homes during the breaks though some remain on campus. This is a good time for American students to travel or visit friends around the UK and Europe.
Undergraduate Degrees
Undergraduate degrees, or first degrees, normally take three years to complete in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and four years in Scotland. Degrees which include a period of work experience (sandwich courses) often take longer. At some universities and colleges, students studying for degrees in certain subjects (for example art and design) are required to take a foundation course prior the three-year degree course. In the UK, medicine, law, veterinary medicine, dentistry and architecture are studied at the undergraduate level. These degrees can take up to seven years to complete. Degrees can be awarded for study of a single subject (single honors), a combination of two subjects (joint honors) or, on modular degree courses, three or more subjects (combined honors). (Depending on the subject or subjects being studied, successful students will be awarded one of the following: BA, BSc, BArch, BMedSc, BVetMed, BEd, BEng, LLB). Degrees are graded on a numeric scale with passing grades ranging from 50 to 70 or higher although some institutions award grades on a scale from one to 16. Students with an average of 70 or higher are awarded a first-class honors degree (equivalent to an A), an upper second (equivalent to -A or B+), a lower second (equivalent to B) or a third class (equivalent to C) honors degree.
The academic year runs from September/October to June and is usually divided into three terms (autumn, winter and spring). In recent years some institutions have moved to a semester system and January/February start dates. Each term is roughly 10-12 weeks with three-week breaks in between.
Postgraduate Degrees
After completing a first degree, students can continue their studies by taking a postgraduate course. Postgraduate courses can lead to:
§ Postgraduate certificates and diplomas
These courses normally take 9 months to complete, and require no thesis or dissertations. The courses are often vocational in nature and students holding these awards can sometimes gain exemption from some professional examinations.
§ Master's and research degrees
Master's degrees are normally obtained in one year by taught courses leading to awards such as a MA, M.Sc., M.Eng., M.Tech., MBA or LL.M. Students obtaining a master's degree by research are normally awarded an M.Phil. They consist of lectures, seminars, training in research methods, practical work where relevant, coursework, and a written and sometimes spoken examination (called a viva). Some courses also include a research project which is written up as a short thesis or dissertation. Master's degrees obtained by research can take up to two years. Universities may award a distinction for outstanding performance to students completing their master's program. Some master's courses will provide exemption from professional examinations.
§ Doctoral degrees
A doctoral degree (Ph.D. or D.Phil) is awarded after completion of a thesis which sets out the results and conclusions of original research in a specific area. A doctorate can take three years or more to complete. Students are supervised by tutors but rarely attend formal lectures.
