THE MYTH-BUSTER EDITION

GRADUATE SCHOOL IN GREAT BRITAIN:

THE KNOWLEDGE SEEKERSHave you been thinking about going to graduate school in Great Britain? If you’re at this stage, then this is the right eBook for you! Here you will find all the need-to-know information about what it’s really like studying in the UK, as well as to help to clear up any misconceptions that you might be harboring.

THE APPLIERSAre you nearly ready to apply for your graduate degree in Great Britain? While this guide will be helpful for you, you should also take a look at our guide to funding your UK Master's degree, which can be found here. From exploring different program tuitions to how much it will cost you to live in the UK, it will help you to understand the true costs of studying abroad. All your funding questions will be answered in this guide.

THE DEPARTERSFeel like you’re ready to hop on that plane and head for the UK? You probably know everything that is included in this guide, so why not have a read through these blogs for an insight into everything 'Great Britain,’ or you can speak to an advisor here.

GOOD LUCK AND ENJOY YOUR UK EXPERIENCE!

DEBUNKING THE MISCONCEPTIONS

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“ IT’S TOO EXPENSIVE IN THE UK”

“ IT’S NOT A GOOD RETURN ON INVESTMENT FOR MY CAREER”

“ A UK DEGREE WON’T BE RECOGNIZED BACK HOME”

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DEBUNKING ALL OTHER MISCONCEPTIONS

“ THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION IS BETTER IN THE US”

“ I CAN FIND AN EQUIVALENT DEGREE IN THE US”

WHO’S THIS EBOOK FOR? CONTENTS

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MEET THE AUTHORIT CAN BE DAUNTING WHEN YOU MAKE THE DECISION TO ATTEND GRADUATE SCHOOL IN THE UK, BUT IT’S EXCITING AS WELL!

Hello, Hi, my name is Ashley, and I grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, before attending the University of Essex to get my Master’s in Literature.

Across the Pond made the entire pro-cess so simple that, before I knew it, I was living and studying in the UK. It turned into one of the most rewarding twelve months of my life, and I cannot recommend this opportunity enough to everyone I meet.

In this eBook, we will clear up some of the myths that you may have heard when it comes to studying in the UK, just to put your minds at ease. I will be here every step of the way.

After reading, if you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to visit our website at studyacrossthepond.com and make an enquiry.

These days, we know how easy it is for little things to be blown out of proportion and for rumors to spread like wildfire. Of course, not everything that you hear or see should be believed, especially if it relates to studying abroad in the UK.

Every day, students hear so many different misconceptions about studying overseas that make them feel like the prospect of studying abroad is almost impossible. Students have been told that “studying in the UK is way too expensive,” or that “British students don’t like Americans” or even that “a UK degree won’t be recognized back in America.” These claims couldn’t be further from the truth!

If you are one of the many students who is trying to decide whether or not to study abroad but have been misled by one of these misconceptions, please read on!

Ashley

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It is very common for people to believe that it is more expensive to study in the UK than it would be to study in the US, when in reality, it can tend to be considerably cheaper.

For instance, let’s take a look at the approximate average cost of tuition, as of 2020, for various graduate programs in the UK:

Humanities and Social Sciences - $22,000

Business - $24,000

MBA - $29,250

Science and Engineering - $25,000

MISCONCEPTION 1

This is the cost for the FULL degree. Remember, in the UK, the standard length for a Master’s degree is 12 months, compared to the standard 2 to 3 year program in the US. When an MBA can cost up to $100,000 in the US, the UK costs are definitely put into perspective.

It’s the same story for living costs, as well!

However, in the UK, the price of living for a year would be around $16,500 for university accommodation or around $19,500 per year for private housing. Again, these figures include the average yearly spent on food, travel, leisure and study. While these yearly figures can sometimes work out to be more expensive than living in the US (depending on where you live), since British programs generally only last for one year, the living costs almost always end up being cheaper.

As you can see, living and studying in the UK is not so expensive. It actually works out being cheaper than studying for your Master’s back home in the US!

IT’S TOO EXPENSIVE TO STUDY IN THE UK” “

COSTS OF STUDYING

MASTER’S DEGREE TUITION

$60,000 - $70,000

$85,000 - $95,000

$25,000 $16,500 - $19,500

$38,500 - $49,500

( based on 30-40k per year for 2 year program)

( based on 12.5k per year for 2 year program)

( based on 12 months’ living in the UK)

( based on a standard 12 month program)

$22,000 - $30,000

UKUSA

LIVING COSTS

TOTAL COSTS• Figures are subject to fluctuation

& exchange rates.

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Going to the UK to complete a graduate degree is often perceived as taking a step back in your career with added expenses. However, this isn’t the case; here is where you have to think about what this incredible opportunity could do for you in the long term, as well as the difference it could make towards achieving your dream career.

Rather than focusing on future salary goals, you must look at this opportunity in terms of being able to set yourself apart from the rest of the graduates that are competing for jobs. Having a Master’s degree may already set you apart, so you may be one step ahead of the competition. However, if your degree is from a different country, you’ll soar to the top of the resume pile.

MISCONCEPTION 2

The graduate market is extremely competitive, as more and more people are going to grad school every year, so anything that you can do to make yourself stand out from the crowd will help you in the job hunt. International exposure makes a huge difference in an ever-expanding, globally focused job market. It makes you a more employable candidate, as you are able to show independence and the ability to adapt when you’re outside of your comfort zone. It indicates an awareness and openness to a culture beyond your own. Studying abroad also implies an ability to interpret multiple perspectives, over those who have never left their country. With experience living, studying and perhaps even working in the UK, you might even be able to find a job that will enable you jet back to Britain, from time to time. These are just a few of the many advantages that a year abroad can bring to you.

A UK MASTER’S DOESN’T ADD VALUE TO MY CAREER”

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This is understandably a huge concern for a lot of US students, and we are pleased to say it is mostly false. Because Across the Pond only works with accredited universities, your UK degree will always be recognized back in the US. Britain is well known for its prestigious universities and high academic standards so when employers see your British academic qualifications, they are likely to be highly impressed (as highlighted in Misconception 2).

MISCONCEPTION 3

There are, however, a small number of professional degrees that do not directly transfer back to the US. Qualifying teaching degrees, Health or Clinical Psychology, the LLB (the British equivalent of a JD), Physical and Occupation Therapy, and a handful of others may require you take an additional qualifying exam or study for a professional qualification upon returning to the States – your Across the Pond advisor can help you identify these degree programs, and, in some cases, navigate these situations– but the large majority of UK degrees transfer back to the States without any issues at all.

“A UK DEGREE WON’T BE RECOGNIZED BACK HOME”

A UK DEGREE WON’T BE RECOGNIZED BACK HOME”

In today’s world, more and more companies are becoming international corporations by expanding overseas, entering new markets, as well as developing international partnerships. Your study abroad experience will show that you have the skills to bridge the gap between cultural differences, to communicate effectively, to problem-solve, and perhaps even lead a group or team – all abilities which are very much desired in the workplace.

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THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION IS BETTER IN THE US”

There is no doubt the US offers some of the best education in the world. But consider that five hundred thousand students from around the world come to study in the UK every year. While the US offers a fantastic education system, a survey compiled by the BBC shows that the UK offers the second best education system in Europe (behind Finland) and is ranked sixth best overall worldwide. It is also is home to seven out of the top ten universities in the European continent.

MISCONCEPTION 4

Perhaps it is worth noting that the countries surpassing the UK with the top five universities in the world are all non-English-speaking. This would mean that the UK is the best place in the world to be educated without having to learn a second language. How great is that?

Not only that, but UK students produce 14% of the world’s most highly cited academic papers, thanks to the high standard of teaching that UK universities have. UK universities hire lecturers that have years of experience and qualifications within the industry that they teach.

“A UK DEGREE WON’T BE RECOGNIZED BACK HOME”

UK lecturers are encouraged to go even further. At most universities in the UK, you will find that your lecturer is an active researcher, striving for breakthroughs and new practices in their industry and more often than not, they publish their own papers or books. In fact, over 40% of research conducted in 2014 at an ATP Partner University, Kings College London, was described as being ‘world-leading.’

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I CAN FIND AN EQUIVALENT DEGREE IN THE US”

If your interests lie within a niche subject area, studying in the UK could be a great option for you, as the UK offers a lot more of these specialized programs than the US. For example:

• The University of Lincoln offers a course in Design for Museums and Exhibitions

• Many Scottish Universities offer degrees in Brewing and Distillery

• The University of Winchester has a program devoted to Street Arts or outdoor performance art

• A few of UK universities offer programs in Museum Studies

• A handful of UK universities offer programs in film and literature

• The University of Kent offers a course in War, Media and Society

• Royal Holloway, University of London has a new research degree in Rhetoric and Oratory

• Aberystwyth University has a program dedicated to Medieval Welsh Literature

MISCONCEPTION 5

And there are many more that you won’t be able to find in the US.

SO HOW WILL A NICHE DEGREE HELP YOU PROGRESS ON YOUR CAREER LADDER?There is power in focus. Rather than being worried about limiting yourself to one area in particular, the more focused you are, the more of an expert you become, and the more directions you can take.

Going for a niche degree is great in the market place, where industry experts are in demand both for companies and their customers. As an expert, you will also have fewer competitors. This will increase your visibility. When employers look for specific answers to very specific challenges, your niche could be their desired solution. Being seen as a resource and an expert will really help you move up the career ladder.

DON’T BE PUT OFF WHEN THINKING ABOUT DOING A SPECIALIST DEGREE, GO FOR IT!

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WE KNOW THAT YOU MAY BE THINKING OF SOME OTHER DUBIOUS THINGS THAT YOU’VE HEARD ABOUT STUDYING IN THE UK. WELL, WE HAVE A LAST FEW THAT WE WANT TO DEBUNK FOR YOU, IN ORDER TO PUT YOUR MIND AT REST!

STUDENT LOANS CANNOT BE USED OUTSIDE OF THE US.”Yes, they can! Your Federal Student Loans can be used at Across the Pond’s partner universities.

I STARTED MY GRAD SCHOOL SEARCH TOO LATE AND HAVE ALREADY MISSED THE DEADLINES”UK universities have late deadlines in comparison to the US, or in some instances, no deadlines at all. However, please note that while applying later than April is possible, it isn’t recommended if you want your first choice of programs or if you wish to apply for scholarships.

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THE UK UNIVERSITY SYSTEM IS HYPER-COMPETITIVE AND MY GPA ISN’T GOOD ENOUGH.”UK universities tend to be a lot more lenient with their entry requirements than in the US. Students with a GPA of 2.5 and above can attend UK universities. Students with a 3.3 or better are viable candidates for leading UK universities, many of which are equivalent in world rankings to US Ivy League colleges. Don’t let your GPA put you off from applying to pursue graduate studies in the UK.

BRITISH PEOPLE HATE AMERICANS AND I WILL FEEL LIKE AN OUTSIDER ON CAMPUS.”This statement could not be more wrong. Most British people love Americans, especially their accents! (Yes, they think you have one.) The Brits are very welcoming, and you won’t be the only student from another country in your classes – we can pretty much guarantee that!

Hopefully we’ve managed to dispel those misconceptions that may have been nagging.

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DEBUNK ALL YOUR OTHER MISCONCEPTIONS

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GET IN TOUCH

Hopefully we’ve managed to dispel those misconceptions that may have been nagging in the back of your mind as you are considering studying in the UK. It is very common for students to have more questions and queries - that is where our ATP advisors step in.

Whether you want to clarify costs, explore experiences or simply need help deciding whether studying in the UK is right for you, speak to our ATP advisors today.

ANY OTHER QUESTIONS?

Like me, our advisors have studied in the UK, so we have first-hand experience. To have your questions answered, fill in your details and we will be in touch in order to speak to you soon.

MISCONCEPTIONS - YOU ARE DISMISSED!

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