Universities in Berkshire county

A well-known fact: diplomas from British universities are recognized worldwide. With such a document, the chances of building a career in well-known international companies and corporations increase. Studying at universities in Berkshire County provides many advantages:

• prestigious education,
• comfortable accommodation in residence,
• opportunity for interesting internships,
• prospects after graduation, a solid foundation for a successful career,
• international environment.

International students wishing to obtain a degree in Berkshire can choose from a wide range of programs and diplomas, earn a bachelor's, master's, doctoral (or MBA) degree. Some universities offer online courses through which students can apply for distance learning and receive an online degree in certain fields.

A distinctive feature of higher education in Berkshire is the fact that a bachelor's degree can be obtained in just 3 years — one year faster than in other countries. After obtaining a bachelor's degree, students can continue their studies for another year in a master's program. Usually, students who want to develop knowledge and skills in the chosen profession go to graduate school, but there are also those who simply decided to change their specialty (or «clarify» it, narrow it down).

• Sandwich year is an additional year of internship while studying for a bachelor's degree, which provides an opportunity to gain not only work experience but also recommendations from the employer.
• Learning approach: thorough study of disciplines, in-depth research.
• Attitude of teachers towards students. Students receive maximum freedom from professors and are perceived as equals, but at the same time, teachers still mentor the learning process and provide assistance if necessary. Students independently plan their schedule, focusing on the most important subjects.
• Campuses are separate and autonomous towns: many universities have not only academic buildings and residences for living, but also medical centers, shops, cafes, cultural centers and much more.
• Students who need financial assistance can apply for a scholarship to receive higher education at a lower cost.
• An invitation for a student visa and accommodation options (usually residences) are provided by many universities.
• There are study abroad and exchange programs offered to promote language skills development, providing students with the opportunity to interact with other cultures around the world.

After graduating from school in some countries, it is not possible to immediately enroll in a bachelor's program at Berkshire. This is due to the different lengths of study and, accordingly, the fullness of the curriculum. But there is a solution, foreign applicants can choose one of the following options:

• Foundation preparatory year program: it can be completed at a college or directly at the university,
• International Baccalaureate — a two-year international program, graduates of which receive a certificate of complete secondary education,
• A-level — a two-year British program that also provides a certificate of complete secondary education,
• Complete the first year at a university in the home country (sometimes it is possible to request a transfer).

Using any of these options, the student should consider their future specialization and choose appropriate subjects.

Admission requirements may vary in different universities, but the main requirement for everyone is proficiency in English at a high level. To enter top universities and the most difficult specialties, you will need to pass additional exams. Applicants will also need to undergo an interview, and for creative specialties, a pre-prepared portfolio is required. The most prestigious universities in Berkshire only accept applicants who have one or more serious internships. And yet, the personality of the student plays a huge role in admission: achievements, extracurricular activities, non-standard thinking, communication skills.

Higher education in the UK is fee-paying, and for international students it costs several times more than for British citizens. The average price is £20,000 per year, prices may vary significantly depending on:

• the area where the university is located,
• the ranking of the university,
• the study program,
• duration,
• infrastructure of the educational institution.

Also, do not forget about additional expenses, including transportation, food, accommodation (not always included in the tuition fee), flights, household expenses, etc. But students have the opportunity to reduce their education costs applying for a scholarship or grant. Financial assistance can be provided by universities, government, private foundations and companies.