Wales is an interesting educational destination for those wishing to get a degree in an English-speaking country. The country offers quality programs at more affordable prices than in England, and does not put forward the most stringent requirements for applicants. Another benefit of an education in Wales is the chance to experience the distinctive Welsh culture and nature. Let's talk about Wales as an educational route - how foreign students study and live in this colorful country.
General information for applicants
- National language: English, Welsh
- Capital: Cardiff
- Currency: pound sterling
- Area: 20,777 sq. Km
- Form of government: constitutional monarchy
- Time: UTC 0, in summer +1
- Largest cities: Cardiff, Swansea, Newport, Bangor
- Language of instruction = English
- Language requirements = B1 +, IELTS 6.0
- There are entrance exams = yes.
Education system
A unified education system in Britain has not been established, therefore all educational institutions in Wales are controlled at the state, local level. In general, educational policy in the countries of the UK diverged greatly: England focused on the diversity of educational institutions, while Wales and Scotland retained the idea of a community-based general education school.
The education system in Wales is characterized by:
- Variability of programs
- Emphasis on practical knowledge
- Individual approach
- Focus on the manufacturing and private sectors.
Grade of study = age
- Preschool education = up to 5 years
- Primary school = 5-11 years
- Secondary school = 11-16 years old
- Graduation classes and colleges = 16-18 years old.
Welch
Belonging to the United Kingdom did not prevent Wales from retaining its national identity. The country has two official languages and English can be heard everywhere, but Welsh is equally popular. In Welsh villages, sometimes they don't even know English, and in developed Cardiff, melodic Welsh can be heard on the streets and restaurants. A rare example when the most ancient language is actively used and developed! But as for the language of instruction, most of the local population studies in English - only 15% of Welsh students study in their native language.
The quality of education
David Reynolds, a researcher of the characteristics of education in different countries of the United Kingdom, notes that Welsh schools receive less funding compared to secondary educational institutions in England. The expert concludes that the improvement in the quality of education in Wales is not proceeding as rapidly as in the neighboring country. Despite the fact that the Welsh education system is somewhat inferior to the English one, Wales is worth considering as an educational route:
- Traditions in education have been formed here for centuries
- Here are the oldest universities in Britain
- A system of constant monitoring of the work of educational institutions is developed
- Tuition fees are pleasantly lower than in England
- The priority of the national strategy is innovative and flexible teaching that meets the needs of students
- The modernization of educational institutions is being actively carried out.
Higher education
The Wales education system is built on the British educational model and meets international standards. Most universities are funded by the state. More than 20 universities in Wales offer the following types of programs:
- Undergraduate = 3-5 years
- Master's degree = 1-2 years
- Postgraduate studies = from 3 years.
Top universities in Wales
- Cardiff University
- Swansea University
- Aberystwyth University
- Bangor University
- Cardiff Metropolitan University
- University of Wales
- University of South Wales
- Glyndwr University, Wrexham.
Popular programs:
- Finance and accounting
- Archeology
- Architecture
- Astrophysics
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Biomedicine
- Economy
- Management
- Civil engineering.
Cost of education
Wales law has established a price range for all educational services: the maximum cost of tuition cannot exceed £ 1225 per year. Students who choose to study in Welsh (Welsh) receive grants. The state welcomes foreign students and does everything for a comfortable study: the choice of areas for study is wide, the entrance requirements are not the most stringent. All this makes Wales one of the most accessible and comfortable English-speaking countries for international students.
