Higher education systems in Europe and abroad
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
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Education systemThe United Kingdom has two different main types of education systems. England, Wales and Northern Ireland possess similar systems, whereas the Scottish system differs during the whole education.Education system in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the education is mandatory
for 11 years. The children enter school with 5 years. The mandatory
school part is split into four key stages, two are taught at primary
school, when the children are between 5 and 11 years old. The third
and fourth key stages are taught at secondary school, when the children
are between 11 and 16 years old. After those four key
stages, the students must pass the GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary
Education) assessment. The following marking scheme is used at Secondary
education:
After passing this assessment, the students have to choose, if they want to continue school with further education or if they prefer to finish school and start their working life. If the students choose to continue their education at further education, they will continue for two more years and take A-Levels or a similar qualification, which is essential to continue to higher education. The following marking scheme is used at further education:
Mostly, marks in a the range of A-C are demanded for university. In all three countries, higher education is specialized to the selected subject during the whole degree programme. Normally, the first degree (Bachelor) is awarded after 3-4 years, depending on the studies, if it contains a mandatory year abroad or a placement year (sandwich course). Only a few students continue their studies to a master degree. Education system in Scotland
In Scotland, children start their education at an age between four and a half year and
five and a half year. In the first stage, they study for seven years at a primary. At an
age of about 12 years, the children continue to secondary school, which is compulsory
for four more years, which finishes with the Standard Grade exams.
When the students have passed Standard Grade exams, they have to choose, if they want to continue to study or to start their working life. Those who choose to continue their studies will normally stay at secondary school and stay for one or two more years. After one more year, the students take Higher exams, after two years, they take Advanced Higher exams. In Scotland, many studies are possible with Higher exams, while only a few popular ones require Advanced Higher exams, which is also required to study outside of Scotland. In university, the courses last four years and they are not specialised for two years. Students, who have taken Advanced Higher exams may skip the first year at university and take advanced courses. The ancient universities of Scotland award a Master of Arts as first degree in humanities, which is equivalent to a Bachelor degree from the rest of UK. In Scottish Schools, the Scottish Qualification Certificate is used as marking scheme: A: Best possible grade/excellent B: Above average grade/very good C: Minimum pass/improvement D: Close fail (between 45% and 49%) Worse achievements not marked |