This essay is to compare and contrast the higher education systems of the U.K. and the USA.Focus will be in the areas of University organisation(student learning), Cost of studies and Academic Year.. World bank statistics shows the U.K covers area of approximately 241930 square kilometre comprising Great Britain, Scotland and parts of Northern Ireland with GDP ( $44,110) and a population of over 65,004,168. USA covers approximate area of 3.8ml square miles bordering Canada and considered third largest continent in the world and with a population of over 320million and GDP( $55,904).(World bank 2015).
There are differences and similarities …show more content…
Whilst the cost of studies in the US is generally high, it is known to be considerably lower in the UK. UK’s education law of 2012, stipulates that universities in England are allowed to charge students up to £9000(approximately $14000) per year. Of course thus only applies to UK and EU not international students. International students pay slightly higher fees depending on the university they apply set by government limit. In the UK cost of student studies are frequently debated following price hike for home students and premium charge for international students. However the cost of student studies is dependant on many factors, including institutions, funding, location and course. Student study cost in the UK is of two levels. Home student fees( include EU) and the international student fees. For home students UK .universities can charge a maximum of £9000(US$14000) per year for undergraduate courses. For international student undergraduate courses starts from £8000(US$12000)for lecture based courses, going up to £36000(US$54000) for medical degree courses. In general the international students pay in average £4000 higher. Whilst the UK .government have control over what universities charge, in contrast in the US government has very little control over what universities charge. The US system is differentiated between in-state tuition fee and out of state tuition fee, as well as between public and …show more content…
Both university systems operate the Trimester and Quarter modules. In the UK while universities operate the semester system most universities use the trimester and Quarter systems. I.e. The Quarter system shares the academic year into four four seasons requiring attendance in three quarters per year to total of 32 to 36 weeks. The Semester system shares the academic year into two terms of equal length requiring attendance of 32 to 36 weeks. There is also an optional session which is half as long as the full semester. The Trimester system shares the academic system into three terms of 14 to 16 weeks requiring attendance of two trimesters per year of 28 to 20 weeks. Many UK universities commence in September or October and finishes May or June, making for a slightly lengthier academic year. Moreover, the U.K. tend to have a less standardised academic year system though with some universities having some variables. However US universities academic year begins their terms in mid August. They also have lengthy breaks beginning in mid December to resume second semester in mid January. Although there are universities operating on different calendars such as the trimester and quarter based systems, these may begin their winter breaks during the Thanksgiving holidays which falls around the month of November. The US academic year system allows students to begin