UCAS - Choosing courses

Choosing courses

Choosing which university or college to go to can be a life-changing decision. Do as much research as possible so that you choose the right course for the right reasons.

There are many benefits to higher education because it can give you important transferable skills that will make you successful in your chosen career. By choosing to study in another country, you can gain important cross-cultural skills desired by many employers.

Once you decide what you want to study and where, you complete an application online using Apply. It's easy to use and there's help text to answer any questions. You can apply individually or you may be able to apply through a centre, such as a school, an agent, or local British Council office. More about applying

Choosing a higher education course to study

Try to do a lot of research when deciding which courses to apply for. You will probably want to find out even more before you accept an offer of a place on a course. When you accept an offer of a place, make sure that the course admissions tutors or other representatives have answered all of your questions. Ask them if there is anything to prepare before the course starts. They may suggest that you look at certain books on the course reading list or that you improve your computer skills. Check with your admissions tutor if you can borrow the books they suggest before you buy them. It may be cheaper and easier for you to buy what you need after you arrive in the UK.

UK qualifications are accepted and highly regarded throughout the world. However, it is important that you check that employers and professional organisations in your country (or the country where you want to work) will accept the course and qualification that you have chosen.

You also need to check that the course covers the subjects that you want to study and that you need for your chosen career. Contact your chosen university and college for course information, or use Course Search to find available courses.

Find out more about choosing a course

Questions to ask when choosing a university or college

Different places suit different people, so it depends what you're looking for. Ask as many questions as possible to help you decide if you will be happy at your chosen university or college. For example you may want to know:

if other students from your country are studying in the same place
if the university or college has cultural or social clubs that you can join
what type of accommodation is available
what type of sports facilities are available
whether the university or college offers support for people with disabilities.

Find out more about choosing a university or college

Other help and advice

Unistats is a website that can help you to research subjects and universities before deciding where to apply. You can compare subjects, compare universities and colleges, look at student satisfaction ratings and explore the figures about getting a graduate job after completing a course. Unistats has the results of the National Student Survey and also statistical information on universities, colleges, subjects and teaching style.

If possible, try to contact a student from your country who is already taking the course. The admissions tutor or the international office at your chosen university or college, or the local British Council office, may be able to put you in touch with someone.