What you need to know about UK Admissions and Studies

While different schools have different demands and requirements for postgraduate studies, the following are basic steps towards successful admission to a higher education programme as an international student. (Note that the undergraduate studies application is done through the UCAS portal.)

1. Arrange your documents.
2. Decide on a Course.
3. Decide on a school.
4. Apply to a school.
5. Accept your offer.
6. Arrange your funding and all funds required.
7. Apply for a Visa.
8. Travel to the UK.

Step 1: Documents required for UK admissions.

The UK is considered one of the best countries for postgraduate studies and higher education. With about 142 universities, the UK welcomes thousands of international students annually, with Nigeria and India at the top of the list as of 2022. However, to study in the UK requires admission with very detailed requirements and documentation.

Fortunately, the west African countries, especially the English-speaking ones, have the benefits and some leverage on their English proficiency, which makes it easier for admission and waiver for IELTS and other related English exams. Some of the universities also accept the HND qualification for masters, while others insist on the premasters programme with a HND before a masters. Whichever way, the following are the basic requirements for admission into any UK university for postgraduate (taught and research) studies:

1. Copies of academic certificates and transcripts, including high school and degree
2. Photo page of a valid international passport
3. Two reference letters or referees’ details
4. A statement of Purpose (SOP) or personal statement (PS)
5. A research proposal (especially for research programmes including PhDs)
6. Proof of an English Proficiency Certificate (WAEC, NECO, IELTS, etc.) or a letter confirming prior studies were carried out in English.

Step 2: Decide Course.

There is always the concern and uncertainty of what to study and what department one could get admission into, considering the names and identities of many university courses. The good thing about the UK is that you can have a career and course diversion or switch. Yes! An accounting graduate can apply to study nursing in the UK. That sounds crazy! Well, the truth is that university education is not just about a particular course of study. It is expected that a university graduate should be multi-disciplined and can switch and align with any study, irrespective of a major. If you can prove your suitability, ability, and capacity to pursue such study, pass your exams, and meet the required minimum performance to graduate, you are good to go. If you have the capacity through earlier studies, working experience, volunteer experience, etc., the UK considers you qualified for further studies. Thus, the UK university structure is designed to appreciate value and knowledge rather than just certificates.

On the other hand, you may have a poor certificate but have the basic skills and experience needed. As such, you are good to go. It doesn’t matter if it's HND, BSc, B.Tech., etc.

For further advisory and professional advice on this, please contact us for personal and oneon-one professional assistance.