University education in great britain

There are 46 universities in Britain. But not all universities are equal. They differ from one another in history and traditions. Not all British universities are backed by a well-known reputation.

Oxford and Cambridge, the oldest universities are world-known for their academic excellence. The University of London has the size and breadth to rank among the UK's top universities. A university usually consists of colleges. The departments of the colleges form the faculties. University teaching in the UK differs greatly at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels from that in many other countries. An undergraduate program consists of a series of lectures, seminars, tutorials and laboratory classes which in total account for about 15 hours per week. Following a particular program students take series of lecture courses which may last one academic term or the whole year. They have seminars, tutorials, laboratory classes which illustrate the topics presented in the lectures. Lectures are given to large groups of students (from 20 to 200). Seminars and tutorials are much smaller than lecture classes and in some departments can be on a one-to-one basis (one member of staff and one student). Students prepare work in advance for seminars and tutorials. And this can take the form of researching a topic for discussion by writing essays or by solving problems. Lectures, seminars and tutorials are all one hour in length, laboratory classes last two or three hours. Much emphasis is put on the private study nature of a UK degree. Each student has a tutor whom he can consult on any matter whether academic or personal. The academic year is split into three terms. Formal teaching takes place in the first two terms which last for twenty four weeks in total. The third term is reserved for classes and examinations and lasts for six weeks. Universities teach in all major subject areas: arts, science, law, engineering, medicine, social sciences. University staff are at the foreground of knowledge in their subject. The teaching encourages students to learn in the most effective way.
University degree courses extend from three to four years. After three years of study a university graduate will leave with the Degree of Bachelor of Arts or Science. He can continue to take his Master's Degree and then the Doctor's Degree.

OXFORD RESEARCH

Oxford's research activity involves more than 70 departments, the colleges, over 1,600 academic staff, more than 3,500 research and research support staff, and over 4,600 graduate research students.

Oxford has more world-leading academics (rated 4* in the 2008 national Research Assessment Exercise) than any other UK university. Oxford also has the highest number of world-leading or internationally excellent (4* or 3*) academics in the UK.

At graduate level, 57 per cent of students are studying for a higher degree by research.

External research grants and contracts continue to be the University’s largest source of income. In 2009-10, 41 per cent (£367 million) of income came from external research sponsors.

Research income has doubled in the last five years and grew by almost 20 per cent between 2008 and 2009 alone.

Oxford consistently has the highest research income from external sponsors of any UK university.

The number of research grants and contracts won in 2008-9 reached over 1,900.

Oxford, through Isis Innovation Limited, our wholly owned technology transfer company, pioneered the successful commercial exploitation of academic research and invention. It has created 60 companies since 2000 and files, on average, one patent application each week.

In the year to March 2010, Isis Innovation's trading turnover increased from £5.6 million to £7.4 million, three new spin-out companies were created and 250 technology licence and consultancy agreements were signed.