5 ways a UK university degree will boost your career
Thinking about taking an undergraduate or master’s degree in the UK? You wouldn’t be alone! Hundreds of thousands of international students benefit from the UK higher education system.
With exciting UK internships, career opportunities, and a robust academic programme, there are lots of reasons to choose Britain as a study destination.
Your investment of time and money will be sure to pay off. But if you’re still not sure why you should study in the UK, here are five ways a British university degree can boost your career opportunities.
1. Earn a highly recognised degree
The UK education system is highly regarded around the world. Ninety of the country’s universities appear in the QS World University Rankings 2021. More excitingly, there are four British higher education institutions which feature in the top ten best in the world:
- University of Oxford (5)
- University of Cambridge (7)
- Imperial College London (8)
- UCL (10)
UK universities are famous for challenging you to develop critical, communicative, and creative thinking skills. With different styles of teaching, from lectures in theatres, to seminars and tutorials with lots of discussions, you’ll be an active participant in your course, whatever you are studying.
A degree from a UK university also shows employers that you are a proactive, engaged thinker. You’ll develop the skills to research, form your own ideas, and present them clearly. These will help you progress in your career in the years ahead.
2. Grow a global network
With so many top universities and such a great academic experience, it’s no wonder that more than five hundred thousand international students choose the UK as a study destination, according to the ICEF monitor.
With approximately 55,000 students from India, 216,000 students from China, and many thousands from Latin America and Europe, you will engage with people with different backgrounds. At the same time, you’ll hear and learn about contrasting world views and experiences.
As an international student yourself, you’ll also bring a valuable new perspective and contribute to the conversation. This will help you step out of your comfort zone. You’ll develop the intercultural communication skills that are so valued in the modern workplace.
Furthermore, as an alumnus of a British university, you’ll be part of a network of thousands of local and international students. Who knows how you’ll reconnect in the future and what professional and personal opportunities you’ll be able to support each other with?
Life at a British university really is the start of a glittering career.
3. Develop Academic English skills
Whether you’re in Scotland, England, Wales or Northern Ireland, if you’re studying in the British Isles, you’ll be completely immersed in English.
You’ll learn to speak with locals and international students alike. Your day-to-day language skills will soon be better than ever. But more importantly, you’ll also develop professional and academic English skills too.
These English skills are necessary for communicating, negotiating and conducting business all over the world. And in our increasingly globalised world, employers in many fields are prioritising candidates with a strong command of professional English. After all, it’s the lingua franca – or the language - of international business.
4. Gain experience with your right to work in the UK
Many international students choose the UK as a study destination because they have the right to work in the UK during their studies. Whether you’re looking for a UK company internship opportunity or simply want to support your studies financially, you’ll most likely be able to do so.
Those studying at degree level or higher usually have the right to work for 20 hours per week during term time and 40 hours per week in the holidays. This is perfect if you want to capitalize on the chance to do a summer internship and get some work experience related to your area of interest.
International students studying pre-sessional courses and foundational courses below degree level have different visa conditions. They are usually only allowed to work 10 hours per week during term time and full time during the holidays. Part time students are not allowed to work.
Be sure to check your visa conditions before you start working. See the British Government website for the most up-to-date information.
5. Have the right to work post-study
Unlike many other international study destinations, the UK extends your right to work in the country after you have finished your degree.
A new government initiative called the Graduate Route launched in July 2021. Those with a UK student visa, studying at an undergraduate or postgraduate level, will be able to stay in employment in the UK for two additional years after their studies. If you complete a doctorate, you will be able to stay for up to three years.
Career opportunities in the UK
With the right to work, a great network, internship opportunities, and strong professional and academic English skills, you will be able to step into your career with confidence. Of course, there are many more reasons why you should study in the UK. So, if you’re still not convinced, you might also like to read about these 7 other benefits of studying in the UK.
PTE Academic can help you boost your career opportunities too!
PTE Academic can help you achieve your goals of living and studying in the UK. The secure English language proficiency test can be used for UK visas and to meet the entry requirements of 99% of UK universities.