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'Vibrant cities, diverse culture and intriguing heritage sites... the north west of England has so much to offer'

A scene from the Lake District, north-west England

Beautiful landscapes and innovative cities
 
With over 1000km of coastline, the north-west includes dramatic mountains and lakes, as well as gentle green hills and plains. The region’s largest city is Manchester, home to outstanding architecture such as the gothic town hall, built in 1877, as well as two world-famous football teams, Manchester United and Manchester City.
 
The north-west has long-established links with the UK's music scene and is the birthplace of many famous recording artists such as Oasis, Take That and Elbow. The region’s most famous musical export, The Beatles, is arguably the best-selling pop group of all time. It is hardly surprising that their home city of Liverpool was named the European Capital of Culture in 2008.
 
Northern-English accents and dialects vary from city to city: for example, Liverpool has its famous ‘Scouse’ accent. Many international students have fun learning these new dialect words and the ways of pronouncing them!

The North-West is also home to one of the oldest Asian communities in Europe. It is a friendly and welcoming region, and is highly popular with the international community.
 
Find out more about north-west England at the Visit North-West website.
 
Learning in the prestigious North-West
 
Home to a huge range of education institutes and universities, the North-West boasts hundreds of courses and outstanding facilities. Over 25 Nobel Laureates have come from universities in the north-west. The region has extensive research facilities, including great links with regional hospitals and internship programmes.
 
Explore and discover the north-west
 
From cliffs that look out over the Irish Sea to country walks in the Pennines or climbing mountains in the Lake District, the north-west offers plenty to keep you busy while you study. Most activities are an easy train ride away and make a great day trip out with friends.
 
Here are just a few of the activities and day-trips in the north-west that you’ll want to consider:

  • Visit beautiful Wastwater and marvel at England’s highest mountain
  • Cumbrian wildlife spotting... keep an eye out for the famous falcon!
  • Head to Manchester’s Arndale market for a huge selection of international cuisine
  • A camping weekend near stunning Windermere
  • Walk with some friends in the Lake District, Wordsworth’s favourite area
  • Try indoor rock-climbing in Blackpool, England’s favourite pleasure beach
  • Head to Roman Chester for some historical fun
  • Sample northern cuisine at a Liverpudlian restaurant then check out a concert by the Liverpool Philharmonic.

Choose the north-west
 
While north-west universities offer a great range of courses and encourage individual study, there is also a great student community. The north-west caters for all student needs as well as offering a great taste of traditional northern England.
 
Whatever course you choose, it will be supported by extensive facilities and exceptional staff. Many north-west universities offer work placements as part of the programme, and are often tailored to the local area. The natural surroundings are often used for scientific or geological research.
 
With universities and cities so close to outstanding countryside, studying in England’s north-west really gives you the best of both worlds. With such a large international student population there is a great range of support and social groups available to cater for all nationalities. Visit your prospective universities’ website to find out more information.

Useful links

Visit England's North-West can give you more information on the region.

You can use the Education UK Search tool - to the top-right of the Education UK website - to find a place to study in this region that interests you.

And take a look at our own interactive map of the UK to explore the area.

You can find out more about UK regions at Visit Britain.



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'If you need a visa to work in the UK after you graduate, find out here about the options'

A medical student looks at an X-ray

Do you need a visa?

UKBA manage UK immigration and visas. You can find out if you need a visa to work in the UK at www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk.

 

Visas for working in the UK after you graduate

If you are currently studying in the UK and you want to work or develop a business in the UK after you graduate, there are a number of different visa options that you may be eligible to apply for:

 

Working in the UK

Tier 2 is open to recent graduates with a Bachelor or Master’s degree, PhD, PGCE or PGDE from a UK recognised or listed body. You can apply for Tier 2 without first having to leave the UK if you have an offer of a skilled job from an employer that is a licensed sponsor with UKBA - you can find a list of licensed sponsors here. The job must meet minimum salary criteria and the minimum salary will differ depending on which profession you wish to work in. However, there is no limit on the number of students who can gain a Tier 2 visa for this scheme, provided they meet these requirements. On this scheme, you can stay in the UK for 3 years, with the possibility to extend.

 

Tier 5 temporary worker visa. Graduates can also consider applying for a Tier 5 ‘temporary worker’ visa but you must leave the UK and apply from overseas for this category. The only exception to this is if you are undertaking postgraduate training or work experience that is relevant to your qualification, in which case you can switch into the Tier 5 Government Authorised Exchange scheme from inside the UK. To be able to apply for a visa under most Tier 5 categories you must have a job offer from a licensed sponsor and pass a points-based assessment. There are different requirements under the Youth mobility scheme. Tier 5 work experience and internship schemes are limited to 12 months, but other schemes covering research, fellowships and training in the fields of science and medicine are limited to two years.

 

Developing your own business in the UK

The Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) visa route is for students who want to develop their entrepreneurial skills by setting up a business in the UK. To be eligible, you need to be endorsed by a UK higher education institute (HEI) which has signed up to this scheme. You must also have completed your degree course with this same higher education institute. There is a limit of 1,000 places under this scheme for the first year. An additional 1,000 places will be available under this route for completing MBA students from April 2013. On this scheme, you can stay in the UK for one year initially but you will have the option to extend this for a further 12 months if your HEI is willing to continue to endorse you. To find out which universities and colleges are currently taking part in this scheme, visit this page of UKBA website. Other HEIs will be eligible to take part from April 2013.

 

Find out more at http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/

 



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'Sports activities, museums, art exhibitions - there are lots of indoor activities to keep you busy as an international student!'

UK indoor climbing
Keep warm and entertained with the UK's top ten indoor events. From rock-climbing to exhibitions, find something for everyone in this handy guide:

Indoor rock climbing
Perfect for adrenaline junkies, the UK boasts hundreds of climbing walls. Climbing kit is available for hire and you can even book lessons with professionals. There are plenty of levels available too, making it ideal for beginners or seasoned experts.

Discover the history of Wales at the National Museum, Cardiff
Charting millennia of scientific and geographical development, the Evolution of Wales exhibition at the National Museum, Cardiff encourages visitors to explore the history of the country from the 'big bang' up until the present day. With interactives, videos and models, the exhibition is a must-see for budding geologists.

Explore the solar system at The National Space Centre
The National Space Centre near Leicester, home to the UK's largest planetarium, is one of England's most popular science exhibits. Boasting a 'Rocket Tower' and a 'Tranquillity Base', the centre lets you explore the universe and uncover the mysteries of deep space.

Electric Cinema
A world away from your average film experience, the Electric Cinema in London's Notting Hill is the perfect place to watch the latest offerings from Hollywood. Customers can pick sofas or beds as seats and there is a cafe in the auditorium for mid-movie snacks. Fresh doughnuts are cooked onsite too, perfect for some winter comfort food.

Wind in the Willows at Haddo House
From 16 February to the 15 March (2013) Haddo House in eastern Scotland will be staging the much-loved British classic, The Wind in the Willows. The house itself, an elegant Victorian building, is also home to wonderful paintings and antique furniture.

Head underground in Nottingham's caves
The subterranean tunnels under the city of Nottingham are a complex labyrinth made up of over 450 caves. Inhabited until the mid-19th century, today visitors can explore the fascinating history behind these dark caverns.

Retro bowling
Bloomsbury Bowling Lanes have become something of a cult in the capital, as Londoners flock to this 1950s-themed alley for hours of fun. With delicious snack food, reclining furniture and a free cinema screen, this is a great place to try with friends.

Belfast's Titanic exhibition
The newly opened Titanic exhibition is the perfect way to spend a cold afternoon. Visitors can see how the ill-fated luxury liner was created and explore the shipyard where it was originally built. The project's iconic building, which has recently been opened, is also worth a stroll.

Get creative and paint a pot
Ceramic cafes are the latest craze to hit the UK and have been growing in popularity over the last few years. These cosy cafes are the perfect place to use your artistic skills; customers choose an item to paint (such as a plate or bowl) while sampling delicious pastries and cakes. There are plenty of locations to choose from, including the popular Biscuit cafe in Greenwich, London.

Indoor skiing in Hemel Hempstead
Fancy a bit of piste action during the cold winter months? The Snow Centre near London is the perfect place to improve your moves or even have a beginners ski lesson. After a day on the slopes, wrap up and head to the Edge cafe for a hot chocolate.

You can find more attractions and events - and hear what other international students have to say about them - by using the Education UK interactive map and calendar.


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'Vibrant cities, diverse culture and intriguing heritage sites... the north west of England has so much to offer'

A scene from the Lake District, north-west England

Beautiful landscapes and innovative cities
 
With over 1000km of coastline, the north-west includes dramatic mountains and lakes, as well as gentle green hills and plains. The region’s largest city is Manchester, home to outstanding architecture such as the gothic town hall, built in 1877, as well as two world-famous football teams, Manchester United and Manchester City.
 
The north-west has long-established links with the UK's music scene and is the birthplace of many famous recording artists such as Oasis, Take That and Elbow. The region’s most famous musical export, The Beatles, is arguably the best-selling pop group of all time. It is hardly surprising that their home city of Liverpool was named the European Capital of Culture in 2008.
 
Northern-English accents and dialects vary from city to city: for example, Liverpool has its famous ‘Scouse’ accent. Many international students have fun learning these new dialect words and the ways of pronouncing them!

The North-West is also home to one of the oldest Asian communities in Europe. It is a friendly and welcoming region, and is highly popular with the international community.
 
Find out more about north-west England at the Visit North-West website.
 
Learning in the prestigious North-West
 
Home to a huge range of education institutes and universities, the North-West boasts hundreds of courses and outstanding facilities. Over 25 Nobel Laureates have come from universities in the north-west. The region has extensive research facilities, including great links with regional hospitals and internship programmes.
 
Explore and discover the north-west
 
From cliffs that look out over the Irish Sea to country walks in the Pennines or climbing mountains in the Lake District, the north-west offers plenty to keep you busy while you study. Most activities are an easy train ride away and make a great day trip out with friends.
 
Here are just a few of the activities and day-trips in the north-west that you’ll want to consider:

  • Visit beautiful Wastwater and marvel at England’s highest mountain
  • Cumbrian wildlife spotting... keep an eye out for the famous falcon!
  • Head to Manchester’s Arndale market for a huge selection of international cuisine
  • A camping weekend near stunning Windermere
  • Walk with some friends in the Lake District, Wordsworth’s favourite area
  • Try indoor rock-climbing in Blackpool, England’s favourite pleasure beach
  • Head to Roman Chester for some historical fun
  • Sample northern cuisine at a Liverpudlian restaurant then check out a concert by the Liverpool Philharmonic.

Choose the north-west
 
While north-west universities offer a great range of courses and encourage individual study, there is also a great student community. The north-west caters for all student needs as well as offering a great taste of traditional northern England.
 
Whatever course you choose, it will be supported by extensive facilities and exceptional staff. Many north-west universities offer work placements as part of the programme, and are often tailored to the local area. The natural surroundings are often used for scientific or geological research.
 
With universities and cities so close to outstanding countryside, studying in England’s north-west really gives you the best of both worlds. With such a large international student population there is a great range of support and social groups available to cater for all nationalities. Visit your prospective universities’ website to find out more information.

Useful links

Visit England's North-West can give you more information on the region.

You can use the Education UK Search tool - to the top-right of the Education UK website - to find a place to study in this region that interests you.

And take a look at our own interactive map of the UK to explore the area.

You can find out more about UK regions at Visit Britain.



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'From engineering to social care or fashion, UK further education offers a huge range of vocational courses.'

Mechanics at vocational qualifications
Many international students come to the UK each year to study vocational qualifications at further education (FE) level. Vocational courses usually combine practical training with workplace training, and can provide the ideal preparation for a career. Others choose FE courses as they allow them to combine a skills-related course with opportunities to improve their English.
 
Completing an FE qualification usually takes between one and two years (though shorter courses are available), and you can study for at a range of institutions. Some schools in the UK have ‘sixth forms’ where current GCSE students stay on to complete further education qualifications (these are often open to new students too). Another other option is a further education college or sixth form college. 
 
The choice of vocational further education qualifications in the UK is huge. From business management to travel and tourism, from media technology to beauty therapy, each course is designed to provide the skills needed for career entry. Students with an FE qualification also often find that the workplace experience completed as part of their course gives them an advantage when applying for jobs.
 
Many vocational qualifications have also been designed to enable you to proceed to a vocational higher education course, such as a BTEC HND or Foundation Degree, if you don’t want to take A-levels. Some institutions also accept vocational qualifications for entry to undergraduate degree courses.

You should check that your chosen institution accepts vocational qualifications, as not all of them do, even where the UCAS points score obtained would appear to satisfy entry requirements. However many students who progress to a BTEC HND or Foundation Degree later complete an undergraduate degree.
 
The types of vocational qualifications most frequently offered at FE level are described below:

BTEC Nationals

These are FE qualifications that offer a more practical learning experience than A-levels, and about 300 different qualifications are available. Entry requirements are at least four GCSEs, grades A* to C, or a BTEC First Diploma in a related subject.

BTEC Nationals are mainly college-based and involve classroom study but may also include some work placements. Unlike A-levels, which tend to focus more on the theory of a subject, BTECs are designed to provide an insight into workplace practices.

They are available in a range of formats, each with a different name such as Certificate, Award or Subsidiary Diploma. The different qualifications vary in duration, commitment, difficulty and UCAS point’s value. For example, the Extended Diploma is worth up to 420 points (equivalent to three A-levels at A* grade), whereas the Subsidiary Diploma is worth up to 120 UCAS points.

BTEC Nationals are accepted for entry to HND and Foundation Degree courses and by some universities. More than 100,000 students each year who complete them progress to some form of higher education. 

CACHE qualifications

CACHE qualifications are specialist career qualifications in child care and education administered by the Council for Awards in Care, Health and Education. For most CACHE qualifications there are no formal entry requirements, but in some cases you may need a lower level qualification or relevant experience.

Many CACHE qualifications are also accepted for entry to higher education courses in areas such as early years education, teacher training and child nursing. Delivered through a combination of college-based learning and work experience, CACHE Diplomas are worth up to 360 points on the UCAS Tariff.

NVQs

National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) are work-based qualifications. With an NVQ, you learn the practical skills, based on national standards, to enable you to do a particular job. You are normally assessed in the workplace, so NVQs are available if you have a full-time or part-time job, or access to a work placement. If you need a visa to study in the UK, there are limits to how many hours you can spend at work or on a work placement - check www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk for more details.

Cambridge Nationals

Cambridge Nationals (previously OCR Nationals) are similar to BTECs and are offered at three levels: Certificate, Diploma and Extended Diploma.
 
The Diploma

The Diploma is a qualification for 14- to 19-year-olds in England. It covers industry-sector subjects and is delivered by selected consortiums of schools, colleges and employers.

Usually a two-year course, the Diploma is designed to combine academic study in the classroom with hands-on experience related to a particular industry. Students over 16 can choose between the Progression and Advanced Diploma, worth up to 350 points on the UCAS Tariff.
 
You can search for further education courses using the Search tool, to the top-right of this website.

Foundation and Access courses
Academic qualifications
My experience: Eliza Esiategiwa from Nigeria


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