UK Higher Education system vs. China: essential insights for international students.

Attention, international students from China! Learn with me the differences between the higher education systems between China and the UK.

As you embark on your academic journey in the UK, it is wise to do some background reading on the educational landscape of the UK. China and the UK boast unique teaching methods, diverse learning approaches, and distinct assessment practices. These may have a direct bearing on your grades and satisfaction of studying in the UK. Let's look into the differences of the higher education (HE) in these two vibrant contexts (China and the UK) and uncover the secrets to success. 

Teaching and Learning Methods 

In Chinese universities, the classroom often resonates with the rhythm of traditional lectures, where professors wield knowledge like maestros, and students absorb information through diligent note-taking. Rote memorization may hold sway, but beneath the surface lies a deep reverence for scholarship and academic rigor. 

Conversely, in the UK universities, interactive learning reigns supreme, as students engage in lively debates, collaborative projects, and small group discussions. Professors morph into facilitators of knowledge, guiding students on a quest for critical thinking and intellectual curiosity. 

If you are embarking on studying in a UK university, only reproducing information from the lectures will not get you far. This is the mistake I made in my first semester of my first master's course. I realized, after the first round of assessment, that to be more successful I had to study independently, which also meant preparing for lectures (yes, your read it correctly!). I discovered that lectures in themselves were not designed to give me all the information needed and to benefit from them I had to prepare in advance. The bonus for me was that I learnt the topic specific vocabulary quite quickly.  

As far as academic English is concerned, in the UK, while fluency is prized, universities often provide support services such as tutoring and workshops to enhance academic English skills and ensure students thrive in the classroom. But if you are looking for more tailored approach that targets your specific academic English language needs, contact me for tutorials or consulting sessions.  

Assessment 

Ah, assessments! Since majority of my students are form China, I focus here on comparing Chinese HE system with the UK one. In Chinese universities, the Gaokao casts a long shadow, its formidable presence determining the fates of thousands. But beyond this behemoth lies a landscape of exams and assignments, where mastery of content is paramount.

In the UK, assessments take a different format. Here, diversity reigns supreme, with exams, essays, presentations, and practical assignments forming the mosaic of academic evaluation. Continuous assessment, spread throughout the semester, fosters a culture of ongoing learning and growth, where each assignment is a stepping stone towards academic mastery. 

For international students assessment at an UK university may be a challenge due to ‘technical side’ of academic writing, not everyone understands the ins and outs of writing a literature review, or an abstract. Also, study skills such as time management and independent learning become invaluable companions. Chinese students, however, have a solid foundation in the disciplined approach to study ingrained by the Gaokao. Nevertheless, the emphasis on autonomy and self-directed learning in the UK requires from international students to hone their time management skills and embrace independent study. It may seem that you have a lot of time on your hands to write this essay or report, but don’t underestimate how much time it takes to prepare, plan and then write a good essay (not to mention proofreading and editing). If you need a professional to proofread your work, feel free to contact me. 

Conclusion 

While moving abroad to study is already a huge step for many international students, the added difficulty is to navigate through a different HE system. To make this transition easier, take some time to prepare yourself by doing some online research on the education system in the UK, on the requirements and most importantly on academic English. This can save you a lot of stress. At Academic Excellence, Marta Bas, PhD I am ready to help you, look at my services site and don’t hesitate to contact me.