Which UK university is best for you?

PTE Author
PTE Author
Image - University of Glasgow
Reading time: 8 minutes

People study abroad for many reasons - to see new places, to experience a different culture, and maybe most importantly, to get access to student life and educational opportunities not available at home. If you want to study at a UK university, you’ll not only have access to some truly innovative teaching and research - you’ll also be joining one of the most multicultural student bodies in the world. 

Within the UK, there’s a huge range of universities and courses to choose from. So, how do you choose between over 160 institutions, and thousands of courses? Research finds that half of students who drop out of university early do so because they chose the wrong course, so it’s important to be completely happy with your choice.  

So, let’s have a look at what you need to consider before you make your university application, so that you can make the right choice. 

Choose your subject   

The first step in the process of choosing a university is deciding what you want to study. Your UCAS personal statement will be sent to all your university choices, so it should be relevant to all the courses you apply for. This means that all of your course choices must be the same or in a similar field. 

Think about the school subjects you’re good at, but also think about what you could spend the next three or even four years studying.  

Is there a subject that you want to continue and deepen your knowledge in? Or do you want to study something completely new?  

Do you want to study a subject like law or medicine that relates to a specific job? Or perhaps you want to take a course like history that can be used in a wide range of careers? Think carefully about these questions, and the rest of the process will become a lot easier. 

Do as many events and online taster sessions, and sign up for as many free online courses as you can. Futurelearn has a great range of taster courses from universities all over the world. This can really help you decide where your interests lie.  Above all, keep notes on what interests you, and what doesn’t. 

If you think you want a broader degree, then you’ve always got the option of doing a joint honours degree. This means you combine two different courses. Many joint honours courses combine a language with another subject, giving you the possibility to use your learning around the world, or even do a study placement in another country.  

Consider the competition 

When thinking about what course you could do, it’s important to consider the competition. Some courses have many more applicants than places, but there are also hundreds of ‘hidden’ courses which get far fewer applicants. For example, the University of Oxford gets 16.9 applicants per place on its Economics course, but it’s closer to 3 applicants per Classics place. Classics covers a range of areas like politics, history, linguistics, social sciences and more, and really challenges your intellect.  

Economics might be competitive, but Classics might be just as valuable. There are thousands of ‘hidden’ courses, which, just because they’re not famous, don’t attract as many applicants. Check out the full range of courses on the UCAS Explore site, and the Uni Guide, and do it with an open mind. 

Once you’ve narrowed down your list of courses, it’s time to think about where to study. 

Think about location and compare universities in the UK 

The UK might be a small country, but it’s incredibly diverse. There are large, international cities like London or Glasgow, smaller towns and cities like Cardiff, Belfast or Nottingham, rural universities like Lancaster, coastal towns like St. Andrews or historic cities like York, Oxford or Cambridge.  

So, when you’re deciding on a UK university, you need to first ask yourself: what’s important to you? Would you prefer to live in a busy city or in the quiet countryside? Are you going to be doing a lot of exploring or will you stay near campus? These factors will make a difference to your decision. 

You’ll also need to think carefully about costs. Different parts of the UK have different costs of living, depending on things like rent, transport, and the cost of entertainment. Check out property websites to see what rents are like, to get an idea of how expensive life will be.  

For more information, check out our article on the cost of living in the UK.  

Finally, the type of university itself is important. Some universities have campuses where the whole of university life takes place, like the University of York. Others are more spread out, such as the University of Manchester, which has buildings all over the city. Each has its own atmosphere and you should think about which you prefer. 

Look at the rankings: How to choose a university in the UK 

Find out how your preferred universities rank in the league tables. Rankings of the top universities in the UK don’t just measure teaching quality. They show data on student satisfaction, post-graduation employment rates, and staff to student ratios. 

The best universities in the UK and courses with higher rankings will be more competitive to gain entry to. You can apply for up to five courses on your UCAS form, so it’s a good idea to choose a range of courses and universities. Include an ambitious choice which you may or may not get the grades for, and safe choices that you know will accept you. 

You can check the Guardian university rankings, or the Times Higher Education rankings to see which universities are the most highly rated. 

That being said, student life in the UK is about balance. You need to consider both rankings and what’s right for you. It’s no use going to a top ranking UK university in a location you hate, studying things that don’t interest you, and where the culture on campus doesn’t appeal to you.  

Sometimes it might be better to move down the rankings if you know that the university will really help you to shine.  

Remember, the reason that there are so many different kinds of university is because everyone is unique. If you’re applying to somewhere that you know really matches your values and interests, you’ll be much more likely to make a success of your university career. 

Research the teaching style  

It’s a good idea to look at the style of teaching and assessment at your chosen university. Some courses focus more on final exams, some on coursework, and some on projects, dissertations and independent research.  

See whether your university’s exams are open book or closed book. If they’re closed you have to remember a lot more, but if they’re open you will probably have to give more detailed answers in your exams.  

If you can attend open days and chat to other students and potential professors, do so. But if you can’t, remember that each university course website will tell you about the course content and how it is assessed. You need to make a choice based on what type of assessment will suit you best. 

Some courses are taught in large lectures and seminars, and others, such as many Oxbridge colleges, will teach you in small groups or one-to-one with a tutor. The teaching style that works best for you will be decisive in your choice. 

Consider your hobbies   

Every university has its own culture and social life based around the student unions and societies. University life is about more than studying, for local and international students alike.   

You will have a more balanced student experience if you make time for your hobbies. Look on the university website to learn about student societies and clubs, and see which activities are available to you. But don’t worry if you don’t see anything that appeals - you can always be proactive and start your own society.  

Do you have a sport that you love to do? If you do, and you’re really good at it, you might even be eligible for a scholarship. There are all sorts of funding and awards available, so even if you think you won’t get anything it’s a good idea to check. 

Read about sports scholarships at UK universities.   

Make sure you fulfil the English language requirements 

You’ll need to pass a test of English for your UK student visa requirements. You can take any Secure English Language Test (SELT) that’s been approved by the Home Office, the UK government department responsible for immigration.  

PTE Academic can be used for UK student visas for degree level courses, and to access 99% of universities in the country. The test takes two hours, covers reading, speaking, listening and writing and is entirely done on a computer. Results usually come back within 48 hours, making it convenient and reliable.  

Choosing a UK university requires a lot of thought. Luckily, choosing an English test to get the visa is easy.

Related Content

  • image- new world 1080px
    8 things to consider before moving abroad
    By PTE Author
    Reading time: 6 minutes

    There’s a lot to think about when moving overseas. Will you need health insurance? What identity documents will you need to apply for? And of course, where will you live and work?

    We’ve been there, and we get it! That’s why we’ve put together this list of 8 things to consider before moving abroad. Let’s take a look:  

    1. Understand visa requirements

    If you plan to move abroad for more than six months, you might need a visa to live, work or study. So before making any travel plans, you should visit your destination country’s immigration website to ensure you’re eligible for a visa – and understand all the requirements. Many governments, for example, require applicants to take an approved English language proficiency test like PTE Academic to study or work in the country.

    If you’re looking for visa support, you may also decide to hire a registered migration agent. These are immigration professionals and can complete your visa application for you, help prepare documents, and provide advice throughout the application process.

    You can more about specific visa requirements on these government websites:

    You might be interested in reading our article: Should you hire a migration agent to move to Australia?  

    2. Find out if you’re eligible to work 

    Just because you’ve been granted a visa to live in a country, doesn’t mean you have the right to work full-time.

    Many student visas put a cap on how many hours people can work. For example, in Australia students are allowed to work up to 40 hours every two weeks during the school term. In the UK, students are able to work 20 hours per week during the semester. And in Malaysia, students can also work up to 20 hours a week, but only during school breaks longer than eight days.

    If you’re not on a student visa, it is likely you’ll have permission to work full-time. However, many countries require you to apply for a social insurance number – or something similar – before you can.

    In Canada, for example, permanent and temporary residents need to apply for a social insurance number after they land in the country, and it can take about 20 days to arrive.

    3. Create a budget

    Before moving to a new country, you should have some savings. In some cases, depending on your visa type and the country you’re moving to, you might be required to show proof of savings with your visa application.

    Day-to-day living costs may also be more expensive abroad, and it could take you longer than anticipated to find a job – so it’s important to have money put away to help you settle in.

    If you’re a student planning to move to Canada or the UK, we’ve put together some detailed guides that outline the living costs in each country: 

    Many governments offer cost of living calculators online, which can be a great resource for new immigrants. Take a look at New Zealand’s cost of living tool, for example.

    When you arrive, you’ll also need to open a bank account. This can often be done online. Some banks even have accounts specifically designed for newcomers and offer credit cards to help build credit history. 

    4. Search for housing 

    Looking for accommodation can be one of the most exciting parts of moving abroad. Once you find a place to call home, you’re able to really imagine what your new life will be like – you get to explore Google Maps from afar, check out neighborhood restaurants online, and plan where you might socialize with friends.

    If you’re moving with a work visa, your new workplace might be able to help you find temporary accommodation. Likewise, if you’re moving abroad to study, your institution should offer housing options for international students – such as on-campus apartments or other homestay partnerships. It’s also a great idea to join local housing Facebook groups, where people post their apartments or houses for temporary or long-term rentals.

    You might be interested in: How to choose international student accommodation in the UK.

    5. Discover transportation options

    Once you know where you’ll live, you can figure out how you’ll get around. Is your apartment close to public transportation? Or have you opted to live outside a city center, and will need to get around by car?

    You could be able to drive with an international driver’s license right after landing abroad. But after a few months, lots of countries will require you to apply for a local driver’s license instead. If you’re moving to a country where it snows, it might also be a good idea to invest in driving lessons to learn how to drive safely on icy roads.

    6. Apply for healthcare or insurance

    You might not be automatically eligible for health coverage in your destination country, even if it offers universal healthcare to citizens.

    In Canada, for example, each province administers its own publicly-funded healthcare. That means, if you’re a student, your eligibility for healthcare will depend on where you study. If you’re not eligible, your university should offer you insurance.

    On the other hand, if you’re on a work visa or permanent resident visa, you may be able to apply for publicly-funded healthcare. But, there might be a waiting period before you’re able to have access – so it’s important to buy insurance to make sure you’re covered beforehand.

    Always check with the local government in your destination country to see what your rights are regarding healthcare. It’s also important to research the mental health services that may be available once you arrive. If you’re a student, your university may offer counseling services on campus.  

    7. Keep up to date with travel regulations

    Travel regulations change quickly, so it’s essential to keep up to date on what you’ll need to do before – and after – arriving at your destination country.

    Always consult the health authorities in the country you’re traveling to ensure you follow public health guidelines – and you’ll be allowed to enter the country. 

    8. Don’t forget about the little things 

    When moving abroad, we tend to focus on the big things – like housing, work, and healthcare. But there are lots of little things to think about, too! Remember to:

    • Close your utility accounts – like internet and hydro – before leaving home (and do it before the cut-off date, so you don’t get charged extra)

    • Unlock your mobile phone so you’ll be able to use a local SIM card, and get a power plug adapter for your charger if you need one.

    • Bring a few things that remind you of home and that you won’t be able to buy abroad. Something as simple as packing your favorite face wash or snack food can make a big difference when just starting to settle in.

    Overall, getting a head-start on your travel preparations will help you to reduce stress and hit the ground running when you arrive.

  • Image, teaching, 800px
    How are PTE and IELTS different? Here’s what you need to know
    By PTE Author

    Read Time: 6 minutes

    PTE Academic is a real-world English test. This means it uses authentic source materials and a range of accents to assess natural real-world English proficiency. The test format is clearly structured, but students still need to understand the tasks in each section and know what they have to do to succeed on test day. 

    The good news is that if you’re already used to preparing candidates for IELTS Academic, you’ll easily be able to adapt to help prepare them for their PTE Academic test. 

    Let’s have a look at the similarities and differences between both tests and explore how you can adapt your test preparation classes for success in PTE Academic. 

    The structure of the tests

    The structure of PTE Academic and IELTS Academic is broadly similar. Both tests assess students on all four language skills: speaking, writing, reading and listening. The biggest difference in structure is that for PTE Academic there is just one two-hour computed-based test for all four skills. Whereas with IELTS Academic you need to book a separate face-to-face speaking test. More on that below. The order that skills are tested in, and the way the tasks are timed and organized, is also different:

  • image- #iteachPTE- Ramesh Thapa, 1920px x 1080px
    Teacher Profile: Preparing for PTE in Kathmandu
    By PTE Author
    Reading time: 4 minutes

    Ramesh Thapa works in a language school in Kathmandu, Nepal. As an English language teacher, he does more than teach grammar and vocabulary – he helps people change their lives.

    Four years ago, Ramesh began teaching preparation classes for students who want to take PTE Academic. It’s no small challenge: His students need a good PTE score so they can study and live abroad – or to get the English-speaking jobs they want at home.

    People come to Ramesh because they know they can rely on him to help them prepare for the test. They have big dreams – so the stakes are high.

    We spoke to Ramesh to find out more about his experience of preparing students for PTE. He told us all about the challenges, the successes, and shared advice with the teaching community around the world.  

    How Ramesh teaches PTE preparation   

    With a maximum of ten people per class, students in Ramesh’s classes get a lot of personal attention and support. He explains that he uses a computer with a projector in the main classroom to share examples of PTE activities. Students get to try each task type themselves –  and Ramesh shares with them tips and strategies for maximizing their score.

    For Ramesh, the students are the most important part of the equation. As such, peer-to-peer learning and home study are key parts of his preparation course.“I’ll have my students take turns reading aloud and commenting on one another’s speaking,” he explains. “At the end of the class, I’ll give them an assignment so they can keep practicing at home.”

    Ramesh is no stranger to technology either. When it comes to PTE, he knows how important it is for students to feel comfortable with the technology. “It is a computer-based exam, so all teachers should make sure that their students are practicing on a computer,” he says. “We have a separate computer lab where students can get unlimited lab access – and this is a big part of helping students get their desired scores.” 

    In this way, not only do students get a better feel for the exam, but they also get to practice their typing skills. 

    Helping students to overcome their challenges 

    Ramesh finds that his students struggle with the Repeat sentence task in the Speaking part of the exam. “They have trouble with the accent when listening and pronouncing the words,” he says.

    For the same reason, his students often find the Listening part of PTE the most challenging. “Most of my students find difficulty in listening because our accents differ from the American and British accents,” Ramesh explains.

    And of course, as any language teacher knows, practice makes perfect. “The main solution is practice,” he says, “so I ask them to listen to more audio recordings which will ultimately help them be successful.”  

    Advice for other teachers 

    “Personally,” Ramesh says, “I think students should get all of the required details, materials, tips, and tricks from their PTE tutors.” So, a robust understanding of the exam is crucial for teachers. “It’s helpful to access the free training that is available from Pearson,” Ramesh advises. And, for the best chance of success, students need to do a practice test. “After they have completed a course, students should be provided with several mock tests,” he says.

    This builds students’ confidence and helps to reduce test-day nerves.

    What about his other students? 

    Many of Ramesh’s former students have gone on to achieve their goals and are now studying thousands of miles away, in Australia and Canada. It’s been hard work for them, but with thorough preparation with the help of an inspiring teacher, it’s been a great journey.

    Learn more 

    We’d like to shine a spotlight on the work of our teachers so that we can learn from one another. Each month we’ll be showcasing the work of one PTE Academic teacher from around the globe.

    Are you a PTE Academic teacher who has advice and teaching tips to share with the Teacher Community? We’d like to hear from you! Fill out this brief form to express your interest in being featured in an upcoming teacher profile and we’ll be in touch shortly. And for more insights into teaching PTE, sign up for our teacher newsletter.