Higher Education in Great Britain. Higher Education in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, which cur­rently consists of some 96 universities and 70 or so Colleges of Higher

"Higher Education" in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, which cur­rently consists of some 96 universities and 70 or so Colleges of Higher Edu­cation, means the stage of education which follows after one obtains qualifi­cations equivalent to the Advanced Level of the General Certificate of Education.

In Scotland, the qualifying examinations are called "Highers", and some students take a Certificate of Sixth Year Studies, which is similar to A-levels. The/concept of universal education was accepted in Scotland as early as the sixteenth century, long before such views prevailed elsewhere in Britain. St. Andrews, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Edinburgh Universities were established in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries.

Universities in Britain are divided into three types: 1. The old established universities, such as Oxford (founded 1249), Cambridge and Edinburgh. Oxford and Cambridge together are often called Oxbridge. 2. The 19th century universi­ties such as London and Manchester. 3. The new universities established after World War II, such as Essex, Lancaster, The New University of Ulster.

The higher education system consists of Universities, Colleges of Higher Education and a number of small specialised colleges in areas of study such as Fine Art, Music and Agriculture.

Students or undergraduates can complete their first (Bachelor's) Degree in a minimum of three years. Law degrees and some others require four years of study, while medicine takes longer. Students awarded their Bachelor's Degree are called graduates.

Universities, and to a limited extent Colleges of Higher Education, offer a wide range of one-year, or sometimes two-year, taught graduate courses leading to a Master's Degree.

Universities also offer research degrees (Doctor's Degrees), which have a very limited taught element, and are an opportunity to undertake research over a period of, generally, at least three years. The period for the award of a research degree is not laid out: it depends on the progress made. Students working for their Master's and Doctor's Degrees are called postgraduates.

Most UK universities are keen to increase their numbers of postgraduate students. Many of the leading UK universities are looking forward to the development of Graduate Schools, Major research-based universities, such as Birmingham, Durham, Manchester, Sheffield and Warwick, have taken the initiative in setting up Graduate Schools, reflecting the very high level ac­corded to postgraduate activities in these institutions.

UK universities offer full time programmes and also part-time and dis­tance learning programmes. An academic year is divided into three terms of about 10 weeks each.

In 1971 the Open University was established, where the formal qualifica­tions (GCSE A-levels) are not necessary. Nearly a quarter of all adult part-time students participate in its degree courses on radio and television.

Ответьте на вопросы:

1. How many universities and colleges of higher education are there in Great Britain?

2. What qualifications are necessary for admission to university in the UK?

3. What are "Highers"?

4. When were the first Scottish universities established?

5. What are three types of universities in Britain?

6. What is the minimum period of time for completing a Bachelor's Degree?

7. What is the difference between undergraduates, graduates and post­graduates?

8. How can one receive a Master's Degree?

9. What is the normal route for the award of a research degree (a Doc­tor's Degree)?

10.What major research-based universities have set up Graduate Schools of a very high standard in the UK?

11.How is the Open University different from other universities?

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