Studying for a UK degree outside the UK

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A life-changing UK degree, yet closer to home

If you have commitments that prevent you from relocating to the UK itself, or are looking for excellent value for money, you could still transform your life and career prospects with a transnational education (TNE) UK degree.

Provided in English by 142 UK universities, and in 226 countries and territories worldwide, these degrees are your opportunity to benefit from the same rich academic traditions as your peers who study in the UK. You’ll learn from exactly the same cutting-edge teaching practices and receive the same encouragement to think independently, be creative and truly grow as an individual.

Perhaps most importantly, you will gain precisely the same qualification as students in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. That’s because your degree will be designed, quality-assured and directly awarded by one of the UK’s highly respected universities.

Gain a competitive edge

A UK transnational degree provides the analytical skills, critical thinking, international awareness and confidence that you’ll need to get ahead in your chosen career, all while boosting your English language proficiency.

Employers trust and respect the formidable reputation of the UK’s education system and graduates who hold a UK-awarded degree are progressing further, being promoted quicker and earning more than peers educated elsewhere.

More choice, more flexibility

The UK’s universities offer one of the most diverse subject offerings in the world and – by studying for a UK-awarded transnational degree – you’ll find the support and space you’ll need to be imaginative, ambitious and to think differently.

You could study full-time with a local partner or at a branch campus. Or, if you prefer, you can choose a part-time course and study anywhere through online distance learning. Some courses can even be studied on a flexible basis, giving you complete control over your time and an opportunity to combine work with your studies.

What’s more, studying for a transnational degree could be a cost-effective way of gaining a fully recognised UK qualification.

Your bridge to the world and international experience

A UK-awarded degree course is your bridge to the world, allowing you to experience our formidable standards of education while interacting with students from hundreds of different countries.

It could also be your pathway to the UK itself, as you may have the opportunity to spend time in the UK as part of your studies.

How do I apply?

If a UK university works with a partner institution in your chosen country, you can apply directly to the local institution.

If you would prefer to study for a transnational degree using distance learning, you can apply to the UK university itself.

Frequently asked questions

You may have a query about studying for a transnational education (TNE) UK degree. To help, we’ve answered some frequently asked questions below.

Will my degree be the same as those given out to UK students?

Yes. Your degree will be no different to those handed out within the UK itself. It will meet the same high standards of education and be subjected to the same stringent quality assurance.

UK universities are independent, autonomous bodies with degree awarding powers. As degree awarding bodies, they have important responsibilities relating to the delivery of all degree programmes, wherever they are delivered.

The UK quality assurance agency (QAA) sets out these responsibilities in the UK Quality Code for Higher Education. The fundamental principle underpinning all arrangements for delivering learning opportunities with others is that the UK degree-awarding body has ultimate responsibility for academic standards and the quality of learning opportunities, regardless of where these opportunities are delivered and who provides them.

What considerations should I make when choosing a UK degree?

Choosing a TNE programme is the same as choosing any higher education opportunity and should be based on your personal aims and objectives (such as your career ambitions and interest in a subject).

Does every country offer the same TNE opportunities?

Subject offerings will differ between institutions and the courses you can study will also depend on the UK university your chosen institution is partnered with. However, every institution offering a TNE degree is subjected to the same high standards and the quality of your awarded degree will be the same, no matter which country you have studied in.

Should I study on a TNE programme or come to the UK?

TNE degrees awarded at partner institutions in other countries are of precisely the same quality as degrees awarded in the UK itself. The choice of where to study your degree should be based on personal circumstances such as financial implications and other commitments (such as caring or working).

Will I be able to improve my English with a TNE degree?

Yes. Your degree will be conducted in English and you’ll be able to use your lectures, seminars and coursework to interact with your lecturers and other students. All of this will help you to improve your conversational and written skills, improving both your understanding of the English language and your levels of English fluency.

However, bear in mind that not living in the UK itself means you may not benefit from the same level of immersion into the English language as you would if you choose to study in the UK.

Will employers recognise a UK degree obtained by TNE?

Yes. You will receive a UK degree, awarded by a UK university. This is precisely the same qualification that you would receive in the UK itself and it will garner the same high levels of respect with employers all over the world.

However, as with degrees in the UK itself, we always advise that you research your chosen career and what qualifications are recognised within it.

Will my course be good value?

A UK degree is an extremely valuable qualification and your route to a bright and successful future. Studying for this degree in a different country is also great value for money. By saving on UK rent, travel and other living costs, you’ll be receiving the same exceptional standards of education but in a way that better suits your budget.