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Caryn Yap

Overseas students are drawn to the intellectual freedom and independent thinking encouraged at British universities

BRITAIN IS ONE of the world's most popular destinations for overseas study, despite the high cost of living in some cities and fierce competition for places at top universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, Durham and the London School of Economics.

One of the big attractions about studying in Britain is the intellectual freedom which students enjoy in their academic programmes.

'Students are encouraged to read widely, to question and analyse what they have read and to openly discuss their own ideas in seminars and tutorials,' said Caroline Tso,  manager of education promotion  at the British Council  in Hong Kong.

Ms Tso said the number of international students following postgraduate programmes  in Britain had increased by 1.4 per cent since 1997, while the number undertaking postgraduate research was rising dramatically.

The volume of Hong Kong students heading to Britain for taught postgraduate programmes fell by 7 per cent from 1997 to  2003, but there was a 31 per cent rise in the number pursuing postgraduate research.

There are two main types of taught postgraduate courses. The one-year master's programmes tend to involve classes, seminars and a dissertation. The diploma or certificate courses are similar to a master's programme but do not include a dissertation.

Some diploma courses allow students to transfer to a master's on completion. Those seeking this flexibility should check whether a transfer is possible in their preferred programmes before enrolling.

Britain is not a cheap option. Fees for master's degrees range from #6,980 ($94,792) to #8,185, and MBAs can cost anything up to #16,000. London is the third most expensive place to live in the world, according to the 2005 Worldwide Cost of Living Survey.

The British Council puts living costs in the capital at #730 a month. And even outside London, living costs for a student in Britain are estimated at #650 a month.

Thomas Chan, who is studying at the London School of Economics, was not put off by

the cost.

'London is an expensive place to live as accommodation and public transport are expensive, but I think it's worth it,' he said. 'The universities are renowned for their high standards ...  and for encouraging independent work and thinking. London also offers so much in entertainment. There is something for everybody, from museums to architecture to clubs.'

Alan Au, who took a master's degree in economics at University College London, said the 'free' nature of the courses called for strong self-discipline.

'Unlike secondary school and American universities, there is barely any evaluation as the term goes on,' he said. 'The whole grade is based on your final exam, so the potential to mess up very badly is there.'

Mr Au, a financial journalist, reminded   would-be students  that campus social life in Britain was very different to Hong Kong.

'Student life in Britain is very much oriented around alcohol. But the student union bars were a lot of fun, and being in London was fantastic for entertainment in general.'

Despite the high living costs, a postgraduate programme in Britain can be cheaper than it is in the United States.

Postgraduate master's programmes in Britain are  intensive and last only one year, compared with two to four years in most other countries. The result is a saving on tuition fees and living costs. Students can also start working and earning money relatively early.

Financially strapped students should not give up their dreams of studying in Britain.  There are many scholarship and bursary options for international students.  Every year more than 21,000  students receive scholarship funding from the British government for undergraduate and postgraduate study. International students are also allowed to work up to 20 hours a week,  and full-time during holidays.

To follow a master's programme, taught or research, students should have at least a 2:1 or above in their first degree, International English Language Testing System  (IELTS) 6.0 or above and relevant work experience. Those wanting to do a doctoral degree (taught or research) require a master's degree, IELTS 6.5 or above, relevant work experience and research proposals.



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