DEGREE GUIDE: UK VS. CANADIAN DEGREES
There are several types of degree programs in the UK: Foundation, Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorates or PhDs; all of which are all globally recognized qualifications.
I settled in very well
My experience with Across the Pond was wonderful! My adviser always responded to my e-mail in a quick span of time and encouraged me to what schools would be best for the experience I was looking for. She would help to look over my personal statements as well as give me any advice on how to better my application. She was extremely helpful and honestly without Across the Pond the application process would have been so much harder.
My favorite aspects from working with Across the Pond is the the advisers genuinely care about the students and what kind of experience they are hoping for in university in the UK. From the application process, to how to go about applying for your visa everything was answered! The information that was given was always very useful, they sent everything you could imagine to answer your questions about going overseas for school. The visa application information that they sent I would have to say is the most helpful as it outlines exactly what you needed for the application.
Settling into university was so easy, I came on my flight here with visa in hand and ready for a new adventure. I settled in very well in to the city of Glasgow.
Glasgow is different from my small town of Elora, Ontario. It is a bigger city, with great bus systems and lots to do! I still have not explored the whole city (but luckily I have another year and a half to do so!). I have been around different parts of Scotland (travelling is pretty cheap here so it is easy enough to do!).
I choose University of Strathclyde for their Dual Qualification Law Program so that I would come out with a degree in both English and Scots Law; making it easier for me to come back and practice in Canada. As well as pursue international law if I so choose.
In my spare time I am apart of the Law Clinic here at Strathclyde as well as apart of the Law Society, I usually go to a cafe in my spare time and do some readings or try to find a new book to read. Sometimes I go for a run or walk to try and see new parts of Glasgow!.
Best of luck to you all and I hope your experience is as wonderful as mine has been!
Cheers!
Lauren
Senior Student Advisor
Education
Edinburgh Napier University
- BA (Hons) English with a minor in History (Wilfrid Laurier University, Canada)
- MSc Publishing (Edinburgh Napier University, UK)
Contact information
lauren.cameron@studyacrossthepond.com
What did you do before you started working for Across the Pond?
I joined Across the Pond while finishing my Masters dissertation at Edinburgh Napier! I had gone from undergrad straight into a postgrad program, and while I was at Edinburgh Napier I started working in the International Office as an Ambassador. I loved being able to promote the school, talk about my experience to potential students, and overall just talk about the experience of moving to the UK, so when the job at Across the Pond came up, it was a perfect fit! This position also led me to spending more time in the UK and keeping that connection, which I was so happy about, since I loved my time studying in Edinburgh.
Why did you decide to study in the UK?
I chose to study in the UK for two main reasons. I knew I wanted to studying Publishing, but there weren’t many Master programs in that area in Canada. When I started exploring my options, it was between a program in Vancouver, and a program in Scotland, and since both are about the same distance from my home town, I figured I might as well move somewhere completely new! As well, I had family in Scotland, so I was really excited to be able to connect more with them and learn more about the place my family came from.
Why do you like working for Across the Pond?
I like working for Across the Pond because it allows me to pass on my great experience to new students! I know how stressful the process can be, and I like being able to reassure students – because I’ve been there! My favourite part of the job is definitely seeing students get their offers – it’s always so exciting, no matter how many students you help.
Why do you think people from Canada should study in the UK?
I think people from Canada should study in the UK because it’s a great experience to grow as a person! Not only do you get to learn about the subject you’re studying, but you learn to become so independent and confident, and get to see the world in a different way than you do just living in Canada. Canada is amazing, and I love it so much, but I feel like I now look at the world from a new perspective after meeting people who grew up in different countries and have different knowledge. It’s such a great experience, and you’ll make friends from around the world who have the same passions you do.
My favourite things about the UK include: -easy travel options (within the UK and Europe) -tea -the history – it’s everywhere -fish and chips -Mary’s Milk Bar in Edinburgh.
Brittany
Senior Student Advisor
Education
Kingston University
- HBA English (Lakehead University, Canada)
- MA English Literature (Kingston University London, UK)
Contact information
brittany.heron@studyacrossthepond.com
What did you do before you started working for Across the Pond?
My studies in the UK are book-ended by a decade of working in sales, marketing, and management roles within high-pace retail environments. These roles involved promoting self-care products and connecting one-on-one with customers of all demographics to help them find the perfect product(s) for their individual needs. In addition to this, I worked in the seasonal travel and tourism industry where I promoted Ontario and its many sights and attractions across the province to tourists from around the world. My professional experiences do not directly align with my study interests, but throughout my undergraduate studies I developed a strong interest in Canadian contemporary literature and the ways that literature from around the world tends to intertwine nature and the human psyche within their texts. Towards the end of my degree, I decided that I wanted to continue studying literature in an academic setting. I sought out Across the Pond to provide more information about studying in the UK and make the application process easier for me.
Why did you decide to study in the UK?
Canadian written literature is (unsurprisingly) heavily influenced by English literature, particularly through its origins. While completing my undergraduate studies in Canada, I noticed a severe lack of study dedicated to Canadian literature (both written and oral), and I wanted to contribute to the academia surrounding the development of the Canadian literary canon while also understanding more about where it began. Of course, my love of travelling certainly contributed to my decision, and drove me to pursue literary studies in the UK rather than remaining in Canada – where better to study English literature than England?
Why do you like working for Across the Pond?
After completing my master’s degree, I continued working in the retail industry, but wanted to help customers on a deeper level. My unforgettable experience in the UK inspired me to seek employment opportunities with Across the Pond so that I can help other students pursue education in the UK and contribute to their personal growth and future career development. Through my previous work experiences, I developed strong communication skills, a deep care for my customers, and the empathetic listening skills to understand various situations and how they might impact individual needs. These skills not only made me a successful international student but make me a strong advisor as well! I love that Across the Pond combines my love of travel with my background in customer satisfaction. It allows me to connect with all kinds of students and discuss the benefits of studying and living abroad. I love growing my knowledge of our partner universities which will contribute to my overall knowledge of higher education in the UK, and the UK in general. My knowledge will ultimately have a significant impact on the personal and professional development of my students, and I love that I can be included in even a small portion of that process!
Why do you think people from Canada should study in the UK?
I think it is important to understand the roots of your home-country – both the positives and the negatives. As a member of the Commonwealth, the origin of much of Canada’s names (cities, provinces), architecture, written literature, laws, and many other items can be traced back to the UK. Studying in the UK can help Canadians understand how the UK has directly impacted Canada’s development. The highly specialized education within the UK will help students develop necessary skills in research, independent study, and critical thinking to make meaningful contributions to Canada’s future development, and growth as a nation.
The incredible food scene, studying in the British Library, the ability to walk through history, Christmas markets, watching Pointless, pub quizzes.
Scott
Senior Student Advisor
Education
Queen Mary, University of London
- BSc Physics (Carleton University, Canada)
- BMath (Carleton University, Canada)
- MSc Astrophysics (Queen Mary University of London, UK)
Contact information
scott.elliott@studyacrossthepond.com
What did you do before you started working for Across the Pond?
I have some retail experience from while I was in school, but what really lead me to the UK and Across the Pond was my academic experience and my desire to help people continue their own education. I have a BSc Physics and a BMath from Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada. When I was applying for a master's program, I contacted Across the Pond who put on the necessary expertise to be able to have an unforgettable year at Queen Mary University of London studying for an MSc Astrophysics.
Why did you decide to study in the UK?
Finding the exact program I wanted was a bit tricky in Canada, but there were lots of options in the UK. Pair that with the fact that Masters program was only 12-months instead of 2 years, who would turn down a chance to live in the UK for that?
Why do you like working for Across the Pond?
I like working for Across the Pond because it keeps me feeling connected to my own time studying in the UK. I can help students achieve the same dream of studying in the UK that I had and it’s very gratifying to see them so excited.
Why do you think people from Canada should study in the UK?
There are a hundred benefits to studying abroad in the UK. Some are practical: degree programs are shorter, and so you can be out of school and enter the workforce quicker, and the UK offers a wide range of specialized programs to suit anyone's interests. Others are more subjective: the independent learning style of education, the rich historical culture, and the opportunity for personal growth. That said, my favourite benefit to studying in the UK is the opportunity to travel, both around the UK and even into Europe. It's fairly cheap and easy to get around, and so students are able to get the full-experience of travelling to new places while studying, which made my experience worthwhile all in itself.
Free entrance to museums, ample opportunities to sightsee and travel, ancient castles and churches, pubs, and the UK culture.
Am I qualified?
Am I qualified?
Have you tried researching degrees at UK universities and been confused by the listed entry requirements? What does A*AA mean? How do you know if you have a 2:1. What does it mean if they require you to have a first degree?
Entry requirements vary at Across the Pond's partner universities. Below is a guide to the basics considered by the universities when determining academic eligibility. If you are unsure, simply contact one our UK Study Experts to find out more.