UK universities will be able to charge more than £13,000 a year for two-year undergraduate degrees, under new plans announced by the government on Friday.
The fast-track courses, implemented in English universities, will cost roughly the same in total as a three-year course. They will enable students to get a degree in two years rather than three, allowing them to save money on accommodation and living costs. The shorter courses are also good news for those who want to enter the workplace sooner.
The proposed two-year programs will mean students take much shorter breaks and study more intensively, reflecting the faster pace of the degree. The change should address concerns that degrees are increasingly poor value for money, with some courses consisting of as little as five hours of teaching a week and students receiving long summer and Christmas breaks.
Increased flexibility
Regular three-year courses will continue to be available, allowing students the flexibility to choose between both options. There have been calls for fast-track courses in the past, but few exist as the tuition fee cap of £9,250 a year provided UK universities with little financial incentive to run them.
Universities Minister Jo Johnson believes the new courses may be particularly beneficial for mature or disadvantaged students, and according to the BBC is expected to tell university leaders: "Students are crying out for more flexible courses, modes of study which they can fit around work and life, shorter courses that enable them to get into and back into work more quickly, and courses that equip them with the skills that the modern workplace needs."
The same quality in a shorter period?
However, the fast-track courses raise some concerns, particularly as to whether students will be able to get the same quality of education in a shorter period, as well as whether this will result in unsustainable extra pressure on both staff and students’ workloads. Conversely, the Department of Education has stressed that fast-track degrees will carry the same weight as current three-year courses.
The Russell Group, an association of 24 leading UK universities, is also concerned about the impact on learning. Acting director Dr Tim Bradshaw said: “Full-time, three-year degree programs are generally the most appropriate at research-intensive institutions”, while Sally Hunt, general secretary of the University and College Union, said: “Our universities must remain places of learning, not academic sweatshops.”
The news also reflects concerns regarding increases in tuition fees at UK universities, with the government announcing in December that tuition fees for three-year courses in England will increase to £9,250 a year in autumn 2017. The fast-track programs will make annual fees in England higher than many US state universities.
Do you like the idea of completing a two-year, fast-track course? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
How Much Can You Earn With an Engineering Degree? main image
You don’t have to look far in the modern world for evidence of some form of engineering, so it’s no surprise talented engineering graduates are highly sought after for their innovative thinking and technical expertise. If you’re thinking of studying engineering, you might also be wondering what kind of salary you can expect when you graduate, especially if you’re still trying to decide which branch of the subject is for you.
To make your decision easier, we’ve had a look at what different engineers typically earn in the UK and the US, from starting salaries to top level positions.
The following salary figures relate to graduates of a Bachelor in Engineering – for information on the average salaries you can earn with a Masters in Engineering, download our latest Top Grad School Guide.
(All figures are from PayScale unless otherwise stated.)
Aeronautical engineer
How does working with cutting-edge technology and multinational companies as an aerospace/aeronautical engineer sound? In this role you’ll research, develop and maintain the performance of various forms of aircraft and their components, working to improve flight safety and efficiency. You’ll need a related degree, strong technical knowledge of aerospace systems, creativity, problem-solving skills and innovation. It’s also useful to have foreign language skills due to the possibility of travel and joint ventures with international aerospace engineering firms.
Starting salary: £22,000 to £28,000, according to Prospects
Median salary: £34,604
Top level salary: £64,745
United States
Starting salary: $54,329
Median salary: $77,826
Top level salary: $150,045
Chemical engineer
Fascinated by chemistry and enjoy solving problems? You might be perfect for a career as a chemical engineer. You’ll examine and design the materials and processes used to turn raw materials into everyday objects such as fuel, plastics and food. You could also work at the forefront of exciting new resources and techniques, such as nanotechnology.
To become a chemical engineer, you’ll need to register as a chartered engineer. To do this, you’ll need to study engineering to master’s level (for example with a four-year MEng in the United Kingdom, which will be accredited by the Engineering Council). You’ll also need strong maths and science skills, as well as problem-solving skills, IT skills, good organization and project management skills.
Interested in working on both small- and large-scale construction projects? As a civil engineer, you’ll plan, design and manage projects, from bridge repairs and buildings, to transport links and sports stadiums. Again, the easiest route is to become a chartered civil engineer through your degree. It’s also important to gain practical experience and build your knowledge of how construction projects are planned and executed in the industry, as well as to develop networking contacts.
As an electrical engineer you’ll use your technical knowledge to design, develop and maintain electrical control systems to their required specifications, working as part of a multi-disciplinary team to focus on the safety, quality, economy and sustainability of electrical systems. To become an electrical engineer, you’ll need a relevant degree and a range of skills, such as project management, commercial awareness and multitasking.
Starting salary: £20,000 to £25,000, according to Prospects
Median salary: £30,765
Top level salary: £48,798
US
Starting salary: $52,087
Median salary: $72,237
Top level salary: $109,562
Manufacturing engineer
As a manufacturing engineer, you’d be responsible for the technical organization, maintenance and progress of new and current production lines within a broad variety of manufacturing businesses. As well as a relevant degree, you’ll need analytical skills, technical skills, commercial awareness, a practical approach to problem-solving and knowledge of a range of engineering functions and procedures.
Starting salary: £22,000 to £28,000 according to Prospects
Median salary: £28,722
Top level salary: £40,285+
US
Starting salary: $49,212
Median salary: $65,654
Top level salary: $89,360
Mining engineer
As a mining engineer you’ll evaluate the viability, safety and efficiency of potential mine locations and plan, manage and enhance the removal of surface and underground deposits. To become a mining engineer, you’ll need a relevant degree and it’s very beneficial to have related work experience and/or a postgraduate degree.
Fascinated by the idea of using engineering to solve medical problems? As a biomedical engineer, you’ll research, design and develop new medical products using your knowledge of engineering principles and materials technology. As well as a degree, you might need to take part in a certified training program to qualify for this role.
To support your postgraduate application to EDHEC Business School, whatever the course, be it for a master’s degree in finance or business management, it might be wise to sit a computer-based standardized test called the GMAT (short for Graduate Management Admission Test).
Sitting the GMAT will make your application file stand out, increase your chances of securing admission or obtaining an internal scholarship, or qualify you for prestigious government (and EDHEC) scholarships that are designed specifically for international students.
As with most standardized tests, success on the GMAT largely comes down to being well-prepared and familiar with the test format. To help you fulfil your potential and land a place on your dream course, EDHEC Business School reveals seven insider tips to achieve top marks in the GMAT.
1. Start early.
A survey carried out by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC, the organization that runs the GMAT) found a positive correlation between the total numbers of hours spent studying and final GMAT score.
GMAT test-takers who scored 700 and above spent on average 121 hours studying, while test-takers who scored 400 and below spent an average of 75 hours preparing.
While GMAT requirements vary, depending on which program at EDHEC Business School you are applying to, the 2016 intake of students earned an average GMAT score of 640, with scores for admitted students ranging from 550 to 780.
Created by GMAC, this free handbook features information about what will happen before, during and after the exam, as well as very helpful study tips. Use it to understand how the exam will be structured, what each section is about, what to expect on test day, and what to bring to the exam.
3. Practice makes perfect.
Download GMATPrep® Software for free. Following the same format and scoring rubric as the actual GMAT exam, the software is designed to help you practice the exam in the same conditions as on the day. You’ll also get free personalized performance diagnostics and insights on how well you did and how to approach question types. Outline a study plan based on your results for each section.
4. Study smart.
Spend a week or two focusing on each section – that is, Analytical Writing, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative, and Verbal.
You might want to start with the quantitative component of the exam. While GMAT math is fairly basic, you might find, especially if you’ve been out of uni for a while, that you need to re-learn everything you’ve forgotten, which could take some time! Investing in a dedicated GMAT prep textbook could be a worthwhile investment – search online for second-hand copies.
Don’t neglect the verbal sections. Evaluate your performance on the practice papers and decide which questions you found the most difficult. Was it sentence correction or critical reasoning? Whatever it is, try doing a couple of problems every day covering the sections you struggle with most.
Spend the last few weeks before the exam taking as many practice tests as possible, to get used to the format. Review your mistakes to understand what went wrong and avoid making the same errors twice!
5. Pace yourself.
When taking practice tests, try simulating the test environment as closely as possible, keeping track of timings and pace. You must answer all the questions on the GMAT, and will be penalized harshly if you fail to complete the test in time! Train yourself to stay calm, pace yourself well, and be strategic in the amount of time you spend on each task.
6. Sweat the details.
Figure out the logistics at least a week before the exam. How will you get to the testing center? What are you allowed to bring with you? When will you eat, to make sure your energy levels are stable?
Make a note of your university’s institution code – 3QQWQ01 for EDHEC – and bring it to the testing center with you. Request that your scores be sent to the institution!
7. Rest.
During the last few days before the test, make sure to eat well, rest and get as much sleep as possible, so you’re feeling at your best.
It’s also important to remember that while the GMAT is an important component of your business school application, it is just one of many admissions criteria (such as your career goals, academic performance and background). EDHEC also accepts other assessment tests results (i.e. GRE, Tage Mage and CAT).
A high score won’t guarantee a place in your dream business school in the same way a lower score won’t automatically disqualify you for admission.
Don’t focus on the test to the exclusion of other elements of your application, or to the point where you’re putting too much pressure on yourself. Put in the hours, keep a clear head, and you’ll ace it.
To find out how EDHEC Business School is making an impact on business, talent and careers, watch this short film.
