Studying in a UK classroom
Studying at a UK university is a unique and enriching experience. Here’s a glimpse into what you can expect.
Independent Learning
UK classrooms emphasise independent learning. You’ll often be assigned reading, research, and projects to complete on your own time. This approach encourages self-discipline and time management, as you’ll be responsible for a significant portion of your learning outside of scheduled classes.
Critical thinking and discussion
Critical thinking is at the heart of UK academic culture. In the classroom, you’ll be encouraged to question, debate, and critique ideas. Discussions are often lively, and offer a range of perspectives, requiring you to be open-minded and support your arguments with evidence and logical reasoning.
Interactive lectures
Lectures in UK universities are not just about passive listening. Professors often encourage questions and interaction during their lectures. Engaging with the material and participating in discussions can enhance your understanding and make the learning process more dynamic.
Seminars and tutorials
In addition to lectures, you may also participate in smaller seminars and tutorials. These sessions provide an opportunity for more in-depth discussion and personalised feedback. You might work on case studies, group projects, or detailed analyses of specific topics. This format helps you to engage more deeply with the subject matter and develop your ideas.
Assessments and feedback
Assessments in UK universities often include a mix of essays, presentations, and exams. Some exams will be ‘closed’ (meaning you cannot refer to notes and books), others will be ‘open’ (meaning you can refer to notes and books). Some courses have ‘continuous assessment’, meaning that instead of examinations at the end of the year, your progress is assessed and marked throughout the year.
The type of assessments will vary between courses and universities. But for all courses you’ll be expected to present well-researched and original work. Feedback from professors is usually detailed and constructive, aimed at helping you improve your skills and understanding.
University course websites often provide a significant amount of detail on the structure, content and assessment of the programmes, so it is worth carefully checking your course website to find out how you will be assessed.
Adjusting to UK classroom culture
Adapting to the classroom culture in the UK might take some time, but there are plenty of resources available to help you adjust. Click on the expanding arrows to reveal the support available to you.
Many universities offer classes to help you develop the skills needed for independent study and critical analysis.
Your academic mentors can provide valuable advice on how to approach your coursework and succeed in the UK educational system. Many lecturers and tutors offer ‘office hours’; a designated time during the week when they are available to see students. They will usually let you know when their ‘office hours’ are at the start of term.
Get in touch with your student union or student support team to find out what help is available.
As a Chevening Scholar, studying in a UK university classroom offers you a chance to develop critical thinking, engage in meaningful discussions, and take a significant step towards becoming a future leader in your home country. We can’t wait to see how you leverage the skills and knowledge you gain to contribute to the Chevening community and beyond.
