What we do

Our international team understands the vital role that teachers, counsellors and advisors play in supporting students to study abroad.

We aim to support teachers from international schools in a variety of ways – by providing resources, delivering online and in-person talks, and by attending events in your country and at your school. We're also happy to answer any questions you or your students might have about applying, attending and thriving in the UK and at London Metropolitan University.

For the latest news, events, travel plans and updates please sign up for our international schools newsletter.

For information about our outreach programs and to connect with our UK team, you can visit our dedicated page for UK schools.

Get in touch

If you are a counsellor, teacher or advisor please feel free to contact our international team!

Email: international@londonmet.ac.uk
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7133 3317
Newsletter: Sign up to our schools newsletter for the latest updates, news and events. 
Guide: read our school counsellor guide

Our International team is based across the globe as well as in the UK. We travel regularly to various regions to attend events, visit schools, deliver offer holder talks and meet with teachers and counsellors to answer their questions.

We have staff members based in Brazil, Canada, India, Nigeria and the UK.

To contact the international team, please email international@londonmet.ac.uk stating the country where your school is based and your question, and the appropriate staff member will respond. Alternatively, see below for our staff based in your region.

Region

Name

Role

Contact details

Virtual 121

Base location

Africa

Mr D N Essien

Regional Manager

+44 20 7320 1872 x1872
d.essien@londonmet.ac.uk

 

United Kingdom

Europe and Latin America

Francesca McNulty

Regional Manager

+44 20 7320 1340
f.mcnulty@londonmet.ac.uk

Book a virtual 121 meeting

United Kingdom

India

Neha Prajapati

Senior International Officer

N.prajapati@londonmet.ac.uk

 

India

Latin America

Patricia Borsa

Senior International Officer

+55 (41) 98820-0202
tspbors1@londonmet.ac.uk

 

Brazil

United Kingdom (International students)

Federica Massaro

International Officer

f.massaro@londonmet.ac.uk 

 

United Kingdom

USA and Canada

Tara Murphy

Senior International Officer

usa@londonmet.ac.uk;
canada@londonmet.ac.uk

Book a virtual 121 meeting

Canada (British Columbia)

London Metropolitan University resources

We have a range of resources for students, teachers and parents to better understand studying in the UK and at London Met. Below, we have highlighted some which you may find helpful.

External resources

The British Council

UCAS

Other

  • Unifrog: A platform for schools to manage career progression (paid service). You can read blogs and access events, including subject-specific webinars (free service).
  • Uni Taster Days: Offers a range of resources, including teachers, parents and student guides.
  • UK Study expert: Focused towards students from the US, it provides a quiz for you to match your interests with UK universities.
  • AIRR-NA: Association of International Regional Representatives - North America. Includes resources and contacts for international university staff in North America.

Events in your country

We attend several large-scale events each year across the globe. Check out our Meet us overseas page for the latest list of events.

Visiting your school

We travel to a variety of regions across the globe, attending events with schools (or online) to support students, teachers and parents to navigate the UK education system. We can attend:

  • higher education fairs
  • virtual talks
  • in-person talks

Our team are experts in presenting on a variety of topics around higher education, breaking the information down into bite-sized chunks for students to understand and engage with. Workshops include:

  • studying in the UK / London
  • how to write a UK personal statement
  • how to choose a UK university or course
  • introduction to UCAS
  • how to write a teacher reference

We can create bespoke presentations to fit your needs and combine topics. If you would like us to attend an event or deliver a talk please contact us at international@londonmet.ac.uk stating the location (address or online), date, time and event type.

Events at London Met

Visiting our campus

Based in one of the world’s most exciting capital cities, we welcome groups of students to our campus every year to get a first-hand experience of life on campus. With two campuses based in the heart of the city we are able to create an event that suits your timetable from a short campus tour to a full day, including interactive workshops and taster sessions.

Holloway Campus

Based next to Arsenal football club’s Emirates Stadium and just two stops (approximately five minutes) from King's Cross Station (The British Library, Harry Potter 9 ¾ station) and three stops (approximately seven minutes) from The British Museum, we are ideally located as an addition to any school trip exploring the capital. Holloway Campus hosts all our schools, excluding our arts, architecture and design courses. It has one of the largest teaching labs in Europe, a mock courtroom, a Bloomberg trading room, a translation and interpreting suite and much more.

Aldgate Campus

Just a 15-minute walk from The Tower of London and Tower Bridge, Aldgate Campus houses our School of Art, Architecture and Design as well as our Special Collections, including The Archive of the Irish in Britain, Trades Union Congress Library collections and The Frederick Parker Collection. Nestled in the creative district of London, students can study a wide range of creative courses, including animation, fine arts, furniture design, jewellery and silversmithing, textiles and much more.

To book a group campus visit please contact us at international@londonmet.ac.uk stating the prefered campus, date and times. If are visitng London independently and would like a tour of our campuses please complete our counsellor campus tour request form

Other events

We host a number of open days, campus tours and public lectures on our campus and online. Students travelling to London on their own or with their families are welcome to attend. Check out our Events page for the latest information.

Highlighted events

LocationDateTimeEventLink
Los Angeles, California, USA - LA Convention Center 26-28 September 2024 All day NACAC Conference - Find us at the AIRR-NA expo booth Register here
Los Angeles, California, USA - LA Convention Center, Kentia Hall 27 September 2024 4:30pm - 6:30pm NACAC Conference - Counselors College Fair - London Metropolitan University stand More information

 

London Metropolitan University is committed to fostering strong partnerships with community colleges across Canada and the US, offering students a seamless pathway to international higher education through transfer and articulation agreements. By collaborating with us, your institution can benefit from:

  • Customised 2+2 transfer agreements: We provide a 2+2 system, where students spend two years at a community college completing their associate degree and then transfer directly into the second year of a bachelor's program at London Met, ensuring a streamlined continuation of their studies.
  • Strong partnership: We want to build a long-term partnership. We provide bespoke training for staff in understanding the English education system, a single point of contact, attend in-person transfer fairs, deliver virtual 121s and pre-departure sessions and offer students scholarships for studying with us.
  • Tailored articulation: Recognising the diverse curriculum of community colleges, we offer articulation agreements that respect the unique educational formats, providing a transparent credit transfer process.
  • Global perspectives: Partnering with London Met opens doors to a world-class education in one of the most vibrant cities in the world, broadening students’ academic and cultural horizons.
  • Student-centred approach: For courses that have not been directly mapped with your institution we offer to assess students on an individual basis, ensuring their previous education is honoured and adequately mapped to our degree programs so they are well prepared.


Embrace the opportunity to elevate your students' educational journey by partnering with London Metropolitan University. For more details on establishing a partnership, please reach out to us directly. Please review this international articulation agreement presentation for a further breakdown on how articulation agreements withn London Met could work. Let’s collaborate to create pathways that empower students for global success.

HBCU Partnership

Learn more about our work with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and opportunties to expand our partnership across areas including staff and student exchange, study abroad and scholarships.

 

Guiding students towards their UK study goals can be a rewarding yet challenging task for international advisers. With the diverse range of universities and courses available, understanding the unique aspects of UK higher education is crucial for providing effective counsel. Here are some key points to consider and communicate to your students:

Key considerations for UK education:

Educational systems across the UK:

The UK comprises four distinct countries – England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland – each with its own education system nuances. Scotland, for instance, typically offers four-year undergraduate courses that include a wider breadth of study in the initial years. In contrast, England, Wales and Northern Ireland usually offer three-year undergraduate degrees with subject specialisation from day one.

Qualification requirements:

Understand and meet the specific qualification requirements. Each institution and course will have different requirements, with the UK often focusing on standardised tests and subject-specific prerequisites (especially within STEM). Students need to review these as early as possible, as they may need to take additional classes and tests.

University size and setting:

  • Campus vs. city universities: Campus universities offer a comprehensive, community-focused environment with centralised academic and living spaces. In contrast, city universities provide immersive cultural, social, and professional experiences, integrating students directly into the city's life.
  • Small vs medium vs large: Discuss the implications of attending a small (less than 5,000 students), medium (5,000-15,000), or large (15,000+) university, focusing on the community feel, diversity of academic options, student-staff interactions and scope of extracurricular activities.
  • Urban vs. suburban vs. rural vs. coastal: Urban universities immerse students in multicultural environments and offer extensive networking and cultural opportunities. Suburban campuses balance city convenience and community atmosphere, while rural institutions provide a tranquil setting conducive to focused study. Coastal universities combine academic pursuits with scenic beauty and leisure activities by the sea. Each location caters to different preferences, and students should consider what they are most drawn to.
  • Transport and connectivity: Accessibility to public transport and proximity to major travel hubs are important for ease of travel and exploration, especially for international students.

COLLEGE system - A framework for making informed decisions

To aid in decision-making, the COLLEGE system offers a structured approach to evaluating universities and courses:

Category

Explanation

Course

Assess if the university offers the desired course and delve into modules and teaching styles.

Opportunities

Explore additional benefits like study abroad, work placements and scholarships.

Location

Consider the university's setting, be it urban or rural, and its impact on lifestyle.

League

Investigate university and course rankings in league tables for academic reputation and student satisfaction.

Entry Requirements

Review specific grade and qualification requirements for course entry.

Gut Feeling

Encourage visiting or virtually exploring campuses to gauge the right "fit". Speak with current students via chat services and see student-produced social media content.

Education Style

Understand the balance between theoretical and practical learning approaches.

Case study: London Metropolitan University

Utilising the COLLEGE framework, let's explore London Met as a holistic case study:

  • Course: London Met offers a diverse range of courses across six different schools, ensuring that programs are tailored to industry demands and student interests.
  • Opportunities: Students benefit from numerous opportunities, including our clinics (sports rehab, pro bono, business accelerator), international scholarships, careers support and study abroad, which contribute to vibrant student life.
  • Location: Situated in the heart of London, the University provides unparalleled access to cultural, professional and social opportunities, enriching the student experience. Additionally, we have state-of-the-art facilities like our recently opened health skills and simulation suite.
  • League: London Met is ranked in the top 10 UK for teaching quality and student satisfaction, with our overall National Student Survey score placing it among the leading institutions in the country.
  • Entry requirements: The university has clear, accessible entry requirements tailored to various international qualifications.
  • Gut feeling: Potential students are encouraged to connect virtually or visit the campus to experience the welcoming, diverse community firsthand.
  • Education style: London Met emphasises a practical learning approach, with many courses offering real-world applications and work-related learning opportunities.

Presenting a balanced view, considering the academic and personal aspects of studying abroad, is beneficial when guiding students through their decision-making process. By providing structured frameworks like COLLEGE and tangible examples like London Met, advisors can offer comprehensive support to students exploring their international education pathways.

Please find below a list of key terms around UK higher education. We have also created a document with key terms  you can download and save. 

UCAS

Key term

Explanation

Buzzword

A unique word provided by a school (if they are registered as a UCAS centre) that acts as a key identifier, linking a student's undergraduate application with the school. This allows them to track the application and upload references and relevant information.

Clearing

A UCAS process that allows students to find and apply for university courses that still have vacancies, typically after the main application period. Whilst the date that UK universities open for Clearing varies, many will have it available on A-Level results day (typically the second Thursday in August). While Clearing is open to all students, it particularly supports those who did not receive the grades they needed for their conditional offer or those who exceeded their conditions. It varies as to whether universities allow international students to apply via Clearing due to the short time between Clearing opening and term starting, meaning visas can be difficult to acquire.

Conditional Offer

An offer of a place at a university that is dependent on the applicant meeting specific conditions, often related to exam results or other qualifications.

Firm Choice

In the UCAS application process, the firm choice is the student's preferred and first choice university.

Insurance Choice

In the UCAS application process, the insurance choice and second choice serves as a backup in case the firm choice is not secured, for example, by not meeting the academic conditions.

Oxbridge

A colloquial term combining "Oxford" and "Cambridge," referring to the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge in the UK. You can only apply to one of these universities per year on your UCAS application.

Personal Statement

written document submitted with a university application (like a college application essay), in which the student details what course they want to study, why they want to study it and what makes them a good candidate for that course. 

Tariff Points

numerical system assigned to different qualifications and grades provides a standardised way for universities to assess and compare applicants' academic achievements.

Teacher Reference

A written recommendation provided by a teacher or advisor as part of the UCAS application. Recent changes to the teachers' reference have created three separate sections covering general information about a school, extenuating circumstances and supportive information about the applicant that is relevant to the course.

UCAS

The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service, a central application service for students applying to higher education institutions in the UK.

UCAS Centre

A UCAS centre is an educational institution or organisation registered with UCAS, allowing students to make their application through that institution. It is free for a school to become a centre with more information provided on the UCAS website.

UCAS Extra

A UCAS service allowing students who have used all five choices and haven't received any offers to apply for additional courses one at a time.

UCAS Track

An online system that allows applicants to track the progress of their UCAS application, including offers, replies, and the status of chosen universities.

Unconditional Offer

An offer of a place at a university without any specified conditions, indicating that the applicant has already met the necessary requirements.

For additional information on UCAS key terms and abbreviations please see their website. 

Qualifications 

Key term

Explanation

2:1 (Upper Second)

Denotes a specific classification of an undergraduate degree, typically awarded for achieving a mark between 60% and 69%.

2:2 (Lower Second)

Represents another classification of an undergraduate degree, indicating a performance within the range of 50% to 59%.

Adv Dip Pro Dev

Advanced Diploma in Professional Development, a program designed to enhance professional skills and knowledge beyond the undergraduate level.

A-Levels

Advanced Level qualifications usually taken by students aged 16-18. They are subject-specific and widely used for university admissions in the UK.

BA

Bachelor of Arts, an undergraduate academic degree typically awarded in the arts, humanities, or social sciences.

BEng

Bachelor of Engineering, an undergraduate academic degree awarded in the field of engineering.

BSc

Bachelor of Science, an undergraduate academic degree typically awarded in the natural sciences, mathematics, or related disciplines.

BSocSci

Bachelor of Social Science, an undergraduate academic degree in social sciences, encompassing disciplines like sociology and anthropology.

BTECs

Business and Technology Education Council qualifications, offering a more vocational and practical approach than A-Levels usually taken by students aged 16-18.

DBA

Doctor of Business Administration, a doctoral-level academic degree emphasising practical application of business knowledge and research.

First

Refers to the highest classification of an undergraduate degree, indicating outstanding academic achievement and typically a mark of 70% or above.

GCSEs

General Certificate of Secondary Education, taken by students aged 14-16. GCSEs cover a range of subjects and are crucial for further education and employment.

GDL

Graduate Diploma in Law, a conversion course for individuals with a non-law degree seeking to qualify as solicitors or barristers.

Honours Degree (Hons)

Honours, denoting an undergraduate degree program focused on specialisation and typically awarded to students with higher academic achievements.

LLB

Bachelor of Law, an undergraduate academic degree in law.

LLM

Master of Laws, a postgraduate academic degree in law, often pursued for advanced specialisation in legal studies.

MA

Master of Arts, a postgraduate academic degree that follows a bachelor's degree and often involves advanced study in the arts or humanities.

MArch

Master of Architecture is a postgraduate academic degree for individuals pursuing advanced studies and architectural qualifications.

MBA

Master of Business Administration, a postgraduate academic degree focusing on business and management principles.

MFA

Master of Fine Arts, a postgraduate academic degree focused on creative and visual arts, including areas such as painting, sculpture, and writing.

MPhil

Master of Philosophy, a postgraduate academic degree that often involves a combination of coursework and research.

MSc

Master of Science, a postgraduate academic degree awarded in various scientific and technical fields.

PG Cert

Postgraduate Certificate, a short program providing specialised knowledge and skills, often completed in less time than a full master's degree.

PG Dip

Postgraduate Diploma, a more extensive program than a certificate, offering in-depth study and often serving as a pathway to a master's degree.

PhD

Doctor of Philosophy, the highest academic degree awarded in various fields, requires original research and a doctoral thesis submission.

Prof Doc

Professional Doctorate is a doctoral-level qualification focused on applying research to professional practice in various fields.

QTS

Qualified Teacher Status is a professional accreditation in the UK allowing individuals to teach in state-maintained schools.

Third

The classification below 2:2, indicates a pass but with lower overall academic performance typically awarded for achieving a mark between 40% and 49%.

T-Levels

A vocational qualification introduced in the UK, focusing on technical skills and practical experience in a specific industry.

To see what type of qualification your London Metropolitan University degree holds, please see our course finder.

General higher education

Key term

Explanation

Alumni association

An organisation connecting former students (alumni) with their former university, fostering networking, mentorship, and support opportunities.

Bursary

Financial aid provided to students based on financial need. Bursaries can assist with tuition fees, living expenses, or other educational costs. Bursaries within the UK are typically for domestic students; however, international students may be able to access other financial aid through scholarships and grants.

Campus university

A way to refer to the style and location of a UK university that offers distinct environments for student life. A campus university has a more self-contained campus setting and may be based in a more suburban area or away from the inner city.

Career services

University-provided resources and support to help students explore career options, develop job-search skills, and transition into the workforce after graduation. Careers services can often help students look for part-time work during their studies and work placements.

City university

A way to refer to the style and location of a UK university that offers distinct environments for student life. A city university is located within an urban area, possibly with multiple locations.

Core modules

Core modules are mandatory components of a program. As a generalisation, within the UK, undergraduate courses start with more core modules, and as the student progresses through the years, more optional modules become available to them. London Metropolitan University includes a list of our course's core and optional modules on the individual course pages.

Course rep/representative

A student elected or appointed to represent the views and concerns of their peers to academic staff and university management.

Course syllabus

An outline of the topics, readings, and assessments covered in an academic course. The syllabus provides a roadmap for students throughout the academic year.

Coursework

Assignments, projects, or tasks that students complete as part of their course assessment.

Dissertation

An extended piece of academic writing involving in-depth research on a specific topic. Within the UK, it is common for undergraduate students to complete a dissertation within their final year. It is typically required for postgraduate study,

Distance learning

A mode of study where students engage in courses remotely, often online, without attending physical classes on campus.

Enrolment

The process of officially registering for courses and becoming a student at a university for a specific academic term. Within the UK, students do not typically have to sign up for modules before their arrival. However, this varies between institutions.

Examination period

The specific time frame during which formal exams take place, usually at the end of a term or academic year. Within the UK, these typically take place in December or January and/or May or June for undergraduate students.

Foundation year

An additional preparatory year before the start of a degree program, designed to provide essential knowledge and skills to students who may need extra support.

Freshers' week/welcome week

The initial week of the academic year features orientation activities, social events, and introductions to university life.

Gap year

A break typically taken by students between finishing high school and starting university, often spent traveling, working, or engaging in volunteer activities.

Halls of residence

Another term for student dormitories. Halls of residence, commonly referred to as ‘halls’, offer various room options and communal facilities, fostering a sense of community among residents. These can be owned by the university or private companies. Within the UK, it is typical for students to have a private bedroom with options for personal bathrooms (ensuite). Halls can be catered (food provided like a meal plan) or self-catered (kitchen provided to complete your own cooking).

International orientation

A period, often just before the start of the academic term, where international students are invited to campus for sessions covering information relevant to them such as visa compliance, setting up bank accounts, UK laws and more. Not all institutions will provide this however London Metropolitan University does. 

Internship/placement

A period of work experience related to a student's field of study, providing practical skills and insights into the industry.

Lecture

A formal, instructor-led presentation or talk on a specific subject, usually delivered to a large group of students.

Library resources

Various materials and services are available to students in a university library, including books, journals, electronic databases and study spaces.

Module

A self-contained unit of study within a course, often with its own set of learning objectives, assessment methods, and academic credit value. In other countries, this is referred to as a 'class'.

Module handbook

A document outlining details of a specific academic module, including objectives, assessment methods, reading lists, and other relevant information.

Open day

An event hosted by universities to showcase their campus, facilities, and academic programs, allowing prospective students to explore and gather information. You can see all upcoming London Metropolitan University open days and campus tours on our events page.

Optional modules

Another term for an elective. Optional modules allow students to choose which classes they would like to attend. These are often still within their subject area but allow students to select where they would like to specialise. The students are often told how many optional modules they can take per year. As a generalisation, within the UK, undergraduate courses start with more core modules, and as students progress through the years, more optional modules become available to them. London Metropolitan University includes a list of our course's core and optional modules on the individual course pages.

Personal tutor

An assigned academic staff member who provides guidance, support, and advice to students throughout their academic journey.

Plagiarism

The act of presenting someone else's work, ideas, or intellectual property as one's own without proper acknowledgement considered academic misconduct. This extends to the personal statement within the application.

Postgraduate

Education pursued after the completion of an undergraduate degree. Includes master's degrees, PhDs, and other advanced qualifications.

Reading week

A designated week during the term when students are encouraged to focus on independent study, catch up on reading, and prepare for upcoming assessments.

Resit/retake

The opportunity for a student to retake an exam or assessment after an initial attempt, often due to a suboptimal performance. Often marks for resits are capped at a pass rate; however, this depends on the course and institution.

Sandwich/ placement year

A year within an undergraduate degree where students undertake work placements or study abroad to gain practical experience in their field, often between Year 2 and 3.

Scholarship

An award granted to students based on academic merit, talent, or other criteria. Scholarships may cover tuition fees, living expenses, or both. You can review London Metropolitan University’s scholarships on our funding pages.

Semester

A division of the academic year, usually consisting of two terms. Within the UK, universities typically use a three-term or two-semester system. London Metropolitan University uses the three-term system.

Seminar

A collaborative and interactive session where students engage in discussions, debates, and group activities related to the course material often led by a lecturer or facilitator.

Student Loan

Financial assistance provided to students for tuition fees and living expenses, often offered by government or private institutions. Domestic students use funding such as Student Finance England whereas international students may be able to access this from their home countries such as US federal loans.

Student society/club

An organisation run by and for students, focusing on shared interests, hobbies, or activities. Societies provide opportunities for socialisation and personal development.

Student support services

Resources and services provided by universities to assist students with academic, personal, or emotional challenges. London Metropolitan University offers services such as counselling, disability and dyslexiacareers and more. We also have a dedicated international and adviceteam.

Students' Union

An organisation representing students within a university, providing services, support, and organising social and recreational activities.

Term

A specific period of the academic year, typically divided into three terms (autumn, spring, and summer). Within the UK, universities typically use a three-term or two-semester system. London Metropolitan University uses the three-term system.

Transcript

A record of a student's academic performance detailing courses taken, grades received, and other relevant information.

Tutorial

A small-group session, often led by a tutor, focusing on discussion, clarification of course material, and addressing students' questions.

Undergraduate

Refers to the level of education that comes before a student earns their first degree. Undergraduate programs typically include bachelor's degrees.

For additional London Metropolitan University specific terms please see our glossary

We've crafted this guide to provide students, educators, counsellors and stakeholders with a comprehensive understanding of the English education system. This resource aims to shed light on the academic journey that domestic peers typically undertake before entering higher education. It's important to note that while this guide offers a general overview, variations exist within the UK system, with differences present among individual institutions.

The English education system is designed to facilitate a seamless transition from foundational learning to specialised studies. With a pronounced focus on cultivating critical thinking and subject expertise, particularly evident at Key Stage 5, students are well-prepared for the crucial stages of course selection and specialisation in higher education. Unlike some systems, the English approach does not employ a GPA system; instead, it relies on standardised tests to assess students' academic progression.

Primary school (elementary school)

The foundation years focus on holistic development, building fundamental literacy, numeracy, and social interaction skills. One homeroom teacher typically teaches students all subjects.

  • Key Stage 1 (Reception [Kindergarten] to Year 2) Ages 4 – 7 years.
    Introduction to core subjects, establishing a solid academic foundation. Students sit SATs in reading and math in Year 2.
  • Key Stage 2 (Year [grade] 3-6) Ages 7 – 11 years.
    Further academic development, emphasising critical thinking and communication skills. Students sit SATs in reading, grammar, punctuation, spelling, and math in Year 6.

Secondary school (high school)

Students are offered a broadening of subject choice, fostering curiosity and developing a well-rounded academic profile. Multiple teachers with subject specialisms typically teach them.

  • Key Stage 3 (Year 7-9) Ages 11 – 14 years.
    Introduction to additional subjects with a deepening of academic skills before selecting their GCSEs. Students no longer sit SATs at the end of year 9, instead focusing on informal teacher assessments and preparing for GCSE selection.
  • Key Stage 4 (Year 10-11) Ages 14 – 16 years.
    Students select approximately 8-12 subjects to study for their GCSEs. These must include English and Maths, and many schools require students to take specific subjects such as science, IT, etc. GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) exams are standardised tests, externally marked and typically taken at the end of Year 11. GCSEs are marked 9-1, with 9 being the highest score. GCSEs were previously marked A*-E.

Many universities will require students to have a grade of C/4+ in GCSE English and maths, with others requesting specific grades in other subjects as part of their admission offers.

Sixth Form / College

A sixth form is typically attached to a high school where students can continue their studies. Alternatively, students may choose to attend a college, which tends to be a larger institution with more vocational options available.

  • Key Stage 5 (Year 12-13) Ages 16 – 18 years.
    Students specialise in an academic or vocational area, studying A-Levels, BTECs, T-Levels or other vocational options. These assessments are used for students to apply to higher education or employment. Each institution will offer a variety of qualifications and subjects. Many will require students to have received a specific grade in the subject at GCSE to participate. 
    • A Levels – Students typically study three subjects with assessments (typically exams) completed at the end of Year 13. These are standardised tests externally marked, and students receive their results in August of Year 13. Students are awarded grades A*- E or U (ungraded).
    • BTECs – Students typically study one subject and are continually assessed throughout their studies.
      Students are awarded with distinction*, distinction, merit, pass or fail and receive their results in August of Year 13.
    • T Levels – A newer qualification focused on vocation, students focus on one subject area and split their time 80% in a learning environment and 20% in an industry placement. Students are awarded with distinction*, distinction, merit, pass or fail.

University admissions offers are typically based on students' Key Stage 5 qualifications. Universities will either ask for a specific grade, e.g. three A-Levels at BBB or Tariff points, e.g. UCAS Tariff points 120.

UCAS Tariff points serve as a numerical representation of different qualifications and grades, converting them into a standardised value. You can use the UCAS tariff calculator to review how much each qualification and grade is worth.

University (higher education)

The English higher education system comprises universities and higher educational institutions. Undergraduate (bachelor) courses are the student's first degree, and postgraduate (graduate) courses are completed after a student has graduated from their undergraduate degree. 

Undergraduate

Three-year programmes with no general education requirements. Students select their course at the point of application, focusing and specialising within that one area for the entirety of their studies. Some universities offer joint honours courses where students can combine two subjects (typically a 50/50 split). The academic year typically runs from mid-September to mid-June, with long breaks for Christmas and Easter. Most students will complete their degree at one institution, with transfers (whilst possible) being uncommon.   

  • Foundation year – This acts as a Year 0. Students can gain foundational knowledge of their field before entering the full three-year degree programme. This is particularly useful to students who may lack the required subject-specific knowledge, whose grades are below what is needed to enter into year one, or who wish to increase their academic skills such as in English language.
  • Year 1 – Students gain broad knowledge about the course and subject with different modules in critical areas. Many universities do not include the grades from the first year in your final mark (however, you do need to pass the year to progress).
  • Year 2 – Students start to specialise further within their subjects, selecting modules of their choice and specific interests.
  • Year 3 – Students specialise further within their subject. Most courses require a significant final project or dissertation on a topic of their choice.
  • Sandwich/placement/study abroad year – Some universities offer students the chance to work or study abroad. This is typically taken between Years 2 and 3. Alternatively, universities may allow students to complete a semester abroad in Year 2 or work placements as part of their three-year course.

Postgraduate

These courses are completed after students have completed their undergraduate programme. There are a variety of postgraduate courses available.

  • Postgraduate taught – These include diplomas, certificates, and master's degrees. Full-time master's degrees typically take 12 months, from mid-September to August, with students completing a large project or dissertation over the summer.
  • Postgraduate research – These can include research degrees and doctorates, including PhDs. They can vary significantly in length.
  • Conversion degrees – These help students to enter a profession they may not have studied at undergraduate or can have a clear vocational focus such as PGGE (teaching).
  • Professional qualifications – A large number of postgraduate-level qualifications are available to help people progress in their careers.

Read our international FAQs for information on visas, funding, applying, studying and living in London. 

What is UCAS and how does it work?

UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) is the centralised service that students use to apply to undergraduate courses in the UK.

How do I send a teacher's reference to London Met?

You can send a teacher's reference to London Met directly through the UCAS system when supporting a student's application. You will need to be set up as a UCAS centre and ensure the student links their account to your institution via a buzzword. Alternatively, if you are not a UCAS centre, the student will need to add your email address, and you will be contacted to provide a reference.

What should I include in a UCAS reference?

A UCAS reference should provide a detailed and supportive statement about the student's suitability for the chosen course of study. UCAS has recently updated the format. The reference is now divided into:

  1. general statement about school
  2. extenuating circumstances
  3. supportive information about the applicant for the course

You can find examples and guides on the UCAS website.

Can a student apply directly or must they use UCAS?

International applicants wanting to study full-time can choose to apply via UCAS or directly to the University.

Can London Met representatives visit our school for information sessions?

Yes, representatives from London Met are available for visits (online and in person) to provide information sessions. We have staff across the globe, please see the events and workshop tab above for more detailed information.

Can I come and explore the campus?

Yes, international counsellors can book a campus tour or bring a school group by messaging international@londonmet.ac.uk. Prospective students can attend our events or book an international student campus tour.

Our international students

 
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