In the UK, undergraduate degrees typically last for three years, while master’s programs are usually completed within one year. For Bangladeshi students aiming to enhance their English proficiency or fulfill conditional offer requirements, foundation courses and English language schools serve as valuable resources to achieve their goals.

If you’re uncertain about the appropriate academic level for your studies in the UK, we invite you to schedule a free consultation at our office. Our team of university specialists is dedicated to assisting you in identifying the ideal institution, course, and location to suit your needs and aspirations.

Available programs in UK for the Bangladeshi Students: 

Foundation: For Bangladeshi students who have completed their high school exams and have less than 13 years of education, pursuing their first degree in the UK requires completing a foundation course at a UK university or college. A foundation program is a one-year preparatory course tailored for international students who require additional English language and academic preparation before enrolling in a UK university undergraduate course.

These foundation programs are ideal for Bangladeshi students who have studied a non-British curriculum but aspire to pursue a degree at a UK university. Acting as a bridge between their current qualifications and the undergraduate entry requirements of UK universities, the foundation course aims to address academic deficiencies, enhance English language skills, and introduce students to UK life and culture to prepare them for university life.

Entry Requirements: Students who have less than a GPA of 4.00 and a minimum IELTS score of 4.5 is required for international students wishing to study a foundation, with no single element less than 4.0. If you have no formal English qualifications, you may need to attend an English language course or college prior to starting your foundation course. 

Undergraduate: Bachelor’s degrees are typically awarded after three (3) years of full-time study in the UK, except in Scotland. It will take four (4) years if the student is studying in Scotland, or the student adds a year of work experience in between their study terms, referred to as a sandwich year. Professional degrees, such as medicine, veterinary, and architecture degrees, require five (5) years of study.

In the United Kingdom, students have access to a range of course options tailored to their academic and career goals. Here are the main types of courses available:

• Typically lasting for three years, undergraduate programs provide a comprehensive foundation in a chosen field of study.
• Many undergraduate programs offer an optional additional year for industry placement (familiar as Co-op) extending the total duration to four years. During this placement, students gain valuable practical experience related to their field of study in a professional setting.
• The combination of academic study and industry placement known as placement year enhances students’ understanding of real-world applications of their learning and strengthens their employability prospects upon graduation.

Sandwich Programs:

Sandwich programs typically span a total of four years and offer a structured approach to combining academic study with practical experience.

• These programs involve two years of academic study followed by a placement or job in industry for one year. The industry placement provides students with an opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical setting and gain insights into professional practices.
• Following the placement year, students return to complete their final year of academic study, consolidating their learning and preparing for graduation.
• Sandwich programs are highly valued by employers for providing graduates with a blend of academic knowledge and practical skills, making them attractive candidates in the job market. 

Both undergraduate programs with optional placements and sandwich programs offer students the chance to gain hands-on experience through internships or industry placements, thereby enhancing their skills and increasing their employability upon completion of their studies.

Entry Requirement: HSC 4:00 GPA above with IELTS 6 with no band less than 5.5

Pre-Masters: For Bangladeshi students, a Pre-Masters program in the UK serves as preparation before starting a direct master’s degree to meet the entry requirements. These programs focus on improving English skills and developing research, academic writing and seminar abilities needed for postgraduate studies.

Courses usually last from ten weeks to twelve months, providing a strong basis for successful postgraduate study. Usually, it holds for three-months to nine months program for international students. Enrolling in a Pre-Masters program offers benefits such as enhancing English language proficiency and getting acquainted with UK teaching methods, making the transition to higher education in the UK easier. Typically, tuition fees range from £7,000 to £15,000 per year.

Entry Requirements: You must have finished an undergraduate degree with at least a pass at a recognized institution with a CGPA below 2.2 minimum and an IELTS score of 5.5 is generally required for a typical two-semester Pre-Masters.

Top Pre-Masters in the UK

UK universities are open to postgraduate students from all over the world, therefore, do not let your academic or English language proficiency hold you back. Explore some of the leading Pre-Masters programs in the UK designed to support you in meeting the required standards and succeeding in your academic journey. Learn more about some of the best Pre-Masters providers in the UK:

Masters: In the UK, after completing an undergraduate degree, students can pursue a postgraduate or master’s course. Unlike in some other countries where master’s programs last two years, in the UK, they usually only take one year. This shorter timeframe allows international students to save time and money and start their careers sooner with a respected UK postgraduate degree.

The UK hosts some of the world’s top universities, known for their excellence in teaching and research. Obtaining a postgraduate degree in the UK is highly valued by employers, offering international students a valuable opportunity to enhance their English proficiency and engage with a diverse academic community. Here’s what you can expect:

• Enhance your career prospects.
• Obtain an internationally recognized qualification.
• Potentially earn higher salaries throughout your career due to the prestige associated with a UK Masters.
• Enjoy flexibility in structuring your studies to accommodate your schedule.

According to a study conducted by the Higher Education Statistics Agency, 86 percent of students who completed a Postgraduate Masters in the UK secured full-time employment after graduation, compared to only 75 percent of undergraduate graduates.

Types of Master’s Degrees:

Taught Masters:

Taught programs typically fall into four main categories: 

• Master of Arts (MA)
• Master of Science (MSc)
• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
•  Master of Engineering (MEng)

These programs usually span 1-2 years when pursued full-time. During a taught program, students participate in weekly seminars, tutorials and lectures, similar to undergraduate studies. Assessment methods may include exams, dissertations or projects.

Research Masters:

Research degrees entail students taking greater responsibility for their work and schedule, focusing on a thesis under academic supervision. The most common research degree is the PhD, which typically takes 3-4 years to complete. Students are required to produce a thesis ranging from 60,000 to 100,000 words and defend it in an oral examination.

Other types of research degrees include the 

• Master of Science (MSc), 
• Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
• Master of Research (MRes) 

While these degrees also involve research, they are generally less academically demanding, with shorter paper requirements compared to a PhD. With this program, students can apply with dependents.