https://www.bentleystudy.com/blog daily 0.75 2024-09-05 https://www.bentleystudy.com/blog/my-journey-ehinomen monthly 0.5 2024-09-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62c44d82b7dfb97c3b5475ba/5de00ae5-df61-46e3-a4f5-95a3f2f8fe6d/WhatsApp+Image+2024-08-01+at+23.05.56.jpg Blog - My Journey To The UK: Ehinomen - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62c44d82b7dfb97c3b5475ba/b3bb9a1f-609c-4061-ad7a-f0c570c27988/WhatsApp+Image+2024-08-01+at+23.05.56+%281%29.jpg Blog - My Journey To The UK: Ehinomen - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62c44d82b7dfb97c3b5475ba/5f6f8177-982e-4e1c-9eb4-2eef1d6e7bd6/WhatsApp+Image+2024-08-01+at+23.05.34.jpg Blog - My Journey To The UK: Ehinomen - Make it stand out Ehinomen is currently finishing her MSc Finance at the University of Bath. https://www.bentleystudy.com/blog/too-early-or-too-late monthly 0.5 2023-09-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62c44d82b7dfb97c3b5475ba/1687608661953-33O1HY2G9KNFR6XQYX64/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Too Early.. Or Too Late! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.bentleystudy.com/blog/diversity-doesnt-matter-until-it-does monthly 0.5 2023-05-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62c44d82b7dfb97c3b5475ba/1ad90f72-c7b8-4798-95ad-7d274df5b343/unsplash-image-AcWC8WuCQ_k.jpg Blog - Diversity Doesn’t Matter.. Until it Does! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.bentleystudy.com/blog/blog-post-one-5l3z6 monthly 0.5 2024-08-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62c44d82b7dfb97c3b5475ba/0eebae62-af0c-4db4-8dba-c0f1daa45039/unsplash-image-pElSkGRA2NU.jpg Blog - Looking After Your Pennies As An International Student https://www.bentleystudy.com/home daily 1.0 2024-05-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62c44d82b7dfb97c3b5475ba/1657789250857-GIS025JSXNVMHHSW5MIQ/unsplash-image-6ie6OjshvWg.jpg Home - Service and Support Choosing the right UK university and course for your international study experience may be one of the biggest decisions and investments you have ever made. Informed decision making and good preparation can help ensure your investment of time and finances is worthwhile. BENTLEY GSC offers not only administrative support with the university and visa application process, but just as importantly, online assistance and expertise in helping you navigate the decision-making and preparations towards study in the UK. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62c44d82b7dfb97c3b5475ba/1659788268005-KZIFTQNDQNUIT53TNZES/unsplash-image-hPKTYwJ4FUo.jpg Home - Your Course The UK offers a wide range of options, whether you’re building on an existing academic background or career, or moving into a new direction. Knowing your options and understanding potential career paths is an important part of your journey. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62c44d82b7dfb97c3b5475ba/1659788245823-ROOAKUVIAO974U2U30A9/unsplash-image-T3uKisfmABY.jpg Home - The Right University We support students to range of universities in the UK, each with their own strengths and offerings. There are so many things to think about - campus vs city, ranking, affordability, teaching and assessment as well as your location within the UK. At Bentley GSC we have expert knowledge in all these aspects and we can help you figure out your priorities and make recommendations of best-fit options. https://www.bentleystudy.com/finding-your-course daily 0.75 2023-09-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62c44d82b7dfb97c3b5475ba/f0fabf09-c3d3-4c0b-9a34-c989f87fed96/unsplash-image-5LvC-QX0OOc.jpg Finding Your Course - Undergraduate Pathway Undergraduate pathway courses - the most common being International Foundation, lead into a UK undergraduate degree. Some are provided by universities directly, others are through partners or independent schools. Foundation courses usually start in September or January and last for 9 months or more. Undergraduate Degree An undergraduate degree in the UK most often lasts 3 years for most courses, but sometimes longer. UCAS is the most common application method, but some universities also accept direct applications. Usually UK universities are looking for A-Levels, IB qualifications or US AP’s for entry onto undergraduate degrees, but most institutions also accept a range of international foundations. Previous study at university level can also help to gain admission. Enrolment starts in September for the vast majority of undergraduate courses. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62c44d82b7dfb97c3b5475ba/fc23ac57-9d5d-40cb-9d07-14508d76b9cf/unsplash-image-W3Jl3jREpDY.jpg Finding Your Course - Masters Degree Masters courses in the UK typically last for one year. Most courses start in September but some universities also have other start dates - e.g. January. A masters course gives you the opportunity to build on your existing knowledge or take your career in a new direction. For example “conversion courses” allow you to study a subject without necessarily having a previous background in that area. The standard format of the programme is to have two semesters of classes and to do a dissertation in the third term. Most but not all masters courses follow this format. Some masters offer classes instead of the dissertation and others offer will have work placements built into the course. Application is usually direct through the university website. For many UK universities the application is free, but some have a nominal charge. PhD Unlike most degree or masters courses a PhD does not have set requirement criteria that allow you to know whether you will be admitted. A PhD should be extremely specialised and the research should make a unique contribution to academia. The application process can either require you to submit a research proposal (often the case with Humanities or Social Sciences) or for you to apply to contribute research to a pre-defined project (often the case for a PhD in Science or Health). Universities will usually expect PhD candidates to have a Masters but this is not always a necessity. It is usually important that applicant have existing academic research experience though, even if this was gained during an undergraduate degree. PhD’s in the UK last a minimum of 3 years. https://www.bentleystudy.com/about-2 daily 0.75 2022-07-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62c44d82b7dfb97c3b5475ba/c5097876-da9b-41cd-9578-5dd4dcd4c644/MB+Profile.jpg About Draft - Fostering Talent and Valuing Exptertise Working in international education for over 15 years has truly been a privaledge. I have been inspired by the many indifviduals I have known and I’m proud to have played a role in so many people’s overseas study journey. Few would deny the benefites and value that an overseas university education can bring and the UK has some of the most highly reputed instutions in the world. Despite this I really dont think that prospective students should jump in without precaution, preparation and careful decision-making. Unless you have studied overseas before, it can be challening to navigate the journey to your study destination. There are so many choices and variables to consider and even the most basic questions of “How much will it cost?”, “Where can I live” and “What will my work prospects be?” may not have simple answers. For many, choosing to study at a universtiy oversesas may be the biggest choice and investment they have made in their lives thus far. I that its worth making informed and wise choices and that being well prepared can help ensure success of your investment of time and finances. At Bentley GSC, not only do we offer administratie support with the university and visa application process, but we offer expertise in helping serious and focused applicants navigate the decision-making and preparations towards study in the UK. Provided you are a serious and focused student and provided we have the capacity as we expand our organisation, we can offer free support at no cost to you. We look forward to your future success! — Mark Bentley Founder Director, Bentley GSC https://www.bentleystudy.com/uk-universities-1 daily 0.75 2023-09-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62c44d82b7dfb97c3b5475ba/1659798090387-VIQRLJ7CLCZ0NLVIDQR3/unsplash-image-5iU2A4fW6YA.jpg UK Universities - Rankings Rankings can be an important consideration when selecting the best university options for you. Unless you are very familiar with the UK, you might not be aware of every university name and the academic reputation it carries, so rankings can give you a good indication of an institution’s standing. Despite this, its also worth keeping in mind that yearly rankings do change from year to year, so it can be best to think of them just as a rough guide. You may also want to think about what any given ranking is based on, and how important those metrics are to you. Some of the most famous rankings for UK universities are The Times/The Sunday Times, The Complete University Guide and the Guardian university rankings. You may also want to consider the REF (Research Excellence Framework) and TEF (Teaching Excellence Framework.) Bentley GSC can provide ranking information and make recommendations based on your preferences and academic background. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62c44d82b7dfb97c3b5475ba/a899a947-2264-4b09-b4d1-e6dc0f654be0/unsplash-image-qmi2FHpXjuc.jpg UK Universities - Admissions Requirements UK Universities usually specify their main academic guideline requirements for any given course. For example if you are looking to apply for a masters course, many universities will ask for a 2:1 in your degree, or equivalent, depending on your university’s and country’s usual grading system. Most but not all masters courses do not ask for work experience and regard an undergraduate degree as the most important requirement for admission. You can also check whether there are subject requirements in your degree without making any assumptions on whether the course is open to you. As well as your qualification certifications and grades/transcripts, university will often ask for a personal statement and references. Depending on your background and the course, many also ask for some form of documentation certifying your ability in English language. At Bentley GSC we are able to use our existing knowledge and to do research on your behalf to help you navigate the whole admissions process. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62c44d82b7dfb97c3b5475ba/43b78ec9-a181-4f1d-b2c5-9f6dbacef103/unsplash-image-JBJmXBiCBPk.jpg UK Universities - Location and Environment The university and location you choose can make a big difference on the experience you will have in the UK. Each destination has something to offer but finding the best environment for you can help to make sure you thrive and have a positive experience. Its worth thinking about whether you might prefer to be on a campus or at a university that is integrated within a city or town. Campus universities can be very attractive in terms of safety, convenience and ease of making friends. On the other hand some people like the buzz of being in an urban space and want to immerse themselves in a UK city. Or perhaps you don’t want to be in a city at all? UK universities range from huge city locations like London to very rural remote spots and plenty that are in between those extremes. Though the UK is a relatively small set of countries, its also worth considering which region might suite you. If you have friends or relatives that you’d like to be near to, then don’t underestimate the journeys that might be involved. Also consider whether you have a preference to be in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. Even if you don’t have a clear idea of these factors, Bentley GSC will be happy to give you help and advice. https://www.bentleystudy.com/contact-us daily 0.75 2024-07-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62c44d82b7dfb97c3b5475ba/1657817675951-HBOMVLGB8BXS37IZMCNN/unsplash-image-Nv-vx3kUR2A.jpg Contact Us - Contact Future Students: If you’re interested in support with university applications, please apply, using the form below. Universities / Educational Organisations: Please contact Mark Bentley by emailing info@bentleystudy.com https://www.bentleystudy.com/finances-copy daily 0.75 2023-09-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62c44d82b7dfb97c3b5475ba/1659712335022-W0ZW4PVVT8T10FN0LNT8/unsplash-image-IgUR1iX0mqM.jpg Finances - Tuition Fees Tuition fees are the university course costs and do not include university accommodation or any other living costs. Some UK universities will ask you to pay in a lump sum but others may have termly or monthly payment plans. Most UK universities ask international students to pay a deposit towards tuition fees in advance, before issuing a CAS visa sponsorship. On average, mid-range UK tuition fees are £15,000 to £20,000 per year, but they can vary a lot depending on the course and university. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62c44d82b7dfb97c3b5475ba/1659887462052-SZHMETKYIRSXOCBB9WBE/unsplash-image-98Elr-LIvD8.jpg Finances Scholarships UK universities offer a range of scholarships, most often in the form of a partial discount in tuition fees. You usually need to apply for the actual course first and receive an offer, before then applying for a scholarship, or sometimes being considered or even automatically awarded. Scholarships will usually be within criteria such as your course, faculty or your nationality. There are also a range of funding and scholarship opportunities from other organisations, such as the Chevening Scholarship, Commonwealth Scholarships or Mastercard Foundation Scholarship. Bentley GSC can guide you on the scholarship opportunities available to you. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62c44d82b7dfb97c3b5475ba/612b0a3e-8115-4ced-b800-5acd4577e26e/unsplash-image-dSdGjecqhKA.jpg Finances - Living Costs At the time of writing the UK government say that you need £1,023 per month in living costs for universities outside London. The rate for inside London is £1,334 per month. These figures relate to the financial requirement as part of a Student Visa application. Make sure to check the UK government website at https://www.gov.uk/student-visa/money as these amounts are subject to change. Of course your costs may depend on many factors, such as your needs, lifestyle, accommodation and location. “Which?” is a trusted brand in the UK, giving consumer choice information. It has a useful online resource giving a breakdown of costs for students at any given UK university: https://www.which.co.uk/money/university-and-student-finance/student-budget-calculator Most international students are under a UK Student Visa sponsored by the university. This means they are usually permitted to work for up to 20 hours per week during term time and can work full time in vacations or after the period of study has ended. Be sure to get in touch with us for further information on living costs. https://www.bentleystudy.com/about daily 0.75 2024-05-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62c44d82b7dfb97c3b5475ba/cef56976-cef7-41e8-b0a9-488b2cdb15e4/IMG_6877.jpg https://www.bentleystudy.com/application-requirements daily 0.75 2023-05-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62c44d82b7dfb97c3b5475ba/1659798090387-VIQRLJ7CLCZ0NLVIDQR3/unsplash-image-5iU2A4fW6YA.jpg Application Requirements - Checking you meet the Requirements Most UK unviersity course pages will give details on eligiblity for application - usually under an “Entry Requirements” section. Look for the grade requirement e.g. 2:1 (Second Class Upper) in a degree and whether a specific subject background is mentioned e.g. “first degree in an economics related subject”. If no subject background is mentioned you can assume that any degree major at the specified grade is acceptable. A degree and an English language certification are usually the two fundamental qualifications you need for a place on a UK masters course. However some courses will have other requirements such as work experience, a portfolio or an interview. In all cases other documentation such as reference letter(s), a personal statement, passport copy or a CV will also be requested. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62c44d82b7dfb97c3b5475ba/a899a947-2264-4b09-b4d1-e6dc0f654be0/unsplash-image-qmi2FHpXjuc.jpg Application Requirements - English Language The UK immigration authority UKVI put less ownness on universities to check English language ability for a list of countries that they regard as English-speaking. This is a short list and at the time of writing (Dec 2022) does not include any African anglophone countries such as Nigeria, Ghana or Kenya. For this reason, UK universities have to make their own judgements and there are a range of admission policies on accepted English language qualifications. Some universities insist one of the UKVI’s Secure English Language Test (SELT) certificates - the most well-known being IELTS. Other universities will accept other tests and many will recognise African tests such as WAEC, NECO or KCSE. Universities may also recognise that your degree is taught in English in order to assess you as meeting their requirements. The most failsafe route to ensuring you meet English language requirements is to sit a SELT test, e.g. UKVI accepted IELTS within two years of your intended university enrolment. However, you can usually make the inititial application to UK universities without an English language test, so some applicants decide to wait to see if they need the test, depending on which university they settle on. You may save time and money if it turns out you dont need the test for your chosen course, or your plans change. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62c44d82b7dfb97c3b5475ba/43b78ec9-a181-4f1d-b2c5-9f6dbacef103/unsplash-image-JBJmXBiCBPk.jpg Application Requirements - Required Documentation The university and location you choose can make a big difference on the experience you will have in the UK. Each destination has something to offer but finding the best environment for you can help to make sure you thrive and have a postive experience. Most univesities will need the following documents, however you may not need all of this documentation to make the initial application: -University degree certificate(s) -University transcripts -English language certification -At least one reference/recommendation -Personal statement -Any professional certificates -School certificates, e.g. WAEC or NECO -CV -Passport copy You can often make the application without all of the above and universities will allow you to submit it subsequently. Often universities will make a Conditional Offer based on the conditions of receiving missing documentation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62c44d82b7dfb97c3b5475ba/a899a947-2264-4b09-b4d1-e6dc0f654be0/unsplash-image-qmi2FHpXjuc.jpg Application Requirements - References There is some good guidance examples on references requirements on the two pages below - https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/supporting - https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/courses/apply-pg/doc-requirements-explained.aspx Typically one reference is required, but some courses may require two or not require any. References can be in two forms. Universities may ask for one of the following, but many accept either form of reference: A letter submitted online by the applicant or agent Details of the referee - to be contacted directly References Guidelines: Universities usually prefer academic references if you have been at university in recent years - i.e a reference from one of your professors/tutors/lecurers during your degree. Reference letters need to be on headed paper and signed and dated. Whenever providing email addresses of referees - either as a contact or on the letter itself, it is usually required for the email address to be official, i.e. not @gmail, @hotmail etc. The referee should mention how long they have known you and in what capacity. The referee can make general comments about ability, strengths and suitability to undertake postgraduate study, but if it can include your ability in English language that can be helpful as some universities will accept this towards your English language requirement. Most universities dont need a separate reference for each application - so if you can obtain a general reference letter without mentioning the name of the university applied for, you should be able to use it again and again. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62c44d82b7dfb97c3b5475ba/1669982036254-ZLOZATVGF3VNP9BVEQET/unsplash-image-Nv-vx3kUR2A.jpg Application Requirements - Bentley GSC Support The information on this page is a general guide, but Bentley GSC can support and be on hand to answer questions during the whole process. https://www.bentleystudy.com/norwich-study-centre daily 0.75 2023-07-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62c44d82b7dfb97c3b5475ba/fb2adccb-b5c7-4946-ab42-2c6bce8e7894/NSC+logo+%282019%29+%28RGB%29+%28Expand%29+copy11-Green-reduced.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62c44d82b7dfb97c3b5475ba/38f055da-d80c-4132-a28f-04e7b043d20e/About+Us+front+of+school+%282%29.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62c44d82b7dfb97c3b5475ba/97e2540f-9529-459f-9372-6630f9e7c10f/image-asset.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62c44d82b7dfb97c3b5475ba/208252ca-c63e-4e62-8a17-327b99d37937/image-asset.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62c44d82b7dfb97c3b5475ba/1690105961036-04XVI1UEHOK5YOLMCTO1/image-asset.jpeg https://www.bentleystudy.com/references daily 0.75 2024-03-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62c44d82b7dfb97c3b5475ba/f7528d28-09c1-4c37-911c-bfd4ce6cc63d/image-asset.jpg Guide To References - Typical Reference Requirements Each university may have there own reference requirements. Typically one reference is required, but some courses may require two or even not require any. The form of refrerence accepted can also vary, they can either be:: A letter submitted online by the applicant or agent Details of the referee - to be contacted directly Here are some other points to keep in mind: Basic Requirements for PDF/Scanned Letters: Reference letters need to be on headed paper and signed, dated and with the job title and contact details of the referee. Use Your Reference Repeatedly: If you can obtain one letter that is addressed “To Whom it May Concern” it can make life a lot easier. Academic or Work References? UK Universities usually prefer academic references if you have graduated recently, e.g. in the last 3 years. Email Addresses: These should be official e.g. with a university or company domain as opposed to @gmail, @hotmail etc. Content: The referee should mention how long they have known you, in what capacity and preferably explaining why they are recommending you, e.g. general comments about ability, strengths and suitability to undertake postgraduate study. English Language: If the referee mentions your ability in English language this can be helpful - it it is an academic reference that can confirm your entire course was taught in English this will sometimes satisfy UK universities’ English language requirements. There is some good guidance on reference requirements on this page https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/postgraduate/supporting https://www.bentleystudy.com/personal-statements daily 0.75 2024-03-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/62c44d82b7dfb97c3b5475ba/1709719511630-3217KAZ23XBG70Y0ZJ3O/image-asset.jpeg Guide To Personal Statements - Personal Statements for UK Masters Applications Each university may have their own requirements for a Personal Statement (PS), but below is a general guideline applicable for most masters course applications. Length: Many universities ask you to write approximately 500 words and some will have a word count limit at around this amount. Introduce Yourself: You might open the PS with a little about your background, e.g. where you are from or what your current job is. You don’t need to go into too much detail on this though. Reasons for choosing the course/subject: Explain why you are interested in this subject or why it suits you. Relevant Background: If you have any study/work/voluntary experience relevant to your application your PS is a good chance to outline it, particularly if its not something that is already apparent in your other application documents. Reasons for choosing this particular course: For each PS, include at least one paragraph on what interests you about this course at this university. You may want to mention specific course modules, strengths of the department or anything that attracted you to this university more generally. If you are applying for several similar courses you can adapt this paragraph for each PS. Future plans: Explain what do you hope to gain from the course and study experience in general? Keep it simple: In most cases the PS is just used as a check to see that you are a serious applicant, that you understand what the course is and that you are a reasonably good fit. Save more time and attention for scholarship applications than your PS. https://www.bentleystudy.com/donate daily 0.75 2025-05-09