EducationUK Guidance Counsellor Handbook_US version 2014-2015 Handbook: USA Version | Page 14

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College and University Guidance Counselor Handbook

Academic culture
UK degrees are designed to encourage students
to develop independence and individuality. Great
emphasis is placed on the value of self expression and
originality, and students are encouraged to develop
their own opinions early on in their degree program.

Students will engage in practical work as well as
learning factual and theoretical data. Both are
important foundations for all degree programs and
students are encouraged to develop a critical approach
alongside their own perspective. UK Universities help
students to understand the context of the subject they
are learning.

College and University Guidance Counselor Handbook

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Study methods in the UK
Lectures are typically larger classes that last around one hour
where a lecturer/tutor will guide students through the course
material by explaining the main points. Lecture sizes vary
significantly. A large lecture would typically have 150 students, with
more average lectures having 60 students.

Seminars are smaller classes where a tutor and students can
discuss a topic to encourage a debate. As the class sizes are smaller
in the UK, there is often little distinction between a seminar and
a lecture.

Tutorials are meetings between a tutor and an individual/small
group of students to give more focused guidance on a student’s
past, present and future work.

Practical work is intended to give practical experiences of the
theories learnt in other classes and to develop practical skills.

Students are encouraged to take the initiative and
develop independent research and study. Help is
available for students who need it or ask for it through
tutors and support staff.

All students find the transition from high school to
university challenging, and some will adapt more easily
than others. International students sometimes have to
face different cultural as well as academic challenges,
and UK institutions have developed a supportive
environment for international students through
dedicated international student support officers
and tutors.

Workplace in a work environment under the supervision of
a professional.

Independent learning and group study is required by courses and
will require students to work on their own and in small groups to
produce work for class.

Seeking help Students are encouraged to go to their lecturers if
they need help with a course. Most lecturers have dedicated hours
each week set aside to see students and many also operate opendoor policies.

Settling in
Most universities will host a welcome event for international
students and Freshers’ week to welcome new students.
Students are suggested to join clubs and societies to meet
friends and to make the transition easier.

Students’ Union
Students’ Unions are typically housed in their own buildings
and have social areas, shops, places to eat and drink and event
spaces. Many have banks, hairdressers and travel agents.
Student’s Unions also offer support in areas such as finance,
accommodation, disability and more.
Most Students’ Unions in the UK are represented by the National
Union of Students (NUS): www.nus.org.uk

Leadership opportunities
It is also important to help students to look beyond the degree
when choosing university and into what student life and
leadership opportunities they may have, such as:
Becoming a student representive for their program of study or
accommodation unit.
Running for office in clubs and societies, and the Students’ and
Athletics Unions.
Volunteering in the local area through the Students’ Unions.

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