University Information - London

By Mahmood Dhalla

Introduction
It is a dream for many teenagers to enrol themselves in a degree programme and qualify in a specialist subject. With tuition fees being a major factor for several students coming from the third world counties it is imperative that certain measure need to be addressed by students and their families before sending their children abroad.

Tuition fees charged by Universities have doubled then what they were 10 years ago. Average tuition fees for University students are £8000. However depending on what University one would like to study in and in many cases depending on if the subject chosen to study is an arts or a science one, fees vary from approximately £6500 to £10000. 

First and foremost I would stress with great importance that a prospective student who wishes to study abroad has to arrange his or her own finances. Though there is no harm in applying for British Universities from abroad and obtaining an offer (conditional or unconditional) it makes life a lot easier if monies were arranged first. Be it funding from parents, relatives or even a loan, one will find it a boost in morals if they knew that they have worked out their finances both tuition and living expenses.


Where to start off
First and foremost one needs to know what they want to study and at which University. By the time if you’re doing your GCSE’s you need to start questioning yourself as to where your interest lie. Is it an Art or a Science subject? Do you want to go to University because you want to or to impress other or to please your family!. The interest has to be within oneself and right from the time you are working towards you’re GCSE’s you need to see your school career advisory or your local British Council library (located in several cities all over the world). Research on the subject you want to study and more importantly speak to someone in that profession. If you are unable to speak to someone then write to:The WF, Career Education & Training Advisory Board (CETAB), which has a dedicated team of volunteers who have experienced and talented individuals who can point you in the right direction and give you useful advise. Your local Federation also has an education section, which should have careers advise. In many East African countries seminars and career events are organised within the communities which assist students in making up their minds on what they want to pursue in.

The reason why I am emphasising that you need to have a fair idea before you sit for your GCSE’s is that you can then take the right decision of taking the right A’level subjects. For many subjects, British Universities require you to pass certain specifies subjects. This is not the case with every course but it helps you prepare for your further education.

For example if one is intending to study MEDICINE at University, he or she will need to study Science subjects but if they end up studying History and Latin, it will be of no significance to their course. By taking a science subject one will note that it prepares them for their University course. Traditionally University 1st year covers basics which one may have already come across in their A’levels and hence giving students a firm start in their course.

Getting the Course details
Once you have decided on what you wish to study, you need to start gathering material on what courses are available on offer, location of such Universities, fees and most importantly the process of applying for courses at Universities. Local schools where you do you GCSE’s and A’levels provide valuable information on British Universities as well as your local British Council libraries which have copies of several University prospectuses. Alternatively the Internet provides extremely valuable information. All British Universities have their own websites. This provides in-depth information on every aspect of the University and most of them allow you to fill an on-line form to order a prospectus. Alternatively drop them an email or write to them requesting a prospectus and these are sent out free, providing colourful information on various courses, accommodation and fees.


Application 
Many schools now have facilities to assist students in University application via UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). UCAS is at the very heart of British HE, operating as the only central applications service and handling over 400,000 applications per year.


What is HE
HE (Higher Education) includes far more than just Universities. For 2001 entry, it includes colleges of HE, art and agriculture and over 80 further education colleges. In total, more than 340 institutions. 

Over 100,000 people in the 18 - 21 age group are currently engaged in HE and the Government is committed to raising this figure even higher. This is the age of mass participation in HE, and colleges and Universities are full of students from a wide range of backgrounds, age ranges and ethnic origins.


Importance of HE
Whatever you want to do in life, it is highly likely that your career opportunities will be enhanced by getting a degree or diploma from a University or College. Indeed, some professions (for example, law and medicine) have a specific requirement that all entrants must hold a relevant degree. Although a degree or equivalent qualification does not automatically guarantee landing the job of your choice, statistics show that graduates have a fifty per cent better chance of avoiding unemployment. 


When should I prepare for HE
However young you may be, it is certainly never too soon to be thinking about your future. An experienced careers officer, who regularly talks to 14 -18 year-olds, says: 

'As a youngster, it is perfectly natural to watch a TV series on a vet's practice, a celebrity chef or life in the armed forces and, for weeks afterwards, imagine yourself in that line of work. What's important, of course, is to see beyond the media hype and get a real feel for what a particular career is about. In short what skills are needed, how does the working week pan out, and, more immediately, will you be able to bring 100 per cent commitment to the HE studies that precede it?'

Whatever your intended direction, you need to choose your school studies very carefully. Some HE courses may require you to have passes in particular pre-16 qualifications, for example in Mathematics and English GCSE or SCE /SQA Standard Grade. 

Length of time of study
Usually between two and four years, depending on the qualification required, but it is increasingly possible to take HE on a part-time basis over a longer period. 


Entry qualifications for HE
A wide range of qualifications is acceptable for entry. This includes Advanced GNVQ, Edexcel/SQA diplomas, Scottish Highers, GSVQ or Access Certificates, as well as GCE Advanced (formerly referred to as A level). 


HE courses available
Britain has the biggest choice of courses in Europe with, at the last count, over 42,000 courses available through UCAS. For some popular subjects, such as business or computing, there are literally hundreds of study options. 


Type of qualifications
In terms of qualifications, the main categories are as follows: 

• Three-year degree courses leading to awards such as Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BSc)

• Four-year degree courses for many degree courses in Scotland, sandwich courses involving one year in industry, courses with a year abroad, etc.

• Two year Higher National Diploma or Diploma of Higher Education courses. These are both popular qualifications. However, some students choose to 'top up' these qualifications into a degree. In addition, some universities run special foundation courses (commonly known as Year 0 or Zero programmes) targeted at students who wish to enter specific subject areas (eg science and engineering) but do not possess the relevant entry qualifications. These courses are eligible for student loans in the usual way. In art and design, 'foundation studies' refers to a one-year pre-HE course. 

Ratings of different Colleges and Universities
This is a far from a straightforward question as priorities will vary enormously. As a prospective applicant, you may be particularly interested in whether an institution is in a big City or at a rural location, whereas another student may be more concerned about the availability of modular degrees or the number of beds in the halls of residence. In all cases, be wary of newspaper rankings of institutions. Their use of information is usually very selective and, as a result, only tells part of the story. Remember, there can never be a definitive 'best of' list, whether of music CD's, cars or universities, but it is certainly true that some UK institutions are better known than others, both in the UK and overseas. What is important is what is best for you. 

HE planning
Here's how to drive your HE study plans forward, so that you do not end up running into problems later. 

Start early
Avoid the last minute rush. Make a career action folder in which you can keep newspaper and magazine cuttings. In fact anything that will be helpful to your decision making.

Be selective
Learn how to extract what you need from reference books and prospectuses. In the case of the latter, be aware of possible marketing gloss. Think it out for yourself, only you know what you really want and this is one occasion where it is definitely not selfish to put your needs first.

Use the careers service 
Get to know your local careers service at an early stage in your research.

Do your research
Do not skimp on research. A half hearted approach could mean you pay a high price by ending up on an unsuitable course.

Become web-footed
You will find other really useful information on this site including full course search facilitites, help and advice, and links to over 200 HE prospectuses.

Personal visits
Always look before you leap. In doing so, whether at an official Open Day or on another occasion, you will be able to assess whether a course feels right for you.

Careers Conventions
A golden opportunity to chat with representatives from colleges, universities and the world of work.


For further information on the UCAS process please visit www.ucas.co.uk


Accommodation
Prices of accommodation vary depending on one’s requirement. Almost all London Universities provide halls of residence, both on and off campus depending on the location of the University. The type of such accommodation varies e.g. meal option or common bathroom and other amenities. 

In London where the Shia Ithnasheri community is alhamdulilah so large, many boys and girls coming from abroad can find accommodation such as paying guests offered by several community members. Due to nature of such accommodation many such people do not like advertising but can be contacted directly. Many such families house either boys or girls only and rates vary from 70 to 100 a week which include all meals and bills. 3-4 students live is such residence and these accommodation offer a more homely environment and the landlords and landlady offer extra facilities such as transport to the Islamic centre for majalises. 

One can shop around and rent accommodation. Usually rates depend on the location within London and will require 1-3 months deposit up front and references too. In such accommodation one will need to estimate bills and arrange to cook food themselves. Alternatively at a small cost one can purchase frozen ready meals prepared by some ladies within our community.

The London Jamaat’s Centre point facility where all the above information can be obtained. 
Details can be obtained from the Jamaat office at Telephone: 020 8954 6247 or email secretary@hujjat.org


VISA
Student Visa to study in UK requires certain criteria. Visa application varies from county to country and its advisable to check your local British Embassy well in advance. Alternatively several student come to the UK on a visitor visa over the summer and view all the Universities they have applied to and upon conformation of their results and enrolment t to a University they can switch their Visa to a student one. Full information can be obtained at the Home Office in Croydon.

Studying abroad, away from family and friends is not easy. It requires a lot of sacrifice and hard work as an extremely large investment is placed on overseas students. Not many are fortunate to for their fees to be paid by their parents and The Africa Federation in conjunction with CETAB, Career Education & Training Advisory Board (CETAB) offer valuable advise. Scholarships based on merit may also be attained. 

For any queries on this article please do not hesitate to contact Mahmood Dhala (mahmood.dhala@wcom.co.uk).


Universities near Hujjat Islamic Centre, Stanmore

WEST HERTS COLLEGE 
Watford Campus/Hempstead Rd, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD17 3EZ 
Telephone 01923 812000

Description:
West Herts College, one of the largest UK colleges, with more than 30,000 full and part time students, boasts literally of thousands of ways to help you achieve your goals. It offers a wide range of courses covering vocational subjects, ‘A’ Levels, HNDs, degrees and postgraduate study. It has close links with business and industry to ensure that the courses are up to date, facilities are state of the art and that the skills and knowledge acquired are exactly what employers are looking for.
Watford and Hemel Hempstead have excellent access to the national road, rail and air links. The M25 and M1 are only a few miles from the town centres. The London - Scotland rail network runs through the towns (Intercity trains stop at Watford and go direct to Euston, which can be reached in 20 minutes) and the major airports at Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and Luton are all within easy reach. Watford is also connected to the underground rail network through the Metropolitan line.

Student Union
All students are eligible for membership of the Student Union, which looks after student affairs, organises sporting, leisure and fun events and makes sure that students have a voice on various college committees.

Social and Sports activities
There are a number of clubs and societies for you to join. The college offers a wide range of sporting facilities at Leggatts Campus, including an indoor swimming pool, sports hall, fitness room and outdoor pitches. Activities available include swimming, basketball, trampolining, badminton, volleyball and weights. 

Refectory Services
The college refectories provide a wide range of meals, snacks and drinks at reasonable prices and to suit all tastes. 

For further information contact admissions@westherts.ac.uk or ring 01923 812525


UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER
Harrow Campus, University Of Westminster, Harrow Campus/Watford Rd, Harrow, Middlesex, HA1 3TP 

Description:
The Harrow Campus was designed as the University’s showcase for those creative and business disciplines at the cutting edge of the information society. It provides state of the art facilities and a new hall of residence in an exciting and safe environment close to the lively Harrow town centre. It is easy to reach from the M25 and Heathrow Airport, offering all the advantages of a campus university and yet being close to London.

The Harrow Campus is home to Harrow Business School, the School of Communication and Creative Industries and Harrow School of Computer Science. If your course is based here, everything you need will be at hand. There are broadcast quality TV and radio studios, professional level photography and music studios, and advanced computing laboratories with, for example, Silicon Graphics workstations. Over 1,000 computers are linked through a high-speed fibre optic network to a multimedia Intranet and to the World Wide Web.

Under one roof in the Learning Resource Centre you can use computers for access to the full range of software and the Internet, AV aids for preparing presentations and dissertations, and a complete library service.

There are multimedia booths for listening and viewing, a self-access language room, a training suite, and a post production suite for audio and video editing.

With over 5,000 students at the Harrow Campus, the social life is buzzing. The students union is always busy. There is a 220-seat auditorium for events, a gig venue and an open air performance court. The sports hall has a new fitness suite, and you can eat well in the Food Court. The health service, advice on housing, finance and personal matters, students’ union and careers service are all on site.

Subject to the requirements of the course and any pre requisites or access constraints, you may choose modules taught at any Campus of the University and you may use any library, sports or social facility.

On campus: Street Café, large cafeteria. Sports hall and gym, 468-bed hall of residence (ensuite) shops
Special features: Learning Resource Centre

Accomodation
The Harrow hall of residence has 468 study bedrooms with en suite facilities, divided into flats for six people. All rooms are fully networked. Overlooking playing fields, the hall has a large common room, a games room and launderette. Shops on campus include an academic bookshop, SU general store and specialist art supplies shop. You are only a short walk from a major supermarket and Harrow town centre. There you will find major retail stores, a civic centre, an arts centre and a multiplex cinema. Home of the famous Harrow School, with its memories of the poet Lord Byron, the nearby Harrow on the Hill is an historic village offering a richly contrasting atmosphere. If you feel like something different, it is only a short journey by direct underground train to visit any of London's major galleries, or board a river boat for a trip down the Thames.

The Harrow Campus has been specially designed to give full access to those with physical disabilities. 

The hall of residence has some rooms converted for wheelchair users. You should advise the University at the time of application of any disability which might affect your studies, so that we can make necessary arrangements where possible. For further information contact the disability support co-ordinator (Harrow) on +44 (0)20 8357 7360 or the web pages www.wmin.ac.uk/ccpd/. All calls are treated confidentially.

For information on any course offered at the Harrow Campus please call:
Tel. 020 7911 5903, Fax. 020 7911 5955
Opening hours: Monday - Friday: 10.00 to 16.30

Advice evenings, covering all aspects of study, course choice, finance etc are held on the first Thursday of every month from 18.00 to 20.00. 


OTHER SCHOOLS/UNIVERSITIES NEAR THE CENTRE 

• Harrow Business School

• Communication & Creative Industries

• Harrow School Of Computer Science

• Central Hairdressing Training Academy 30 The Broadway, Stanmore
  Middlesex, HA7 4DW 020 89546679 

• University Of London Observatory 553 Watford Way, London NW7 2QS tel 020 89590421 

• Westmister College Of Business Computing Ltd 542B High Rd, Wembley, Middlesex, HA0 2AA tel 020 87955335 

• Royal Veterinary College Hawkshead House/Hawkshead La, North Mymms, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL9 7TA, tel 01707 666368

• Islamic College For Advanced Studies 133 High Rd, London NW10 2SW tel 020 84519993