Colleges in London:The Only Choice

Mar 17
09:14

2011

Dr Rosemary Skordoulis

Dr Rosemary Skordoulis

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London is a leading destination for people to study from all over the globe.

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If you are looking to study in London,Colleges in London:The Only Choice Articles you may be feeling slightly bewildered by the number of Higher Education Institutes promoting their services to you. Statistics show that 2 years ago, 426,175 students were registered at universities and colleges in London. The UK Quality Assurance Agency, funded by the Government, strictly monitors the 60 public universities and colleges in London. There are also a number of specialist Independent colleges in London which provide additional courses varying from Diplomas in Fashion Drawing to Masters in Business Administration.

Finding a Good College in London

If you are searching for colleges in London from overseas you may have made your final selection online. Please beware of bogus colleges and do the maximum amount of research possible before parting with any cash!

Make sure the college is established to give out accredited qualifications. Regrettably, sham colleges in London con many students each year by claiming to be of university status.

Institutions with UK Degree Awarding Powers

The globally acknowledged academic reputation of Higher Education in the UK is maintained by abiding by stringent directives. Acknowledgement of university status is only granted to a HEI after it has been approved by a division of the UK QAA, ACDAP.

The HEI can only issue certified qualifications independently and be listed as a Recognized Body by the DBIS after it has been approved by ACDAP.

Look Out for Bogus Colleges in London

As a rule Independent colleges do not have the authority to issue their own UK degrees, unlike universities, and are not obligated by law to be monitored by an external quality agency. As a prospective International student applying to study a UK degree at any of the private colleges in London, it is essential to be aware of any warning signs by carrying out your research before making an application.

Warning Signs

* Do not approach any private college without accreditation from an independent external quality agency such as the British Accreditation Council (BAC).

* Ensure the college is recorded by DBIS as a Listed Body, and affiliated with a recognized UK university.

* Check the awarding body used by the college is internationally recognized.

* Check the Register of Regulated Qualifications (OFQUAL) to see that the college is awarding accredited qualifications by an approved qualification organization such as Edexcel.

* Beware if you are prospective international student requiring a visa of colleges which are not recorded on the UK Border Agency list of approved sponsors.

* Colleges which do not have Tier 4 licences certified by the UK BA cannot legitimately give out supporting visa documents, or CAS letters.

It is undeniable that there is a broad spectrum of courses and colleges in London to choose from providing a host of opportunities, however to ensure you get the best learning experience from one of the leading cities for study in the world, make sure you do your homework first.