Universities in Great BritainThere are 46 universities in Britain. The oldest and best-known universities are located in Oxford, Cambridge, London, Manchester, Liverpool, Edinburgh, Bristol, and Birmingham. Oxford & Cambridge Universities date back from the 12th and 13th centuries. They are known all over the world and are the oldest and most prestigious universities in Britain. They are often called collectively Oxbridge, but both of them are completely independent. Good A-level results in at least 2 subjects are necessary to get a place at a university. However, good exam passes alone are not enough. Universities choose their students after interviews. After three or four years of study a university graduate will leave with the Degree of Bachelor of Arts, Science, Engineering, Medicine, etc. Later he may continue to take Master’s Degree and then a Doctor’s Degree. There are about 30 Polytechnics in Great Britain. The Polytechnics, like the universities, offer first and higher degrees. Some of them offer full-time and sandwich courses (for working students). Some school leavers at the age of 16 may go to a further education college where they can follow a course in typing, engineering, town planning, cooking, or hairdressing, full-time or part-time. Further education colleges have strong ties with commerce and industry. There’s an interesting form of studies which is called the Open University. It has a correspondence system and is particularly designed for adults who missed the opportunity to study earlier or who are interested in some particular subjects. The Open University is free of charge.
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