The UK Education System
The UK education system has a world-wide reputation for quality, with universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, University College London (UCL) and Imperial College London consistently ranked in the world’s top ten. By studying at DLD College London, you will be provided with an unrivaled opportunity to gain entry to the best universities the UK has to offer and make the very best start to your career.
There are different paths to a university degree in the UK and DLD College London provides all of these to suit individual needs and preferences.
Join us on an exciting academic journey in which we will support you, challenge you and encourage you. Above all, we will ensure you achieve your goals and make the most of your opportunity to study in a country where education carries lifelong international value.
Explaining UK Qualifications
A Level (Advanced Level) courses can be studied over two years or 18 months. Students are usually aged between 16 – 19 years, and study 3 or 4 subjects. Grades are awarded from A* down to E. A Level courses are the most commonly used qualifications for entry to UK universities.
The International Foundation Programme (IFP) is a one year course specifically designed for direct access to study at UK universities. Students can choose to focus on different subjects specific pathways: Biomedical Science; Business, Accounting and Economics; Engineering; Fashion Management; Mathematics and Economics; or Music. Results are given as a percentage score out 100. A large portion of our IFP students go on to study at the elite ‘Russell Group’ of top UK universities.
GCSEs (General Certificates of Secondary Education) can be studied over one year, two year or 18 month periods. Students are usually aged 14 – 16 years on entry. Students can study up to 7 subjects, some are compulsory and some are elected. Grades range from A* down to G. GCSE courses represent the first stage on the path to a UK university. Many universities will ask for at least 5 passes at grade C or above for entry (often including GCSE Mathematics and English passes).
Examples of International GCSE Equivalent Level Qualifications
| Country | GCSE Equivalent Qualification* |
| China |
|
| Kazakhstan |
|
| Malaysia |
|
| Nigeria |
|
| Russia |
|
| United States |
|
| Vietnam |
|
*These comparisons are intended for illustrative purposes only. To discuss your qualifications further please contact a member of our college admissions team.
