Universities and colleges

Most big towns in Britain have both a university and a college of higher education. There are 91 universities in Britain and 47 colleges of higher education. Universities offer three- and four-year degree courses; colleges of higher education offer both two-year HND (Higher National Diploma) courses, as well as degree courses.

A degree is a qualification you get from university when you pass your final exams. You are then awarded a BA (Bachelor of Arts), BSc (Bachelor of Science) or BEd (Bachelor of Education).

Undergraduates - students who are studying for degrees - go to large, formal lectures, but most of the work takes place in tutorials: lessons in groups of ten or more when the students discuss their work with the lecturer.

a  List the different things you can do in your country when you leave school.

b  Read the text and list the different things you can do in Britain when you leave school.

Michael Vaughan-Rees, Geraldine Sweeney, Picot Cassidy: In Britain. 21st Century Edition, Cornelsen Verlag, 2000, page 38