Do you know what is the difference between undergraduate degrees in UK and US colleges? For better education resources, diverse academic opportunities, tremendous campus culture, and good career prospects, many students try to gain admission into top institutions in both the countries. This is a useful thing for their personal development, but which country offers a more valuable undergraduate degree? So, let us take a look at the main aspects of education in the UK and US.
Application Processes
In the United States, students can submit applications to as many American universities as they want at one time. It is not necessary that they have decided what major to study. Students can use the Common App or apply directly to colleges. Each school has its own application deadlines and criteria for application fees. Students have to pay an application fee every time they apply to a university.
Unlike the US, students in the UK can apply to a maximum of five universities at a time. They have to decide their major while submitting the application. All applicants for higher education in the UK must apply through the UCAS system. UCAS is an independent charity and the UK’s shared admissions service for higher education. Application fees and deadlines are in accordance with UCAS standards, and there is only one application fee per day.
Admissions Decisions
There is a significant difference in the admission process of UK and US. Admissions in the US are usually decided by the admissions office of the American institution. In American universities, sports and extracurricular activities are considered as important as academics. They place emphasis on applicants’ academic achievements and their reputation. At the same time, students’ contribution to athletics and extracurricular activities is more important in the US compared to the UK.
In UK, final admissions decisions are made by the faculty and admissions office of the student’s chosen course. Examiners review applicants’ scores more often and pay more attention to their grades. There is a regular admission period in UK universities.
Degree Length
American undergraduate degree is four years long. In the first year, freshmen seek general knowledge in their courses. This way, they can decide their major by exploring different subjects.
It usually takes ten years to complete a bachelor’s degree in the United Kingdom, except in Scotland. Undergraduate courses are mostly linked to their field of study. Students studying in British colleges have already started focusing deeply on one subject.
Apart from this, changing majors and adding a second major in US universities is much easier and flexible as compared to UK universities.
Teaching Method
Another big difference between American and British education is the teaching method. In American universities, students are made to focus on collaborative learning and hence more interactive learning experiences are available. Professors are often very tired of students during courses. American students have busier schedules because they have more homework and courses to complete.
In fact, students in British universities often attend lectures given by professors. Tutors meet students in small groups to provide them guidance on life or professional aspects. UK universities encourage self-directed learning, which means students have less time to communicate with their teachers.
Assessment Style
There is also a significant difference in the evaluation of undergraduate grades. In the US, students’ grades are largely based on their course participation. His performance throughout the academic year is evaluated.
Unfortunately, the assessment of undergraduate grades in the UK is primarily based on final exams and class participation does not play much of a role. If you are studying in British college, then you have to submit your papers before the deadline. This is one of the biggest differences between the British and American education systems.
Number of Top Colleges
There are approximately 262 colleges in the UK, most of which are public and located in England. There are approximately 4,000 universities in the United States, which are divided between public and private schools. According to QS World University Rankings 2025, about 15 universities in the UK and about 25 universities in the US are included in the top 100 universities in the world.
