Prepare to study and live in the UK: a free course for international students
Studying overseas can be a daunting and overwhelming experience, particularly if it’s your first time. Not only do you have to adapt to life in a new country, but the academic culture could also be very different from what you’ve been used to. It can feel like taking a big leap into the unknown.
Thankfully, if you are one of the 437,000 international students coming to study in the UK this year, there is now a free course to help you land safely. The course, Prepare to Study and Live in the UK, has been funded by the British Council and developed in partnership with the University of Reading.
Fiona Samson, GREAT Britain Campaign Director at the British Council, describes it as “a course that aims to make students feel at ease, more confident, and well-prepared for study in the UK.”
Available to any international student, this free MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) will run from 3 September for four weeks (latecomers will be able to join at any time during the course).
Study UK: Prepare to Study and Live in the UK / apply here
What the course covers
The main focus of the course will be to help you understand what to expect from education in the UK, giving an overview of what skills you will need and how university courses are structured.
The areas covered include:
- Student skills: Active engagement, critical thinking, evidence-based arguing, independent study, academic integrity.
- Course structure and study modes: Lectures, seminars, tutorials, presentations, and group study.
- English language skills: The resources available to develop them.
- Study assessment: How study is assessed in the UK, and the common processes involved.
- Practical issues: What to bring, how to find accommodation, and cultural norms to be aware of.
What you will gain
By the end of the course, you will be more confident about starting university and settling into student life. You will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of UK academic culture.
- Reflect on your current language and study skills and what you need to develop.
- Assess the resources available to you.
- Receive a PDF Certificate of Achievement.
Although the course is primarily designed for international students, it also benefits the UK by welcoming students warmly, ensuring Britain remains one of the most desirable study destinations in the world.
