Difference between UK and Australia Degree

[Erica Lim]

Hi, i am currently a final year poly student, graduating next year. Even though a local uni is the best option, but i dont think i will be able to get in. And I cannot afford to go overseas for studies. So i am contemplating getting a degree from private education institution here in Singapore. Im thinking of going into a marketing, business or psychology program. Any advice on whether to go for a UK or Australia degree would be better? Thanks!

 

[intime]

Hi, i am currently a final year poly student, graduating next year. Even though a local uni is the best option, but i dont think i will be able to get in. And I cannot afford to go overseas for studies. So i am contemplating getting a degree from private education institution here in Singapore. Im thinking of going into a marketing, business or psychology program. Any advice on whether to go for a UK or Australia degree would be better? Thanks!

In my opinion there is no big difference between UK or Aus,
The stuff you need to take note are,
- The awarding university, is it ranked university on THE or QS? Is it in Russell Group (UK) or Group of Eight (Aus)?
- Is the curriculum rigorous? If the modules are lesser than what you expected, then it is sign for you to reconsider.
- Does the private institution have good campus facilities and services to aid you?
- Are you able to afford the tuition fees without spending a lot of time on part-time work during the course? It is crucial that you focus on the course, since it is the 1st time you are attending university level course work.

 

[patryn33]

Other than what's stated above UK is direct honors. Oz here do not award honors for those general degree. Honors is an additional yr.

Gaining employment no diff, higher degree maybe really depends

 

[Illusionist_85]

In my opinion there is no big difference between UK or Aus,
The stuff you need to take note are,
- The awarding university, is it ranked university on THE or QS? Is it in Russell Group (UK) or Group of Eight (Aus)?
- Is the curriculum rigorous? If the modules are lesser than what you expected, then it is sign for you to reconsider.
- Does the private institution have good campus facilities and services to aid you?
- Are you able to afford the tuition fees without spending a lot of time on part-time work during the course? It is crucial that you focus on the course, since it is the 1st time you are attending university level course work.

I beg to differ for the last point. It's dependant on the student whether he got time management.

 

[patryn33]

Just for kicks
World-class education that costs nothing - CNN.com

 

[Erica Lim]

Thanks all for the feedback. I got advice from my parents as well. even tho i personally prefer aus degree, however, them being traditional, they are more towards uk education. any recommended uk university in singapore that are not too costly on budget?

 

[intime]

Thanks all for the feedback. I got advice from my parents as well. even tho i personally prefer aus degree, however, them being traditional, they are more towards uk education. any recommended uk university in singapore that are not too costly on budget?

Everyone's idea of budget is different so it will be best for you to see it for yourself. A good place to start looking for "safe" private institutions is,
https://www.cpe.gov.sg/for-students/edutrust-certification-status-of-peis
Members | SAPE

Then, you have to ensure that the degree's curriculum is rigorous and it is an Honours degree.
Another factor you have to take into consideration is the institution's services, do they have a strong career services centre? Do they provide career skills training and personal development trainings? Do they have internship links with industry?

Thus, looking at just the cost is very dangerous. You might end up with a least valued education.

 

[patryn33]

Thanks all for the feedback. I got advice from my parents as well. even tho i personally prefer aus degree, however, them being traditional, they are more towards uk education. any recommended uk university in singapore that are not too costly on budget?

Cost and quality...
In general cheap things not good, good things not cheap.

Good UK programs to look at
SIM Birmingham or Manchester or UOL
http://www.simge.edu.sg/gePortalWeb/appmanager/web/default?_nfpb=true&_st=&_pageLabel=pgProgrammeFinder&menu_academic=Bachelor

If oz come to your radar then
http://naa.edu.sg/degree/bachelor-of-commerce-marketing/

 

[ftft58]

uk is generally more academic and exam based, whereas aus is more hands-on and proj based. its abit like comparing jc vs poly.

 

[es0teric]

Other than what's stated above UK is direct honors. Oz here do not award honors for those general degree. Honors is an additional yr.

Gaining employment no diff, higher degree maybe really depends

Why is that so? Can explain?

 

[patryn33]

uk is generally more academic and exam based, whereas aus is more hands-on and proj based. its abit like comparing jc vs poly.

Well things has changed, unlike JC u not expecting a big exam to grade u
Ie
http://studentnet.cs.manchester.ac.uk/pgt/COMP61421/syllabus/
http://www.lse.ac.uk/study/summerSchools/summerSchool/courseoutlines/management/MG101-Course-Outline-2014.pdf

Oz more practical if u not attending uni in the go8
http://www.adelaide.edu.au/course-outlines/003826/1/sem-1/

 

[Erica Lim]

I understand that good things not cheap, but costing for SIM seems like on the high side. what about shorter and cheaper degrees? i have seen a few lately, their prices seem reasonable and the time taken is shorter, which means i will also be able to start working earlier. any opinion on this?

 

[es0teric]

Why not consider UniSIM. Private Degree or Distance Learning degree are consider "lower hand" degree but most company in Singapore look for graduates with Local degree, following by distance learning degree.

 

[patryn33]

What's a reasonable price?
Which program are you looking at?
Shorter as in 9 mths? If so some may say such 9 mth degree not much value, meaning u still getting dip pay as a start, the degree label allows u to go for jobs requiring a degree.

Employers understand no good degree lets u jump to final yr to complete your degree. Ivy Oxbridge wouldnt even give one exemptions even if one score perfect GPA

 

[Havok_ex]

I understand that good things not cheap, but costing for SIM seems like on the high side. what about shorter and cheaper degrees? i have seen a few lately, their prices seem reasonable and the time taken is shorter, which means i will also be able to start working earlier. any opinion on this?

SIM is not that high. Except for UB, I think UOL is at a pretty decent price for a 3-year degree. And 3 years is pretty short already for an honours degree IMO. The standard is 4. 3 is short. 2 is suspect, 1 is toilet paper. Anything less than 1 might as well just download and print yourself.

And there is this presumption, that once you get your degree you can confirm plus chop get a job. Take a 1 year degree, trust me, your job will be giving out credit card flyers at citibank or you will start with a diploma pay and diploma level, which basically renders your degree useless. Short degrees are good for those who are already working in a company. Already have a wealth of working experience. And simply need the degree so that their employers can promote them.

If you really want to start working earlier to gain exp. You can try for UNIsim's courses, its part-time, government-backed and covers about the same amount of modules as students in the other local universities, so IMO its more worthwhile. It is 4-years, but you also can work while you're studying.

 

[intime]

I understand that good things not cheap, but costing for SIM seems like on the high side. what about shorter and cheaper degrees? i have seen a few lately, their prices seem reasonable and the time taken is shorter, which means i will also be able to start working earlier. any opinion on this?

I agree with some of the commenters here.
If you desire a good career and salary, please go for reputable universities with rigorous curriculum. Good programmes will put you in a more competitive position.
Refer to ranked universities in THE or QS or any LOCAL universities.

I believe you know that UniSIM & SIMGE is different. UniSIM is a private "national" university.
Their courses have government subsidies and their course load is equivalent to a basic degree in other national universities. There are "honours" option for some degrees.

If you do not have enough money, please seek financial help. Can be from your parents, siblings, the school's financial assistance, busaries, loans etc.
You may also work to earn enough money first before embarking on a valued university education.

 

[systeo]

UK Vs Australia Degree

I concurred, UK and Australian Degree are both "recognized" in Singapore. You can check the career.gov.sg which ties up with jobstreet . You will need to create a profile and if the university is listed in the drop down bar, it should be recognized . Most if not all Public (Government) UK and Australia Universities are in the list.

I believe the key difference btw Australia and uk universities are

UK universities typically award direct honors degree vs Australia universities which award basic degree. most companies and government agencies offers higher salary for honors degree.

Assessment mode. Traditionally most UK Universities are assessed 100% via Examination and dissertation whilst Australia universities are assessed based on coursework and assignments over semesters.

So most full time and younger students will prefer examination whilst most working adult prefers coursework based assessment since it will be more relevant to their work and career.

However the more forward looking UK Universities are now evolving by removing dissertations and reducing their reliance on examinations. One example is University of Derby which Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Business Management which is 100% coursework with no dissertation.

Bottomline, a degree is a passport for job interviews, it opens the door but we still need to prove our capability to get a good job.

financing is a concern but a lot of banks offer education loans so if you are working and wanted to study part-time , financing is a concern but it can be overcome as some loans stretch up to 5 years post-graduation.

investment in education pays the best interest- Benjamin franklin. keep the faith !