© Paul Hilbert
Institutions of higher education
The United Kingdom (UK) has 2 distinct educational systems: one for England, Wales and Northern Ireland and one for Scotland.
Universities and Colleges
British universities are diverse, ranging in size, mission and subject mix. As they are totally autonomous they have their own degree-awarding powers and decide the entry conditions for students.
Colleges also vary in size, mission and subjects. Like the universities they are self-governing bodies with large autonomous powers. Some award their own degrees, in others qualifications are awarded by a university or a national accrediting body.
