University of Reading

The University of Reading is a place where new and exciting developments continuously occur. The following are just a few examples of recent developments in the University:

• A Times Higher Education (THE) analysis has shown that researchers at the University of Reading have won a record amount of research funding from the UK Research Councils in 2016/17, up by more than 40% from 2015/16.
• The University’s success rate from applications also reached a record high, with more than a third (34%) of applications for funding being successful - the second highest success rate of any UK university with at least 10 awards, according to the THE analysis.
• The University of Reading has been invited to be part of a pilot process to streamline the procedure for international masters students wanting to study in the UK.
• The University and Reading University Students’ Union (RUSU) have announced a joint initiative, by which GBP1 million donated by the University will go towards funding projects that will improve student facilities on campus, and enhance the overall student experience.

International students at the University of Reading can expect to be guided by expert academics and have access to a wide range of academic support.

Courses are taught by passionate teachers who are leaders in their fields, and whose teaching is informed by the latest research. Students are encouraged to collaborate with experts who are tackling major global challenges, and will also have the opportunity to volunteer to work on real research projects.

Approach

The University’s approach to teaching and learning produces graduates with in-depth academic knowledge and essential skills so that they can achieve their ambitions and fulfil their maximum potential. The following are some of the ongoing projects aimed at improving the student experience:

• Assessment and Feedback
• The Electronic Management of Assessment (EMA) Programme
• Curriculum Framework
• FLAIR (Facilitating Learning Achievement and Individual Recognition)
• Learning Gain
• TEL (Technology Enhanced Learning)

Recognition

The University of Reading has been awarded Silver in the national trial of the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF). The award is a testament to the high quality teaching and learning coupled with excellent outcomes for students.

Undergraduate entry requirements

Each undergraduate programme in the University has different entry qualifications. Some require a certain amount of knowledge in a subject before beginning the degree. Entry onto all courses is dependent on students reaching a particular standard in their education and achieving certain exam grades.

The University of Reading welcomes students who have completed the full International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma. Where a course requires specific subject knowledge equivalent to A level, students will be asked to achieve a particular grade at a higher level.

The University accepts a wide range of overseas qualifications including, but not limited to, the Malaysian STPM, Hong Kong A levels and Diploma of Secondary Education, Advanced Diplomas, Singapore A levels and Brunei A levels.

International students looking to undertake a degree programme may need to take a foundation course or pre-sessional course if they do not have qualifications that are equivalent to British A levels, or if they need to improve their English language level.

The International Foundation programme (IFP) gives students from a wide range of educational and cultural backgrounds the opportunity to gain an academic qualification.

Postgraduate entry requirements

For entry to postgraduate programmes, students are normally required to have a good undergraduate honours degree, or equivalent. Other qualifications and a number of years’ relevant work experience may also, in some cases, be presented as proof of eligibility.

English language requirements

Normal requirements, depending on the course are:

• an overall score of 7.0 in the IELTS with no individual element scoring less than 6.0 (or)

• an overall score of 6.5 in the IELTS with no individual element scoring less than 5.5

International students compete for a range of scholarships and awards every year. The opportunities for funding depend on the students’ nationality and the course they wish to study.

The following is the list of scholarships and bursaries on offer for international students:

• Chevening Scholarships
• International Master’s Bursaries
• School of Law International Scholarships
• Felix Scholarships
• University International Research Studentships
• Henley Business School Scholarships

The University of Reading and Chevening, the UK government’s global scholarship programme, have been working together over the past 20 years, offering international masters students funding to deserving scholars completing their postgraduate taught degrees in Reading. Over the years, the University of Reading has welcomed nearly 500 Chevening scholars to its campuses from all over the globe.

The International Research Studentships are select PhD studentships available for highly qualified applicants for research within science, life sciences, social science and arts and humanities.

The triple-accredited, internationally-recognised Henley Business School offers over a 100 scholarships, covering the full course fee, to high-calibre students from around the globe.

The University’s years of experience of welcoming international students will help to make students feel at home from the moment they arrive.

Meet and greet service

The University’s Meet and Greet service will be available at set hours during Welcome Week, so students shouldn’t have to find their way around Reading on their own.

Welcome programme

There will be a programme of social events and tours of Reading to help students settle into life in the UK. They will also be provided with information including maps of Reading, a guide to opening a bank account and details of the various Students’ Union events.

Visa support

Reading has dedicated immigration advisers on campus to provide specialist advice on visas, including working during or after studies.

Other support

Students will also have dedicated help from an international student adviser and the Reading University Students’ Union’s part-time international students' officer. The Students’ Union Advice Services offer support, guidance and confidential advice on personal, social, academic, financial and welfare matters. There is plenty of other support available too, including in-country briefings and advice before students even leave home.

More about Student support...

The University of Reading offers outstanding support to its international students, helping them identify their career goals and to gain the skills and experience they need to achieve them.

A recent survey indicates that up to 94% of graduates from the University move on to work or further study within six months of graduating (Destination of Leavers from Higher Education Survey 2016).

Professional experience

Getting work experience while studying is key to students developing a wider skill set, enhancing their CV and learning more about different career opportunities. Students can expect to receive dedicated support to help them find and secure placements and internships throughout their time with the University.

More than 2,000 students at Reading participate in a credit-bearing placement every year, and even more undertake extra-curricular internships over summer and vacation time. Opportunities range from a few weeks to a whole Professional Placement Year.

Careers coaching, support and networking

The Careers Service at the University - a team of professional careers consultants linked to employers based in the local region, nationally and internationally - support students throughout their degree and for at least 12 months after graduation, free of charge. An annual survey done in 2017 showed that 97% of users recommend the Careers Service at the University of Reading.

Hundreds of careers events are organised throughout the year, many of which are attended by employers from the University’s extensive network, including the annual Careers and Placements - all of which lead to networking opportunities.

Other avenues of career support and employment are the THRIVE Career Mentoring scheme offered in the penultimate year, and the MY Jobs Online service.

The alumni of Reading, a global and successful community of more than 280,000 people, also contribute by mentoring students and providing work placements.

More about Graduate outcomes...