| Advice to Applicants Researching a Degree Program in the United Kingdom |
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If you are considering applying for one or more of the distinguished scholarships for study in the United Kingdom, such as the Churchill, Marshall or Rhodes, take some time to look at the degree programs available to you there. Learning more about your options in the UK will help you choose the scholarship competition best suited to your goals, and will give you a head start on the scholarship application process. A well-researched plan and a clear understanding of your preferred degree program will not only ensure that you are applying for the most appropriate fellowships; your efforts will strengthen your application. Applicants should be aware of several unique characteristics of the British system of higher education. In the UK undergraduate study is more focused than in the United States, as students concentrate in their major fields from the beginning. Hence, pursuing a second undergraduate degree at a British University, as some scholarships permit, may be the best choice for some American students. An applicant should decide whether to apply fora second undergraduate degree or a graduate degree after consultation with faculty at UNC who are familiar with the student's work. Also, at both levels, the style of instruction differs from that in the typical American university. At Oxford, rather than taking an array of classes, a student may meet regularly with a tutor in a particular topic for an entire semester. A vital part of the application for the Churchill, Rhodes, or Marshall is a compelling reason for wanting to study in the United Kingdom. You should find out which areas of study specific faculty members are involved in and how their research relates to your interests. Contact with faculty abroad and knowledge of the resources available strengthen your application immeasurably. A letter of support from abroad is firm evidence of both the feasibility of your project and your own initiative. The selection committees for these prestigious fellowships weigh the thoughtfulness of your choice when considering your candidacy. The time you take now to research and consider your degree options may make the difference between winning an award and being passed over. The following resources will help you research a degree program in the United Kingdom:
Another excellent source of information is UNC-CH faculty, graduate students and staff in your department. Many of them have studied or taught abroad and may suggest the names of other people who know the. university of your choice at first-hand. Faculty in your field of interest at UNC may well be familiar with relevant graduate programs and research being done at major British universities. The Honors Office and/or the Office of Distinguished Scholarships and Intellectual Life can help identify such faculty and staff. |
| Last Updated on Tuesday, 30 June 2009 17:36 |