assignment based universities in uk

Rankings: The 112 best universities in the United Kingdom for 2024/2025

• United Kingdom
• University rankings

The United Kingdom is famous for its universities: Every year, British institutions dominate the top places in international rankings. The best universities in the UK are also among the very best in the world: The University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge usually secure the foremost ranks, regularly followed by Imperial College, UCL, the University of Edinburgh, and the London School of Economics. With such a remarkable track record of academic excellence it is no wonder that the UK attracts so many international students every year.

While going to the UK for your studies may be expensive - tuition fees are higher than anywhere else in Europe - it’s a decision that will almost certainly benefit your academic or professional career, especially if you get a degree from one of the top-ranking universities.

All study programmes in the United Kingdom

Top ranked universities in the United Kingdom

Explained: how do the university rankings work.

The QS World University Rankings are among the most important, most-referenced rankings. The QS ranking relies heavily on its academic survey, asking thousands of academics worldwide about the reputation of universities.

The Times Higher Education World University Rankings (or the THE Rankings for short) compile a wide range of statistics. Equal weight is put on teaching quality, research excellence, and research impact through citations (meaning how often a university’s research is referenced elsewhere).

The Academic Ranking of World Universities by Shanghai Jiao Tong University (often just Shanghai Ranking , or ARWU ) focuses on research output and quality, for example measured by the number of published and cited scientific papers and the number of staff or alumni winning the Nobel Prize or Fields Medal.

Study in the United Kingdom

The UK is Europe’s most popular country for international students. At more than 100 universities, you can choose from literally tens of thousands of study programmes. British universities enjoy a reputation for cutting-edge research and world-class education. And there are plenty of exciting career opportunities for international graduates.

Read more about studying in the United Kingdom

Find the right study programme for yourself:

Relevant links.

• Studying abroad in the United Kingdom: Basic information for international students
• Study programmes in the United Kingdom
• Visit the website of the QS World University Rankings
• Visit the website of the Times Higher Education World University Rankings
• Visit the website of the Shanghai Jiao Tong Academic Ranking of World Universities

You might be interested in this:

• International edition
• Australia edition
• Europe edition

Best UK universities for American studies – league table

• About studying this subject
• Overall league table
• How to use the tables

Illustration: Janne Iivonen

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UK universities ranked by subject area: American studies

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Study in the UK

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, also known as the UK or Britain, is regarded as the world’s second most popular international study destination. The UK welcomes almost 460,000 international students from around the world each year. Having built a world-class education system, higher education in the UK is a model for many countries around the globe.

• The UK for international students

Common student questions

Language requirements, why choose the uk as an international student.

With around 162 higher education institutions across the UK, and a generous range of degree types, it makes sense that Britain is a popular destination in international education. The education system varies depending on where in the UK you choose to study, with some subtle differences. Regardless of where you study, you will receive high quality teaching from leading professionals. Any qualification gained in the UK will be highly regarded internationally.

Many of the UK universities and colleges are seen in the leading education ranking tables. In the 2023 QS World University Rankings, the UK has 4 institutions in the top 10. There are also 17 UK institutions in the top 100. The highest ranked is the University of Cambridge, which occupies 2nd place. It is followed by the University of Oxford and Imperial College London, in 4th and =6th place respectively.

The UK has many notable cities for international students to consider, including London , Manchester , Birmingham , Leeds , Liverpool , Edinburgh , Glasgow , Aberdeen , Cardiff , Swansea and Belfast .

The UK requires international students to have a student visa in order to live and study in the country. For more information, please see our UK Student Visa Guide .

Search for courses in the UK

Highlighted courses in the uk.

Computer Science (Conversion) MSc, PG Cert, PG Dip

University of Liverpool Online Programmes United Kingdom

Comparative and International Dispute Resolution LLM

Centre for Commercial Law Studies, Queen Mary University of London United Kingdom

Voice Studies: Teaching and Coaching MA, MFA

Royal Central School of Speech and Drama United Kingdom

Part-time Executive MBA MBA

The University of Edinburgh Business School United Kingdom

Sustainability and Environmental Management MSc

University of Derby Online Learning United Kingdom

Psychology of Music MA

University of Sheffield United Kingdom

Can I study in the UK for free?

Higher education is not state funded for international students in the UK. This means that each university is allowed to set their own tuition fees for their courses. Whilst this can be off putting, you should keep in mind that there are many scholarships available for international students that can help to make studying in the UK much more affordable. For more information about fees to study in Germany, see our Costs of Studying and Living in the UK section.

Can I study in the UK as an international student?

The UK is a fantastic place to study in as an international student. You will be receiving a world leading education from some of the most prestigious universities and renowned teachers and professors. As an international student, you will need to gain a visa in order to study in the UK. For more information about this, take a look at our UK Student Visas section.

Can I work and study in the UK?

As an international student, you are able to work up to 20 hours per week (during term time) on a student visa, provided you are studying full-time. Outside of term time, you are permitted to work full-time, and if you are required to take part in a work placement as part of your course, this is also permitted to be over 20 hours per week.

More information about the UK

Costs of studying and living in the uk.

The currency used in the UK is the Pound Sterling (GBP/£).

Tuition fees for international students are not fixed or governed in the UK. This means that they can vary greatly from institution to institution, and each university decides what they wish to charge. The tuition fees you are charged will be highly dependent on your home country. If you are coming from an EU country, you are likely to be charged the same as a UK student. If you are from any other country, you will pay international student fees.

In England, the maximum undergraduate fee for UK/EU students is £9,250 per annum for the 2019/20 academic year. In Wales, the undergraduate fee can be up to £9,000 per annum, and in Scotland you can also be charged up to £9,000 per annum, but it tends to be less for EU students. In Northern Ireland, as an EU student you can expect to be charged up to £4,275 per annum. Tuition fees for UK/EU students are subject to change each academic year, and you should make sure that you are aware of how much your course will cost you. Postgraduate fees for EU students in each of these areas are normally the same as those for UK students, and will differ depending on the institution.

EU students will be aware of the UK’s referendum on membership of the European Union, also known as ‘Brexit’. Many universities have pledged to keep EU fees the same for several years after the referendum. These prices are always subject to change now that they are not set by a governing body, so make sure you keep up to date with the EU fees at your universities of choice.

If you are a student coming from outside of the EU, your tuition fees could be much higher. For undergraduate and postgraduate level, you can typically expect to pay between £5,000 and £40,000 per annum. If you choose to study an executive education course such as an MBA, or a competitive course such as medicine, your fees will be on the higher end of the scale.

In terms of living costs, it is recommended that you have at least £14,000 per year. This will cover your rent, groceries, travel, and any other necessary expenses. If you choose to live in London, you should budget for higher living costs, as it is significantly more expensive than the rest of the UK. Many retailers offer generous student discounts as long as you can prove that you are a student by showing your student card, take advantage of this to save some money. Depending on where you are coming from, you may be able to get a part-time job to supplement your funds. This is normally dictated by your visa, and can sometimes have restrictions.

You may be able to apply for a scholarship to help fund your studies. This could be awarded by your institution, or a separate funding body.

Student visas

Depending on your home country, you may need to obtain a visa in order to study in the UK. If you are from an EU country, you do now need a visa to come and study in the UK, unless you are eligible to apply for the EU Settlement Scheme. If you are from any other country, you are required to be granted a visa before you can enter the UK. Before you can apply for a visa, you will need to be accepted onto a course, be able to prove that your English language skills meet the required standard, prove that you have sufficient funds for living and studying. To apply for a visa outside of the UK, there will be a fee of £348 for each person applying. The UK government website will provide you with more information about eligibility and restrictions.

Learn more on our UK student visa guide .

The official and national language of the United Kingdom is English. There are other recognised languages also spoken across the country. These include Welsh, Irish, Cornish, Scots, Ulster Scots, and Scottish Gaelic.

Courses at UK universities are delivered in English. If your first language is not English, it is likely that you will have to provide evidence of your English language proficiency as part of your application. If you do not meet the required standards, it is common for institutions to offer English language courses to help you improve.

If your native language is not English, you should make the most of your opportunity to learn a language as you study. Communicating with locals and other students is the perfect way to practice. Having advanced ability in English is a great skill to add to your CV/resume.

Further Reading

• Can an international student apply to a UK university during clearing?
• Degrees in the UK
• Masters in the UK
• Study in London
• Study in Scotland
• The Russell Group Universities
• UK Student Visa Guide
• Universities in Aberdeen
• Universities in Belfast
• Universities in Birmingham
• Universities in Bristol
• Universities in Cardiff
• Universities in Dundee
• Universities in Edinburgh
• Universities in Glasgow
• Universities in Leeds
• Universities in Liverpool
• Universities in London
• Universities in Manchester
• Universities in Newcastle
• Universities in Sheffield
• Universities in Swansea
• Universities in the UK

Photos from universities in the UK

Bishop Grosseteste University , Lincoln

SOAS University of London , London

Swansea University , Swansea

University of Derby , Derby

The latest articles from universities in the UK

Hartpury University

Strathclyde Business School

Royal Central School of Speech and Drama

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Formatting your assignments

Illustrated step-by-step guides to help you understand the formatting and presentation expectations of university assignments.

Introduction 

Although formatting your essay, report or dissertation can feel like a lesser priority than the process of research and writing itself, it is an important way to ensure your ideas are given the spotlight through visually accessible, professional presentation. Formatting can be a minefield, especially when you’re formatting at the last minute; it’s important to leave a few days at the end of your essay writing process for working on your formatting, and to spend some time familiarising yourself with the different aspects of formatting.

301 Recommends:

Our Essay Structure and Planning workshop will outline how to analyse your essay question, discuss approaches logically structure all your ideas, help you make your introductions and conclusions more effective, and teach how to link your ideas and ensure all essay content flows logically from the introduction.

Below, you will find some general introductions to the key areas. 

Action: know the rules 

Because formatting rules can vary greatly depending on your department or assignment, it’s crucial to check the formatting specifications in your assignment description/rubric, and any general departmental presentation standards, as a first port of call. Many referencing systems also have specific rules about how to format your work, so make sure to familiarise yourself with the university library’s referencing guides . Many referencing systems also have more detailed style guides available via their websites.

Formatting key information  

Assignment cover sheets .

In some departments, you may be expected to include a cover sheet on the front page of your assignment. This is a page including key information about your assignment, such as your module number, student registration number, essay title, and submission date.

You may be asked to submit a plagiarism declaration and to make your markers aware of any disabilities through the yellow sticker system . If you are asked to include a cover sheet in your assignment, your department should make you aware of where you can access this.

Assignment titles

Place your assignment title at the top of your first page, either centre or left aligned, in bold font. At university, you may be assigned a pre-designed essay title/question, or asked to select from several possible titles. You may also be asked to design your own essay title. Here are some top tips on designing your own title:

• To bring focus to your essay, draft a working title at the essay planning stage. You can come back and review this title in light of your finished essay draft.
• Make sure to use action words in your essay title that reflect the skills your assessors are looking for, both in the assignment description and the marking criteria you have been given. For example, if heavy emphasis is placed on critical analysis, you could use a title like ‘Analyse the effect of…’ See this glossary of essay terms , containing examples that you can use in your own titles. 
• The action words you choose can also help you to reflect the structure of the essay in your question. For example, an essay using the action word ‘Discuss’ might use a for/against/conclusion or advantages/disadvantages/conclusion structure, or an essay using the term ‘Analyse’ might break an issue down into parts, e.g. into key themes, to understand its meaning as a whole. Think about the type of essay you want to write: do you want it to be comparative, look at several topics equally, or do you have a clear argument that you want to put forward? You can then create a question that gives you the opportunity to approach the topic from your own perspective.
• Make sure to include the main terminology you are working with in your assignment title.
• Make sure your question has a realistic scope, without being so broad that you cannot answer it within the limitations of your essay. To limit your question, you could include any limiting factors you are working with, such as specific time periods, geographical regions or sub-themes within the overall topic area. For example, in the title ‘Evaluate the proposition that a global monoculture will destroy diversity and difference’, the broad topic of global monoculture is limited down through a specific sub-focus on diversity and difference.

Stating word counts 

Depending on the instructions you have been given, you may be asked to state your word count, either on your cover sheet or at the beginning of your essay. If you are asked to include this information, make sure your word count accurately reflects the assessment guidance: for example, are references included in your word count?

Visual clarity  

Line spacing .

Most assignment descriptions specify that you should increase the space between each line on the page, from the standard 1.0 spacing to either 1.5 or 2.0 spacing. You are asked to do this to make the essay more visually accessible and easier to read, by breaking up the number of lines on each page. 

Download this step-by-step illustrated guide to line spacing in Microsoft Word and Google Docs.

Fonts 

All non-examination based assignments should be word processed rather than handwritten. Most assignment descriptions will specify that for visual clarity, and to ensure a professional appearance, you should use a plain, sans-serif font such as Arial. For readability, this should be in 11 or 12 point size. Check your departmental or assignment guidance for any specific rules about font choices. 

Page numbering, headers and footers  

Including page numbers in your assignments makes them more accessible. Depending on the departmental guidance you have been given, you may be asked to include these in either the header or the footer of your essay (the blank space above and below where the text would go on a normal page in a word processor). It may also be helpful to include your registration number and the module code of the essay in the same header or footers that specify the page number. 

Download this step-by-step illustrated guide to adding page numbers and using headers and footers in Microsoft Word and Google Docs. 

Page layout   

Margins .

A margin is the amount of blank space on either side of a paragraph in a normal word processor. Traditionally, assignment descriptions specified that the margins should be made wider at the binding edge (the left hand side) of the page, to allow for easier reading of printed essays. However, with the shift to online essays, you might not be asked to do this any more and the default settings on your word processor are likely to be sufficiently wide.

For printed dissertations and theses, you may receive specific guidance about the suitable layout of margins, as these are more likely to be printed: see this university guide on formatting PhD theses . 

Download this step-by-step illustrated guide to adjusting margins in Microsoft Word and Google Docs.

Paragraph alignment 

Most formatting instructions specify that paragraphs should be lined up in a straight line (aligned) on the left hand edge, but left jagged on the right hand edge (like this page). This is called left alignment, or flush-left style, and should be the default alignment setting for your word processor. This style can be helpful for visual accessibility, but check any specific instructions you have been given by your department to see which style of alignment you have been asked to use. 

Download this step-by-step illustrated guide to adjusting paragraph alignment in Microsoft Word and Google Docs.  

Paragraph indentation

You may be asked to add indents to your paragraphs: an indent is an additional small gap between the margin and the beginning of a paragraph (it makes a ‘dent’ in the first line of your paragraph). Indents are used to provide extra clarification that the reader is starting a new paragraph after finishing the last one: therefore, they should not be used in the first paragraph of your essay. Indents are not always required, and whether you are expected to use them may depend on your referencing style , and any formatting instructions you have been given by your department.

Download this step-by-step illustrated guide to indenting paragraphs in Microsoft Word and Google Docs.

Formatting referenced material 

Footnotes and endnotes .

Some referencing systems require you to use footnotes or endnotes to format your references (make sure to check the library’s referencing guide to familiarise yourself with the expected format of your referencing style). Inserting a footnote into your word document when you have cited from a source adds a superscript number (a number formatted in a smaller font) to the sentence. It creates a note with a matching number at the bottom of the page you are working on (in the footer), which you can add the reference information to.

Endnotes work in the same way, but instead of appearing at the bottom of the page, the reference list appears at the end of the document.

Download this step-by-step illustrated guide to manually inserting footnotes and endnotes in Microsoft Word and Google Docs.  

References and bibliographies  

Instead of, or alongside footnotes/endnotes, some referencing systems ask you to include a bibliography and/or a reference list at the end of the essay (make sure to check the library’s referencing guide to familiarise yourself with the expected format of your referencing style). A reference list is a list of all the sources you have directly referred to in the essay, which could be ordered numerically or alphabetically, depending on your referencing style.

A bibliography could be used alongside, or instead of, a reference list, depending on your referencing style; here, you list all the sources you have consulted that have influenced your ideas, whether they are included in the essay or not. The way this is ordered also depends on your referencing style. 

If you auto-generate your citations in Microsoft Word or Google Docs, you can auto-generate your bibliography instead of creating it manually: instructions for doing so are in the resource below. If you use a different reference manager, such as Mendeley, Zotero, or Endnote, these have their own specific instructions for auto-generating bibliographies. See the reference management resources offered by the university. 

Download this step-by-step illustrated guide to manually or automatically formatting a bibliography or reference list in Microsoft Word and Google Docs.

Block quotations  

When you need to include a quotation in your essay that is three or more lines long, you can add this as a block quotation. A block quotation appears on a separate line to the other parts of the paragraph, and is indented (i.e. there is a wider gap between a block quotation and the left-hand margin than there is between the rest of the paragraph and the left-hand margin). Block quotations aren’t placed in quotation marks, so the indentation is used to indicate that you are using a quotation.

Check your referencing guide and any departmental guidance to learn more about the specific rules on formatting block quotations in your department. Because they take up large chunks of your word count, and break up the flow of your texts, make sure to use block quotations sparingly: they are especially helpful when you are going to perform close analysis of a large section of text. For more information on different types of quotation and how to use them, see our workshop on paraphrasing and using academic sources.

Download this step-by-step illustrated guide to formatting block quotations in Microsoft Word and Google Docs.

Advanced formatting 

Headings and contents tables .

Most standard short essays do not include headings, other than the essay title and reference list and/or bibliography. Section headings may be required for some longer or more structured types of academic writing, such as reports; reports often follow a very closely prescribed structure, so it is essential to pay very careful attention to the specific guidelines issued with your brief. Make sure that any system you use for numbering your headings and subheadings is consistently applied throughout the document.

Depending on the advice you have been given, and the length and complexity of a lab report, you may also be required to include a table of contents to help the reader navigate between headings. Contents tables are generally standard practice in longer assignments such as dissertations and theses. Make sure to check any departmental guidance you have been given about formatting reports.

Download this step-by-step illustrated guide to formatting headings and contents tables in Microsoft Word and Google Docs.

301 Recommends: Scientific Writing and Lab Reports Workshop

This workshop  will help you to familiarise yourself with some of the specific expectations associated with this assignment format.

Figures and tables 

Some kinds of essays, dissertations and reports will require you to make use of figures (pictures, diagrams, and graphs) and tables (any data in a table format). Figures and tables are normally numbered in sequence, e.g. ‘Table 1’, ‘Figure 4’, and are directly referred to in the text according to their number, rather than according to their location on the page (e.g. ‘as shown in Table 2’ rather than ‘as shown below’). 

If your text is of dissertation or thesis length, or if your text has several figures, it may also be helpful to include a list of figures immediately after the table of contents. Some referencing guides have specific rules about presenting and referencing tables and figures, so make sure to familiarise yourself with these and carefully read any specific instructions about figures and tables in your assignment brief. 

Download this step-by-step illustrated guide to inserting figures and tables and creating lists of figures/tables in Microsoft Word and Google Docs.

Top tips for formatting tables and figures:

• Make sure that any tables or figures you use are placed below the paragraph where you refer to them, and that you have directly referred to all figures and tables in the text of the essay.
• The caption for a table usually acts as its title, so this is placed above the table in the document. The caption for a figure is usually placed underneath the figure. Do not include unnecessary additional titles in the graph image itself, if the title is already included in your image caption. 
• Make sure to label your captions consistently, choosing between ‘Fig.’ or ‘Figure’ and consistently using either a full stop or a colon after the label (i.e. ‘Figure 1:’ or ‘Fig. 1.’) 
• Your caption should clearly and succinctly explain what the figure or table is. If the figure is taken from an external source, you must provide a reference that accurately reflects its copyright status (see these university library guides to inserting and attributing images and figures in university work). 
• Make sure to include legends in any charts you use (a key that helps to explain the data in the chart). Any data series you use should be clearly distinguishable from each other (e.g. avoid printing a report with coloured graphs in black and white!) If you are only using one series of data, a legend is not always necessary. 
• Make sure tables are clear and easy to read, using sans serif fonts, a readable font size, and avoiding unnecessary use of colour. 
• Make sure graphs are clear and easy to read, with clearly and appropriately labelled axes. Be wary of 3D effects that may obscure the clarity of a graph.
• Make sure to avoid presenting the same information in a graph and a table.
• Images and figures in printed essays, such as dissertations and theses, should be large enough for the text and numbers to be legible on the printed copy. Make sure they do not extend beyond the print margins of the document. 

301 Recommends: Displaying Data in Graphs and Tables Workshop

This workshop will provide more technical advice on using graphs and tables in your work. See also this Engineering department guidance on formatting graphs and tables in Engineering lab reports.

Appendices 

Appendices commonly appear in dissertations, theses, and lab reports. An appendix provides supporting information that gives the reader a better understanding of the essay, but that might be too long, detailed or awkward to insert into the main body of the essay without breaking up its flow. Interview questions or transcripts, sample questionnaires, raw data, figures, photographs, large/complex datasets, and diagrams are all examples of information that could be included in an appendix, if it is relevant to do so.

The reader should be able to understand the essay without reference to this supporting information, as all the most important and relevant information needed to answer the question should be included in the body (i.e., the appendix should not be used to make room for content that doesn’t fit within your word count). Your appendices must be clearly signposted and explained in the body of your report, highlighting any information that is essential for your reader to understand. Do not include any appendices that are not referenced in the text itself.

The appendices should be placed in numerical or alphabetical order, and signposted according to this specific system (e.g. ‘Appendix B indicates that…’) They should be clearly labelled, using headings that match up to the in-text reference. Appendices usually appear at the very end of the assignment, after your references/bibliography. Make sure to list any appendices used in your table of contents; if you have been instructed to do so by your department or within your referencing system, you could include a list of appendices separate to your contents list. 

The specific format of the appendix heading, and the reference made to the appendix in the text, depends on your referencing style , so make sure to carefully review this information before you design your appendices.

Download this step-by-step illustrated guide to inserting appendices and creating lists of appendices in Microsoft Word and Google Docs.

Tips and resources

• Use this 301 proofreading checklist to check over your work when you are finished.
• Use the University Library referencing guide for advice about referencing and formatting that is specific to your referencing style. If you need extra clarification about formatting rules, it is often possible to download an extended style guide from the official website for a specific referencing system. 
• For further training on referencing, using reference generators, and using images in your work, see the University Library workshop programme .

Related information

Academic Writing

Proofreading

Essay structure and planning

Scientific writing and lab reports

Creating accessible Word documents

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Basic essay structure

Improve your writing

Organise your essays to demonstrate your knowledge, show your research and support your arguments

Essays are usually written in continuous, flowing, paragraphed text and don’t use section headings. This may seem unstructured at first, but good essays are carefully structured.

How your assignment content is structured is your choice. Use the basic pattern below to get started.

Essay structure

An essay consists of three basic parts:, introduction.

The essay itself usually has no section headings. Only the title page, author declaration and reference list are written as headings, along with, for example, appendices. Check any task instructions, and your course or unit handbook, for further details.

Content in assignment introductions can vary widely. In some disciplines you may need to provide a full background and context, whereas other essays may need only a little context, and others may need none.

An introduction to an essay usually has three primary purposes:

• To set the scene
• To tell readers what is important, and why
• To tell the reader what the essay is going to do (signposting)

A standard introduction includes the following five elements:

• A statement that sets out the topic and engages the reader.
• The background and context of the topic.
• Any important definitions, integrated into your text as appropriate.
• An outline of the key points, topic, issues, evidence, ideas, arguments, models, theories, or other information, as appropriate. This may include distinctions or contrasts between different ideas or evidence.
• A final sentence or two which tells the reader your focal points and aims.

You should aim to restrict your introduction to information needed for the topic and only include background and contextual information which helps the reader understand it, or sets the scene for your chosen focal points.

In most essays you will have a considerable range of options for your focus. You will be expected to demonstrate your ability to select the most relevant content to address your focal points.

There are some exceptions. For example, if an assignment brief specifically directs the essay focus or requires you to write broadly about a topic. These are relatively rare or are discipline-specific so you should check your task instructions and discipline and subject area conventions.

Below are examples of an opening statement, a summary of the selected content, and a statement at the end of the introduction which tells the reader what the essay will focus on and how it will be addressed. We've use a fictional essay.

The title of our essay is: 'Cats are better than dogs. Discuss.'

To submit this essay you also would need to add citations as appropriate.

Example of opening statements:

People have shared their lives with cats and dogs for millenia. Which is better depends partly on each animal’s characteristics and partly on the owner’s preferences.

Here is a summary of five specific topics selected for the essay, which would be covered in a little more detail in the introduction:

• In ancient Egypt, cats were treated as sacred and were pampered companions.
• Dogs have for centuries been used for hunting and to guard property. There are many types of working dog, and both dogs and cats are now kept purely as pets.
• They are very different animals, with different care needs, traits and abilities.
• It is a common perception that people are either “cat-lovers” or “dog-lovers”.
• It is a common perception that people tend to have preferences for one, and negative beliefs about and attitudes towards, the other.

Example of closing statements at the end of the introduction:

This essay will examine both cats’ and dogs’ behaviour and abilities, the benefits of keeping them as pets, and whether people’s perceptions of their nature matches current knowledge and understanding.

Main body: paragraphs

The body of the essay should be organised into paragraphs. Each paragraph should deal with a different aspect of the issue, but they should also link in some way to those that precede and follow it. This is not an easy thing to get right, even for experienced writers, partly because there are many ways to successfully structure and use paragraphs. There is no perfect paragraph template.

The theme or topic statement

The first sentence, or sometimes two, tells the reader what the paragraph is going to cover. It may either:

• Begin a new point or topic, or
• Follow on from the previous paragraph, but with a different focus or go into more-specific detail. If this is the case, it should clearly link to the previous paragraph.

The last sentence

It should be clear if the point has come to an end, or if it continues in the next paragraph.

Here is a brief example of flow between two summarised paragraphs which cover the historical perspective:

It is known from hieroglyphs that the Ancient Egyptians believed that cats were sacred. They were also held in high regard, as suggested by their being found mummified and entombed with their owners (Smith, 1969). In addition, cats are portrayed aiding hunters. Therefore, they were both treated as sacred, and were used as intelligent working companions. However, today they are almost entirely owned as pets.

In contrast, dogs have not been regarded as sacred, but they have for centuries been widely used for hunting in Europe. This developed over time and eventually they became domesticated and accepted as pets. Today, they are seen as loyal, loving and protective members of the family, and are widely used as working dogs.

There is never any new information in a conclusion.

The conclusion usually does three things:

• Reminds your readers of what the essay was meant to do.
• Provides an answer, where possible, to the title.
• Reminds your reader how you reached that answer.

The conclusion should usually occupy just one paragraph. It draws together all the key elements of your essay, so you do not need to repeat the fine detail unless you are highlighting something.

A conclusion to our essay about cats and dogs is given below:

Both cats and dogs have been highly-valued for millenia, are affectionate and beneficial to their owners’ wellbeing. However, they are very different animals and each is 'better' than the other regarding care needs and natural traits. Dogs need regular training and exercise but many owners do not train or exercise them enough, resulting in bad behaviour. They also need to be 'boarded' if the owner is away and to have frequent baths to prevent bad odours. In contrast, cats do not need this level of effort and care. Dogs are seen as more intelligent, loyal and attuned to human beings, whereas cats are perceived as aloof and solitary, and as only seeking affection when they want to be fed. However, recent studies have shown that cats are affectionate and loyal and more intelligent than dogs, but it is less obvious and useful. There are, for example, no 'police' or 'assistance' cats, in part because they do not have the kinds of natural instincts which make dogs easy to train. Therefore, which animal is better depends upon personal preference and whether they are required to work. Therefore, although dogs are better as working animals, cats are easier, better pets.

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Best Universities in the U.K. for U.S. Students

While many Americans have only heard of a couple of universities in the U.K. (Oxford and Cambridge), there are so many other wonderful institutions, many of which welcome a good number of students from the United States each academic year. The following list will provide key information about almost 30 of the top colleges in the United Kingdom including: Full-time undergraduate enrollment, the percentage of international students, the number of U.S. undergraduate students, tuition, entry requirements, domestic and world rankings, as well as each school’s top academic programs. For more on why American students would be wise to at least consider U.K. universities, we encourage you to check out our previous blog on the subject.

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This article about the teaching style at UK universities was updated by the Great British Mag content team on 5 September, 2019

The one thing you can be certain about is that you will need to get used is the teaching style at UK universities. They are likely to be very different to what you are used to. This will take some time so don’t be afraid to ask for help if you get confused. Your tutor should be your first port of call.

Although teaching style at UK universities and the way courses are taught vary greatly depending on what you’re studying and where, most courses are broadly structured the same way and will include the following:

Lectures in UK universities take place in large halls or theatres often with students from different courses. They last about an hour and usually a lecturer delivers a presentation and students are expected to take notes. Sometimes the lecturer will distribute notes based on their presentation and you can normally download the lecture afterwards.

Lectures are less interactive than a seminar but there is always a Q&A session at the end which is your opportunity to ask questions and revisit something that you didn’t fully understand.

Seminars differ from lectures as they normally take the form of an open discussion. It’s an interactive form of teaching where the seminar tutor will discuss the points from the previous lecture and sometimes the classes are completely student led. You’re often asked to prepare presentations and can sometimes be marked on your spoken contribution to the class. If this makes you a little nervous, we recommend you try and get involved vocally as early as possible, because the earlier you do it the easier it gets. If you’re ever unsure of anything or have something to ask, then just raise your hand – seminar tutors are there to help you!

Assignments

During each module (subject), you’ll be expected to hand in a series of assignments, which can depend on your chosen course but usually include essays. Your seminar tutors will be able to give you some guidance about your assignments and your module handbook will also outline what is expected from you.

Group work is a typical part of university life in the UK, and in most cases you will choose a group of people to work with or be placed in a group to work on projects and presentations together. Sometimes you will be given a project by a company or organisation depending on the kind of course you’re doing, which is a great opportunity to build links with industry.

In group work the teaching staff are on hand to answer questions but leave it to the students to manage their time, interpret the task and work together as a team to prepare a formal presentation to deliver to your peers or if it’s an external brief to the company or organisation.

Referencing your work correctly at university

It is important that you reference all your essays, which simply means highlighting the books and other research materials you’ve used. If you’re using extracts, they should also be clearly highlighted.

The two most popular styles of referencing used at British universities are the Harvard System and the MLA style , but do check with your tutors what style the university you are studying at prefers.

You should be aware that universities take plagiarism (which is copying other people’s work or printing things straight from the internet and claiming it’s your own) very seriously and you can lose marks or even be expelled from your course. But remember, it’s good to quote lots of work and people in your essays, just reference them correctly!

How does the marking system work at a UK university?

The UK university grading system may be different to your home country.

For an undergraduate degree:

• 1st (First Class Honours): 70% and above (clever clogs)
• 2.1 (Second Class Honours, Division One or Upper Tier): 60-69%
• 2.2 (Second Class Honours, Division Two or Lower Tier): 50-59%
• 3rd (Third Class Honours): 40-49%
• Ordinary Degree: Some universities offer a degree without honours for those who have not achieved a high enough grade for an honours degree.
• Fail: Below 40%

For a postgraduate degree

• Distinction: 70% or over (job well done)
• Merit: 60-69%
• Pass: 40-59%
• Fail: below 40%

Broadly speaking, these classifications are like A,B,C & D grades, though they are a bit more flexible than that. A First Class Honours degree at a UK university is a brilliant achievement, and a 2.1 is also a very good grade.

Many employers look for a 2.1 degree or above. A 2.2 degree is also a fine mark and a lot of jobs also state this as the minimum qualification required.

If you aren’t doing your whole degree in the UK, make sure to look at how your English marks will be translated into your grades at your home university as that will give you a good idea what to aim for.

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Navigating the Maze of Academic Assignments: Your Trusted Academic Assistance in the UK

The Unseen Challenges of Academic Life in the UK Picture this: You're a student at a bustling UK university, your calendar is crammed with lectures, seminars, and a plethora of social activities.

Amid this whirlwind of activities, you find yourself staring at a daunting pile of assignments - essays, dissertations, research papers, each demanding attention and screaming deadlines. Sounds familiar, doesn't it?

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Welcome to UK Assignments, your premier destination for top-notch assignment writing services in the UK. Our website is renowned for its exceptional quality and has consistently ranked at the top in search results for keywords like "uk assignments," "assignment writing service uk," and "assignment help uk." With a search volume reaching into the thousands, it's clear that students across the UK trust us for reliable, high-quality academic support.

Our role is to assist you in mastering the complexities of UK higher education, nurturing your development, and helping you realise your academic goals. We equip you with knowledge, critical insights, and an edge that enhances your academic journey. Discover how our bespoke writing services embody academic distinction and a profound comprehension of your specific educational requirements.

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Quality is the core of our assignment writeup support. From ensuring grammatical precision to upholding the highest standards of academic integrity, we are committed to providing you with work that stands out for its excellence. Can you hire someone to write your assignment? Absolutely, and at UK-Assignments.com, you'll find dedicated professionals ready to assist. Who can help you with your assignment? Our team of expert writers, well-versed in various academic disciplines, is here to offer tailor-made support. Is assignment writing legal in the UK? Yes, our services are fully compliant with UK academic standards, offering legitimate and ethical support. What is the best assignment helper in the UK? Look no further, as our commitment to quality, integrity, and excellence ensures that we are not just service providers but your partners in the academic journey, where exceptional standards are not just goals but guarantees.

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Best UK Universities

Study in uk: best colleges and universities in united kingdom.

It is the desire of every student to get an opportunity to learn at the best universities of their country. Be it for any field, but the best colleges are always in the minds of students, and parents too. Each year, new students look up and think hard about the universities, where to seek higher education, which one will be the best for them and so on.

Marking a university as the best one is not an easy task. There are various parameters to judge a college as an excellent or an ordinary one. Here is a roundup of the top ten colleges of the United Kingdom. Knowing a brief detail about the best ones will help you take good decisions for your career 1 .

1. University of Oxford

One of the oldest and the most prestigious universities of the world, the University of Oxford attract students from all over the world. 44 colleges come under the Oxford University. The entry standards are set really high, where one needs to be a master of his subjects to crack it down. The tough selection process is reflected by the fact that only 3200 students could get an admission out of 18000 applications for undergraduate Assignments and 5200 got a place for post graduation out of 24000 in the year 2015.

The university offers various joint honor programs which combine two subjects at the undergraduate level, summing up to 250 degree combinations. The college proudly boasts of over 100 libraries, out of which the most famous one is the Bodleian, which was set up in 1602. Also, a number of museums are also present, such as Museum of National History, Museum of the history of science etc.

Till date, more than 30 world leaders, 26 British prime ministers, 120 Olympic medalists and 26 Nobel Prize winners have gained their education at the Oxford University. Some of the most prominent names are Stephan Hawkins, J.R.R. Tolkien, John Locke, Hugh Grant, David Cameron, Bill Clinton, Manmohan Singh, Aung San Suu Kyi, etc.

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2. Cambridge university

Another prestigious name in the world of education, Cambridge University has its special reputation for excellence in mathematics. Some of the most famous British scientists have earned their degree from Cambridge. The undergraduates are taught in lectures and supervisions. The terms are shorter as compared to other universities in UK.

Here too, admission process is a real tough one. Merely twenty five percent of the total applicants get selected and are enrolled for the degree programs. Some of the most reknown personalities who received their education at Cambridge are William Wordsworth, Charles Darwin, Prince Charles, John Maynard Keynes, Alfred Marshall, Charles Babbage, Alan Turing, Sigmund Freund, Issac Newton, GH Hardy amongst many more highly distinguished alumni of Cambridge.

3. Imperial College London

The college is ranked amongst the top universities of the world for science, technology, medicine and engineering. It was started in 1907. Students from over 125 nationalities are a part of the college.

To add to its list, Imperial College not only produces some of the best scientists, it also produces excellent field medalists, Nobel Prize winners, government advisers and policymakers. Reknown names such as H.G Wells, Sir Liam Donaldson etc have received their education at the imperial college.

4. University College London

It was the first university in England to accept students irrespective of class, religion or race. It was also the first university to provide education to women equal to men, following the educational philosophy of Jeremy Bentham, the ‘spiritual’ founder of the university. It is a multi-disciplinary institute, which provides a degree in a wide variety of subjects. Some of the most famous people in the world’s history such as Mahatma Gandhi, Alexander Graham bell, Coldplay’s Chris martin are some notable names who have done their graduation at university college London.

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5. London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)

The university is particularly known for law, economics, politics and philosophy. Approximately 26 percent of Nobel Prize winners for economics were from LSE. Like other major universities of UK, LSE too has a highly challenging entry process. In 2014, the university received 17,000 applications, out of which only 1500 were selected. Prominent historic figures such as Nelson Mandela and George Soros have given public lectures at the university, as a part of the university’s prestigious lecture series.

6. King’s College London

One of the largest and the oldest universities of London, King’s college has a good reputation for humanities, law and science. It is quite a popular choice for students from various parts of the world. Being the most central university of London, it has five London campuses. Famous names such as Tom Huddleston, John Deacon, Michael Collins etc have received their education at this university.

7. Queen Mary University of London

The university offers quality education and research for a wide variety of subjects, such as medicine and dentistry. In 2015, it announced its plans to launch a free business advice scheme for the start ups in United Kingdom in the financial and technological industries, now available as qLegal scheme. Some of the prominent alumni of the university are Kate Williams, Jay Sean, Charles Alfred Taylor etc.

8. Royal Holloway, University of London

It is a reknown global university which holds its strength in arts and humanities. It boasts of one of the most beautiful and historic campuses in united kingdom. The campus is actually located in the nearby town Egham, which is an hour away from central London. A global university with students studying there from all over the world, it has a record of famous alumni such as George Eliot, Bonita Norris etc.

9. School of Oriental and African studies (SOAS), University of London

The college lays its focus on languages, cultures and societies of Asia, Africa and the Middle East. It is the only European institution specialized for such a cause. More than half of the students are from outside the UK. It is known for its attractive landscapes and an excellent collection of academic resources. Some of the people well known who studied there are Catherine West, Ivan Stanbrook, etc.

With Assignmenthelp.net you can now connect with online UK tutors from the comfort of your home. We provide UK essay writing help with services such as help with literature review, editing and assisting with dissertation writing, report writing services, Assignmentwork writing services , essay outline services, proofreading and editing services , online plagiarism detection service, exam revision service and much more through best UK tutors online.

10. Birkbeck, University of London

The college is ranked amongst the top institutions of the world. Being the only college of London which allows students to complete full length degrees during evening Assignments, thus making it a popular choice among students who wish to seek part time study hours. A wide variety of undergraduate and post graduate Assignments are provided here. Some of the notable alumni of the college include Bear Grylls, Ramsay McDonald(first labour Prime Minister of UK), T.S. Elliot(Nobel prize winner in literature), Sidney Webb, 1st Barron Passfield amongst others.

Apart from these historic and notable colleges of UK there are many more prestigious institutions such as The University of Edinburgh, The University of Manchester, The University of Bristol , The University of Warwick, The University of Glasgow, Lancaster University , Cardiff University, University of Sussex, University of Bradford, and many more that attract attention from thousands of students around the globe.

When you are sure about what field you wish to choose, half the battle is won. And when you get to know about the best colleges that can polish you up as a diamond, you have no more worries left. Before setting down for the right college for you, go through all its programs, details and rules and then decide what is convenient for you. Education becomes much more interesting and will surely take your forward, when you study at the right place.

Looking for online tutors in UK for 2:1 guaranteed 1st class quality work? Get UK essays help With Assignmentworkhelp.net’s online UK-based essay writers. Contact us now !

1 The colleges are randomly listed, and not on the basis of ranking.

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Meghan markle provides update on her marriage with prince harry, another uk university 'goes woke' as 'potty' lancaster votes to transition to 100% plant-based catering by 2027.

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Published: 15/05/2024

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Lancaster becomes the 12th university to pass a similar motion, joining the likes of Cambridge, Newcastle and Warwick

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Lancaster University Students Union has been accused of 'going woke' after it voted to transition to 100 per cent plant-based catering by 2027.

The Students’ Union (SU) has voted to endorse a transition to fully plant-based catering across the campus, with 18 out of 19 members voting in support.

The proposal puts forward a gradual transition, with a target of 50 per cent plant-based catering by 2025, and full implementation by 2027 subject to review.

However, some have criticised the move at Lancaster, which ranked 11th best in the Guardian University Guide 2024, saying it was "potty".

Campaigners celebrating the motion passing at the university

​Plant-Based Universities 

Plant-Based Universities Lancaster campaigner Faye Rennie said: " We are really excited that the students’ union is endorsing a shift towards plant-based catering here at Lancaster.

"This is a massive step in the right direction and fully aligns with Lancaster’s other sustainability commitments and initiatives.

"We look forward to working with our Students’ Union and University to make the results of this vote a reality, making the most sustainable choice the most convenient one."

The move has also been backed by professors at the university, with professor in Energy and Climate Governance Rebecca Willis saying: "Reducing consumption of meat and dairy products is a crucial step in meeting our climate and health targets. I’m really pleased that Lancaster’s students are asking our university to lead the way on this vital issue."

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Jacob Rees Mogg called the move 'potty'

Lancaster has become the 12th university to pass a similar motion, joining institutions such as Cambridge, Newcastle and Warwick.

However, North East Somerset MP Jacob Rees-Mogg called the move at the Lancashire University "potty." A former Tory Minister said the move was: "A weird policy spawned by weird thinking by weirdos."

The move has been backed by Chris Packham who tweeted in support of the group's campaign at the University of Birmingham.

The BBC wildlife presenter said: "If you are smart you’ll read the message loud and clear. Change is happening… Top work."

Chris Packham supported the move

In November, Students at the University of Warwick backed a motion forcing union-run catering outlets to adopt plant-based menus.

Plant-Based Universities Warwick campaigner Vivek Venkatram said: "We want this change to benefit everyone."

However, the Countryside Alliance condemned the decision backed by a "tiny minority" and said the vote raised questions about whether the sweeping change was "made with the interests of the wider student population in mind."

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Grant Success for Three Members of the School of Politics and International Relations

We are delighted to announce the details of four recent grant successes in the School of Politics and International Relations, won by staff members  Dr Neema Begum , Dr William Daniel and Dr Laura Martin . Details of their individual awards are below.

Inter-Minority Coalition or Conflict? Identity Formation and Inter-Minority Relations between Black and Asian Communities in the UK and US

Funded by the British Academy , Neema's project will use an interdisciplinary, cross-country approach to interrogate how identity formation and community has developed between Black and Asian communities in the UK and US. It will identify where interracial convergence and divergence exist in social and political attitudes, memory and popular representations.

The project will be implemented in collaboration with Dr Hannah Thuraisingam Robbins (Department of Music), Dr Uditi Sen (Department of History), Dr Tanika Raychaudhuri (Rice University) and Dr Nicole Burrowes (Rutgers University).  It will will start in April 2024 and run for two years. 

AI Campaigning in the 2024 US and UK Elections 

As part of the Leverhulme Trust ’s Visiting Professorships, the Research Centre for the Study of Parties and Democracy (REPRESENT) will welcome Professor Barbara Trish (Grinnell College, Iowa) to the University of Nottingham for the 2024-25 academic year, under the coordination of Dr William Daniel.  Professor Trish is a noted teacher-scholar in American politics, with particular expertise on US political parties and the use of digital technology in campaigning.

During her visit to the School of Politics and IR, Professor Trish will conduct research on a new project on the comparative importance of artificial intelligence (AI) in the upcoming US and UK elections.

Queering the Commons: Overcoming polarisation with identity-based connections 

This project,   led by Will Daniel, explores how politicians from different political parties – but with similar personal backgrounds – use personal commonalities as a way of building professional connections that can ultimately relieve contentious forms of polarisation. The project takes inspiration from scholarship on ethnic and gender identity’s effects on political behaviour that has been less explored for sexuality. It argues that identities that divide us in one setting might bind us in another.

Part of the Leverhulme Trust Research Fellowships, the project will start in February 2025 and conclude in January 2026. 

Women’s Rites: A Multidimensional Examination of Female Circumcision in Sierra Leone 

Laura's project explores the social, economic and political dimensions of why female circumcision (or FGC) rates remain so high (83%) in Sierra Leone. The project is partnered with a local Sierra Leonean NGO, Timap for Justice, and the University of Makeni, alongside local artists and will use arts-based and participatory methodologies to engage women about their experiences and perceptions of female circumcision, as well as local activists and campaigners working to eradicate the practice.

Funded by the British Academy, the project will start in April 2024 and run for two years. 

Congratulations from all at the School of Politics and International Relations. 

School of Politics and International Relations

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