On higher education

Nobody doubts these days that progress in the world depends on progress in education, higher education in particular.

In Britain, for example, about 71 per cent of pupils continue studying after the age of 16. The proportion of young people entering Universities has risen, from one in eight in 1980 to almost about one in three at present.

English universities usually consist of colleges. The academic year is divided into three terms. The course lasts three or four years, depending on the subject area: arts, science, law, engineering, medicine, social sciences. The structure of courses does not differ from Russian courses in size of groups, methods of teaching and close relationships with teachers. Methods of assessment differ from university to university but all British students have to undergo lengthy written examinations.

Conditions of student life in Britain differ from those in Russia.

The English assume that anyone from age eighteen is an independent being capable of making up his or her own mind and capable of looking after himself or herself. As a rule, English students try to live away from home. Like Russian students, English students receive a grant from the state for the expenses of daily living. The level of the grant depends on the income of the student and of the student's parents. Besides, students can take out a special student loan which they do not have to repay until they are earning. Loans are not means-tested. In the opinion of the English there is one more obvious difference between British and Russian students, however. Traditionally, there has always been an enormous amount of amateur and voluntary work in Britain. It takes place in universities as well: playing in the university band, taking part in athletics or football, running university newspapers, helping the disabled and pensioners, participating in local and national voluntary groups and societies.

There is a widespread opinion that conditions may be different but goals of getting higher education are the same everywhere. Many people admit that for the majority of young people today success in life is measured in terms of the money young people earn. This materialistic outlook has seriously influenced education. Fewer and fewer young people these days acquire knowledge only for its own sake. They want to obtain prestigious diplomas to get higher wages and advancement.

Exercises:

1. Open the brackets putting the verbs in the correct form. Do degree titles in Russia correspond to titles in Britain?

Better qualified English students almost always choose to go to older Universities. The most prestigious British Universities are Oxford and Cambridge. They (to found) in the 12^th and 13^th centuries respectively. Diplomas and degrees of the Universities (to respect) throughout the world. Their holders (to offer) better jobs.

Degree titles differ according to the practice of each University. The most common titles for a first degree, which graduates (to award) after three or four years of syudies (the British have no “diploma paper” year), are Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Sciences (BSc). Students can continue to get a second degree title – Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Sciences (MSc) – and later Doctor of Phylosophy (PhD). The number of post graduates has increased by over 53 % in the last decade.

2. Read the statements about the English educational system. Say/ write whether the same is practised in Russia.

In England:

a) The academic year is split into three terms.

b) Arts, Law, Medicine, Engineering, Social Sciences are taught at Universities.

c) Progress/ knowledge is assessed differently. Written exams are held everywhere.

d) Different titles are awarded.

e) When a grant is provided, the students' income is taken into account.

f) Special student loans are given. They are repaid.

g) Huge voluntary work is done.

h) Education is influenced by the materialistic outlook of young people.

In Russia:

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