Comparison Table

There are excellent universities in both the UK and the US, and UK students are fortunate to have both options open to them.  But there are important differences in the styles of learning, teaching and living between the two systems, and each student must decide which style is best suited to him or her academically and personally. The chart below gives an overview of the most important differences between them.

US and British Universities compared:

American Colleges

  • Broad curriculum + one area in depth over 4 years (liberal arts degree)
  • More contact time with teachers and a greater emphasis on classroom teaching and discussions
  • More emphasis on continuous assessment
  • Extracurricular activity is strongly encouraged
  • Housing often provided on campus for all 4 years
  • Admission based on ‘whole person’ review
  • Professional degrees are separate and post-graduate

British Universities

  • Choose one field to study intensively over 3 years
  • Typically not as much contact time with teachers and greater opportunity for private study
  • More emphasis on end of year exams
  • Extracurricular activity in own time
  • Housing often off-campus or with parents
  • Admission based primarily on academic ability
  • Undergraduate degree can be professional (medicine, law etc.)

Why Harvard?

In recent years UK students have shown growing interest in studying at Harvard. Typically 25-35 students are admitted to Harvard from the UK each year, from diverse schools and from all over the country.

Harvard College is located along the Charles River opposite Boston, and the main campus is spread over about 220 acres. The residential areas are near the centre of campus, along the river and on the central quad. There are over 400 buildings associated with the university, linked by an efficient shuttle bus system.

Social Media