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

  • Four-year “liberal arts” degree with wide range of disciplines and courses
  • Focus on broader education
  • Continuous assessment
  • Specialisation towards the end of second year
  • Balance between academics and extracurriculars
  • Uni accommodation often available for full degree course

British Universities

  • Three- or four-year specialised degree within specific subject(s)
  • Focus on early specialisation
  • Some continuous assessment, with subject finals at completion of degree
  • Advance commitment to a subject, usually no changes
  • Extracurriculars in own time
  • Uni accommodation usually limited after First Year

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.

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