A ‣ University studies

Students who attend university in the UK start with undergraduate studies, which are usually the studies towards a bachelor’s degree [a first degree at university]. They follow a programme of different modules [parts of the university course]. They usually have to complete a certain number of credits each year. For example, if the students need 180 credits, they might take two modules of 60 credits each, and their dissertation [long piece of writing] might be worth another 60 credits. When they have graduated [completed their bachelor’s degree], students become graduates.

If they want to continue their university education, students can begin post graduate studies. The first stage of this would be a master’s degree, and after that they can do a PhD (doctor of philosophy) [the highest university degree]. Post graduate studies require students to specialise in a particular field, and they often do research. They usually have to write another dissertation (for a master’s degree) or a thesis (for a PhD).

B ‣ People, places, and types of classes

If you visit a university campus, you’ll see a lecture theatre (or a lecture hall). During lectures, students listen to a lecturer and take notes. Some modules have seminars where smaller groups discuss the subject in detail. The academic staff [people who teach] might also include tutors, who teach students individually or in small groups, in sessions called tutorials. Many students live on campus in halls of residence (or halls).

C ‣ Student services

¹ a university department that deals with new applications and new students
² qualifications that are needed to enter a programme
³ money that students can receive
⁴ money that students have to pay for their course
⁵ money that a student borrows to pay for their course
⁶ money that is given to a student to pay for a course (usually for students who are doing well at school)
⁷ an organization that deals with student issues and student life on campus, and a place where students can meet