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Studying in the UK vs the USA
Currently in the US and considering studying abroad in the UK? We explore some of the differences between US and UK universities, focusing in particular on studying in Scotland.
Published on 16 July 2025
With the changing political landscape in the US, and the effect that this has had on higher education, many students are now exploring international options. At the University of Dundee, we have a long tradition of welcoming international students, including many from the United States.
Did you know that the American educational system actually has its roots in the Scottish model? This means that you'll certainly notice some similarities. However, there are also some key differences between universities in the US and the UK. This guide will help you to navigate them.
UK undergraduate degrees vs US bachelor's degrees
How long is a degree in the UK compared to the US?
Scottish undergraduate degrees typically take four years to complete - the same length of time as a bachelor's degree in the US. This differs from the rest of the UK (England, Wales, and Northern Ireland), where undergraduate degrees are usually three years long.
The US college system, because it's partly based on the Scottish model, has some similarities. Both follow a two-semester academic year and offer broader subject choices in the early years of study.
Find out more about the Scottish four year degree
The UK and Scottish degree structures
In the US, students usually take a wide range of general education courses in the first two years before choosing a major. This gives you time to explore different academic interests before specialising.
In the UK, degree courses tend to be more focused from the start, particularly in the three-year degrees offered outside of Scotland. Students typically specialise in their chosen subject from the beginning of their studies.
In Scotland, you start studying your chosen subject but can explore others alongside it. In many cases, you can switch your main subject by the end of second year. This flexibility lets you refine your interests before committing to a final degree path.
For many of our students, this blend of structure and adaptability is one of the key benefits of studying in Scotland.
Studying law or medicine in the UK
The path to becoming a lawyer or doctor is different in the UK. In the US, these are graduate-level professions, meaning students first complete a four-year bachelor's degree before applying to medical or law school.
In the UK, including Scotland, you can apply directly to medicine or law programmes as an undergraduate. This direct-entry system allows you to specialise earlier, potentially enter the workforce sooner, and save both time and tuition costs.
For students who already hold a degree in another subject, some UK universities also offer graduate-entry options in law or medicine.
How do US college admissions differ from the UK system?
In the UK, most students apply through UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). This central system lets you apply to up to five courses with a single application that includes your personal statement and academic qualifications. You track your offers through the UCAS portal.
In the US, there is no centralised system and no set limit on the number of universities that you can apply to. You might use the Common App, Coalition App or a university’s own portal, and each one may have different requirements and deadlines. Applications often include several essays, extracurricular details, and multiple references.
What do universities look for?
In the US, admissions decisions are based on a mix of factors: grades, test scores, extracurricular activities, personal essays, and letters of recommendation. Personal attributes such as character, and evidence of leadership abilities can play a big role.
In the UK, the focus is more academic and universities consider past exam grades, course choices, and predicted results. While a personal statement is still required, its purpose is to show your motivation and suitability for your chosen subject, rather than your personality or hobbies. Most UK universities do not ask for multiple references or essays, although there can be some subject-specific requirements such as a portfolio for an art course.
What happens if you don't get in to university?
The UK has UCAS Clearing, a process that takes place every summer and helps universities fill empty spots on their courses. You can use Clearing if you miss the UCAS deadline, decide you don't want to go to your first-choice university, or don't receive any offers.
While the US doesn't have a single, nationwide system like UCAS Clearing, there are similar ways to fill open spots. For example, some universities use rolling admissions, where they look at applications as they come in, instead of having hard deadlines. You could also end up on a waitlist, and if places open up after the first round of acceptances, you might get an offer. Other US universities might still take late applications if they have room even after the normal deadlines.
Some community colleges and less selective four-year institutions also have open admissions, which can provide a backup route if other plans fall through.
If you're looking for a UK place through Clearing, read our guide to UCAS Clearing to find out how students from the US can apply for available places.
How does the cost of studying in the UK compare to the US?
Tuition fees are generally higher in the US compared to the UK. However, there are lots of options for financial aid, and scholarships are more common, although total costs can still be very high and costs for international students in the USA will be even higher still.
Tuition fees are lower for domestic students in the UK (unless you're a Scottish student attending a Scottish university, where the Scottish government pays your fees). UK students can apply for a student loan to cover costs, which is repaid once you start earning a certain amount. Fees will be significantly higher if you are an international student. International students in the UK are unable to apply for student loans but might be able to apply for scholarships or financial aid to help with the cost.
Living costs will vary according to the city, but in Dundee, we estimate that your living costs will range from £10,000 to £12,000 per academic year (39 weeks). Obviously your own particular expenditure will depend on your lifestyle and available funds.
UK postgraduate degrees vs US graduate degrees
What are the differences between US and UK postgraduate degrees? There are several things to bear in mind:
In the UK, a master's course is called a postgraduate degree, rather than a graduate degree. UK master's courses are usually a full 12 months of intensive study. They tend to be very focused, and students graduate with a specialisation that often gives them an edge in a particular field.
You do not have to take the GRE for entry into any of our postgraduate courses. The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is a standardised test that is part of the admissions process for many graduate schools in the United States and Canada, and a few other countries.
How does the academic experience differ between the UK and the US?
Beyond the structure of degrees, the academic experience itself also varies. The best choice for you will depend on how you prefer to learn:
Class time and independent study
One of the biggest differences between studying in the UK and the US is the balance between classroom time and independent study. As a student in the UK, you generally have fewer hours of formal teaching compared to a student in the US. Many courses have a greater element of self-directed study, so you need to be a more independent learner and able to manage your own time, outside of the scheduled lectures, seminars, and tutorials. Arts and humanities students, in particular, may have less contact with academic staff, and need to do far more independent reading. Whilst a UK schedule tends to be more flexible than a US one, it is more challenging when it comes to time-management.
Assessment and grading
The way in which you are assessed also differs quite significantly between the two systems.
In the UK, you are mainly assessed on a few key pieces of coursework such as essays, presentations, or lab reports (for STEM subjects), together with an end-of-module assessment which usually carries significant weight in determining your final grade. In your final year, you often need to complete a dissertation or independent research project. There’s more emphasis too on critical thinking, and the ability to construct well-reasoned and independent arguments.
In the US, grading tends to be more continuous. You’re assessed on a wider range of assignments, such as homework, quizzes, midterm and final exams, class participation, and group projects. Throughout the semester there is constant feedback due to the regular homework and participation grades.
Student life in the UK
What are the differences between American and British campuses?
University life in the US and the UK also differs in terms of campus culture, extracurricular activities, and student living arrangements. The US experience is once again more structured, whereas the UK encourages more independence and greater integration with local cities and communities.
In the US, campus life is usually a central part of the university experience. Campuses are large with plenty of student housing, known as dorms. Students spend at least two years living on campus, but many will choose to stay for longer. It's common to have meal plans and dining halls on campus too. Larger US campuses can even have leisure facilities such as their own cinemas, arcades, and bowling alleys.
Whilst we do have campuses in the UK, most students tend to live in student accommodation for their first year only, moving to privately-rented property after this. Although some of the UK's campuses are completely self-contained, most universities are either fully integrated into a city, or have a relatively small campus within a city, as in Dundee. Students in the UK tend to cook for themselves and meal plans are uncommon.
Student life in the UK is usually less centralised, with students spending more time in the pubs, bars, and restaurants in the city, rather than staying primarily on campus. The legal drinking age is also different: in the US, you have to be at least 21 to drink alcohol, unlike the UK, where you can drink from the age of 18. One in three American campuses ban alcohol, with dry campuses common in the Midwest and Southern United States.
Sports and societies
Extracurricular activities play a major role in US university life, with varsity sports, student organisations, and Greek life being central to campus culture. School spirit is important, with large stadiums, pep rallies, and university-wide events helping to create a strong sense of identity.
In the UK, while sports can still be an important part of student life, they do not operate at the same professional or commercial level as in the US. There are no large stadiums dedicated to university teams, and athletic scholarships are rare.
Student societies in the UK are also more independent, typically run by students rather than the university itself. There's usually a wide range of clubs, activities, and interest groups available so you're bound to find something that interests you.
An inclusive and supportive environment
For many US students, studying abroad in the UK also means access to universal healthcare, with reproductive healthcare being fully legal and protected throughout the UK. If you study here for more than six months, you can use the NHS (National Health Service) like a local student, including for GP visits, prescriptions, and mental health services.
Choosing where to study is a big step, especially if you're thinking about moving to another country. If you're comparing the UK and US university systems, it helps to understand how they differ in structure, cost and student experience. While the US model has its roots in the Scottish system, the two have developed in distinct ways.
We hope this guide has given you a clearer picture of how things work in the UK, particularly in Scotland, so you can decide what’s right for you, but if you have any questions, please get in touch with our Admissions team.