Accessible, quicker and just as prestigious: UK degrees are a great alternative to one from a US university. Across the pond, you’ll be welcomed warmly — and with a degree preparation course, you’ll find an extra-flexible way to make your ambitions a reality. Sound good? Let’s explore what’s on offer for Americans who study in the UK.
Find world-renowned universities
The UK is home to some of the most respected universities on the planet, with 16 in the top 100 of the prestigious QS World University Rankings 2027.
Many of these are in the UK’s equivalent of the Ivy League, the Russell Group. This collection of leading research institutions has plenty of ways in for US students. You can gain entry to several of its members via a degree preparation course, including the University of Bristol and the University of Birmingham.
UK universities are also highly regarded for their focus on employability. All are increasingly keen to help students develop skills needed in the workplace, and many do this with guaranteed work placements. Bournemouth, Brighton and Nottingham Trent University are just three of those who embed them into all undergraduate degrees.
Begin with a degree preparation course
If you don’t quite meet the requirements of a UK degree, a preparation course could be the perfect option. At undergraduate level, these come in two types:
- Foundation Certificate — leading to the first year of a bachelor’s degree
- International Year One (IYO) — leading to the second year of a bachelor’s degree
Both develop your academic skills and subject knowledge for degree-level study in the UK. You’ll also benefit from their dedicated wellbeing support, wherever you are based.
Through Kaplan, you can study preparation courses leading to 14 UK universities. You could study on campus, at our flagship Kaplan International College London, or online via Digital Pathways. Each option sets up a seamless transition into higher education.
Graduate in as few as three years
At most UK universities, undergraduate degrees take only three years to complete. That means you’ll be ready to take on the world as a graduate sooner than you would in the USA. Plus, with less time spent paying tuition fees, you could save money.
The same applies at postgraduate level. Most UK master’s degrees take one year to complete, so you could earn yours only four years after starting an IYO. Compared to the six years it may take in the USA, this is very efficient.
Advance with an International Year One
For a super-smooth start to study in the UK, an IYO is ideal. Available with Kaplan in association with 12 universities, it promises to prepare you perfectly.
You’ll get to grips with academic expectations while studying modules similar to those in the first year of a bachelor’s. This will get you up to speed quickly, ready to go straight into the second year of your degree.
In addition, IYOs teach you all about education and life in the UK. You can often take this even further with an online internship, integrated with your course. Before long, you’ll have what you need to move forward with confidence — academically and personally.
Discover new ways of life
It may seem like a big step to study abroad — and it usually is! This isn’t something to fear, but rather an opportunity to grow. As you experience new cultures and increase your independence, you’ll see that study in the UK means learning far beyond the classroom.
You’ll share this journey with peers from around the world, all bringing something different. According to official data, almost one in four students at university level in the UK were from overseas last year. That’s close to four times higher than in the USA.
of students in the UK are from abroad
of students in the USA are from abroad
Travel the country with ease
Coming from the USA, you may be used to long journeys between major cities. By contrast, the UK’s most exciting places are often just a short trip apart. The country is around three times smaller than Texas, and linked by great transport networks.
You’ll also find a lot to see and do on your doorstep! If you study in the UK with Kaplan, here is some of what you could discover near your campus.
| Campus | Landmark | Distance |
| Nottingham Trent International College | Nottingham Castle | 0.7 miles |
| Centre for Academic Language and Development, University of Bristol | Clifton Suspension Bridge | 0.7 miles |
| Kaplan International College London | Tower of London | 0.8 miles |
| University of Brighton International College | Brighton Palace Pier | 2.1 miles |
| University of York International Pathway College | York Minster | 2.8 miles |
How Kaplan can help you study in the UK
Kaplan International Pathways is ready to help you reach a university in the UK. Our degree preparation courses offer guaranteed progression when you pass at the required level, and getting started is simple. You’ll receive expert support from enquiry to enrolment with our partners, which even include ASU London — a taste of the USA while you study abroad.
