The comparative analysis of the present University systems in the United Kingdom and the Russian Federation

In both countries there are lectures and seminars but British students have a tutorial once or twice a week: they see a tutor alone to discuss their work and their progress. In fact, attending lectures is optional for «Oxbridge» students [1, p. 136] which on the one hand gives them a freedom of choice and on the other hand demands more responsibility in organizing their time. Russian students have no possibility to drop a subject. In this country some subjects can become a nightmare for students because at the end of a term they will have to pass an exam or to be sent down. They have the right to pass it three times but it seldom comes to it.

In Russia they have 2 terms about 16 weeks each and in Britain – 3 terms about 10 weeks each. But student’s life is not only classes and exams. Young people believe that if they do nothing more than study, they will waste great opportunities. In Britain during the first week of study all the clubs and societies hold a «freshers’ fair» during which they try to persuade new students to join their societies [1, p. 136]. The choice can be overwhelming – Leeds University, for instance, offers 210 different activities! Most of the clubs are located on the campus which is very convenient. Russian students also have opportunities for personal development. For example in Belgorod State University there are dancing, singing, drama clubs, horse-riding school, lots of study groups and sports activities.

One more point is work. It is known that students in the United Kingdom are allowed to work. Moreover, some of them have to work to cover living expenses. Russian full-time students are not supposed to work. If they do work, teachers are usually displeased because spending much time at work may result in attendance or study problems. Anyhow, if a student has to work he can study by correspondence. In this case a student attends the University 3-4 times a year.

After 3-4 years of study British students take their finals. They can get a first, second or third class degree and put BA (Bachelor of Arts) or BSc (Bachelor of Science) after their name [2, p. 36]. In Russia students can graduate with an ordinary or honours degree.

References

1.      Sheerin S., Seath J., White G. Spotlight on Britain. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1995.
2.      Кларк Г., Федотов В. Жизнь и обучение в Великобритании. Киев: ООО «Интерсисервис», 2003.