RIYADH, 21 February 2005 — A consortium of 17 British universities will offer four-year bachelor’s degree courses, UK4, for successful secondary school students in the Kingdom. Those selected for the course will be given four-year visas to complete their studies in the United Kingdom.
“The UK4 degree courses are designed to help Gulf and Saudi students obtain globally recognized degrees from British universities,” Dr. Richard Leak from the University of Hull told young Saudi men and women at a meeting in the auditorium of the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) yesterday.
The meeting was organized by the British Council and was well attended by a number of Saudi parents, heads of schools and students.
Dr. Leak, representing the consortium, said this was a good opportunity for young Saudi men and women to study abroad. “Those interested in the scheme should have good marks in the general secondary examination and possess a good standard of English,” he explained.
He said the minimum age for entry to the British universities is 17 though candidates who are under that age can negotiate with university registrars. He pointed out that most of the universities are aware of the religious and cultural background of Muslim students. “Prayer halls for Muslim students have been built so they can perform their daily prayers,” he said.
The Ministry of Higher Education has approved the four-year course which includes a preparatory year followed by three years of academic study for the degree. The first year will help students develop English language skills and adapt themselves to the environment. The other three will include studies leading to the degree, Dr. Leak explained.
