Colleges In London - No 1 Destination

If you are looking for colleges in London, it would not be surprising if you felt overwhelmed by the sheer volume on offer. Research shows that in 2008/9 426,175 students were registered in colleges in London. The 60 public universities and colleges in London are quality controlled by the UK Government run Quality Assurance Agency. Apart from the public universities and colleges of London are a whole host of Independent colleges some of which specialise in courses as varied as Diplomas in Fashion Drawing to Masters in Business Administration.

In Search Of A First-Rate College In London

If you are searching for colleges in London from overseas you may have made your final selection online. Please beware of bogus colleges and do the maximum amount of research possible before parting with any cash!

Check if the college is recognized to issue UK degrees and qualifications. Each year many unfortunate International students are conned by sham colleges in London professing to have the same status as publicly funded universities.

Recognised UK Degree Awarding Bodies

The UK Higher Educations' well-reputed status is sustained by mandatory rules of standardisation. Only the ACDAP, part of the UK QAA can endorse colleges so that they may have university awarding powers.

The HEI can only issue certified qualifications independently and be listed as a Recognized Body by the DBIS after it has been approved by ACDAP.

Beware Of Sham Colleges In London

Private colleges are not legally required to undergo external quality reviews and cannot be registered as Recognized Bodies preventing them from independently distributing UK degrees as an official university. As a prospective International student applying to study a UK degree at any of the private colleges in London, it is essential to be aware of any warning signs by carrying out your research before making an application.

Precautionary Checks

* It is not advisable to enrol at a college which does not have the stamp of approval from the British Accreditation Council (BAC) which is a recognized external body for monitoring quality standards in Independent colleges.

* Make sure that the college is associated with recognized UK universities with awarding body status and is registered as a Listed Body by the Department for Business Innovation and Skills.

* Confirm the awarding body linked to the college is accepted internationally.

* Check the Register of Regulated Qualifications (OFQUAL) to see that the college is awarding accredited qualifications by an approved qualification organization such as Edexcel.

* Avoid colleges without approval from the UK Border Agency if you are a prospective International student.

* Only colleges which have official Tier 4 licences registered with the UK Border Agency have the authority to distribute Visa letters (CAS letters).

It is undeniable that there is a broad spectrum of courses and colleges in London to choose from it is certainly worth taking the time to do your research and ask the right questions before jumping in, so that you can take full advantage of studying in the most diverse and foremost cities of education in the world.