A. University studies

Students who attend university in the UK start with undergraduate studies, which are usually the studies towards a bachelor’s degree. They follow a programme of different modules (parts of the university course). They usually have to complete a certain number of credits each year. For example, if students need 180 credits, they might take two modules of 60 credits each, and their dissertation (long piece of writing) might be worth another 60 credits. When they have graduated, students become graduates.
If they want to continue their university education, students can begin postgraduate studies. The first stage of this would be a master’s degree, and after that they can do a PhD (doctor of philosophy). Postgraduate studies require students to specialise in a particular field, and they often do research. They usually have to write another dissertation (for a master’s degree) or a thesis (for a PhD).

B. People, places, and types of classes

If you visit a university campus, you’ll see a lecture theatre. During lectures, students listen to a lecturer and take notes. Some modules have seminars where smaller groups discuss the subject in detail. The academic staff (people who teach) might also include tutors, who teach students individually or in small groups, in sessions called tutorials. Many students live on campus in halls of residence (or halls).

C. Student services

• ¹ a university department that deals with new applications and students
• ² qualifications that are needed to enter a programme
• ³ money that students can receive
• ⁴ money that students have to pay for their course
• ⁵ money that a student borrows to pay for their course
• ⁶ money that is given to a student to pay for a course (usually for students who do well at school)
• ⁷ an organisation that deals with student issues and student life on campus, and a place where students can meet