About the UK

[Graphic: UK flag] The United Kingdom is in Western Europe, and is made up of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and has a population of just over 60 million people. The UK is a constitutional monarchy with a democratic political system, and has been a member of the European Union since 1973.

The UK has one of the oldest and most well respected education systems in the world, with over 170 universities and colleges and over two million higher education students in the UK. Of these, 87% are from the UK, 4% are from other countries of the European Community, and over 8% are from countries outside of the European Community.* Over 330,000 international students enrolled in higher education programmes in the UK in 2005/06, and the UK is now the second most popular destination for international students.

The UK has a vibrant and multicultural society which welcomes students from all over the world. During your studies in the UK you can experience the tourist attractions and cutting edge culture in many UK cities, visit the beautiful countryside of the Peak District and Lake District and other national parks, visit castles, cathedrals and historic towns such as York and Durham.

Due to its location the UK can also be used as an ideal place to travel around Europe, as European capital cities such as Paris, Brussles, Amsterdam and Berlin are only a short flight away.

Source: www.hero.ac.uk