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Education

401 Marks Sio Yangu! Nuru Okanga Finally Breaks Silence On His Real KCPE Results

by Mustafa Juma November 23, 2023

ODM leader Raila Odinga’s staunch supporter Nuru Okanga has finally broken his silence on his 2023 KCPE results.

Soon after Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu announced the last KCPE results, screenshots started doing rounds on social media, indicating that Nuru Okanga had scored 401 marks.

However, the Bunge la Mwananchi member has distanced himself from the said screenshot.

Nuru Okanga became the number one trending topic across almost all social media platforms after the fake results estimated that he got between 401 and 405 marks placing him among the top 20 students nationally.

Nuru Okanga sat for the 2023 KCPE examinations at Mumias Muslim Primary School.

Okanga has, however, disclosed that he has not yet received his results after sending his index number to to 40054.

In a phone interview with Daily Trends, the index number 37610677055 doing rounds did not belong to him as his starts with the figures 379.

He said he will disclose his marks once he receives the sms.

The top candidate in the 2023 KCPE scored 428 marks out of a possible 500.

Only 8,525 candidates were able to score 400 marks and above with 352,782 students scoring between 300 and 399 marks.

November 23, 2023 0 comment

Education

How Candidates Performed in 2023 KCPE Exams

by Daily Trends November 23, 2023

written by Daily Trends

The 2023 Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) exams top candidate scored 428 marks out of a possible 500.

Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu announced the results on Thursday November 23, 2023.

This last KCPE exam as the Ministry of Education phases out the 8-4-4 curriculum to be fully replaced by a Competence Based Curriculum (CBC).

Out of the over 1.4 million candidates that sat for the exam, only 8,525 candidates were able to score 400 marks and above with 352,782 students scoring between 300 and 399 marks.

The majority of pupils scored between 200 to 299 with 658,278 candidates falling into that category.

383,025 candidates scored between 100 to 199 marks with the rest of the candidates scoring below 100 marks.

The national examination had minimum malpractice with only two pupils out of 1.4 million candidates engaging in exam irregularity.

November 23, 2023 0 comment

Education Latest News

CS Machogu Breaks Silence As Another Student Is Brutalized By Teachers In Kisii, Loses Testicle

by Daily Trends April 13, 2023

written by Daily Trends

Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu has broken his silence after yet another student lost his testicle after he was assaulted by his teachers in a school in Kisii County.

A 19-year-old form four student at Nyabisia Secondary School, in Nyamache division, Bobasi constituency has stirred a debate after he narrated how teachers at the school brutalized him.

According to the student, five teachers and a school security guard brutalized him and damaged one of his testicles which doctors at Hema Hospital in Kisii said had raptured.

The students testicle raptured following the beating he received. It was removed at the hospital.

CS Machogu while commenting on the incident said the law should take its course.

Machogu termed the perpetrators as criminals and not teachers, who should be taken to court and dismissed from the service.

The CS said teachers are not allowed to go to that extent while administering discipline.

“To me, these are just criminals and I cannot even call them teachers. The law should take its course. They should be taken to court and dismissed from service,” Machogu was quoted by Nation as having said.

This is the second incident involving rogue teachers beating up and leading to a student losing his testis, after minor offences committed by the learners. A week ago, another student suffered the same fate after vicious beatings by his teachers.

April 13, 2023 0 comment

Education

REVEALED: How “Corrupt” Simon Gicharu’s Political Power Has Spearheaded Growth of MKU

by Daily Trends March 5, 2023

written by Daily Trends

Mount Kenya University (MKU) has prided itself as one of the fastest growing institutions of its kind in the 2000s.

Over the period of its existence many cases have emerged, some going all the way to the court, with accusations of the founder of the university for poor land handling and in some cases, obvious land fraud allegations.

But frequent invitations to the mention of the name of its founder Simon Gicharu allows one to interrogate the nature and type of the explosive rise of the university.

Gicharu, a close ally to the Kenya state operatives has been a great beneficiary of State appointments, serving in leading parastatals in the country including the multi-billion shilling Geothermal Development Corporation, a clear reward for his reward towards former President Uhuru regime since 2013.

At the same time, the Ministry of Education capitation for private universities saw thousands of students get State capitation with MKU among the biggest beneficiaries of the programme.

“We are working on the figures and monies that MKU received and soon, we shall make it public. The figures are high and I can assure you that some of you will be shocked,” says a member of the National Assembly Education Committee.

On the other hand, the country’s legal fraternity is still apprehensive of the university’s School of Law at the speed it acquired the charter to offer Law ahead of some of the established public universities.

“MKU has a few things to reply to in this country. The millions they received and the nature of the scandals they have weathered in the recent past has many people thinking about the operations. We cannot rule out the closeness to power that the owner enjoys in many places in our country. All that will be known when the matter is put to discussion,” the MP in the Education Committee says.

Investigations by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) looking into the allegations of fraud in an inflated Sh1.2 billion campus purchase deal between MMUST and Mount Kenya University (MKU) has been set rolling.

The commission had commenced investigations into the matter following a complaint that MMUST had purchased the MKU Turkana Campus at an exorbitant price of Sh1.2 billion yet the property was valued at Sh600 million.

Investigations established that the acquisition was initiated through a letter dated March 17, 2016, by the Deputy Vice Chancellor of MMUST, Planning, Research and Innovation to the Cabinet Secretary of Education Science and Technology.

Investigations by the EACC established by the Commission of University of Education (CUE) approved the acquisition stating that it had already accredited the campus. The MMUST University Council also deliberated and approved the acquisition on June 17, 2017.

On July 28, 2022, a report was compiled by the EACC team and forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) with a recommendation for closure of the inquiry file. The report further held that the VC (Prof Otieno) who would have been culpable for failing to adhere to the procurement law and regulations is deceased.

Prof Otieno left office on December 1, 2018, amid a barrage of audit queries. He died in 2019.

Step Up Holdings

Similarly, in its expansion strategy, MKU in a deal sewed up by Simon Gicharu has been embroiled in a land tussle with a firm Step Up Holdings that according to court documents, claim they were shortchanged.

Apparently, MKU through Gicharu, allegedly entered into an agreement with Step Up in 2011 to set up a Nakuru campus mini wing in Kericho town but the owner didn’t measure up leading to a court battle in a supposed Sh511M botched deal between the two entities. Step Up ran the operations of the Nakuru Campus before the clash. This was a gentleman’s deal between the two entrepreneurs meaning it was all verbal.

Step Up Holdings avers that a month after their verbal agreement, the university forced the firm to close the Kericho Campus leading to a loss of Sh953,881.

The firm claims the university then “illegally took over” the campus by relocating 3,807 students and 295 staff to other premises. The court sided with Step Up Holdings and found the university liable for Sh511 million.

In 2012, the Court of Appeal in Nakuru dismissed appeal attempt by MKU dismissing the appellants’ application for stay of proceedings pending Arbitration.

“The background to the appeal is that, both the appellant and the respondent entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) containing an arbitration clause,” Court records show.

However, Nakuru High Court judge Justice Hillary Chemitei allowed the university to file defence Sh511million dispute.

“The interlocutory judgement entered against the applicant or defendant on November 17, 2011, is hereby set aside,” ruled Justice Hilary Chemitei.

“The applicant shall within 30 days from the date herein deposit Sh511million in a joint interest-earning account in the names of both counsel for the applicant and the defendant pending the hearing and determination of the suit,” stated Justice Chetimei.

The court also ordered Step Up Holdings to provide a Sh511million bank guarantee from a reputable firm within 30 days pending the hearing of the case.

Provisions of the MoU cited by the university in its flopped attempt to push for arbitration were dismissed by the Court of Appeal.

Mount Kenya University has found itself once again on the receiving end after entering into a scandalous land deal with an alleged fraudulent businessman leading up to a court battle.

In what was thought to be a smooth deal to acquire a piece of land in Nairobi’s Industrial Area, the institution’s owner Simon Gicharu has once again fallen prey.

The institution dragged a controversial British national Vallabh Haribhai Bakrania to court for allegedly defrauding them of Sh20 million.

Bakrania is accused of obtaining the money by pretending he was in a position to sell to the university a piece of land located in Industrial Area, Nairobi.

Bakrania allegedly committed the offence on 27th November 2020 in Nairobi, with intent to defraud Mount Kenya University.

March 5, 2023 0 comment

Education

Education CS Ezekiel Machogu Gives New Directive to Learners Transiting to Junior Secondary

by Mustafa Juma January 16, 2023

written by Mustafa Juma

Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu has given a new directive to all the leaners transiting to grade 7 under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).

Machogu has said that the learners should have new uniforms for junior secondary category.

He urged school management to pick colors and types of uniforms for their schools.

He however, said parents will cater for the uniforms.

“The Grade 7 learners will have different uniforms, which the heads of schools will come up with and parents will cater for,” the CS said.

The Junior Secondary students will report on January 30.

Machogu said 14,000 public schools have been assessed and more than 13,000 met the qualification of the Junior Secondary school host.

Junior Secondary students will report on January 30.

Machogu said 14,000 public schools have been assessed and more than 13,000 met the qualification of the Junior Secondary school host.

The Education CS spoke on Monday during the Form 1 selection exercise at KICD, Nairobi.

On December 1, 2022 the CBC task force recommended that Junior Secondary learners be domiciled in existing primary schools.

January 16, 2023 0 comment

Education

Government Announces New School Re-opening Date

by Mustafa Juma August 13, 2022

written by Mustafa Juma

The National government through the Ministry of Education has announced a new date for the re-opening of schools.

Education CS George Magoha through a press statenment on Saturday directed schools to resume on Thursday, August 18, 2022.

The disruptions on school opening day is due to the ongoing election process where the tallying of the election results is still going on.

In his statement, Magoha clarified that students will no longer be required to report to school on Monday, as earlier communicated.

He had earlier announced that schools will be re-opened Monday, August 15, 2022.

Magoha said the ministry has been informed that the process of tallying ballots may still be ongoing on the aforementioned date.

The CS apologized for any inconvenience caused and said his communication supersedes any communication made earlier on basic education institutions.

Schools are traditionally used as polling and tallying centres every election year.

A gazette notice by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission indicated that almost 250 schools will be used as tallying centres.

August 13, 2022 0 comment

Education Latest News

Governor Wangamati Unveils 7000 Beneficiaries Of The 5th Cohort Of His Scholarship Program

by Pauline Waswa April 25, 2022

written by Pauline Waswa

Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati has today unveiled the 7000 beneficiaries of governor’s scholarship 5^th cohort 2022.

At an event that was conducted at Masinde Muliro grounds Webuye, Wangamati said that the county officials participated in visiting the beneficiaries’ homes to make sure that the scholarship is awarded to the most deserving students in the county who are bright and genuinely needy.

In his speech Wangamati said that the county government had initially targeted 3000 students but following the good performance from the needy students, they decided to increase the number to 7000 so as to enable bright but needy students to get their education equally like other children.

He went ahead to note that the program was initiated in 2017 and the pioneering class sat for their examinations in 2022, which 500 students who were beneficiaries sat for their exams and so far, the results received are from 281 students all with good grades.

One Tatiana Wabwire from South Bukusu ward Kimatuni village who scored an A after benefitting from the scholarship 2017 and heading to Pangani girls high school expressed her joy saying that coming from a struggling family, she didn’t know how the fate of her education would be until the program came by.

Tatiana Wabwire. Photo/Courtesy/Governor’s Press Service

“I have been raised by partly my grandfather and my single mother after my dad died in 2013 and it was really hard for me through my primary school education and I didn’t know if at some point I will be standing here with these grades, thanks to governor Wangamati’s scholarship that saw me through my high school education,” said Tatiana

Wangamati went ahead to warn his competitors to stop politicizing everything saying that his scholarship is only for the needy students and not the rich as alleged by his competitors.

“You people send me in the office as the second governor, to go and work and as you can see, I have delivered and I have the receipts for that unlike my competitors, so I want them to come with the receipts not empty talks,” he said

April 25, 2022 0 comment

Education

CBO Starts Distribution Of Sanitary Towels In Bungoma Schools

by Pauline Waswa March 3, 2022

written by Pauline Waswa

Crown youth group (CYG), a community-based Organization operating in Bungoma County has launched distribution of sanitary towels exercise in Bungoma schools to improve menstrual hygiene.

Speaking to the to the press in Webuye West Constituency during the distribution of sanitary towels at Milani Secondary school, Samuel Nakitare, Chairman Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn and Child health (RMNCH) said that the move came as a result of high number of teenage pregnancies in schools in Bungoma.

This increased school drop- outs especially during Covid-19 lockdowns.

Crown youth group is a CBO that works under Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn and Child health to ensure that there is increased Antenatal care visits, reduce teenage pregnancy and strengthen weak referral systems in health facilities.

“Bungoma is among the counties that have recorded a high number of teenage pregnancy and our move aims at distributing sanitary towels and educating young girls the importance of menstrual hygiene,” Nakitare said.

The health advocate revealed that the organization held talks with health providers in Bungoma County before taking the initiative of distributing sanitary towels in schools.

“I held discussions with health providers in almost all health facilities to check how pregnant women are attending Antenatal care visits (ANC) that helped me organize this for sanitary towels distribution,” he said.

He urged expectant mothers to visit health facilities for Antennal Care (ANC).

Nakitare assured that the organization will move around the entire county to distribute sanitary towels in Bungoma schools, adding that the organization disbursed 14 boxes of sanitary towels at Milani secondary school.

He also said that Milani Secondary school has so far recorded 10 teenage pregnancies.

Nakitare lauded the government through the ministry of education for distributing sanitary towels in schools.

Kennedy Wanyela, the school principal noted that girls who got pregnant while in school are getting guidance from health providers and will be supported to access education.

March 3, 2022 0 comment

Education

How The Digital Divide Affected Learning In Kenya During The Lockdown Period

by Mustafa Juma November 26, 2021

written by Mustafa Juma

Although the education system was unprepared for the massive changes in learning models, a few months into the pandemic, many learning institutions adapted and leveraged remote and online learning options through the internet, television and radio.

Teachers on the other hand developed online academic material while parents taught the exercises and lessons provided by teachers to their children at home.

Simply having access to a computer and an Internet connection does not ensure effective distance learning.

The outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic forced Kenya to close schools in March 2020 as a way of curbing the spread of the novel corona virus.

The country turned to virtual and remote learning.

Although the education system was unprepared for the massive changes in learning models, a few months into the pandemic, many learning institutions adapted and leveraged remote and online learning options through the internet, television and radio.

The digital divide

A report released by Presidential Policy and Strategic Unit in July 2021 which aimed at documenting experiences of adolescents during the pandemic indicated that despite the government’s push to integrate technology in education, Kenya still lags behind in the digital divide.

Teachers on the other hand developed online academic material while parents taught the exercises and lessons provided by teachers to their children at home.

Considering that the use of digital tools in education has dramatically increased during this crisis, and it is set to continue, there is a pressing need to understand the impact of distance learning.

By making the learning process rely more than ever on families, rather than on teachers, and by getting students to work predominantly via digital resources, school closures exacerbate social class academic disparities.

Teachers had to develop online academic materials that could be used at home to ensure educational continuity while ensuring the necessary physical distancing.

Primary and secondary school students suddenly had to work with various kinds of support, which were usually provided online by their teachers.

For college students, lockdown often entailed returning to their hometowns while staying connected with their teachers and classmates via video conferences, email and other digital tools.

Despite the best efforts of educational institutions, parents and teachers to keep all children and students engaged in learning activities, ensuring educational continuity during school closure—something that is difficult for everyone—may pose unique material and psychological challenges for working-class families and students.

Unequal access to digital resources

Although the use of digital technologies is almost ubiquitous in developed nations, there is a digital divide such that some people are more likely than others to be numerically excluding social class is a strong predictor of digital disparities, including the quality of hardware, software and Internet access.

Virtual classes

According to the Presidential Policy and Strategic Unit which on the impact of the pandemic on adolescents in Nairobi, Kisumu, Kilifi and Wajir counties, where students between ages 15 and 19 explained their remote learning experiences, majority of the learners interviewed reported not to have participated in the virtual classes and instead resorted to reading any materials available at home.

“Only one per cent of learners had access to computers during the pandemic, highlighting the significant digital divide in education in the country,” the report noted.

Although some teachers relied on mobile phones to send assignments to students and receive answers as text, the medium was very limited.

Less than a third of students were able to use mobile phones for learning. Some schools and teachers in marginalised areas were completely unable to offer any virtual or digital lessons.

This was evident in Wajir County, where the learners were left to study on their own without any interaction with teachers.

In Nairobi, only 32 per cent of adolescents had access to mobile phones. In Kisumu, there was only 25 per cent, while Kilifi and Wajir recorded the lowest number of learners who had access to materials from schools through phones at 12 and 2 per cent respectively.

Internet and electricity

As the country turned to online and electronic learning as a result of the pandemic, lack of internet penetration and electricity in rural areas worsened the plight of learners in those areas as they attempted to access lessons through radio and television

Social class disparities in digital skills can be explained in part by the fact that children from upper/middle-class families have the opportunity to develop digital skills earlier than working-class families.

Unequal support from schools

Moreover, upper/middle-class parents invest more in the schools of their children than working-class parents, and schools have an interest in catering more for upper/middle-class families than for working-class families.

Additionally, the expectation of teachers may be lower for working-class children e.g, they tend to estimate that working-class students invest less effort in learning than their upper/middle-class counterparts.

These differences in perception may have influenced the behaviour of teachers during school closure, such that teachers in privileged neighbourhoods provided more information to students because they expected more from them in terms of effort and achievement.

November 26, 2021 0 comment

Education Latest News

Ministry Of Education Exposes Mistakes Private Schools Do Ahead Of National Exams

by Yahil Felix October 23, 2021

written by Yahil Felix

The Ministry of Education has exposed the mistakes that private schools are currently doing ahead of the national examinations. The ministry has said that the schools are registering ghost candidates for the national exams.

It noted that though both public and private schools engage in the practice, private schools are leading with the highest cases.

Nairobi Regional Director of Education, Jared Obiero, while speaking during a meeting with private schools directors and managers on Friday, he revealed that he schools that mostly engage in the practice are those with fewer candidates.

“The schools mostly in Eastleigh and Kamukunji are leading in registering ghost candidates to circumvent the government’s directive on the number of candidates required,” said Obiero.

He said the schools are doing this malpractice after the Ministry of Education asked schools with lead than 30 candidates to merge and form examination centers.

The regional education officer has henceforth directed Sub-County Education Directors to begin investigations right away on the matters and file a report with the ministry.

He asked them to conduct fiscal ad physical audit of the schools’ nominal rolls as well as inspect the learners’ registration details issued by the institutions.

Obiero said that schools found with the malpractice will b e penalized accusing them of defrauding the government and wasting public resources.

He noted that the practice is an examination irregularity and if a school is found, they will write to KNEC for appropriate action.

However, umbrella body, Kenya Private Schools Association have denied Obiero’s claims saying they are unsubstantiated.

October 23, 2021 0 comment

Education

List of 31 Teachers Honored As TSC Marks World Teachers’ Day

by Yahil Felix October 5, 2021

written by Yahil Felix

The Teachers Service Commission has honored 31 teachers from across the country as it celebrated this years World Teachers’ Day.

While addressing a meeting in Nairobi, the commission’s Chief Executive Officer Dr. Nancy Macharia said that the 31 teachers consistently demonstrated exemplary performance in teaching, management and effective delivery of the curriculum for quality education.”

Some of the teachers were honored for going against all odds and shining in various areas of their careers. The CEO said that the process of identifying teachers to be rewarded were in strict conformity to the TSC Performance Recognition, Reward and Sanction Policy Framework.

“I wish to state that the 31 teachers are not the only remarkable teachers we have in the practice. In fact this number is just the tip of the ice berg. And we, at the TSC, will keep finding more ways to ensure all our teachers feel recognized and appreciated for their work,” said Dr. Nancy Macharia.

Among the 31 teachers is Mr. Peter Tabichi of Keriko Mixed Secondary School who won the Global Teacher of the Year Award in 2018. On the list also is Mr. Eric Ademba of Asumbi Girls’ Secondary School who won the African Union Continental Teacher of the Year Award in 2019 and Jane Kimithi of Othaya Girls’ Secondary School who also won the African Union Continental Teacher of the Year Award in 2020.

The list of the 31 teachers honored by TSC during 2021 World Teachers’ Day Include:

Maiyo Sammy Kipchumba of Kapsabet Boys High School in Nandi.
Florah Mulatya of Kenya High School
Kuria John Munyua of Mang’u High
William Macharia Mwangi of Alliance High
Waweru Jacinter Njeri of Mary Hill Girls in Kiambu
Nzyoka Stephen Ngoma of Utafiti Primary in Kibwezi
Josleen Karimi Mugambi of Kathigiri Boarding in Meru
SR Onayancha Anne M of St. Peters Mumias
Kurgat Charles Kimutai of Tenwek Boarding in Bomet
Magut Isaac Kipruto of St. Mathews Septonok in Nandi
Jerotich Getrude of Nandi Hills Primary
Lucas Opiyo Okello of Igorera Secondary in Kisii
Jason Mogoa Onyango of Ndonyo Secondary School in Kisii
Salat Adow Alim of Rhamu Day Secondary in Mandera
Rosebella K Munzalla of St. Jospeh’s Gilrs in Kitale
Edward Condo Gona of Mnamwenga Primary School in Kilifi
Julius Munguti Nzioka of Kwa Mulungu Primary in Kitui
Abdikadir Isack Sheik of Banisa Primary in Mandera
Welly Hassan of Elan Primary School in Garrisa
Abdi Abei Abdullahi of Malaba Primary in Wajir
Catherine Karanga of Thika High School in Kiambu
Aggrey Warialo of Natando Primary School for PI in Bungoma
Asli Muhamed Abdi of Wajir Special School
Margaret Njuguna of Thika Primary for VI in Kiambu
Kuria Willie Mwangi of Murang’a High School
Florah Mulatya of Kenya High School in Nairobi
Lydia Nelima Namisi of Nzoia Primary in Bungoma
Mathew Masaku Wambua of Kari Mwailu Primary in Makueni
Jane Kimiti HSC of Othaya Girls in Nyeri
Ademba Eric Otieno, MBS of Asumbi Girls in Homa Bay
Peter Tabichi, MBS of Keriko Secondary in Nakuru

October 5, 2021 0 comment

Education Latest News Politics

I Will Not Fight For You! Nelson Havi Sends A Warning To Teachers Amid Calls For Compulsory Training

by Yahil Felix September 24, 2021

written by Yahil Felix

Amidst the debate on the Competency Based Curriculum, the Teachers Service Commission came up with a new directive that all teachers should have fresh training every five years to refresh their certificates, lest they’re deregistered by the commission.

Photo: Courtesy

The commission’s secretary Nancy Macharia made the announcement that all teachers under TSC payroll should take the Teachers Professional Development program (TPD), which is accredited to be taken in any of these institutions; Kenyatta University, Riara University, Mt. Kenya University and Kenya Institute of Education Management.

Recently, Law Society of Kenya President Nelson Havi filed a petition challenging CBC program. He told parents and teachers that he had hearkened to their call arguing that the education system in Kenya should not be expensive, inefficient and ineffective.

Photo: TSC Secretary Nancy Macharia [Courtesy]

After this, education CS Prof. Magoha swore to fight with them in court and ensured them he would win. Havi on Friday morning told teachers to suit themselves this time as they are called upon for the compulsory training.

It seems a section of teachers requested him to help them oppose the recent requirement for teachers by TSC. He wrote on his Facebook account,”Teachers, you left Wilson Sossion to be fought to exhaustion by the state. KNUT withdrew all the cases against the state when you replaced Sossion with a Secretary of ‘your preferred choice.’ Please, stop calling me to challenge the directive by TSC that you be trained afresh.”

Photo: Screenshot of Nelson Havi’s post [Courtesy]

Former Kenya Union of Teachers Secretary General Wilson Sossion called it quits after years of squabbles in the union. He faced a lot of resistance and attempts to be ousted out of office by KNUT members and despite putting on ha gard skin and telling them he would not resign, he gave it up on June 2020. Sossion then blamed the government for orchestrating his removal in a bid to stop him from fighting for the rights of teachers and making the union better.

September 24, 2021 0 comment

Education

Top UK Universities For Online Learning

by Romelu Lukaku August 19, 2021

written by Romelu Lukaku

There are plenty of top universities in the UK that offer postgraduate programs via online learning formats. Many universities offer taster sessions or free courses through organisations such as the Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) system or directly on their websites, so if you are inexperienced in online study you can find out what it is like before you apply. There are also some options to gain an MPH online, a distance learning Masters by Research or a PhD through online study.

UK universities are a great option for online postgraduate study – here is a selection of 10 of the best UK universities for online learning*.

University of Oxford

A small selection of postgraduate courses via online learning gives many students the chance to study at the prestigious University of Oxford. All the online PG courses at the University of Oxford are run by its Department for Continuing Education, and the masters courses concentrate on History, Archaeology, Urban Development, Medical Sciences and research degrees.

University of Edinburgh

As a significant contributor to the MOOC system, the University of Edinburgh has a large number of postgraduate courses available for online learning. They offer a range of subject areas including a vast number of courses in Medical Sciences, Law, International Development, Veterinary Medicine, History and Cultural Studies.

Open University

The Open University is the original distance learning provider of university-level courses in the UK. There are large numbers of postgraduate masters programs available to study at the Open University including Education, Social Work, Philosophy, Music, Translation, Creative Writing and Environmental Management and research degrees.

University of Manchester

The University of Manchester has a long tradition of offering courses by distance learning and the institution offers a range of postgraduate courses that are either fully online or blended learning. Topics available for postgraduate study include aspects of Engineering, Business Administration, Medical Sciences, Education, Law and Real Estate.

King’s College London

King’s College London offer several fully online masters courses with six entry points to the online courses throughout the year, making it a very flexible choice. The subject areas available for postgraduate study online include Global Finance and Banking, Law, International Affairs, Marketing, Public Health, and Cyber Security.

University of Birmingham

Students from all over the world participate in online and distance learning postgraduate courses taught at the University of Birmingham. Postgraduate courses are available at masters level in a selection of subjects including Energy and Environmental Law, International Business, Business Administration, and Public Administration.

University of Glasgow

The University of Glasgow participates in the MOOCs program and the courses available at the postgraduate level are concentrated in the Medical Sciences. The University of Glasgow also offers masters level courses in topics such as Education, Creative Writing, and Animal Nutrition.

University of Sheffield

The University of Sheffield offers a good variety of both taught and research postgraduate degrees via online and distance learning. The taught postgraduate options at the University of Sheffield include topics such as Education, Library and Information Management, Mathematics, English, and Engineering.

University of Nottingham

The University of Nottingham participates in the MOOCs system and it also offers current students and staff the opportunity to access free classes through its NOOCs (Nottingham Open Online Courses) system. Subject areas available for online postgraduate study include Law, Education, English, Linguistics, Theology, Church History, and Brewing Science along with substantial research degree options.

University of Leeds

The University of Leeds has a proud heritage of offering an excellent education in Engineering and their online postgraduate courses have a well-respected course in Engineering Project Management. In addition to this, they offer masters level courses in Healthcare Ethics, Deaf Education and Clinical Embryology.

Online offerings from these UK universities

So just how many postgraduate courses do these top UK universities offer online? Let’s take a look.

August 19, 2021 0 comment

Education

Top 10 Most Popular UK Degrees for International Students

by Romelu Lukaku August 19, 2021

written by Romelu Lukaku

Universities in all parts of the UK have a worldwide reputation for high quality teaching and research, as evidenced by global rankings such as the QS World University Rankings and THE Global Rankings. This high standard is maintained by recruiting the best staff, building better campuses and ensuring the best facilities are available.

Another reason for the UK’s appeal is the wide variety of courses and subjects for students to study. The SI-UK course search allows you to search over 60,000 UK university courses, and below are ten of the most popular for international students.

Learn more by arranging your free consultation with SI-UK London today to begin your journey towards studying in the UK.

Most Popular UK Courses for Overseas Students

1. Business Studies

A Business and Management degree focuses on the planning, running and operations of an organisation. Students will look at each part of a business, including areas such as finance, marketing, human resources and administration, and many Business and Management programmes offer placements with globally recognised companies, enabling you to experience firsthand what the profession involves.

Business subject profile

2. Accounting and Finance

Accounting and Finance courses in the UK will help you craft unique perspectives and knowledge on economics, mathematics, political science, psychology and sociology. Students will learn how to prepare and interpret financial information, as well as gaining a theoretical and practical understanding of core financial practice.

Accounting and Finance subject profile

3. Undergraduate Law

Almost all UK law courses allow students the option of taking a year’s professional placement at a firm, while overseas study is also available. Students can also choose to combine Law with another subject such as business, politics or journalism.

Law subject profile

4. Economics

Economics students will develop their problem solving, data analysis, computing and written and oral presentation skills, all abilities which are highly regarded and sought after in today’s economic climate.

Economics subject profile

5. Art & Design

Studio-based work is central to all Art courses and can include painting, sculpture, installation, printing, photography and digital media, with students specialising in their own area of interest.

Art & Design subject profile

6. Computer Science

A Computer Science degree at a UK university will provide you with the core skills needed to shape businesses and organisations. New tools, programs and development kits will help develop your knowledge and ability in areas such as IT, games development, software engineering, design and security.

Computer Science subject profile

7. Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering is a discipline of engineering that applies the principles of physics and materials science for analysis, design, manufacturing, and maintenance of mechanical systems.

Mechanical Engineering subject profile

8. Politics

A Politics degree at a UK university will provide students with an understanding of the key dynamics of different political systems around the world, how governments deal with crisis, debt, human right and the nature of society.

Politics subject profile

9. Electrical Engineering

Electrical Engineering… is a field of engineering that generally deals with the study and application of electricity, electronics and electromagnetism. It covers a range of subtopics including power, electronics, control systems, signal processing and telecommunications.

Electrical Engineering subject profile

10. Biological Sciences

Biological sciences is the study of life and living organisms, their life cycles, adaptations and environment. Modules include the study of a wide range techniques used in the study of protein structure and protein complexes and their importance in cells.

How long do UK degrees take to complete?

Undergraduate degrees at UK universities tend to last three years at Bachelor level (BA, BEng, BSc), while foundation programmes can last up to two years, with the option to join a bachelor’s programme in the third year to complete the degree. Postgraduate taught courses in most cases last one year.

Learn more: UK Study Options

Study in the UK

If you are you interested in learning more about any of the above UK university subjects, why not arrange a free consultation with SI-UK London today? Our friendly international team can help students of all ages and experience.

August 19, 2021 0 comment

Education

10 Top UK Universities Ideal for Distance Learning

by Romelu Lukaku August 19, 2021

written by Romelu Lukaku

If you want to specialise, improve your qualification and boost your work opportunities, but you cannot afford to put your life on hold, interrupt your job or be away from your family, then distance learning is the solution for you. Universities in the United Kingdom offer some of the best distance learning programmes in Europe and the world.

British education is known around the world for its high quality and many people dream about graduating from a UK university. Nowadays, this dream is much easier to fulfil. Distance education is the solution to the stringent need for education of students who cannot commit to moving and studying in a foreign country.

How we created the top 10 UK online university list in 2021

The most famous international university rankings do not publish rankings for best online studies.

But, because we understand that it’s important to find the best online degrees in order to decide where would be best to study, we used data from 2 prestigious international rankings: QS Rankings 2020 and Times Higher Education Rankings 2020 and checked which UK universities from these lists also offer online studies.

The listed universities may provide all types of degrees such as distance learning Bachelors, Masters and PhDs, or just some degree levels. We also mentioned the global ranking of the university in each of the 2 main rankings used.

Now let’s take a closer look at the best UK universities offering online courses:

1. University College London

University College London offers a wide range of online Master’s degrees and graduate diplomas. Students can pick from M.Sc., M.A. and MBA degrees in subjects such as Neurology, Education, Security, Sports and much more. UCL stands out through its progressive teaching and research, dedicated to pursue excellence and have a real impact in the world.

University College London is ranked 8 in QS Rankings 2020, and 15 in World University Rankings 2020.

2. The University of Edinburgh

The University of Edinburgh offers online programmes that are academically equivalent to on-campus degrees, which means your degree will not mention that you completed the programme online. This also means that it will involve the same amount of work as a normal degree. The programmes usually take three years, but the University is flexible about this. As a bonus, you will have access to career consultants and IT support.

The University of Edinburgh is ranked 20 in QS Rankings 2020, and 30 in World University Rankings 2020.

3. The University of Manchester

The University of Manchester is one of Britain’s most famous and forward-thinking universities, with a rich heritage stretching 180 years and an exciting agenda for the future. Today, research remains at the heart of the University and the quality, breadth and volume of research activity are unparalleled in the UK, with strong collaborative links with industry and public services.

The University of Manchester is ranked 27 in QS Rankings 2020, and 55 in World University Rankings 2020.

4. King’s College London

King’s College London is famous for world-leading research leading to modern groundbreaking discoveries. Get top online education from a university that provided 12 Nobel Prize winner alumni and former staff. King’s College offers world-class teaching across a variety of subjects such as Business Management, Food Science, History, Law, Philosophy, and more.

King’s is also distinguished in a wide range of health areas. You have six opportunities to apply to an online degree every year, giving you the flexibility to start whenever this suits your plans.

King’s College London is ranked 33 in QS Rankings 2020, and 36 in World University Rankings 2020.

5. University of Warwick

University of Warwick offers attractive options for online Business studies. The success of online MBAs at Warwick is guaranteed by the fact that graduates of the university ranked within the UK top 10 for highest earnings. Warwick is committed to expanding access to higher education globally.

University of Warwick is ranked 62 in QS Rankings 2020, and 77 in World University Rankings 2020.

6. University of Glasgow

University of Glasgow has played an important role in shaping the futures of international students and other universities, through collaborations. ‌The university offers a range of online postgraduate programmes and short courses and a wide range of free MOOCs (massive online open courses). You can find most online study options in subjects related to Medicine, Education and Business.

University of Glasgow is ranked 67 in QS Rankings 2020, and 99 in World University Rankings 2020.

7. University of Sheffield

University of Sheffield offers students a chance to make good use of their talents and advance the global careers market. International students can gain free, personalised skills training as well as expert careers advice. You can find online degrees in disciplines like Humanities, Medicine, Information Technology, and more.

University of Sheffield is ranked 78 in QS Rankings 2020, and 117 in World University Rankings 2020.

8. University of Birmingham

University of Birmingham grants access to a welcoming university community, working alongside academics who are global experts. The university was awarded the ‘Gold’ rating in the 2016/17 Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), reflecting outstanding teaching and learning experience. Choose from a great variety of online Masters and PhDs in areas of Humanities, Social Sciences, Education, Arts, Business, Medicine and more.

University of Birmingham is ranked 81 in QS Rankings 2020, and 112 in World University Rankings 2020.

9. University of Leeds

University of Leeds is one of the largest higher education institutions in the UK and renowned globally for their quality teaching. U. Leeds leads you to a wealth of career opportunities and prepares you for making an impact on the world. Pick from a good selection of online degrees in Engineering, Humanities, Business, Education, and more.

University of Leeds is ranked 93 in QS Rankings 2020, and 155 in World University Rankings 2020.

10. University of Nottingham

University of Nottingham is another great UK university that’s dedicated to creating cooperation and partnerships with international universities around the globe. Learn from by some of the brightest minds in their fields, supported by ambitious research. University of Nottingham holds its very own “teacher Oscars” awarded to the best educators achieving great student satisfaction.

University of Nottingham is ranked 96 in QS Rankings 2020, and 152 in World University Rankings 2020.

August 19, 2021 0 comment

Education

How to Get a Student Visa for the UK in 2021

by Romelu Lukaku August 19, 2021

written by Romelu Lukaku

Congratulations! After a lot of hard work, you were admitted at a university in the United Kingdom. But before you can start packing your bags, you have to make sure you have the proper paperwork ready.

The amount of information may be overwhelming at first, but with a little organisation, you’ll go through the entire process in no time. The following article is meant to offer you a complete guide to make your visa application process for the UK as easy and less stressful as possible.

1. Apply to a UK university and get your acceptance letter

If you’re still not sure where you want to study in the UK, you will have to decide before you can start your student visa application process. After being accepted at a university, you’ll get an acceptance letter required for the visa application.

Here are some UK universities we recommend:

The following are some of the most popular academic disciplines in the United Kingdom:

2. Find out if you need a visa to study in the UK

Brexit has created a lot of confusion, especially among international students who want to study or are already studying a degree in the UK. But we’ll do our best to clarify the changes and who needs a visa to study in the United Kingdom:

EU/EEA and Swiss students

If you arrive in the UK before 31 December 2020, you don’t need a visa.
If you arrive in the UK on or after 1 January 2021, you might need a visa.
If you start studying before 31 December 2020 and want to continue studying after 1 January 2021, you will need to apply for a settlement scheme before 30 June 2021.
Citizens from Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein might benefit from the same rules, but they should always check what visa regulations apply to them.

Non-EU/EEA students

Depending on the length of their studies, non-EU/EEA students need to apply either for a Short-Term Study Visa or a General Student Visa (also called Tier 4 Student Visa).

To find out if you need a visa in the UK, the easiest way is to use the online tool on the UK Government website.

3. Find out what type of visa you need to study in the UK

These are the 2 types of visas for which you might need to apply to become a UK student:

Short-Term Study Visa (available for 6 or 11 months) – for students who plan to study a short language course or take up a short period of research as part of a degree programme.
Tier 4 (General) Student Visa – for students who enrol in an academic degree (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD course). The Tier 4 Student Visa doesn’t have a fixed period of availability; the length of your studies determines the length of this visa.

4. When and where to apply for the student visa in the UK?

There are two options for getting your student visa in the UK. You can apply for a student visa at the UK embassy in your country or you can do it online, on the official UK Government website.

Depending on your nationality, you might need to have your fingerprints and photograph taken at a visa application centre (to get a biometric residence permit) as part of your application.

Tips about my visa application

Keep in mind that as 1 January 2021 approaches, the visa application process might change. To view the latest up-to-date information, always visit the official UK Government website.
Do not leave your visa application until the last moment. Usually, it takes about 3 weeks to receive the Tier 4 Student Visa. But depending on the place you are applying from, you should start the visa application process 3 months in advance.
Make sure you have the certificate of acceptance for studies (CAS) from your university before applying for the student visa.
Make sure you get all the information before you start the application process.
Make sure the institution you are applying to is licensed.
Universities usually have trained visa advisors able to answer your questions about the Tier 4 student visa and guide you through the application process.

5. Conditions you need to meet to receive a Tier 4 visa

Be over 16 years old
Speak, read, and understand English
Have sufficient money to support yourself during studies
Have an unconditional offer of study from a licensed university in the UK

Language requirements for studying in the UK

To prove that your knowledge of spoken and written English meet British visa requirements, you will need to pass a secure English language test (SELT). You must meet the CEFR level B2 of language proficiency if you’re studying at a degree level or higher.

Exception: for students coming from certain countries, proof of English proficiency may not be required if they’ve completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree.

6. Documents required for a UK student visa

Completed visa application form
Passport or valid travel documentation
One passport-sized photograph
Proof that you can support yourself during your stay in the UK: 1,265 GBP/month if you live in London and 1,015 GBP/month for the rest of the UK
Parental consent, if you’re under 18 years old
Tuberculosis test results (for citizens of certain countries)
Proof of paying the visa application fee: 348 GBP
Immigration Health Surcharge: 150 GBP per year of study
Self-assessment form Appendix 8 with attached documents. (not required if you apply online)
Other requirements that may vary depending on your country of origin

Any documents that have to be submitted in support of the Appendix 8 form, which are not in English or Welsh, must be accompanied by an official full translation that can be independently verified by the UK Border Agency.

August 19, 2021 0 comment

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