British universities are renowned for excellent teaching, world-class research, state-of-the-art facilities and superb libraries. But whether you head to Scotland, Wales, England or Northern Ireland, studying anywhere in the UK is more than just formal education in seminars, lecture theatres and laboratories. The networking and cultural opportunities available to students at UK universities can be as valuable as the degree itself.

The national and regional law firms are under pressure from corporate clients to produce leading edge legal research at minimum cost to them. These clients expect their law firms to be up to scratch on current and emerging legal services strategies when they retain them. More often than not, both the law and application strategy are multi-jurisdictional and multi-disciplinary; law to the extent necessary but not necessarily only law. Smaller firms and boutiques in non-commercial practice areas just don't have the resources to engage in this level of research.

So you've taken the big decision: You want to get an MBA. There is no doubt that as a qualification it is well-respected by employers around the world. MBA courses can vastly improve the prospects and quality of your career, enabling you to reach the highest echelons of the business world – particularly those from a UK business school. You've made a good choice.

Thinking about studying in the UK? UK education lets you shape your study to suit your needs - a freedom that is combined with the UK’s long tradition of excellence and innovative approach to teaching at every level.

Being independent when you study in the UK isn’t just about living away from home. Whatever course you study, you will be encouraged to think for yourself and create your own ideas. A UK education will help you gain confidence in your own abilities and equip you with valuable language, creative, analytical and research skills that employers look for.

Students at UK schools, colleges and universities will be the real winners after the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The six-week event, which saw athletes from 205 countries competing in the British capital in July, August and September 2012, has given rise to more collaborations, opportunities and new education facilities across the country than ever before.

Applying to study in the UK is much simpler with UCAS. You can apply online and choose up to five different courses at the same time. All UCAS institutions and courses are recognized by the UK government, so you can be sure you’re making the right choice for your UK education.

Thousands of Canadians have studied in the United Kingdom. A film produced this year by the British Council Canada and the GREAT campaign celebrates that legacy by featuring interviews with prominent Canadians whose studies in the UK have ranged from economics to film-making.

Entitled The UK Experience, the 15-minute film will be shown at education fairs and film festivals, and will be officially launched in October at an Ottawa event hosted by the British High Commissioner to Canada, Dr. Andrew Pocock.

For the past couple of years, the eyes of the world have been focused on Great Britain. Great Britain’s traditions have been very much at the forefront of late, as evidenced by the popularity of the Royal Wedding of the now Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and the excitement over Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee. The location of this summer’s Olympic Games has further fuelled the flame of interest and curiosity about the United Kingdom.

“International education: A key Driver to Canada’s Future Prosperity.” That’s the title of a recently released federal government consultation paper and message intended to be delivered loud and clear to the broadest spectrum of aspiring Canadian professionals. The report exhorts Canadian students to become more pro-active in looking into international education as a way to open career doors to occupations that are increasingly intertwined with an international milieu in a global economic environment.

By Cassandra Jowett, TalentEgg.ca

After graduating from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics and working for a few years in Vancouver as a Technical Support Analyst, Oscar Plag wasn’t particularly happy with his job. He needed a change. A big one.

So, last May, he decided that he wanted to study abroad. "I thought going to grad school outside of Canada would give me some perspective and experience," he says. "Also, I knew it would be lots of fun!"

The 2+1 (LLB/LLM) Combined Law Degrees

An LLB or JD stand-alone degree no longer suffices as the door opener into a legal career. The conventional practice of law is rapidly evolving into professional legal services; law where necessary but not necessarily the practice of law.

The opening salvo in Ontario Family Law Court Judge Harvey Brownstone's very informative and readable book, Tug of War: A Judge's Verdict on Separation, Custody Battles And the Bitter Realities of Family Court (Toronto ECW Press, 2009), sets the tone for the contemporary legal services market. "Everyone who works in family law, including judges, agrees on two things: family court is not good for families, and litigation is not good for children".

Judge Brownstone and his contemporaries are certainly not suggesting the there's no place for lawyers in family law. The message that is articulated in his book in considerable detail is that family law is now an interdisciplinary profession that requires the blending of legal knowledge and skills with counselling and social work. That message is now coming through loud and clear in the broader spectrum of the legal profession. Take the extreme opposite: corporate mergers and acquisitions. Finance has become intertwined with complex regulatory requirements and consultants and lawyers now work through the mechanics of "the deal" as a team.

The British Council is the UK's leading international organization for educational and cultural relations. Whether you want to study in Britain, take a UK qualification in Canada, find out about the latest ideas from the UK, or discover what we are doing in your area in Canada – our website is the place to start.

We can offer you personal advice on your UK study options. We also have the latest information on courses, qualifications, institutions, funding and visas to ensure you get the most out of your UK education

Studying in the UK, a hub for intellectual activity and robust world culture, is a worthwhile investment in any future career. The UK is home to some of the world's best research facilities, as well as a central location for literature, international politics, and world history.

Many dismiss the notion of studying in the UK because of its steep price tag; however, there are many scholarships out there that can cover part or all expenses associated with study in the UK, especially in postgraduate studies. Many of these scholarships span a wide range of study, years funded, and qualifications. Here are just a few of the main scholarships available:

Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP)

The Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan cater to commonwealth citizens who can make a significant contribution to their home country following study in the UK. It covers between one to three years of study, and covers travel to and from the UK as well as tuition and living expenses. Commonwealth Scholarships are available for a wide range of levels of study, from undergraduate to doctorate studies, as well as some professional fellowships. For more details, visit www.csfp-online.org

Newton International Fellowships

Newton International Fellowships draw non-UK scientists in the early stages of their careers to do their research in the UK. For more details, check out
www.newtonfellowships.org

Scotland's Saltire Scholarships

As part of the Scottish government's continuing support to bring the best and the brightest students to study in Scotland, 200 awards are made available to master's students from Canada, China, India, and the USA through the Saltire Scholarships. The scholarships highlight Scottish universities' academic excellence and consistently rank well among international students. Visit www.scotlandscholarship.com for more details.

These are just a small sample of the many available avenues of funding for students interested in pursuing their studies in the UK. There are many more scholarships available, with specific requirements or targeting specific types of study and students.

The Education UK website is another great resource to explore all funding options available to make studying in the UK more affordable.

There are also many other international organizations, specific UK universities and colleges, as well as other voluntary and charitable organizations that offer funding for study abroad that are worth exploring if cost is a concern when considering studying in the UK.

Contributed by:

Salman Cheema, Marketing and Communications Manager
British Council, Canada
www.britishcouncil.org/canada.htm