So you want a UK degree, but you&#39;re not sure where to start. Should you go to the straight to the UK? Should you do a twinning programme? What about branch campuses in Malaysia? With so many options, you might have questions about them all. What&#39;s the difference? What will you get out of either of them?We at Afterschool.my have the answers to your questions. Whether you want to do a twinning programme or enrol in a branch campus here in Malaysia, we can help you understand the basics, the similarities and differences, and all that jazz.<h2>What are they?</h2>A UK branch campus is essentially a university in the UK that has established campuses in countries outside its region, in hopes of delivering the same quality of education&mdash;not limited to syllabus and teaching methods&mdash;as received by students in the UK.There are currently five UK branch campuses in Malaysia: University of Southampton in Johor, University of Nottingham in Semenyih, University of Reading in Johor, Newcastle University Medicine in Johor, and Heriot-Watt University in Putrajaya.A UK twinning programme on the other hand is offered by a local private university that has formed a partnership with a UK university, thereby allowing you to complete your degree in one country or both, depending on the chosen programme. At the end of your degree, you will be conferred a degree from that UK university.There are various institutions in Malaysia that offer twinning programmes, such as Brickfields Asia College (BAC), SEGi Universities and Colleges and Taylor rsquo;s University.<hr><h2>What do they have in common?</h2>While they are two separate entities, it&#39;s not surprising that UK branch campuses and UK twinning programmes have many similarities. Here are some of the things they have in common:1. You will get a UK degree by the end of it<img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/getadvice/76963/5adef0414a62d.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dii" fr-dib="">The most evident similarity between UK branch campuses and UK twinning programmes is the degree that you will get upon completion. As both branch campuses and twinning programmes are linked with a UK university, the qualifications you obtain at the end of your degree are recognised by the UK university.2. You will be able to transfer to the UK for a portion of your studies<img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/getadvice/76963/5adef0416e888.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dii" fr-dib="">Both UK branch campuses and UK twinning programmes allow you to transfer to the UK for your studies. In UK branch campuses, they offer exchange programmes where you can go to the UK for a semester or a year during your degree, as well as transfer programmes that allow you to complete your final year in the UK. UK twinning programmes work in the same vein with their 2+1 or 1+2 programmes. After studying in Malaysia for one or two years, you can complete the rest of your degree in the UK.3. Both are significantly more affordable than doing your entire degree in the UK<img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/getadvice/76963/5adef04197eb1.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dii" fr-dib="">Many students opt to go to a UK branch campus or do a UK twinning programme because it is considerably cheaper than going to the UK from the beginning of your degree. The average cost of studying in a world-renowned UK university is about RM150,000 per year, while studying in a branch campus is around RM100,000 for the total cost of three years. Twinning programmes here in Malaysia are also at an average of RM50,000 for the whole degree!<hr><h2>+ What&#39;s the difference?</h2>Of course, there are differences between UK branch campuses and UK twinning programmes. Reading through them below can help you make your choice:1. The institution in which you will be studying<img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/getadvice/76963/5adef041b92a6.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dii" fr-dib="">UK branch campuses are extensions of their main campus in the UK; therefore, the branch campus is directly functioning under the UK campus. The syllabuses are brought over directly from the UK, typically without any changes except for adding subjects pertaining to the Ministry of Higher Education. The faculty and staff are also commonly brought over from the UK university, sometimes travelling back and forth between campuses. This is to keep to the aim of branch campuses in maintaining the same quality of their UK education. In a way, you will be recognised as a student of the UK university, and obtaining a place in the UK campus for transfer programmes or postgraduate studies will be easier compared to applying for them as fresh students.UK twinning programmes are conducted in local private universities that form partnerships with UK universities. Take Brickfields Asia College (BAC) for example, which offers BA (Hons) Business Economics 2+1 twinning programme with the University of Hull. While you will be conferred a degree from the University of Hull at the end of it, the first two years of your studies will be conducted in BAC in Malaysia. The syllabus during your time in Malaysia has been determined by BAC, and the faculty and staff are mostly local.2. The choice of UK university that you will be transferring to<img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/getadvice/76963/5adef041d3557.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dii" fr-dib="">One of the perks of studying in a UK branch campus in Malaysia is that you will be able to transfer your credits to most other universities in the UK. As the syllabuses in your first and second year are brought over directly from the UK university, it would be recognised by most universities in the UK. For example, if you are studying in the University of Nottingham branch campus in Malaysia, you will be able to transfer to most other universities across the UK as well as select universities in Europe for your final year.A UK twinning programme would entail you to choose the UK university that you want to go to during your transfer right at the beginning of the programme. This is because the local private university has already formed a partnership with the UK university, and thus you cannot opt to go to a different university when transferring to the UK. For example, if you are studying the BA (Hons) Business Economics 2+1 twinning programme with the University of Hull in BAC, you are bound to go to the University of Hull when in the UK as that is your chosen university from the beginning of the programme.3. The cost of studying (both here + there!)<img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/getadvice/76963/5adef0420da72.png" class="fr-fic fr-dii" fr-dib="">While both options are cheaper than completing your entire degree in the UK, one does lsquo;out-cost rsquo; the other. In keeping the aim of importing the syllabus, staff and overall quality of a UK university, UK branch campuses are typically more expensive than UK twinning programmes. Studying in the University of Nottingham Malaysia, for instance, costs around RM37,000 per year while a UK twinning programme in BAC costs about RM20,000 per year, almost half the cost.Also, though transferring to the UK from a UK branch campus will be easier, you will have to bear the cost of living and personal expenses on your own. That will add more to the total cost of studying.

UK Branch Campuses vs. UK Twinning Programmes

Should you get a UK qualification or a Malaysian one? Will it make a difference?One of the most discussed topics among students is studying abroad or locally, with some claiming that studying in a prestigious overseas institution will impress employers and help them get a higher salary than their peers who could only afford to study in Malaysia. Studying abroad is usually seen as a symbol of intelligence and calibre as most Malaysians tend to perceive UK degrees are superior to local degrees.<img class="fr-dib" src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/getadvice/76962/5b0618f26c3f7.jpg" style="width: 100%;"><h2>Wholesome experience</h2>The argument behind this idea is that studying in the UK can provide a more wholesome experience for students as they get to explore a different educational environment, gain a world-class education, be exposed to a wide range of opportunities and different styles of teaching, and interact with people from different backgrounds.Every graduate is concerned with their potential salary. Hence, they work towards getting the most expensive education, preferably in the UK, without researching whether it will really land them a high salary or a good position in the future. But does paying more for education mean a higher salary in the future?<img class="fr-dib" src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/getadvice/76962/5b0618f28566b.jpg" style="width: 100%;"><hr><h2>The perception of obtaining an international degree</h2>According to the QS Global Employer Survey Report, out of 10,000 companies surveyed, 80% deliberately hired graduates who have studied abroad. This is probably because obtaining an international degree is seen as a 'higher standard', especially if it is from a university or region that specialises in a particular field, such as studying culinary arts in France.What students say<img class="fr-dib" src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/getadvice/76962/5b0618f298d01.jpg">Emilie Ronald from the US studied a bachelor's degree in Paris and master's in London – Image via Fast CompanyStudying abroad also gives you the opportunity to meet people of different nationalities with unique perspectives that can mould your point of view. An interview by Fast Company mentions Ronald's thoughts and experiences on studying abroad. This is what she had to say: "I think this definitely gives me an edge and interesting stories and experiences to share—giving me a leg up on someone I would otherwise be on par with."<img class="fr-dib" src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/getadvice/76962/5b0618f2aa966.jpg">Steve Geinitz from the US pursued his PhD in Switzerland – Image via Fast CompanyGeinitz, who pursued his studies in Switzerland also mentioned: "Getting away from what you have always known and interacting with people from other parts of the world forces you to look at the world from someone else's point of view. Not only does this help to be able to communicate more effectively, it helps to learn how to empathize more readily."<hr><h2>More competent in the working field</h2>Additionally, studying in the UK can help you brush up on the English language and even pick up different languages, making you more competent when looking for jobs. Perhaps even more so if you've graduated from an institution that is either ranked one of the top in the world or that have produced graduates who have contributed tremendously in the industry. Imagine if your employer found out that you studied in the same university as Bill Clinton!<img class="fr-dib" src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/getadvice/76962/5b0618f2bd722.jpg" style="width: 100%;"><hr><h2>Better work performance</h2>Jobstreet.com confirms that overseas graduates earn approximately 12% more than local graduates in the private sector, as cited by The New Sunday Times. They attributed this to the communication skills, open-mindedness, adaptability and confidence of the overseas graduates. The executive director of the Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF), Shamsuddin Bardan seconded the statistics and emphasised that overseas graduates generally perform better than their counterparts who studied in Malaysia. The heart of the matter is the mastery of the English language.In a separate article by Forbes, a new research by PhD candidate Erik van 't Klooster at Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University (RSM) has acknowledged that studying abroad makes one more employable.<img class="fr-dib" src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/getadvice/76962/5b0618f2cf7ab.jpg" style="width: 100%;">But what if you studied at the most esteemed university, received the best education and did an internship at the richest oil company, yet your skills are similar to those who didn't accomplish all of these? In other words, we would like to stress that not all graduates from Harvard became a Zuckerberg. While the university has earned its streak of awards and rankings and produced highly successful graduates, it will still require your initiative to learn.<hr><h2>No difference in hiring rate</h2>Contrary to the points above, a research done by The Straits Times points out that it makes no difference to employers whether students have obtained their qualifications overseas or locally. The survey shows that three in four of the 214 companies are not biased towards those with an overseas degree. They also rate both kinds of graduates as having the same level of intelligence and hardworking attitude.In another study by Hoo et al., the authors' findings indicate that Malaysian employers generally hire local and overseas graduates at the same rate, with perhaps only 1% – 2% more overseas than local graduates.With contradicting conclusions from various sources, let's get back to the million-dollar question: does a UK qualification guarantee better pay in Malaysia?<img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/getadvice/76962/5b0618f30bf3e.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">All the sources, when compared side by side, come to an agreement: the crux of the matter is the quality of the graduate. Obtaining a degree locally or abroad will not make much of a difference if students don't take advantage of the opportunity to grow and leverage the global experience. Your qualification may get you the upper hand at a job interview, but eventually it still boils down to your soft skills, experiences and personality. Those who have earned a local degree could be more competent than those with a UK degree. The University of Oxford will just be a name printed on your certificate if you don't actually have the skills needed to accomplish the job. Hence, obtaining a UK qualification only makes a difference in your pay if you perform better than your peers of the same level.

Should you get a UK qualification or a Malaysian one? Will it make a difference?  One of the most discussed topics among students is studying abroad or locally, with some claiming that studying in a prestigious overseas institution will impress employers and help them get a higher salary than their peers who could only afford to study in Malaysia. Studying abroad is usually seen as a symbol of intelligence and calibre as most Malaysians tend to perceive UK degrees are superior to local degrees.

Does a UK Qualification Guarantee Better Pay in Malaysia?

Of all the countries and regions in the world, the United Kingdom perhaps holds the most charm to Malaysian students in terms of pursuing their higher education. <a href="https://www.hesa.ac.uk/data-and-analysis/sfr247/figure-11">Studies conducted by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA)</a> show that more and more students are going to the UK to continue their studies. In fact, <a href="https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/Research--Policy/Statistics/International-student-statistics-UK-higher-education">according to the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA)</a>, Malaysia is one of the top countries outside of the EU to send students to the UK for higher education. The UK university programmes are so popular among Malaysians that over the last few decades, UK branch campuses have popped up in our country. Even local private universities offer twinning programmes with various universities in the UK.&nbsp;We’re sure you have some questions, like what are twinning programmes? What is a 2+1 programme? How is it different to, say, the 1+2 programme? What do all these numbers even mean? Don’t worry! In this article, Afterschool.my will brief you on the types of twinning programmes offered in Malaysia in detail.&nbsp;<hr><h2>What is a twinning programme?</h2><img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/getadvice/76961/5b06207b240d2.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Well, it’s pretty much in its name: ‘twinning’, that is, when two universities team up and give you the best of both worlds. You get to study in one country at a time or throughout your degree—whether it’s in the UK or home sweet home—and you’ll be conferred a degree from that UK university by the end of it!&nbsp;UK twinning programmes are offered by local private universities that have formed partnerships with UK universities such as Brickfields Asia College (BAC) and Taylor’s University, as well as UK universities that have established campuses in Malaysia such as the University of Nottingham and the University of Southampton.&nbsp;<hr><h2>The types of twinning programmes in Malaysia</h2>In Malaysia, twinning programmes offered by higher learning institutions are typically denoted by digits e.g. ‘2+1’ or ‘3+0’. The digits essentially refer to the number of years you spend studying in a country.&nbsp;For example, the ‘2+1’ twinning programme means that you would spend two years studying in Malaysia and one year in the UK. Therefore, the ‘3+0’ programme means that you complete all three years of your degree in Malaysia while still obtaining the qualifications of a UK university.&nbsp;<hr><h2>Which one is right for you?</h2><img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/getadvice/76961/5b06207b48a24.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Before making a decision on which twinning programme is best for you, let’s take a closer look at each of them:&nbsp;&gt;&gt; 2+1 (2 years in Malaysia + 1 year in the UK)The 2+1 programme is one of the most popular UK twinning programmes among Malaysians as it gives students a chance to study in Malaysia for two years before completing the final year of their degree in the UK. If you’re keen on studying in the UK but you want to save up before going abroad, then this programme is for you. The credits that you accumulate in the first two years of your degree and the modules covered can be transferred so that you can continue the rest of your studies in the UK. By saving up enough cash to take with you to the UK, you can get the full experience of living there and enjoy the vibrant activities alongside your degree Instead of having to survive on a penny-pinching way of living.&nbsp;Universities in Malaysia that offer the 2+1 UK twinning programme include BAC, Taylor’s University, and HELP University.&nbsp;&gt;&gt; 3+0 (3 years in Malaysia + 0 years in the UK)If you’re on a tight budget but you still want to obtain a UK degree, then you can opt for the 3+0 programme. This programme is perhaps the least expensive option out of all the twinning programmes. The average cost of the 3+0 programme is RM50,000 (in total, not annually!). You will complete the three years of your degree in the comfort of your home country surrounded by all the things you’re familiar with and be closer to home with your long-time friends and family, and you’ll earn yourself a degree straight from the UK university.&nbsp;Universities in Malaysia that offer the 3+0 twinning programme include SEGi University, KDU University College and Limkokwing University of Creative Technology.&nbsp;&gt;&gt; 1+2 (1 year in Malaysia + 2 years in the UK)Though not all universities with twinning programmes offer a third option, select universities do have a 1+2 twinning programme where you can spend the first year studying in Malaysia and complete the rest of your degree in the UK. The credits that you accumulate in the first year of your degree and the modules covered can be transferred so that you can continue the rest your studies in the UK.&nbsp;This may cost a bit more than the 2+1 or 3+0 programme as you’ll be spending a longer time in the UK, but hey, it’s a fast-track option if you’re eager to get there! It is still definitely cheaper than doing your degree in its entirety in the UK. One year of thrifty spending will do wonders to your bank account. Though this programme requires you to study in Malaysia only for the first year, it provides a guiding hand before you set off for your independent life in the UK.&nbsp;Universities in Malaysia that offer the 1+2 UK twinning programme include BAC, SEGi University and KDU University College.&nbsp;<hr><h2>A costly affair?</h2><img src="https://img.afterschool.my/storage/uploads/images/getadvice/76961/5b06207b7cd1e.jpg" style="width: 100%;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">For Malaysian students who may feel that they’re not ready to move halfway across the world for the whole of their degree, a twinning programme can be a good alternative. Twinning programmes appeal to many Malaysians also because of its affordability. You basically get the same type of education here in Malaysia that you would in the UK at a considerably cheaper price. The average cost of studying in a world-renowned UK university—bear in mind that this includes tuition fees and cost of living—is RM150,000 per year. Compare that with the cost of twinning programmes here in Malaysia, which is an average of RM50,000. Whether you choose to do the 1+2 programme or 2+1 programme, spending even a bit of time in Malaysia before continuing the rest of your degree in the UK can make a big difference in the cost compared to completing all three years in the UK.&nbsp;

Types of UK Twinning Programmes in Malaysia

Can you apply for PTPTN if you're in a 1+3, 3+0 or even a 2+1 twinning programme? 

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UK Branch Campuses vs. UK Twinning Programmes

Does a UK Qualification Guarantee Better Pay in Malaysia?

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