Fenris said:
Ah, I see. Thanks for clearing that up.
I don't know if your question has been fully answered. I am not going to read through 27 pages of posts. So if I am redundant, just ignore my post.
This Link might prove helpful. http://studyacrossthepond.com/uk-vs-us-degrees
The major difference between the UK and the States appears to be in their approach to undergraduate and graduate studies in college. It appears that both countries begin undergraduate studies at about the same level, so that would point to both educational systems being similar with respect to the material covered prior to college/university.
From that point forward the UK has a shorter term BS degree program of about 3 years versus the typical 4-year program in the US. The difference is that the US adds additional courses as requirements that are outside the realm of the student's desired degree. It is called a liberal arts degree, whereas the UK is more focused on courses directly relating to the student's degree, thus shaving a year off of the BS, another year off the Masters Degree (1 year versus 2 in the US), but I think there are two types of Masters Degrees in the UK (MA - 1 year and MS - 2 year). The US is typically 2 years and designated MS.
PhDs are more varied, but can be done in 2 years in the US and more individual research focused.
The method of learning is a little different. In the US we get class or lecture time followed by homework assignments and lab work if the class requires it. The student is expected to do what is necessary to learn the material and demonstrate competence with it with their homework, quiz and exam scores.
The UK tends to add tutorial sessions with smaller groups of students and a tutor to research the subject. We might have informal study groups in the US, but most students do this on their own and seek help if they feel they need it. Teacher's Assistants (TAs) help students in the US with questions outside the lecture or in some cases may actually lecture or run the lab courses.
I think the advantage of the US system is that you get a little more robust education in that it extends beyond your major at the expense of more time. My major, for instance, was biology, but I was required to take courses in writing composition, art appreciation, and other unrelated subjects. Years later I have come to appreciate those courses as it makes my understanding of the world more rounded.