An island country located off the northwest coast of mainland Europe, England. The name Britainis was sometimes used to refer to the entire United Kingdom. The capital is London, one of the world's leading commercial, financial and cultural centers. Other major cities include Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester, Northern Ireland, Belfast and Londonderry, Edinburgh and Glasgow, Scotland, and Swansea and Cardiff, Wales. The UK offers degrees recognized by employers, governments and universities. Obtaining a degree from a highly regarded university in the UK will help you advance your career. A master's degree usually lasts for one year, which is shorter than in other countries. Britain has produced many of the world's greatest thinkers and leaders. Known for its multicultural diversity. There are about 109 universities in the UK, most of which have a good reputation around the world.