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University of Stirling International Study CentreFREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSYour University degree
Your University degreeQ: What degrees can I study at the University? A:The University of Stirling degrees available to students successfully completing the Undergraduate Certificate can be seen in the progression table. Q: How can I find out about the degree courses? A: Links to information about University of Stirling undergraduate degrees can be found in the University’s A-Z course list. Q: How long are University degrees in Scotland? A: Scotland operates a 4 year degree system. However, the Undergraduate Certificate – specialised foundation course which equates to the first year of degree study, and on completion, students move into the second year of an undergraduate degree. Therefore, international students can still complete their university study in 4 years. Q: Am I guaranteed progression to a degree at that University? A: Yes, if you obtain the required grades at the end of the foundation, you are guaranteed a place on the second year of a University of Stirling degree. Q: When do I have to choose the degree I want to study? A: On application to the Undergraduate Certificate you will need to nominate the degree programme that you are interested in studying. However, you will have flexibility to change to a different subject, within your available options, up to the end of Semester 3 (in your second year). Q: Do I need to take an IELTS exam before progressing on to a degree? A: No, but you must gain the English grade required for your chosen degree at the end of the Undergraduate Certificate. Q: Can I go on to study at a different university?
The foundation courseQ: Who is the course validated by? A: The University of Stirling Q: Who is the course designed for? A: The Undergraduate Certificate is a foundation course for all international students, including those who have completed High School but who do not yet meet the University's general entrance or degree requirements. The Undergraduate Certificate is for you if you want a course that gives you the best preparation for your degree and improves your English. Q: Who is the course taught by? A: The Undergraduate Certificate is run and taught by Study Group, a world leader in education and training for International students. Every year, Study Group provides courses for 35,000 students from 120 countries. The International Study Centre is a dynamic partnership between the University and Study Group. Q: Where is the course taught? A: The course is taught on the University of Stirling campus – you will study alongside British and other International students. The International Study Centre is based in the Cottrell Building at the heart of the University campus. Q: What subjects can I study? A: You can choose from three subject routes: Q: What will I study on the Undergraduate Certificate course? A: The course is modular. You will study ten modules in total: six core subjects (e.g. English skills, Study skills and British Culture) and four elective modules from your chosen route. You will study four modules in term 1, three in term 2 and three in term 3) Q: How will I be assessed during the Undergraduate Certificate? A: By a mixture of examinations, assessed coursework, presentations and extended essays. Q: How many hours a week will I study? A: Study is for 36 hours per week, including 16 hours of class contact time (lecture and seminar style) and a minimum of 20 hours per week made up of small group seminar work and directed self-study. Q: How long does the Undergraduate Certificate course last? A: 3 terms. The length of a term varies between 10 and 13 weeks. Q: How long do I study each module? A: Each module lasts one term and is studied for five hours per week.
Location in the UKQ: Why study in Scotland? A: Scotland’s universities have been world leaders in education for 500 years. Statistics show that more students in Scotland successfully complete their courses than anywhere in the UK, and that nowhere has a better record in getting students into jobs or further study. Over 170,000 students study in Scotland from more than 100 different countries. In addition to this there is the 'Fresh Talent Initiative' whereby graduates from a Scottish Institution now have the opportunity to apply for a two year work visa after graduation to remain in Scotland for work. For more information visit the Scotland is the Place website. Q: How far is the campus from the nearest city? A: 3 miles - a 10 minute bus ride to the centre of Stirling. Q: What is the nearest city like? A: Stirling is a small, friendly, historical city with a population of around 30,000. It has associations with two of Scotland’s historic heroes, William Wallace and Robert the Bruce, as well as an impressive medieval castle. It's the smallest city in Scotland, but still the local centre for shopping and nightlife. Stirling has easy access to both Edinburgh and Glasgow, two world-class cities. As a bonus, on the city’s doorstep you can find tranquillity and solitude in Scotland’s unspoiled mountains, lochs and shores or a wide range of outdoor pursuits, such as walking, canoeing, mountain biking and sailing. The Visit Scotland website gives information for visitors. Q: What is the cost of living? A: This varies accordingly. On average students at Stirling will spend between 5,000GBP to 6,500 GBP a year (not including fees). When planning a budget, some basic costs that should be taken into account include accommodation (plus any bills), food, telephone, clothes, entertainment and travel. Stirling is considered to have a relatively low cost of living, when compared to other parts of Scotland, and other parts of the UK as a whole. Q: Where in the UK will I be studying? The University of Stirling is in Scotland, the country neighboring England to the north – and part of the UK. Stirling is centrally located in the country and lies just where lowland and highland Scotland meet. Edinburgh and Glasgow are the two largest cities in Scotland. It takes an hour by car to both cities, and 45 minutes by train. See a map of the region. Q: How far is Stirling from London? By rail, Stirling is 5 hours 15 minutes from London. There are also regular flights which take under 90 minutes. Q: What are the nearest international airports? A: Edinburgh (EDI)and Glasgow (GLA) are both international airports. It takes an hour by car or train to get to campus from either airport.
The University and its campusQ: How well regarded is the University? A: Stirling was the first university in the UK to introduce the semester system, which has been followed by many other universities. The University enables great flexibility within its degree system
Q: How many students does the University have? A: 7,000 undergraduate and 2,000 postgraduate students. 14% of students are international. Q: Will I be a University student while I study on the Undergraduate Certificate? A: Yes, you will be a member of the University of Stirling from the day you start your course. Q: What is the campus like? A: Stirling 's campus is often described as one of the most beautiful in the world. Set in 300 acres at the foot of the Ochil Hills, it has a beautiful lake and the 18 th century Airthrey Castle at its heart. The views around campus are breathtaking and the buildings have been designed to harmonise with the landscape. Excellent and modern academic, sports, catering and entertainment facilities are all on hand with the close-knit community creating a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. See a gallery of photos taken on campus Q: Will I have access to campus facilities and academic resources? A: You will have access to the full range of University services and facilities. See more information about the academic resources and campus facilities.
AccommodationQ: Is accommodation guaranteed while I study on the Undergraduate Certificate? A : Yes, providing we receive your accommodation application by the relevant deadline, you are guaranteed a place in on-campus University-managed accommodation:
After that, accommodation is allocated on a case-by-case basis. Q: Is accommodation guaranteed throughout the rest of my degree? A: Yes, the University will continue to provide guaranteed University-managed accommodation to international students for the duration of your undergraduate studies. Q: What type of accommodation is available to me? A: Single rooms in either Andrew Stewart Hall (ensuite rooms or private facilities nearby) or A K Davidson Hall (standard room wash basin in room, shared toilet/shower). Each Hall has communal social facilities including TV lounge with wide screen TV and DVD, and games rooms. View more information about University-managed accommodation. Q: Where is the accommodation? A: All accommodation is in Halls of Residence overlooking the loch in the centre of the campus. You can see the residence locations on a map of the University campus. Q : How much is the accommodation? A: See accommodation prices for the 2007/08 academic year. Q: What is included in the accommodation fees? A: All accommodation is self-catering. Fees include utilities. Q: Can I stay in my room over the vacations at no extra charge? A: If your tenancy agreement includes the Christmas and Easter vacation periods then vacation supplements will not be applicable.
Entry requirementsQ: What are the academic entry requirements for the Undergraduate Certificate course? A: A minimum academic background of high school graduation, with good grades or equivalent academic study. Contact us Q: What level of English language do I require for the Undergraduate Certificate course? A: Students must have an English language level equivalent to IELTS 5.0 or TOEFL 500 (173 computer based test). Pre-course English Language Preparation is offered to students who do not have this level of English. Q: Do I need to take an IELTS or TOEFL exam before applying to the International Study Centre? A: No. You can take the ISC English test if you do not have a current IELTS or TOEFL grade. We can assess your approximate English Language level from this test before you arrive. Q: How old do I have to be to start the Undergraduate Certificate Year or English Language Preparation course? A: Students must be at least 17 years old on entry or will turn 17 within the first term of starting at the ISC. Q: Can ‘overseas’ students apply to the International Study Centre? A: Yes, the Undergraduate Certificate Year is designed for ‘overseas’ students . In broad terms, a n ‘overseas student’ is one who is not normally resident in the UK or in one of the countries of the European Community (EC). Q: Can EU/EEA students apply to the International Study Centre? A: Yes, we do consider EU/EEA students, but places are limited. Q: Can UK students apply to the International Study Centre? A: Unfortunately we would not be able to accept applications from UK students. The progression for these students taking the Undergraduate Certificate course cannot be guaranteed because competition for places from those students is very high. Instead we recommend students consider joining an A Level course.
English Language PreparationQ: What options are available if my English Language level does not meet the Undergraduate Certificate entry requirements? A: Depending on your level of English, you can study one or two terms of English Language Preparation before you start the Undergraduate Certificate. Q: What level of English language do I require to start English Language Preparation at the International Study Centre? A: You need to have a minimum English Language level of the equivalent to IELTS 3.0. Q: How long does English Preparation last? A: One term for students with IELTS 4.0+. Two terms for student with IELTS 3.0+. Q: How is my English Language assessed for progression onto the Undergraduate Certificate Year? A: You are not required to take an IELTS exam. We measure your English language ability with an internal assessment based on the English Speaking Union System (ESU). The ESU provides a scale from 0 to 9. 0 is a beginner in English, and 9 is a near-native speaker. To start the Undergraduate Certificate you need an ESU score of 5.0 (or the equivalent).
FeesQ: What are the Undergraduate Certificate and English Language Preparation fees? A: Tuition fees can be viewed here Q: What are the University degree fees? A: The fee for Undergraduate degree tuition in 2007/08 at the University of Stirling varies between 7965 GBP – 9880 GBP per year. Q: When are the ISC tuition and accommodation fees payable? A: Once you accept your offer of a place, we require a deposit of £500 together with £500 advance payment of fees (plus StudyCare Insurance fees applicable). The remaining fees can be either be paid in instalments, 1 month prior to the start of term, or in full in advance in preferred. Q: How can fees can be paid? A: We accept payment by cheque, Sterling bank draft, telegraphic transfer or credit card. Credit card payments are accepted in sterling from Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Switch, Solo, JCB or Debit Card. Please not that a 2.5% surcharge will be added to payments made by credit card, and £1 charge for payments by debit card. Q: What bank account should fees be paid into? A: Account name: UoSISC More information on payment of fees can be found in our ISC Terms and Conditions. Q: Do I get a refund if I cancel my place? A: if you do not meet visa entry requirements, a full refund will be given. A cancellation fee is charged if visa entry requirements have been met. For details see our ISC Terms and Conditions.
DatesQ: When can I start the Undergraduate Certificate course? A: You can start the Undergraduate Certificate in either September or January. Q: When can I start the English Language Preparation course? A: ELP courses start in January, April, June and September each year. See the key facts section on our ISC site for the English Language Preparation start dates available for each Undergraduate Certificate entry point. Q: What date do I start my University of Stirling degree? A: You will start your degree in the September following your Undergraduate Certificate start i.e. if you enter the Undergraduate Certificate year in either September 2007 or January 2008, you will start your degree in September 2008. Q: What are the Undergraduate Certificate term dates? A: September 2007 start:
January 2008 start:
Q: What are the ELP term dates? A: ELP term dates follow those of the Undergraduate Certitifcate (see above) EXCEPT for the courses starting in June (Summer Term 2).
Q: What date do I start my University of Stirling degree? A: You enter the second year of your degree in the September following your foundation year start i.e. if you enter the Undergraduate Certificate in either September 2007 or January 2008, you will progress to your degree in September 2008.
ApplyingQ: How do I apply for the Undergraduate Certificate and English Language Preparation course? A: You need to apply directly to the International Study Centre. Do not apply through UCAS. You can submit your application in four different ways:
Read about the steps in the admissions process. Q: If my application is successful, when will I receive the documentation required for visa application? A: Once we have received your £1000 confirmation payment we will send you a Certificate of Enrolment. You will need to submit this with your visa application. Q: How long does it take to apply to the International Study Centre? A: The ISC application process is much faster than applying directly to a University through UCAS. If your application is successful, we can issue an offer within one working week once we have all your relevant documentation. Q: What is the deadline for applications? A: We accept applications up until the start of the Undergraduate Certificate. For English Language Preparation it may be possible to join once term has already started. Please note that accommodation is not guaranteed for late applicants (see information on accommodation application deadlines). – [link to Accommodation FAQs above]
OtherQ: Is there an insurance policy offered to international students? A: Yes. StudyCare is a comprehensive insurance plan administered by ACE European Group Limited, a leading insurance provider. It has been developed specifically for international students by leading education specialists with over 35 years' experience. View more information about StudyCare. Q: Do I need a visa to study at the ISC? A: That depends on your nationality or country of residence. Use the UK Visas questionnaire to find out if you require a visa. Visas will be issued for 1 year duration, and you will need to apply for a second visa before you start your degree. Q: How can I arrange an airport pick-up and how much is it? A: You can request airport pick-up during the application process. Airport transfers are £75 from either Edinburgh or Glasgow airport. Q: What will happen when I arrive in the UK? A: Specific pre-arrival information will be provided once we receive your flight details. This will tell you where you should go when you arrive on campus and give details of your induction programme at the International Study Centre. Q: If my question is not answered on this site, what should I do? A: Contact a Student Enrolment Advisor using the on-line form .They will be pleased to help you with any questions you have.
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