University of Stirling
University of Stirling - Stirling, UK
Overview
The University was ranked best in the UK for 'a good place to be' (International Student Barometer, 2008), and among the top three universities in Scotland in the National Student Survey 2008. From a number of perspectives, academically and socially, it regularly rates highly in surveys. Stirling is proud of its diverse international community, with over 80 countries represented on campus.
Their graduates take on a wide range of careers. High profile alumni include: Iain Banks, novelist and Catriona Matthew, golfer.
Stirling's campus is located in 310 acres of stunning countryside. There you can study on the shores of a loch, by an 18th century castle, beneath rolling hills. As a bonus, the City of Stirling with its castle, sports village and vibrant shopping centre, is only a ten minute bus ride from the campus. It's no surprise that Stirling is Scotland's University for Sporting Excellence. The campus has some of the finest sports facilities on a single site in the country, including the National Swimming Academy and the Gannochy National Tennis Centre. The campus is also home to the Scottish Institute of Sport, Commonwealth Games Council for Scotland and Scottish Swimming.
International Students
The University of Stirling International Study Centre (ISC) delivers the Undergraduate Certificate – a specialist foundation course for international students which replaces the first year of Stirling's four-year Honours degree and so leads directly to the second year of an undergraduate programme – and a Pre-Masters course. The ISC is based in a modern, purpose-built facility on the University campus.
Joining the International Study Centre guarantees that students will receive a conditional offer of a degree place at the University. On successful completion of the course and having met the required entry standards, students will proceed directly to their preferred degree program. As well as benefiting from specific resources for use by ISC students, they will have access to a range of University facilities including IT services, the University library and the Students' Association.
The International Study Centre is run by Study Group, working in partnership with the University of Stirling. Study Group is a world leader in education and training for international students. Every year, Study Group provides exceptional educational programmes for 50,000 students from 120 countries.
Student Life and Accomodation
The Union represents and serves students interests, both within the University of Stirling and beyond, and works to make time at Stirling as happy and fulfilling as possible. Complementing Student Development and Support, the Union offers an Advice and Support Centre (ASC), where trained student volunteers are on hand to talk through any issues students face whilst at University, and Nightline, a confidential listening and information service covering anything from bus times to to homesickness and academic issues. The Association has won several awards, including Best Bar None accreditation for three years running in 2005, 2006 and 2007. This is an award that recognises the Union's long-standing commitment to social responsibility and the safety of its members. Studio's deck area offers outside dining with great views, while inside the plasma screens and lounge sofas make the bar a favourite place to wind down. Alternatively, the Long Bar also offers plasma screens, lounge sofas, wireless internet connectivity and sports memorabilia. Both venues have recently been awarded 'Eat Safe' status by the Foods Standards Agency for excellence in food hygiene.
With nearly 2,000 places available on-campus, and over 800 places available off-campus, the University of Stirling can accommodate most needs within its own stock. Most of the on-campus accommodation overlooks the University's loch and is only a short walk from all teaching buildings, library facilities, shops, theatre, cinema and social areas. Where the University of Stirling is unable to accommodate your needs the Residential Services Office is more than happy to help students find alternatives.