Introduction
There are several differences between the Scottish and English university systems. In Scotland, for example, courses are usually four years in length rather than three and students are offered much more flexible and broad-ranging courses. Applications The required qualifications for students from England are usually ABB to A*A*A* at A Level, with equivalent qualifications for international students. About 10% of students at the 15 Scottish universities come from England and about 25% are international students, including about 5% from the EU. Types of universities The ‘ancient’ (pre-1600) Scottish universities of St. Andrews, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Glasgow rank among the most academically prestigious in the world. Many Scottish universities are also renowned subject specialists - such as Strathclyde for Engineering, Heriot-Watt for Science, Engineering and Business, and the Medical Schools of the ‘ancients’. There are no wholly private universities (compared with six in England). Degrees and professional qualifications Wide-ranging vocational and academic qualifications are offered, including certificates, diplomas and under/postgraduate degrees. Full-time undergraduate honours degrees are taken over four years, leading to a Bachelor’s degree - and, by optional extension, a five-year Master’s degree. In the ‘ancients’ and also at Dundee and Heriot-Watt, a four-year undergraduate course is awarded an MA. Degree courses in Scotland are more flexible and broad-based than in England. In the first year or two, you select one ‘major’ subject plus two others from an impressively wide range of options. You then specialise - but, if you initially opt for one subject and then discover that you prefer another, you can change your major, which is a big plus. For instance, if you are an English Literature major, you might also choose to study History and a language in first year. As you progress, you may discover that you favour History - and the Scottish degree structure allows you to change. Another, purely personal example: in my Social Science degree, I chose to study Sociology, Philosophy, Psychology, Politics and Economics over my first two years, before ultimately changing my major from Sociology to Politics. Such flexibility significantly broadens the academic horizons and employment options of students at Scottish universities. They can also choose to pursue two subjects until the end of their course for a Combined Honours degree. Various Scottish universities also offer Higher National Certificates and Diplomas (HNC/HND) in a wide range of vocational subjects such as Broadcasting, Computing, Travel and Tourism, Business Administration and Agriculture. Classroom experience The academic year has two terms/semesters: September to December and January to May. There tends to be more emphasis in Scotland on independent study than in other parts of the UK, and employers usually see this as a bonus. Teaching methods combine lectures, seminars and tutorial groups, often also with online learning and perhaps laboratory work, fieldwork or work placements. Assessments include essays, coursework and exams. Progress from one year to the next depends on passing end-of-year exams, and classes tend to thin out considerably over time. (Mine, as I recall from my Edinburgh University days, fell from almost 200 in first-year lectures to a cosy group of eight in final year!) Conclusion Higher education in Scotland is world-renowned, and is emulated by many countries including the USA, Canada, Japan and China. Scotland is a small country with a big heart, and its culture, vibrant city life, festivals, hospitality and countryside are a joy. Just one caveat: it can sometimes get a wee bit chilly! Moyra Grant is an author of several textbooks, a writer of many articles, and has been a Politics teacher for hundreds of students over the last three decades, as well as an A Level Politics examiner.
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2/20/2024 0 Comments Making the most of Open DaysAttending an open day at a university can be a very informative experience. Here's a checklist to help you prepare:
1. Research the University: Familiarize yourself with the university's website, courses offered, faculty members, campus facilities, and any specific departments or programs you're interested in. 2. Register for the Open Day: Most universities require registration for their open days. Make sure you've signed up and have any necessary tickets or confirmation emails. 3. Plan Your Travel: Determine how you'll get to the university campus. Check train schedules, bus routes, or parking options if you're driving. Make sure to account for potential delays and plan to arrive early. 4. Check the Schedule: Review the open day schedule provided by the university. Note the times and locations of tours, talks, and other activities you want to attend. 5. Prepare Questions: Think about what you want to learn during the open day and prepare a list of questions. These could be about the courses, campus life, accommodation, support services, or anything else relevant to your decision-making process. Some suggestions are below. 6. Dress Comfortably: Wear comfortable clothing and shoes, especially if you'll be walking around campus for a significant portion of the day. You won’t be judged on what you’re wearing so don’t overthink it. 7. Pack Essentials: Bring essentials such as a notepad, pen, water bottle, snacks, and any documents or materials you might need. 8. Bring a Friend or Family Member: Consider bringing a friend or family member to help you assess the university and discuss your impressions afterward. They might remember some things you may have forgotten! 9. Take Notes and Photos: Take notes during presentations or tours to help you remember important information later. You may also want to take photos of campus facilities or areas of interest, but make sure this is allowed. 10. Engage with Staff and Students: Take advantage of opportunities to speak with university staff and current students. They can provide valuable insights into the courses, campus life, and the overall student experience. 11. Explore the Surrounding Area: If you have time, explore the surrounding area to get a sense of what the local community is like and what your journey into the faculty might be like. By following these steps, you'll be well-prepared to make the most of your university open day experience in the UK. Here are some questions you might consider asking: Accommodation
Support Services and Wellbeing
Employability and Careers
Financial Matters
The timeline for hearing back from UK universities after applying can vary depending on several factors such as the university's admission process, the course applied for, the volume of applications received, and the application deadline. However, in general, universities in the UK typically aim to respond to applicants within a few weeks to a few months after the application deadline.
For undergraduate courses, universities have set deadlines for applications through UCAS. After you submit your application through UCAS, universities will review it, and you can typically expect to receive decisions from them between the week you applied and May. Oxford and Cambridge work differently and all their decisions are finalised and communicated to applicants in January. For postgraduate courses, the timeline can vary more widely. Some universities may have rolling admissions, meaning they review applications as they are received and may provide decisions relatively quickly. Others may have specific application deadlines and review all applications together before making decisions. In general, postgraduate applicants can expect to hear back within a few weeks to a few months after submitting their applications, depending on the university. Some universities may provide updates on the application status through online portals, so it's a good idea to monitor those as well. If you are concerned not to have had a decision, hopefully this piece has helped you to see that no news is definitely not bad news! edit. |
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