TGSG 2013/2014

Top Grad School

Guide 2013/2014

Shape your future The essential guide to your Masters and PhD studies

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Contents · Top Grad School Guide 2013/2014 www.topuniversities..com

Features 6 Prepare for the QS World Grad School Tour Top tips to get the most out of the event 9 Brand ‘You’ Elke Schwarz looks at the importance of personal brand management 13 Graduate Level Admissions: Insider Tips Mansoor Iqbal gets insider tips from admissions directors 19 Scholarship Success Stories Laura Bridgestock meets 2013’s winners 23 Finding Funding Tim Rogers looks at your funding options 29 The Recruitment Perspective Career advice from those in the know the employers

Editor – Peter MacDonald Contributors – Laura Bridgestock, Mansoor Iqbal, Elke Schwarz, Dr. Christina Yan Zhang Project Manager– Katerina Koderova Production Manager Kathleen Rayfield Designer – Constance Bogusiak Designer – Himali Patel Cover design - Constance Bogusiak

Sales Team Head of Sales – Nicolas Cletz Publisher QS Quacquarelli Symonds Ltd, 1 Tranley Mews, Fleet Road, London, NW3 2DG, UK Tel + 44 (0)20 7284 7200 Tel + 44 (0)20 7284 7201 Offices in London, Paris, Alicante, Stuttgart, Washington DC, Beijing, Singapore, Sydney, Johannesburg, www.topgradschool.com QS accepts no legal responsibility for the accuracy or otherwise of submissions. The editorial team try to ensure that all contributions are correct and true at time of publication. The entire contents of this publication is protected by copyright.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be copied or reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, transmitted in any form or by any means, without prior permission from the publisher.

33 Get the Most Out of University Rankings Danny Byrne looks at how to apply rankings to your personal situation 39 Glocal Students Dr Christina Yan Zang looks at the future of transnational education 45 Graduate Admissions Tests Do you know your GMAT from your GRE? 49 MOOCs: The Future of Higher Education?

Could free online courses change the future of higher education forever?

53 PhD Popularity Will pursuing a PhD in the current economic climate be worth it?

Country Guides 58 USA 62 Australia 69 UK 73 Canada

76 Hong Kong 79 Scandinavia 84 Germany 87 Spain

Subject Guides 95 Hospitality Management Discover the challenges of the sector 100 Engineering Find a program to suit your interests 104 International Relations Embark on a world of opportunity 109 Economics Get a return on your investment

112 Computer Science Set yourself up for an exciting career 115 Journalism Be a part of this changing industry 119 Online Marketing Develop your online knowledge

Institution Profiles 122 - 146

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Editor’s Letter

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Top Grad School Guide 2013/2014 www.topuniversities.com

Editor’s Letter W

elcome to the 2013/14 issue of the QS Top Grad School Guide.

You are most likely reading this at one of this year’s 65 QS World Grad School Tour events, where this issue will be distributed to candidates as a supplementary source of advice and guidance. I hope you find it informative and helpful.

As an attendee of the QS World Grad School Tour you are following in a fine tradition. In the 13 years since our first event we have seen more than 500,000 prospective Masters and PhD candidates pass through our doors. Our primary aim is to provide a forum where talented students around the world can meet face to face with the world’s leading universities, business schools and colleges. Across a range of platforms and media, QS provides independent and impartial insights to support students in researching and identifying their ideal graduate program.

By registering to join us at an event, you have also become a QS member,

giving you access to a wide range of benefits and resources. As you can see from glancing at the contents page of this guide, these include the QS World University Rankings®, exclusive scholarship opportunities, insights into what graduate employers are looking for, and expert guidance through the world of grad school admissions and exams – all the information and support you need to make decisions about your future and get the grad school place you want.

The support and guidance you can expect from us also goes beyond reading the guide and attending the QS World Grad School Tour. Having been in operation for more than 23 years, QS now sits at the centre of an ecosystem that exists to match high potential candidates with the world’s best programs. Consequently we have an array of world-class partners that provide a broad range of supplementary services. We’ll keep you up to date with opportunities to access this network through regular newsletters and via our social media

communities. I hope this guide, our events, our online services and our partner network turn out to be exactly what you need. If they are please tell your friends; if they’re not please tell us – we are always looking to develop and finesse our offerings!

Best of luck for your grad school search and enjoy the Tour.

Peter MacDonald, Editor.

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Top Grad School Guide 2013/2014

· Feature

Preparing for the QS World Grad School Tour Get the most out of your event with these top tips, writes Laura Bridgestock.

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ringing more than 350 of the world’s top graduate schools to cities in 40 countries, the QS World Grad School Tour is your chance to meet with admissions tutors from around the world. To get the most out of the experience, here are our top tips on preparing for the event and what to do on the day.

1. Do your research It’s a good idea to spend some time researching your options before attending the event.

This means you’ll be able to really benefit from the specialist knowledge of the university representatives and

advisers on the day – rather than just using them to find out information you could have accessed online.

2. Prepare some questions As part of your research, write down a few questions you’d like to discuss.

These might be very specific or simply a check list of key issues to cover, such as course structure, application deadlines and tuition fees. Don’t make this too long or you’ll never get through it; aim for no more than five key points, focusing on the issues most important to you.

‘Research your options before attending the event so you can really benefit from the day’ 3. Check the schedule beforehand A few days before the event, check the final schedule for the day (remember this may have been altered slightly from earlier versions). Write down the start times of any talks or seminars you want

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to attend, as well as any you’re at least partly interested in.

4. Orient yourself on arrival When you first arrive, it may be tempting to just dive straight into a conversation with the nearest university representative, but try to pause and give yourself time to get orientated.

You’ll receive a floorplan for the event, providing information about all the schools attending and where to find them, so use this to plan your route.

Also remember the event is likely to be especially busy towards the start, so don’t worry if you’re not able to speak to a particular university straight away – it’s worth waiting for a quieter moment when you can get their full attention!

5. Keep an open mind While it is useful to come prepared and with a clear focus, try to balance this out by also remaining open to

new possibilities. You might find your ideal course exists in a format you didn’t previously know about, or that there’s a niche scholarship with your name on it in a country you hadn’t previously considered. All the schools at the QS World Grad School Tour offer programs taught in English, and all are in your city because they want to recruit students from your region. This means they’ve all potentially got something to offer you.

6. Talk to other candidates The main reason for attending the event is the opportunity to meet university representatives and experts face-to-face. However, if you get the chance, try and speak to other candidates around you as well, or at least listen to the questions they are asking. After all, they will have done their research too and could be good sources of information or inspiration.

7. Keep an eye on the time The event itself is likely to go very quickly once it gets underway, so make sure you don’t get too caught up in one conversation and miss out on other opportunities. You could consider setting an alarm on your watch or phone to warn you when the event is nearly over, so you can make sure you’ve collected all the information you need. Event staff will announce the start of each seminar in advance, so listen out for announcements!

8. Consider bringing a guest The QS World Grad School Tour is free to attend and prospective students are encouraged to bring guests along. This can be really helpful as your companion can ask questions you’d forgotten, keep you focused on your key objectives, and help you recall and sort through all the information afterwards.

9. Bring pen, paper and a bag Whether or not you bring a guest, make sure you bring a pen and paper so you can make a note of key details or anything you want to follow up later – you might think you’ll remember but

your appearance, how you introduce yourself, and the impression you are making through the quality of the questions you are asking.

Of course it doesn’t all end when the event finishes – you’ve got the task of sorting through all the information you collected, following up any interesting leads, and reaching that final decision!

‘While you are assessing grad school programs, universities are looking for top applicants’ After attending the event, you will be eligible to apply for one of the exclusive scholarships offered through the QS World Grad School Tour, worth a total of US$1.2 million. Find out more at www.topuniversities.com/ scholarships.

there’ll be a lot to take in. You are also likely to end up with a collection of information packs and prospectuses, so make sure you have a bag to carry them in.

10. Be ready to sell yourself Finally, remember that while you are assessing universities and the graduate programs they have to offer, university representatives are also on the lookout for top applicants. This isn’t an interview, but it won’t hurt to prepare as if it was. Think about

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Brand ‘You’ Elke Schwarz looks at the importance of managing your image in the social networking age.

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etworking is a cornerstone of building better and stronger relationships in both your professional and personal life. In today’s mediasaturated environment, networking through social media channels is as important as face-to-face networking, and the impact of social networks for personal branding opportunities should not be underestimated. But, not all social media platforms serve the same purpose – social media users can select between platforms that address professional, academic, personal or specific regional audiences effectively.

It pays to become familiar with the various networking sites and to observe certain etiquettes in order to make the most of these innovative and effective platforms. While Facebook and Twitter are by far the largest and most widely accessed online social networking platforms globally, there are regional

differences. Orkut, for example is the most popular social network for the Brazilian audience, while Kaixin001 is a favoured professional online network in China. Likewise, StudyVZ is a social networking platform widely used by student populations across Germany.

Establishing your brand Despite their differences, all of these online social networking platforms are relevant for establishing and maintaining a personal and professional image and brand, whether for a specific audience or within a specific context.

Furthermore, all can be used not only as a way to connect with others but also as a way to market yourself in a professional and academic context.

For this purpose, we take a look at a selection of the most widely used networks worldwide in a personal, professional and academic context.

Facebook With 1.1 billion users across the globe, Facebook is by far the largest and most widely used online social network. The platform is available in 70 languages with most users being located in the US, Asia, Europe, Africa and Oceania.

Together with Twitter, Facebook is one of the most frequently visited sites on the Internet. The potential to make connections and present yourself to a wide audience is enormous!

‘Social networking platforms can be used to market yourself in an academic context’ Having discovered the sheer potential in terms of access to target markets, many businesses and organizations make extensive use of Facebook to promote their services, causes and events. In fact, many are increasingly placing great value on maintaining >>

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an online presence to be able to tap into specific networks and audiences.

Most organizations and businesses will have a fan page on which discussion forums are held, news, announcements, comments and suggestions are posted and connections can be forged. These fan pages can serve as an interesting access portal to become familiar with a specific organization or business and participate actively in relevant discussions and exchanges. As such they offer a great virtual means to get in touch and build relationships with groups and people across the globe that share similar interests or offer career opportunities. It’s therefore worthwhile to click the ‘like’ button for an organization or business you are interested in, in order to stay up to date with their latest news and activities.

Professional networking While many people use Facebook primarily as a platform for entertainment (to get and stay in touch with family, friends and acquaintances), it also offers a ripe environment for professional networking at an informal level. This is why it is worthwhile maintaining as presentable a profile on Facebook as you would in real life. If you only tend to think of Facebook as a purely private network, the temptation to show yourself in as casual a state as you might do in the privacy of your own home could have adverse effects.

Organizations and businesses that you link to, and whose networks you enter, could potentially gain access to your profile and information. This is when revealing photos into your private life could be detrimental. Be sure to make your privacy settings as strict and confidential as possible if

That networks represent a virtual version of who you are is even more important to remember when using online social networks for a distinctly professional or academic purpose.

The set-up and layout of networks such as LinkedIn or Academia.edu, is designed for a specific purpose, so the temptation to post private pictures is limited. Professional and academic

online social networks like these are a great opportunity to connect with a specific community and keep up to date on job postings, industry news, career opportunities and more. LinkedIn is a designated online network for business professionals. The platform boasts 135 million users and is the largest business network worldwide. Professionals from over 200 countries make use of this

international network to create and foster business connections, find new job opportunities and keep up to date with career and industry news.

LinkedIn is available in 14 languages and presents an ideal channel to access existing and new networks in the global business community.

LinkedIn Research has shown that LinkedIn is particularly useful for landing higher paid jobs; therefore it pays to consider how to maximize your profile and professional presentation on this platform. An important aspect is your profile picture. First of all, always post a picture – a profile without a picture is statistically less likely to be viewed by others. Ensure the picture you post conveys you in a professional and approachable manner. It should be friendly and meaningful in a business context and reflect all the best of who you are. A second crucial consideration is the information you provide about yourself. In this sense, the same rules apply as with Facebook: present yourself virtually as you would personally. Make sure your profile is complete and lists the relevant information about you, your skills and abilities, as well as goals.

This shows diligence and care. Build your network steadily and with care and encourage colleagues you know well to endorse you on the platform.

‘Treat your online presence as you would your physical presence - with great care’ you don’t wish to have your (virtual) life scrutinized and, if you are in the processes of applying for a position or a sought after study program, ensure your profile on Facebook is an asset, not a liability. In short: treat your online presence as you would your physical presence – with great care.

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This inspires trust and confidence in you as a professional. LinkedIn can be an incredibly efficient way of making the most of a global business context if you decide to use it actively.

Academia.edu Similar to LinkedIn, Academia.edu caters toward a specific audience.

As the world’s foremost academic networking site, Academia.edu connects scholars around the world, allows them to share research papers and monitor and evaluate analytics around the impact of their and other scholars’ research. It is an extremely useful source for keeping up to date with the academic output of specific scholars, by following their work, or on your topics of interest, by indicating certain keywords. This is a platform where you can present yourself as a scholar but as with other social and professional networks, this should be done with care. Having an inviting profile picture is helpful but more so, it is vital that you carefully select what papers and publications you present online. This reflects your

‘Make sure your profile lists the relevant details about you’ quality as an academic and a scholar.

Academia.edu also gives you the option to add your CV so potential

employers have quick access to your work history. Always make sure your CV is up to date and presented in a clear and concise way.

Twitter Lastly, a brief word on Twitter. The hugely popular micro-blogging and social networking site was founded in

2006 and has since garnered over 500 million registered users, producing some 350 million tweets daily. For many, it might seem questionable as to how you can engage with a medium that allows people to post blurbs in 140 characters about any topic, many of which amount to nothing short of navel-gazing. But the true value of Twitter lies in its incredible potential as a news aggregate (by following certain news outlets or industry news journals), as a way of connecting on a specific

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topic with likeminded people via the ‘hashtagging’ convention.

‘Hashtagging’ also allows users to build specific networks through this platform. Twitter has proven to be a powerful tool in which to raise political awareness and can be exceptionally useful for keeping up on topics of interest, personally, professionally, socially or globally. To do so you have to create your own profile on Twitter; however, unlike other social networking sites, it is not as important how much you tweet or reveal of yourself in order to tap into the network’s usefulness.

Building brand you Online social networks present the future of how we relate to others in the virtual world and are certainly here to stay. It is therefore worthwhile to make the most of these platforms to be as virtually present in the world as physically.

Presence on online social networking sites raises your virtual profile overall and makes you much easier to find in the vast sphere that is the world wide web. For all social networking sites it is advisable to be familiar with the privacy settings available so you can control the medium, rather than the medium controlling you. However, with the right finesse and care, online social networks are a tremendous asset in building brand ‘you’.

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Graduate-Level Admissions: insider tips Mansoor Iqbal speaks to representatives from some of the world’s top universities to get their tips on getting in.

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efore you can even face up to the significant challenges of a graduatelevel degree, you have to overcome a rather substantial obstacle: gaining admission to the right program.

For even the most gifted and successful students, this can be a daunting prospect. Never fear though; in order to help you on your way, we spoke to admissions staff at four internationally respected universities to get their tips on this high-stakes process.

Choose carefully The first step is choosing an institution you wish to study at. Given the focus and often high cost of graduate-level study, making the right choice is essential. Applying alone can be an exacting and costly experience.

Jo Kite, head of communications at the UK’s University of Birmingham, advises you take the long view. “Consider your

motivations and your options and do your research,” Kite says. “Consider advice from your current tutors and lecturers as to what postgraduate opportunities may be appropriate for and available to you and which institutions offer the opportunities that are right for you.”

In fact, she continues, it’s important to make sure you are not just doing it because you can: “It is nice to be regarded as having the potential for master’s study, but make sure it fits into your longer-term plans too.” Consider the ‘opportunity cost’ (as they say in the business world) before making a commitment to graduate study.

‘Given the focus and often high cost of graduate study, making the right choice is essential’

Kristin Williams, associate provost for graduate enrolment management at George Washington University, US, echoes Kite’s sentiment, recommending students invest in some introspection before embarking on applications.

“The first set of questions prospective master’s students need to ask are internal, and addressed to themselves: What are my professional and personal goals? What are my academic and professional strengths and weaknesses?

What are the characteristics of the universities and cities in which I would like to study?”

Professor Mohan Kankanhalli, associate provost of graduate education at the National University of Singapore also recommends taking some nonacademic factors into consideration but says the choice should ultimately come down to educational quality and reputation. “When choosing a university, prospective students should look at the reputation of the university in general (though, as Williams reminds us, this should be more than just name recognition). Then the student should consider the reputation and type of research being done in their field.” >>

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“You should also research the reputations and specializations of the faculty,” Professor Kankanhalli adds, but qualifies this advice by saying when it comes to choosing a university,

‘When choosing a university students should research both the institution and faculty’ “Different people will place different emphasis on various factors so there is no one correct answer for all students.”

With this in mind, decide based upon what matters most to you.

Get it right Decided? Now it’s time to get to the fun part – applying. Without fail, every piece of admissions advice ever written will remind you to check the requirements carefully before applying.

With the shift to online applications, which allow you to track where you are in the process, it’s a bit harder to make a mess of it, but true to form, every one of our interviewees emphasizes the importance of the basics.

So, have you checked the requirements, and, more importantly, do you meet them? For example, do you need a language proficiency qualification? Do you need a GRE score, and is there a required score range? Provide all the right documents, but not extra ones – if the university wants to see them, they’ll let you know. And if in doubt, just ask!

Universities have dedicated admissions departments and in most cases the staff

will be absolutely delighted to help you. “You certainly shouldn’t believe everything you read on internet forums,” Professor Kankanhalli warns.

Kerri Huffman, an associate director for student services at the University of Toronto’s School of Graduate Studies, advises beginning your grad school application as soon as possible to avoid any potential last-minute problems. “Applicants who wait until the last minute and run into technical errors or have questions, may not receive the assistance they need immediately to complete the application on time. It is crucial to meet application deadlines and provide all required supporting documents. Find out when these are, and think about how you will obtain your reference letters, transcripts and any required test results on time.”

Huffman also adds it’s important to be aware that scholarship application deadlines often fall before the overall application deadline. If you are

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looking for funding, you should (as ever) do your research well in advance.

“Most universities and programs provide online information about institutional financial support, and many provide suggestions about outside funders,” states Williams. “Students should also research funding options that might be available through government or non-profit organizations within their country, or through current or future employers.”

‘Scholarship application deadlines often fall before the overall application deadline’ Extend your search beyond what you can find online, suggests Kite. “Ask at open days about what funding opportunities may be available or whether there may be plenty of part-time work opportunities on or near campus for you to earn as you learn.” She also recommends asking prospective supervisors if they have funding allocated for the projects they

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supervise and to email departments to ask what support might be available.

“There may be funding opportunities that aren’t advertised on websites and if you don’t ask, you’ll never know.” If full scholarships are hard to find, Kite suggests you consider piecing together your funding from a number of different sources.

you with the different perspective that the selection committee is seeking. Be yourself! If the program is truly a great fit for you, then your personal qualities will shine on your application!” she says.

What makes you unique?

As well as the basics, most application forms will require you to submit a personal statement. This is where things really get interesting.

Your qualifications are your qualifications; you can do nothing during the actual admissions process but put them down as they are (it goes without saying that inflating things here will not get you anywhere). But it’s likely that entry for top programs will be extremely competitive, with many applicants boasting similarly impressive grades.

This is where the personal statement comes in, allowing you to stand out from the crowd.

So what can you do to increase your prospects here? Huffman recommends doing your homework, and then showing this: “Learn about the program and department, and about the current research taking place. Read their mission statement if they have one, and find out where their former students have gone after they’ve graduated. Once you know these things, you’ll be able to indicate in your personal statement how your own goals, abilities, and experience will benefit the program, and how well you’ll fit and thrive within this particular learning environment.”

‘Your personal statement will allow you to stand out from the crowd of other applications’ Huffman also adds you shouldn’t downplay anything which you don’t think is relevant. “It could provide

qualities that make you unique and exceptional. Give them plenty of advance notice that you’ll be requesting a reference from them.

If you currently don’t have suitable or relevant references, make use of your professor’s office hours to talk with them about the subject areas you’re interested in, or volunteer as a lab or research assistant, or with an organization in the field.”

‘If the program is a great fit for you then your personal qualities will shine through’ Realistic expectations Now you’ve submitted your application, there’s little you can do but sit back and see what happens.

If you’ve got in, congratulations!

You’re all set; now start reading up on your subject. Sadly though, not everyone who applies gets a place.

“One should not be too disheartened by rejection,” Professor Kankanhalli advises.

“Most top universities receive more high-quality applications than they can possibly accommodate and therefore a rejection from an admissions committee is not always a reflection of the quality of the candidate. It could just be an indication of the severity of the competition. One should apply to some ‘dream’ places, some ‘reach’ places and a few ‘safety’ places in order to maximise your chances of pursuing graduate-level study.”

Williams similarly emphasizes the importance of highlighting what it is that makes you unique. “Applicants come to graduate school with a diverse combination of backgrounds, life experiences, interests, and plans for the future. Clearly describing these characteristics and how they make you a good candidate for the program is the best way to stand out from the crowd.” This also applies to your choice of references, adds Huffman.

“Choose referees who know you well and can speak to the fantastic

Huffman’s advice to those who haven’t got into grad school is to wait until a few weeks after you’ve received your refusal letter, and then contact the department to which you applied.

“You can request more information about your application, including areas of weakness, and things to improve on for next time. They may tell you things specific to your own application or they may tell you the things that made other applicants successful over you,” she says.

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· Feature >> Continued from page 16 If you’re unsuccessful in getting selected for grad school you may well fare better next time round, but, in a reiteration of Professor Kankanhalli’s advice, Williams points out that perhaps it is worth extending your options beyond a single institution.

“Most candidates are aware of those areas of their application that are

‘Students need to be realistic about the strength of their skills for graduate study’ particularly weak, and if they can strengthen those pieces, they may successfully re-apply. But in many cases, students need to be more realistic about the strength of their academic background, skills, and overall preparation for graduate study and re-think whether they have been applying to the fields of study or schools for which they are qualified.”

To sum up this invaluable advice from representatives of four top universities, you need to: choose the right institution, make sure you do what’s asked of you, and be ready to highlight what makes you unique.

Good luck!

Get more admissions advice at www. topuniversities.com/student-info/ admissions-advice

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Scholarship Success Stories: 2013’s QS Scholarship Winners Each year QS offers scholarships worth US$1.2 million for grad school students around the world. Laura Bridgestock speaks to three of 2013’s successful applicants.

As part of its dedication to nurturing academically talented individuals and promoting access to higher education, QS is proud to offer a selection of scholarships for graduate-level students.

Worth a total of US$1.2 million, these scholarships are open exclusively to attendees of a QS event, such as the QS World Grad School Tour.

To find out more about the full selection of scholarships currently available, visit www.topuniversities. com/scholarships.

In the meantime, seek some inspiration from the stories of these three successful applicants – all recipients of a QS Scholarship in 2013.

Winner Profile

Hayley certainly fits this bill. While studying for her undergraduate degree at University College London (UCL), she founded a branch of Enactus, a global network of students, academics and business leaders, who collaborate to find innovative ways of harnessing entrepreneurial principles to improve the lives of others.

Hayley Capp Promoting Innovative Leadership: The QS Leadership Scholarship Hayley Capp, from the UK, is the winner of 2013’s QS Leadership Scholarship. Covering up to US$10,000 of course fees, the scholarship is awarded to an applicant who has proven his/her ability to demonstrate leadership and innovation to make a positive impact on a community or in a professional context.

“The whole purpose of Enactus is to either work with social enterprises or to create a social enterprise yourself, using business and entrepreneurial skills to develop solutions to social problems and make a difference to communities,” Hayley explains. In her case, this involved collaborating with Enactus members in Uganda, to develop strategies to tackle high levels of youth unemployment.

Gaining international experience During a year out, before starting university, Hayley spent time teaching in a primary school in Kenya. She identifies this as the first in a series of key defining moments that led her to where she is now. A second such experience came when she returned to Africa during the summer vacation at the end of her second year at UCL.

At this time she visited Uganda as a participant in the International Citizens Service (ICS) scheme, a UKbased volunteering program.

Placed in a rural community, Hayley was tasked with training local leaders in better practices for financial and organizational management. “That was probably a crux in solidifying what I wanted to do,” she says. “You experience things first-hand, and you see the issues in the way that things are managed – I then thought this course was so relevant.”

The course Hayley was studying at the time was UCL’s BSc in Human Science.

This allowed her to choose modules from any subject classed as a science, including everything from biological to political science. Deciding she was interested in focusing on issues relating to international development, public policy and entrepreneurship, she wrote her dissertation on entrepreneurship HIV prevention strategies in sub-Saharan Africa.

After graduating in 2012, Hayley began an internship, which led to a full-time position at business advisory company CEB. She’s continued her

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work with Enactus during this time; in fact on the day QS spoke to her, she was preparing to host a leadership training academy run in partnership with Enactus and CEB. Next steps on the ladder While Hayley has enjoyed gaining professional experience, she was also keen to return to university to pursue further research in the field of international development.

For her master’s program, she’s chosen the MSc in Development Management at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). She was attracted to the course content, which reflects many of her own interests, and also the compulsory practical element. All students complete a consultancy project, working with an international organization.

multinational businesses, she’s also keen to work within a governmental, policy-setting environment – which she knows is highly competitive. “It’s a really exciting space and I’m keen to get there, but I’m aware that there are quite a few steps you have to do.”

attended the QS World Grad School Tour twice in London. She was inspired to apply for the QS Leadership Scholarship after receiving an email after the event. “Sometimes you read things and it just seems a really good fit,” she recalls.

After finishing her MSc, one possible ‘step’ Hayley has in mind is a placement with the Overseas Development Institute, an international development Think Tank which offers two-year fellowships for graduates, giving them the opportunity to work in the public sector of a developing economy.

How did she feel when she received the good news? Well, aside from all the usual emotions, she says it was mainly a feeling of certainty. “I would’ve wanted to do the course anyway, but when you get the scholarship that’s it – you know you’re definitely going to do it.”

All doubts cast aside During the time she was researching possible graduate programs, Hayley

“You could work with the World Bank on a small project they’re working on, or at the UN, or a charity, and you’re actually assessed on how you think of a solution or come up with a new way of managing the processes that are in place in that organization,” Hayley explains. She adds that this practical experience will certainly be useful in her future career. While retaining a strong interest in the growing relevance of international development issues for

Winner Profile

Canadian graduate student FrançoisRené Lachapelle is the recipient of the 2013 QS Academic Excellence Scholarship. As its name suggests, this scholarship aims to support a student who illustrates the potential to make a valuable contribution to the academic community. Like the QS Leadership Scholarship, it provides US$10,000 towards a student’s course fees.

François-René Lachapelle Nurturing Young Researchers: The QS Academic Excellence Scholarship

So how did François-René impress the applications panel? Well, he’s about to start a PhD project that will make him one of the first people in the world to see an extrasolar moon (exomoon) – a moon orbiting a

planet outside of the Solar System.

Even if you know nothing about astrophysics, that’s impressive!

The project, which involves developing the first camera capable of capturing images of exomoons, is certainly ambitious.

But the Université de Montréal team François-René is joining already has significant experience in this field, having developed the world’s first camera capable of imaging extrasolar planet systems.

An unmissable opportunity In fact, having already spent five years studying at the Université

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Feature de Montréal, François-René had originally intended to travel overseas for his PhD. “I was looking at universities around the world, particularly in Europe, as I wanted to see different points of view on research,” he says. During his own research, he consulted the QS World University Rankings®, and while browsing TopUniversities.com he noticed the QS World Grad School Tour was coming to Montréal the very same week.

to be chosen for this international competition,” he says.

A love of research Though still keen to gain international experience, François-René has no regrets about deciding to stay on in

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Montréal for the time being. First, he says he loves the research group he’s working with, and second, the exomoon project was simply too exciting to turn down. “I decided this was an opportunity I couldn’t skip!”

“I went along and it was fun; it was very interesting,” he recalls. Shortly afterwards, he received an email reminder about the QS Scholarships he was eligible for and decided to apply for this one – though he says he didn’t really expect to be selected. “It’s really an honor

Winner Profile

and is preparing to embark on the LLM Finance and Law program at the Dutch school.

Sanchi first encountered Duisenberg when she attended the QS World Grad School Tour in Mumbai in November 2012. “I interacted with a few representatives of the college and found them really good,” she recalls. “That’s when I started looking for avenues where I could find some financial aid. I was looking at the website, saw the scholarship and decided to apply.”

Sanchi Maheshwari Supporting Women in Finance: The QS-Duisenberg School of Finance Scholarship Each year QS offers an exclusive scholarship in partnership with the Netherlands’ Duisenberg School of Finance, for a female candidate accepted onto one of Duisenberg’s master’s programs. The scholarship covers 10,000 euro towards course fees for an EU winner, or 20,000 euro for a recipient from outside the EU. This year’s successful applicant is Indian student Sanchi Maheshwari. Sanchi has just completed her undergraduate law studies at the University of Mumbai,

Ready for the challenge The aim behind the scholarship is not simply to get more women into the finance sector, but into leadership positions, explains Rick Rudolph, head of marketing and recruitment at Duisenberg. “The lack of women at top level has been a big issue in recent years, and there’s been lots of research into this area,” he says.

Sanchi recalls that at the time she applied for the scholarship – and wrote that winning application essay – she’d been feeling inspired by recent developments in India.

“In the last few years, major transformations were taking place

in the banking sector, with more women being appointed as the CEOs of banks and financial companies,” she says. “I was really motivated when I read about these women, their stories, how they got to the top, how they saw themselves and their plans.”

In terms of her own story, Sanchi says she’s really keen to benefit from the “international exposure” she’ll gain from spending time studying outside her own country. She’s also looking forward to “being taught by world-class faculty, making friends from around the world, living in Amsterdam – just experiencing a different lifestyle.” And going through the strenuous course. “I’ve heard it’s very rigorous. I’m up for the challenge,” she says.

After completing the LLM program, Sanchi would like to spend more time working abroad. “Doing a course is one thing, but getting to work in an international environment is totally different,” she believes. In terms of specializing, she’s still open to different possibilities, based on which aspects of the course she engages most with. The main thing, she says, is to be ready to take up any good opportunities that arise – and she is definitely ready!

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5438_210x297_TGSG copy.pdf

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1.

Register for the QS World Grad School Tour

STEPS TO SUCCESS

Apply for US$1.2 million of exclusive QS Scholarships

2.

Attend the QS World Grad School Tour

3.

Apply for a QS Scholarship & fund your Masters or PhD degree

Apply now: www.topuniversities.com QS World Grad School Tour Scholarship providers: QS • IE • TUM Asia • Duisenberg • EMLYON Manchester Business School • University of Warwick

Feature

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Finding Funding Elke Schwarz delves into the inescapable graduate adventure that is funding.

F

inding adequate funding for graduate studies can be a harrowing task, for both domestic and international students. With tuition fees skyrocketing at public and private universities around the globe and diminishing sources for funding available, it has never been more difficult to pay for graduate education. It requires some ingenuity, resourcefulness and cunning to be able to study for a graduate degree without the constant worry of how to get by the next month or be stuck with unfeasibly high levels of student debt after studying. It is therefore worthwhile spending some time looking at the various ways in which graduate study can be creatively funded and costs can be reduced before embarking on a degree, especially in a country with high tuition fees.

‘Funding graduate study requires some ingenuity, resourcefulness and cunning’ Types of funding Generally speaking, funding for graduate studies will come from at least one of four sources: personal funds, scholarships, part-time work or loans. There is not much to write about personal funds – few students are lucky enough to be able to finance their studies solely through personal funds so we will focus on scholarships, work

opportunities and loans as effective ways to reduce the burden of fees and maximize the available budget for living costs during a graduate program.

Scholarships are the most prestigious and desirable financial aid a student can seek: they don’t need to be repaid, they are ‘earned’ and, in a best-case scenario, cover the full cost of tuition fees of an institution, as well as some portion of the cost of living during the program.

But they are also the hardest to secure.

While, globally speaking, there is a large number of scholarships available from a wide range of sources – federal, institutional, private - applying for them takes time and resources and the prestigious scholarships among them are often highly competitive.

There are extensive databases on the scholarships available to national and international students. It is worth searching thoroughly for a suitable opportunity beyond those immediately available through the university or business school.

Charitable organizations, not-forprofit institutions, private companies or individual foundations might have specific scholarship offers for students

‘Scholarships are the most prestigious financial aid’ from developing countries, students studying in a specific subject area or students of a particular minority group.

The World Bank Scholarship, the British Foundation for Women Graduates >>

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Make Wits your first choice for postgraduate studies

Wits University South Africa

Need to change careers? Need to enhance your employability?

Postgraduate credentials are becoming increasingly important. Today’s employers have shifted priorities and suggest that the master’s degree is the new bachelor’s. The international job market is also more competitive than ever before and Wits University qualifications give you the edge over other candidates.

Wits University offers you that opportunity to become globally competitive while ensuring local relevance together with the recognition of having graduated from one of SA’s leading universities. A university that’s renowned for its high calibre graduates, academic standing and research capabilities. Wits challenges you to strive towards new knowledge boundaries and develop original thinking, which we regard as the cornerstone of intellectual growth.

Did you know?

• Wits is one of the top two universities in Africa ranked in international rankings as part of leading world universities.

• Nearly one third of our students are postgraduates.

• Wits is home to sixteen A-rated scientist, all international leaders in their disciplines.

Wits is based in Johannesburg, the intellectual and economic hub of South Africa and Africa and has much to offer its postgraduate students.

Our five faculties offer programmes and degrees at the Honours, Masters and PhD level: • Health Sciences • Science • Commerce, Law and Management • Humanities, and • Engineering and the Built Environment Our growth areas for postgraduate study in Masters and PhD are: Energy, materials, ICT, water conservation, biological sciences, statistics, mining, restoration, geology, chemistry, computational and applied mathematics, mathematics, physics, astronomy and astrophysics, speech pathology and audiology, social work, psychology, economics, information systems, finance, commercial and business law, corporate law, environmental law, international law, finance and investments, strategic marketing, innovation studies, governance leadership, monitoring and evaluation in governance, social security, defence and security, public policy, property development and management, project management in construction, chemical and metallurgical engineering.

The University is renowned for its strong multi-disciplinary research approach in the following areas: • Biodiversity • HIV/AIDS • Evolution of the Species and National Heritage Wits University is the gateway • Cities to research and intellectual • Materials Science and Engineering engagement in Africa.

• Mineral Resources, Exploration and Mining • South Africa/India • Diseases of the Lifestyle: an emerging African problem • Molecular Biosciences • Aerospace • Advance Drug Delivery Technology • Viral Gene Therapy To find out more or to apply online go to our website www.wits.ac.za/prospective/postgraduate Enquiries: Postgrad.senc@wits.ac.za Tel: +27 11 717 1030

Wits - knowledge at the leading edge

Feature >> Continued from page 23

Scholarship or the QS Scholarships, for example, all provide resources for graduate students from particular strata or studying within a particular field.

Few scholarships offer full coverage for the entire duration of study, however, and many graduate students are required to subsidise their grants with part-time work or loans.

recommended, not only to boost the CV but also to be able to gain work experience while studying. Whether it be law, politics, natural science or the social sciences, there are a number of interesting opportunities for graduate students, most of which will be announced and advertised on the institutional careers network.

Part-time work Working while studying can go one of two ways: either it poses a tremendous challenge and super-human feats of meticulous and disciplined time management, or it can be great fun.

There are many seasonal opportunities for students during the term and in the summer break that will help alleviate the strain on a graduate student’s purse.

The best resources to find a job that is fun and rewarding is through university channels: career services, student unions and student clubs are often well connected with industry and also offer occasional job opportunities for interested students. Working as a research assistant, at the student union bar or café, as an usher at lecture events or as an organizer for university events can present exciting and interesting opportunities and a welcome financial injection. Being integrated within the university setting will likely be more rewarding than stacking shelves at a supermarket and allows students to be

‘Trying to find work within a setting that relates to a specific course is recommended’

It is also valuable to capitalise on specific skills, such as language skills, a background in sports or the arts in order to create financial opportunities.

Working as a yoga or tennis instructor, a tour guide, a language tutor or entering writing competitions that are rewarded with prize money can offer a creative source of income. Mareike deWitt, a graduate student from the Netherlands, has been able to draw on her skills during her master’s degree in law in the UK by teaching acrobatics to children. “It is an incredibly rewarding activity and a perfect antidote to the often

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dry subject matter of tort law. Being able to run around with little ones for a couple of afternoons per week is not only personally rewarding, but financially too. I can only recommend it,” she says.

Student loans If neither scholarships nor sufficient personal funding are available for the entire period of graduate study, many students will be required to consider taking up a loan to make ends meet.

While student loans for a graduate degree are common-place for the majority of North American students (whether federal or private), it is not as straightforward to obtain a loan at student-friendly rates for many graduate students around the world, including the UK.

‘Capitalise on specific skills to create financial opportunities’ Student loans for UK students are available at the undergraduate level but increasingly hard to come by for master’s and PhD students. Graduate students in the UK and other countries may have to consider a personal loan – sometimes also offered as a personal or professional development loan – in order to pay for tuition fees and get by during the course of studies. Such loans do, however, come at a price: interest rates tend to be comparatively high and repayment conditions not as lenient.

>>

more in tune with what is happening in and around campus. Having said this, there are interesting opportunities outside of campus life as well.

Trying to find work within a setting that relates to a specific course of study is highly

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Peer-to-peer lending Seeking to fill this void of funding opportunities for graduate students, there are a growing number of new and innovative services emerging in the market. One such new funding offer is the so-called peer-to-peer lending (also known as social lending).

Peer-to-peer (P2P) lending is a form of crowd sourcing and provides private loans to individuals and small businesses or organizations without having an official financial institution involved in the process. P2P lending

‘Peer-to-peer lending is a form of crowd sourcing and provides private loans to individuals’ functions essentially in accordance with social networking principles and has the advantage that the participating parties can negotiate the terms of repayment and interest more flexibly than is often possible at banks and other financial institutions. Both parties benefit from the process, as student borrowers might be able to secure better rates for the loan, while lenders have the opportunity to invest in a project or career.

P2P lending is, however, unsecured, so lenders, especially those with no relationship ties to the borrower, are likely to only lend to those with a solid and immaculate credit history and a realistic promise of success in the endeavor that is funded.

P2P lending is facilitated through online platforms specializing in getting people together and some focus specifically on the student market for this purpose.

Much like any online social network, student-focused lending platforms offer a creative way of getting people together, for the purpose of funding, in a semi-formal way, by connecting relatives and friends or unrelated investors and beneficiaries. Connecting relatives and friends with cash-strapped graduate students through such P2P platform takes the awkwardness out of borrowing from family members as

it ensures a formalized structure and becomes less of a ‘favor’ but rather a business transaction.

P2P lending is relatively new and the market has not consolidated to establish key platforms with longevity but given the prevalence and importance of online social media networks, it is likely a form of crowd-sourcing that is here to stay in various forms.

Funding for the journey Finding funding for graduate level studies can be an adventure. But depending on the approach and timing it can either be an enjoyable one or a harrowing experience. It is best to be clear about all options and possibilities ahead of the start of the program so the course of study, whether at master’s or PhD level, can be enjoyed and existential anxieties kept at bay.

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“I DID IT” Karen

set herself an objective: to study in a leading business school in France.

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The Recruitment Perspective: Advice from Employers Prestigious employers tell Mansoor Iqbal what they’re looking for in their graduate hires. same conclusion: the higher the level of degree you possess, the more you stand to earn. Again, this varies from field to field, but overall a holder of a master’s degree can expect to earn US$0.4 million more over the course of a lifetime than someone with only an undergraduate degree. Holders of doctoral degrees get an extra US$0.6 million on top of this, and a further US$0.3 million is earned on average by holders of professional degrees (such as medicine and law).

These figures certainly make graduate study very appealing. But there’s still the small issue of getting onto the career ladder. So, what are employers looking for?

Show your enthusiasm Alfredo Linares is senior director for talent acquisition for Pfizer in the

I

f you’re thinking about a graduatelevel degree, it’s more than likely you have one eye on your post-university future. For many students, improving career prospects will be the number one motivation for pursuing a graduate degree, and the good news is, in doing so you will most likely improve your career prospects.

and professional experience on top of a bachelor’s degree narrows the gap, but in any individual field, a master’s degree or PhD is going to give you an edge.

A study by Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce (CEW) found that having a graduate degree reduces unemployment rates across the full spectrum of employment fields. The premium varies, of course,

That’s not all. As well as increased chances of getting the job you want, there’s also the earnings potential. The aforementioned Georgetown CEW has produced a number of reports assessing evidence which points to the

‘A graduate degree reduces unemployment rates across the full spectrum of fields’

AsiaPacific region. For him, key qualities of future employees include motivation and a thirst for a challenge.

“We value individuals who are proactive in seeking opportunities, work well in a team atmosphere, engage in creative risk-taking and problem>> solving, and value continuous

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learning and development. Moreover, we seek out inspired new talents who share our core values and mission of making the world a healthier place.”

Dr Ursula Vogler, head of human resources at KPMG Austria, also places a lot of stock in enthusiasm. “We’re looking for people who want to learn, both in terms of specific knowledge and personal development. They have to be willing and able to learn – not one or the other. It has to be both. It won’t come as a surprise that we’re also looking for people who are ready to work hard, to do what needs to be done. And we expect those who work

‘We expect those who work with us to be self-starters’ with us to be self-starters who can rely on and motivate themselves. No one is going to hold their hand.”

Having the right attitude when it comes to dealing with people inside (employees work in ever-changing teams) and outside the company is also essential, she adds. “It’s important to

(finance, accountancy, management and economics) would be a very good start for a career at KPMG in any of our three major lines of business, which are audit, technology and advisory,” she says. “To work in audit, finance and accounting knowledge is absolutely essential.

We’re talking about balance sheets, international finance reporting standards, company corporate law – we have a standardized test, in fact, to check that applicants have the required knowledge.

Working in tech would also require some sort of tech specialization.”

Would a graduate degree help?

“Provided it is in a relevant discipline,” she says. “It is common for people to do a broader undergraduate degree before a more specific master’s degree.

Where the applicant has a relevant

MBA qualifications as they bring the business and financial acumen, strategic thinking, and an ability to work on projects with teams that they can apply as soon as they join,” he says. “Other interesting postgraduate degrees such as MPHs, PhDs or post-docs may make a candidate more attractive to a hiring manager and may also help the recruiter in choosing between candidates who have similar backgrounds and qualifications.”

Dr Anke Soemer, who works in youth development for the Max Planck Society – a network of world-renowned scientific research bodies in Germany – explains that many, though not all, positions in these specialized institutes require graduate-level education.

“In order to obtain a position in administration, the central service units, or as a research assistant, a graduate degree is not a prerequisite, but for a scientific position, it is.” While they are not universities, it is possible to be employed by one of the institutes as a doctoral candidate. These positions, explains Soemer, are normally reserved for those possessing a graduate degree – although programs are run in conjunction with German universities onto which students with exceptional undergraduate degrees can be admitted.

‘Six out of ten employers would give extra credit to those who have studied abroad’

know how to talk to clients, how to act in meetings – basically, you need to have good manners!”

Academic credentials So, how do academic qualifications feed into the hiring process for Vogler?

“An education in a FAME subject

undergraduate degree, however, it is not a prerequisite.”

For Linares, a graduate-level qualification of the right sort can definitely help the right candidate stand out. “Typically, for any businessrelated field, we value candidates with

Give yourself an international advantage A QS survey of 10,000 employers in 116 countries has found that international experience is something employers – particularly transnational companies – value highly. Six out of ten responding employers would give extra credit to students who had studied abroad. Our interviewees confirm the veracity of these findings.

“Especially in our Asian markets, it has become very important for our company to hire students who have either work experience or have studies in regions outside of Asia,” says Linares.

“We find these students can offer a

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unique perspective and hopefully make the connection between their experiences and our corporate environment,” he says.

‘Prepare your application with care and make sure it is in excellent English’ Linares envisages a future in which we will see a reversal of this typical mobility pattern. “As Asia becomes a critical region for most companies, we would also like to see students who have experience in Asia then return to the US or Europe and help corporate colleagues there understand the complexities and dynamics of doing business in this part of the world.”

For Vogler, the benefits of studying abroad go beyond the formal experience. “We prefer international students because of their broader mindset; the attitude and maturity they acquire. It shows that they are able to organize themselves, and are interested in being in surroundings other than their usual ones. They are interested in the world, in short.”

Know what you’re applying for Thus far, our picture of the ideal candidate is someone who may possess a graduate degree, who has studied abroad and – most importantly – can demonstrate their enthusiasm. What

other advice would our employer representatives give to applicants?

Soemer emphasizes getting the technical aspects of an application right. “Hand in a complete application, including the necessary number of reference letters and a strong research proposal that fits into the research agenda of the MPI. The application should have been prepared with care, in excellent English, and it should include all necessary information as well as up-to-date contact information. Last but not least, application deadlines have to be respected.”

You must, says Linares, take the application process very seriously.

“Applicants need to approach their job search as if it were a full-time job. They need to make sure they are tailoring their cover letters and résumés to the jobs they are applying for and to Pfizer specially.” Vogler echoes the last part

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of this advice. “If candidates give the impression they don’t care where they work, it doesn’t make a very good impression on us. It’s also important to make clear what exactly it is you want to do within the company. KPMG is a huge company, and we’re not able – or willing – to read minds, so if you can’t show you’re willing to be proactive enough to research and identify possible roles, then you don’t really stand much of a chance.”

While you should know about the role to which you’re applying, Linares also emphasizes the importance of not limiting your options. “My advice for applicants is to be as flexible as possible when looking for opportunities. For example, students who want to work in marketing sometimes only search for marketing roles, not realizing that they may also be interested and qualified for a business development role that may require a similar skill set.”

Getting the job you want is likely to be a challenge, but a worthwhile one, considering work will occupy such a massive portion of your life.

In determining the right career path, Vogler offers one final piece of advice: “When taking a decision, rely on your gut feeling. Don’t analyze every detail.

This has always worked for me!”

Get more careers advice at TopUniversities.com/student-info/ careers-advice

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Getting The Most Out Of University Rankings Danny Byrne looks at how to apply university rankings to your own circumstances and priorities.

C

hoosing a university and graduate degree program is a major life decision, and can often seem like a daunting prospect. The range of factors to take into consideration is vast: from identifying a program or research area that best serves your intellectual interests and career goals, to identifying the programs and institutions with the best reputation in your field, selecting a country or city to study in, and working out how you are going to pay for it.

University rankings alone won’t solve the complex problem of where and what you should study – and nor should you expect them to. But evidence suggests they are playing a role in the decision-making process of a growing number of prospective students. Over 15 million visitors consulted the QS World University Rankings® at TopUniversities.com in 2012, a number that has grown each year since the rankings were first produced in 2004.

What do rankings measure?

The first thing to note is there are numerous ranking systems out there, and what they measure varies widely – from academic reputation to research citations, student satisfaction to web presence, even the number of

CEOs who have graduated from an institution. Many of the things that make a university the best choice for a given person aren’t easily reduced to data, and rankings can only ever hope to capture a snapshot of university performance in certain broad areas.

‘In 2012, over 15 million visitors consulted the QS Rankings on TopUniversities.com’ Yet most sensible methodologies will produce useful information for the right audience if applied intelligently.

Ascertaining what a given ranking does and doesn’t measure – and what its intended audience is - will help you find the information that is most relevant to your decision-making process.

QS World University Rankings® The QS World University Rankings® take into account a range of considerations that are of direct relevance for prospective students – in particular those who need a way to compare universities internationally.

They are based partly on reputation and

partly on data of research, staffing levels and international makeup. They remain the only rankings to take into account the views of graduate employers.

The QS World University Rankings® set out to answer five main questions about the world’s best universities: 1. How strong is a university’s reputation among academics?

2. How strong is the reputation of its graduates among employers?

3. How many academics does it employ for every student admitted?

4. How much influential research does the institution produce?

5. How international is the university?

In order to determine which are the world’s best universities, QS samples the views of over 70,000 academics and employers worldwide on two key issues. Academics are asked to name the universities that are currently producing the best research within their field and region of expertise, while employers are asked to name the universities they think produce the best graduates.

The rankings also measure research citations, student/faculty ratio, and the proportion of international students >> and staff.

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Top universities in the world overall Ever since the first QS World University Rankings® were compiled in 2004, the number one position has always been taken by a university from Cambridge – that is, Cambridge, Massachusetts (home of Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)), or Cambridge, England (home of the University of Cambridge).

The universities that are the most highly regarded among the global academic community are not always the same ones that come out on top of the overall table – but viewing the list in isolation tells you where the standards are perceived to be highest by the experts. Among academics across the full range of disciplines, Harvard is regarded as the best in the world, followed by Cambridge and Berkeley. The global nature of the survey also picks up on the strong international reputation of two Asian institutions: University of Tokyo and National University of Singapore.

Top ten institutions by academics

Institution Harvard topped the table from 2004 to 2009, while University of Cambridge was number one in 2010 and 2011.

MIT’s number one spot in 2012/13 is the first time the world renowned institution has ever topped the ranking.

The top universities in the rankings are based in the US and UK, but there are also world-class institutions elsewhere.

Switzerland’s ETH Zurich ranks 13th, Canada’s McGill University (18) and University of Toronto (19) both make the top 20, Australia National University is 24th, and there are three Asian universities in the top 30: Hong Kong University (23), National University of Singapore (25) and University of Tokyo (30).

Top ten institutions 2012/13

skillsets of graduates from UK degree programs, which are often narrower and therefore more specialized than those in US universities. Australia’s University of Melbourne also makes the top ten.

Top ten institutions by employers

Institution 1

Harvard University

2

University of Oxford

3

University of Cambridge

4

London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)

5

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

6

Stanford University

7

Imperial College London

8

University of California, Berkeley (UCB)

1

Harvard University

2

University of Cambridge

9

The University of Melbourne

3

University of California, Berkeley (UCB)

10

The University of Manchester

4

University of Oxford

5

Stanford University

6

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

7

The University of Tokyo

8

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

9

National University of Singapore (NUS)

10

Yale University

The picture changes again if we look at which universities are regarded by employers as producing the best graduates. Harvard is again number one but, if we look at the top ten,

The UK’s top institutions have a track record in producing highly employable graduates, but the US is the undisputed champion when it comes to research citations, monopolizing the top ten.

Top ten institutions by research

Institution 1

California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

2

Stanford University

3

Harvard University

4

University of California, San Diego (UCSD)

5

Princeton University

6

University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB)

7

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

8

University of Washington

9

Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech)

10

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Institution 1

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

2

University of Cambridge

3

Harvard University

4

UCL (University College London)

5

University of Oxford

6

Imperial College London

7

Yale University

8

University of Chicago

9

Princeton University

10

California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

the UK is the clear winner, with five of the leading institutions: Oxford, Cambridge, London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), Imperial College London and University of Manchester. Employers clearly target the highly developed

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Feature The ‘citations per faculty’ indicator gauges the impact of a university’s research by measuring how often it is referred to in published research papers.

This indicator tends to favor institutions that produce a lot of research in scientific and technological disciplines, so it is particularly useful for students considering graduate research programs in these areas. Currently, in terms of

‘Perhaps the most relevant rankings are those that focus on specific departments’ cutting edge scientific and technological research, California Institute of Technology (Caltech) leads the pack, with UC San Diego, UC Santa Barbara, University of Washington and Georgia Tech all featuring more prominently than they do in the overall table.

Top universities at subject level For prospective graduate students, perhaps the most relevant rankings are those that focus on the strengths of specific departments. For this reason, since 2010 QS has produced QS World University Rankings by Subject, which now cover 30 disciplines. Across the 30 disciplines the number one spots are distributed among large US and UK institutions: Harvard (10), MIT (7), UC Berkeley (4), Oxford (4), Cambridge (3), Imperial College London (1) and UC Davis (1).

The 30 individual tables are not intended to combine to form an overall ranking, and indeed there is more than

Accounting and Finance

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Civil Engineering

Institution

Institution

1

Harvard University

1

Imperial College London

2

London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)

2

University of California, Berkeley (UCB)

3

University of Oxford

3

The University of Tokyo

4

University of Cambridge

4

Delft University of Technology

5

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

5

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Computer Science

English Language and Literature

Institution

Institution 1

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

1

University of Oxford

2

University of Cambridge

2

Stanford University

3

Harvard University

3

University of Oxford

4

4

Carnegie Mellon University

University of California, Berkeley (UCB)

5

University of Cambridge

5

Yale University

Economics

Environmental Sciences

Institution

Institution 1

Harvard University

1

2

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

University of California, Berkeley (UCB)

2

Stanford University Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

3

London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)

3

4

University of Chicago

4

Harvard University

5

University of California, Berkeley (UCB)

5

ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology)

Medicine

Law

Institution

Institution 1

Harvard University

1

Harvard University

2

University of Cambridge

2

University of Oxford

3

University of Oxford

3

University of Cambridge

4

Yale University

4

Johns Hopkins University

5

The University of Melbourne

5

Stanford University

Mathematics

Psychology

Institution

Institution 1

University of Cambridge

1

Harvard University

2

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

2

University of Oxford

3

University of Cambridge

3

Harvard University

4

Stanford University

4

University of California, Berkeley (UCB)

5

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

5

University of Oxford

>>

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one way to interpret which university comes out on top. While Harvard claims more top spots than any other institution, the university that appears in the top ten in most disciplines is University of Cambridge, with 27, ahead of Oxford and Berkeley on 23, Stanford (22) and Harvard (21).

Cambridge’s near-blanket presence in the top ten indicates that, perhaps more than any other institution, it can claim to be world-class in nearly every major area of academic research, yet Harvard and MIT have more departments that are truly world leading.

Top universities in popular disciplines A look at the global top five in ten of the most popular disciplines shows a mixture of big-name universities that excel in overall rankings, joined by institutions with narrower strengths, such as LSE, Carnegie Mellon University, ETH Zurich and Delft University of Technology.

Across the 30 subjects, the US/UK monopoly extends to nearly twothirds of the elite positions – 397 of the 600 top-20 spots. Yet there is plenty of evidence in these rankings of world-class departments outside of this traditional power cluster.

The rankings feature several notable performances from Asian universities, particularly in the hotly contested areas of science, engineering and technology.

Nine of the top 20 institutions in civil engineering are Asian, led by Japan’s University of Tokyo (3rd) and Kyoto University (7th), Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University (8=) and National University of Singapore (11), alongside three universities from Hong Kong and two from mainland China.

The rankings also reveal several world-class departments at Australian universities. Four of Australia’s leading universities make the global top ten in at least one subject, with University of Melbourne featuring among the world’s best in six subjects: education (3rd), law (5th), linguistics (6th), psychology (7th), accounting and finance (7th) and medicine (9th).

QS World University Rankings by Subject show that internationally respected departments exist all over the world in a wide variety of disciplines. A total of 678 universities make the top 200 in at least one of the 30 disciplines, meaning time spent looking through the ranking in your chosen field could identify dozens of institutions offering

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Top Grad School Guide 2013/2014 www.topuniversities.com

high-quality programs of which you may currently be unaware.

The full top 200 in each discipline can be viewed at www.topuniversities.com, along with the global top 700 in the overall QS World University Rankings®.

Limits of rankings Rankings are just one of a number of sources of information that will help you get a better sense of your options.

Use them alongside visiting university fairs and speaking to recruitment officers, visiting university websites and faculty pages, contacting alumni and faculty, and asking the advice of your current professors to ensure you are making the right decision about your graduate study.

But rankings can also play a useful role, offering comparative data that would otherwise not be available. If you isolate the areas of information that are most relevant to you, and apply them intelligently to your own situation, they can help identify institutions that are strong in your field, and perhaps lead you to find out about strong departments and programs at institutions with which you may not have already been familiar.

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Pubb TGSG 210x297 07/06/2012 09:58 Pagina 1

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Glocal Students: The Future of Transnational Education?

Dr. Christina Yan Zhang looks at this increasingly popular form of international education.

S

ince 2012, there has been an increasing interest in the rise of a new type of internationally mobile student: ‘glocal’ students. Glocal students are defined as students who have global aspirations, but prefer to stay in their home country or region to be educated.

Glocal vs. global?

The motto of the United Nations is, “Think globally, act locally”. In a globalized economy, every student should be educated as an international student, a global citizen with the aspiration to compete globally.

However, not everyone is lucky enough to be blessed with the talent and wealth to be admitted to the world’s most competitive and expensive universities.

‘In a globalized economy, each student should be educated as an international student’ Transnational education, defined as education for students based in a different country to the degreeawarding institution, is becoming increasingly popular. It often offers students an international experience with the advantages of better affordability, lower English language requirements, less competitive admission standards, and regional economic initiatives.

The popularity of transnational education has generated a large number of ‘glocal’ students in Asia. The Boston Consulting Group and McKinsey & Company have predicted that by 2020 there will be 100 million people with middle class spending patterns across the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), such as Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. Will glocal students from this emerging regional demographic represent the future of transnational education (TNE)?

What is also striking is their economic ambition: by 2015, ASEAN aims to integrate the whole Southeast Asia region into the ‘ASEAN Economic Community (AEC)’, with free movement of goods, services, investment, labour, and capitals. Just look at how the European Union operates now, and you can imagine what a massive change this would bring in two years’ time to everyone who is lucky enough to be connected with ASEAN, or Asia in general. This applies both to students and universities.

In the aftermath of the global financial crisis, Asia has increasingly attracted the attention of the world with its booming economy and the abundance of business opportunities in countries such as China, India and now ASEAN. The ASEAN nations are home to 600 million people, with a combined nominal GDP of US$2.1 trillion in 2012, predicted to grow at an annual rate of 5.5% in 2013.

ASEAN Higher Education Area Higher education will play a crucial role in supporting the continued

‘The ASEAN nations are home to 600 million people’ economic integration of ASEAN by 2015. An ambitious plan was set up in 2009, aimed at creating a systematic

>>

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mechanism to support the integration of universities across Southeast Asia.

Student mobility, credit transfers, quality assurance and research clusters were identified as the four main priorities to harmonize the ASEAN higher education system, encompassing 6,500 higher education institutions and 12 million students in ten nations. The ultimate goal of the scheme is to set up a Common Space of Higher Education in Southeast Asia.

The rise of Asian universities The governments of individual nations within the ASEAN have increased public investment in their universities to support the ASEAN Higher Education Area, and the region’s burgeoning knowledge economy. All the measures have been set up to strengthen the performance of Southeast Asian universities across a wide range of indicators such as teaching, learning, research, enterprise and innovation.

These initiatives also pave the way for further collaboration and integration between universities in the region, enhancing the overall reputation of Asian universities compared to their competitors in the West and elsewhere in the world. It is not surprising to see the improved performance of many ASEAN universities in this year’s QS Asian University Ranking.

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Top ten ASEAN universities ASEAN Overall Institution rank rank 1 2= National University of Singapore (NUS) 2 10= Nanyang Technological University (NTU) 3 33 Universiti Malaya (UM) 4 42 Mahidol University 5 48 Chulalongkorn University 6 57 Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) 7 61 Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) 8 64= University of Indonesia 9 67 University of the Philippines 10 68 Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) “Asian higher education is undergoing a rapid transformation, and Singapore, Hong Kong, China and Korea are at the forefront of the assault on the global academic elite,” says Ben Sowter, head of QS Intelligence Unit, which compiles QS University Rankings: Asia and the QS World University Rankings®.

“There are already 17% more Asian universities in the global top 200 since the recession, and the next two decades could see leading US and European universities objectively overtaken.”

At the moment Singapore is the only ASEAN country whose universities are operating at the forefront of Asian higher education. But if Asia continues on its current path and emerges as a genuine competitor to the West in

the coming years, the increased financial power of a unified ASEAN could start to have a major impact on global higher education. And glocal students in the region would be among the foremost beneficiaries.

Country Singapore Singapore Malaysia Thailand Thailand Malaysia Malaysia Indonesia Philippines Malaysia

The economy in Asia continues to boom, in contrast to the uncertain economic prospects for Europe and many other developed countries. It is therefore likely that in the next five to ten years there could be a major shift in the world of transnational education.

Asia could become a strong competitor, threatening the dominant role of the US and UK as the largest importers of international students.

‘In the next five to ten years there could be a major shift in transnational education’ Based on the latest information from QS University Rankings: Asia, currently the top ten Asian universities, which have attracted the largest number of international students, are based in Hong Kong, China, Malaysia, and Singapore. University of Hong Kong (HKU) has the highest percentage of international students among all Asian universities, with 37.7% of its overall student population from overseas.

Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) comes out slightly lower, with 37.4%. Singaporean institutions Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and National University of Singapore (NUS), are attractive to international students as well, respectively attracting 34.2% and 33.5% of their student population from overseas. Malaysia is another major importer of international students.

These leading players in international student recruitment are often

>>

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Asian universities that have already established their global prestige. The projected growth of the Asian economy and ASEAN Economic Community will only accelerate the rise of top Asian universities in world university rankings, making them more globally visible and attractive to both students and academics.

visa regulations. In the future, Asian students may be tempted to stay closer to home and benefit from the poststudy work opportunities offered up by their booming local economies.

Brain drain vs brain gain ‘Brain drain’ has been a big issue for Asian countries in the last century. Many of the

is already slowing down. But on top of this, one of the major challenges for the ASEAN will be coming up with initiatives to attract talented people from elsewhere in the world to study and work in the region, taking advantage of the sluggish growth forecast for much of the West in the next five to ten years. If those measures are

In March 2013 an OECD report predicted that the Chinese economy could grow to overtake that of the US as soon as 2016. With the increasing momentum of Asian universities, who knows what could happen in 30 years’ time? It may be sooner rather than

‘Asian universities will become more globally attractive to both students and academics’ later that top Asian universities start to genuinely challenge the ability of the Ivy League in the US and the Russell Group universities in the UK to keep attracting the best minds from around the world.

Asian students go regional Increasingly, more Asian students will prefer to pursue their studies outside their home country, yet remain within Asia. Why? Firstly, the increasingly world-class educational quality available within the region at reduced costs compared to studying in North America, Europe or Australia. In most cases it is a lot cheaper to study in a nearby country, rather than travelling far overseas.

Asian students go overseas to study because they want to be educated at the world’s leading universities. But as the QS World University Rankings® show, several Asian universities are rapidly acquiring a reputation as world leaders.

Asian students could stay within Asia, spend less, but still receive a world-class education. What’s not to like?

Better employment opportunities may also be available at home. Poststudy job opportunities for overseas students in the US and Europe have become increasingly scarce as a result of sluggish economic growth, increased unemployment and stricter

most talented Asian students are attracted by the high-quality education on offer at top overseas universities, and choose to study outside of Asia. Some are offered competitive packages to work overseas after graduation and then reside overseas permanently without returning home to contribute to Asia’s long-term economic prosperity.

‘The flow of talent out of Asia is already slowing down’ Flow of talent The rise of Asian universities, combined with the dynamism of local economies, means the flow of talent out of Asia

effective, Asia could turn its brain drain into a brain gain, further internationalizing its higher education system and enhancing its global standing.

The development of Asian universities – and those in the ASEAN in particular – into genuine world leaders is a work in progress, and there are plenty of challenges to be overcome. But the potential is clear, and the performance of leading Asian institutions in the QS World University Rankings® points to clear progress. It is only a matter of time before Asia’s leading institutions begin to break the US-UK monopoly on the global top ten.

Higher education will be central to the economic aspirations of the ASEAN as it develops into a more fully integrated entity in the coming years. ‘Glocal’ students are set to be an increasingly >> important demographic, as Asian

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17/07/2013 11:00:37

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universities increase their ability to offer the sort of global education for which they would traditionally have needed to travel overseas, along with all of the financial and employment advantages that come with remaining in the region.

Nelson Mandela, the former president of South Africa and Nobel Peace Prize winner, studied law as a University of London external student. He is probably

the most famous glocal student in history, and there could be no better ambassador for glocal education.

His experience helped unlock his potential as a great leader, promoting a

‘Glocal students are set to be an important demographic’

more modest. But regardless of your circumstances and goals, one statement of Nelson Mandela’s remains an example to us all: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”.

community of cohesion and a country of peace. Perhaps your ambitions in pursuing graduate education are

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Graduate Admissions Tests at a Glance Do you know your GMAT from your GRE?

I

f you’re applying for a graduatelevel degree, especially a master’s program, you may be required to submit scores from one or more standardized admissions tests. These are internationally delivered tests which aim to ensure applicants are prepared

GMAT

Graduate Management Admissions Test www.mba.com

Target audience: Business school applicants

Required by: Business schools Purpose: To assess a candidate’s suitability for business school, by assessing verbal, mathematical and analytical skills.

Duration: Three hours and 30 minutes (four hours if you choose to take the optional breaks).

Test content: The GMAT is divided into four parts: Analytical writing assessment: An essay analyzing an argument (one essay in 30 minutes); Quantitative: Multiple-choice questions testing the candidate’s ability to solve problems and understand data (37 questions in 75 minutes); Verbal: Multiple choice questions testing the candidate’s ability to understand written material, evaluate arguments and correct written material to conform to standard

for the rigors of advanced study, in their own country or abroad.

Here’s a quick guide to help you decide which admissions tests are most relevant to you, the kind of questions to expect, and what steps to take next.

English (41 questions in 75 minutes); Integrated reasoning: A multiple choice section which measures a candidate’s ability to evaluate information presented in different formats and from multiple sources (12 questions in 30 minutes).

Scoring: The verbal and quantitative sections are both scored from 0-60; the analytical writing assignment is scored on a scale of 0-6 (in increments of 0.5); the integrated reasoning section is marked on a scale of 1-8 (increments of 1). You also receive a percentile rating for each of the four parts, indicating the percentage of test takers you outperformed, and a ‘Total’ score, which is calculated based on the verbal and quantitative sections. This is given on a scale of 200-800.

You may choose up to five schools to send your score report to, with additional reports available for an extra fee. You may retake the test if you’re unsatisfied with your score (a maximum of five times over a 12 month period), but be aware that all scores from the previous five years will be included on the scorecard sent to the business schools you’re applying to. Results can be cancelled immediately on completing the test.

Cost: US$250 (worldwide) Valid for: Five years (older scores are available but are not always considered to be an accurate measure of your current standard).

Results needed: Most candidates achieve a score between 400-600 – extremely high and low scores are rare. There are no straightforward passes or fails, and the score you need will depend entirely on the school to which you are applying.

Points to note: Multiple choice sections begin with an intermediate-level question.

A correct answer will lead to a more difficult question, while an incorrect answer does the opposite. To complete a section you must work through the most difficult questions. There is a penalty for not finishing in the allotted time. The GMAT is only delivered in English.

Resources: The official site (www.mba.com) offers free prep software to registered users. This uses the same software as the test itself so should serve as an accurate simulation. Candidates may also wish to enroll on a prep course, or make use of the many online resources available.

>>

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GRE

Graduate Record Examination www.ets.org/gre

Target audience: Prospective graduate students across all disciplines Required by: Graduate schools and departments Purpose: GRE scores are used to assess the suitability of applicants for graduate-level study across many different subject areas.

Some departments may ask applicants to take one of the GRE Subject Tests, while others require the General Test. The Subject Tests assess knowledge in a particular field, while the General Test assesses verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning and analytical writing.

Duration: Around three hours and 45 minutes (six sections with a 10-minute break after the third).

Test content: The GRE revised General Test is divided into three parts: Analytical Writing: two essays. The first asks candidates to put forward a perspective on an issue; the second requires an analysis of an argument. This section tests candidates’ ability to articulate ideas, present supporting evidence and use the English language

TOEFL Test of English as a Foreign Language www.ets.org/toefl

Target audience: Those wishing to study a program delivered in English Required by: Institutions offering programs in English (this includes English language degrees in non-Anglophone countries). Also accepted as proof of English language proficiency in countries where this is required to obtain a visa.

Purpose: To test a candidate’s proficiency in English.

Duration: Around four hours and 30 minutes, with a mandatory 10 minute break midway through.

Test content: The test is divided into four parts: Reading: 36-56 questions based on three or four passages from academic texts (60-80 minutes); Listening: 34-51 questions based on audio recordings of lectures, classroom discussions and conversations (60-90 minutes);

correctly. (Two separately timed essays in one hour).

Verbal Reasoning: A mostly multiple choice section which tests candidates’ ability to analyze and evaluate written material and synthesize information, analyze relationships among component parts of sentences and recognize relationships between words and concepts. (Two sets of 20 questions, each set lasting 30 minutes).

Quantitative Reasoning: Mostly multiple choice, with a few questions requiring candidates to enter a number. This section tests ability to understand basic concepts of arithmetic, algebra, geometry and data analysis, and to reason numerically. (Two sets of 20 questions, each set lasting 35 minutes.)

Unscored sections: In addition, an unidentified section and/or a research section may be included. These are used by the test provider to develop new questions or for other research purposes, and do not affect candidates’ scores.

Scoring: Candidates receive a score for each section. Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning are measured on a scale of 130-170, in one-point increments. Analytical

Writing is scored on a scale of 0-6, in halfpoint increments. You cannot pass or fail the GRE, but universities and departments may require applicants to achieve a specific score. If you are unhappy with your score you can re-sit the test (a maximum of five times over a 12 month period).

When sending score cards to admissions departments, candidates can now choose whether to include only their most recent score, or all scores from the previous five years. Candidates may choose up to four institutions to send score reports to, or more for an extra fee. Results can be cancelled immediately on completing the test.

Cost: US$185 (worldwide) Valid for: Five years Points to note: The GRE is only delivered in English. A paper-based version is offered at centers where the computer-based test cannot be delivered. Candidates sitting this version are allowed slightly longer for the verbal and quantitative sections.

Resources: The official site (www.ets.org/ gre) features sample questions and offers free software which simulates the test.

Various third-party resources are also available.

Speaking: Six tasks, requiring candidates to talk about a topic familiar to them, as well as about issues relating to the material in the reading and listening tasks (20 minutes); Writing: Two essays, the first based on topics introduced during the reading and listening tasks, the second requiring candidates to express and support an opinion (50 minutes).

Scoring: Each section is scored out of 30 to give an overall score out of 120. Test-takers also receive performance feedback. The cost of the test includes free score reports for up to four institutions, and additional reports for an extra fee. Guidance on the score you need should be given by the institution.

Cost: Varies depending on test center location. Example prices: Milan, US$240; Sofia, US$210; Seoul, US$170; Hyderabad, US$165; Bogota, US$215.

Valid for: Two years Points to note: Before taking an English proficiency exam, be sure to check which tests are accepted by the institution you are applying to. A paper-based test is offered at some centers where the standard

internet-based test cannot be provided.

This lasts about four hours, with four sections: Listening Comprehension, Structure and Written Expression, Reading Comprehension and the Test of Written English. You will receive a total score out of 677, and a separate score on a scale of 1-6 for the written section.

Resources: Various study resources, including free sample questions, are available at the official site (www.ets.org/toefl).

>>

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LSAT Law School Admission Test www.lsac.org

Target audience: Students who wish to enroll in law school at JD level Required by: Law schools in the US and Canada, and a growing number of law schools elsewhere in the world.

Purpose: The LSAT is designed to measure skills considered necessary for success at law school, including comprehending and analyzing complex texts, organizing information and evaluating arguments.

Duration: Two hours and 55 minutes Test content: The LSAT is delivered in five sections lasting 35 minutes each, with three different types of multiple choice question: Reading Comprehension: These questions test a candidate’s ability to understand lengthy and complex passages of text, and make reasoned judgments based on this information; Analytical Reasoning: These questions test ability to draw logical conclusions based on statements which describe relationships between various people, objects and events;

Logical Reasoning: A test of ability to evaluate and complete arguments, by answering questions based on a short passage of text.

Scoring: Raw scores are converted to a score on the LSAT scale of 120-180. All questions are weighted equally. One of the five sections does not contribute to the score (this is used to trial new questions).

You will also get a percentile rank, indicating how many people you outperformed.

You can retake the test, but not more than three times over any two-year period.

Cost: US$160 Valid for: Five years Points to note: The LSAT can be taken at test centers around the world, on up to four dates during the year. If you live more than 100 miles from a listed test center you can request that the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) sets up a nonpublished center. This costs US$255 within the US, or US$339 internationally. Many law schools require applicants to take a test in December at the latest for admission the following academic year.

Resources: Past papers and sample questions are available free of charge from LSAC (www.lsac.org). Additional materials may also be purchased.

IELTS

International English Language Testing System www.ielts.org Target audience: Those wishing to study a program delivered in English Required by: Institutions offering programs in English (this includes English language degrees in non-Anglophone countries). Accepted as proof of English language proficiency in countries where this is required to obtain a visa.

Purpose: To test a candidate’s proficiency in English, for an academic or general context.

Duration: Two hours and 30 minutes, plus 15 minutes for the speaking test.

Test content: There are two versions of the test: IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. Both are divided into four sections, with the same content for the Listening and Speaking sections, but different Reading and Writing sections. The Academic version focuses more on English in a higher

education context, while General Training focuses more on workplace and social situations: Listening: 40 questions based on four recordings of conversations and monologues. The audio content features a range of different accents (30 minutes); Reading: 40 questions based on three passages of text. For the IELTS Academic, these texts may include graphs or illustrations, and may be taken from sources including books, journals and newspapers (one hour); Writing: Two tasks. For the IELTS Academic, these are a short formal essay and a task in which candidates must describe or explain a table, chart or other diagram (one hour).

Speaking: A face-to-face interview, in which test-takers must answer simple questions, speak about a familiar topic, and participate in a structured discussion. This section can be taken up to seven days before or after the other three sections (which are taken at

the same time) and lasts for 11-14 minutes.

Scoring: Each of the four sections is marked on a scale from one to nine, with band one indicating a non-user and nine an expert user. Candidates also receive an overall score on the same scale. Institutions are responsible for setting their own target scores. There is no limit on the number of times the test can be retaken.

Cost: Varies according to location. Sample prices: Beijing RMB1,550; Kuala Lumpur, RM590; New Delhi, Rs8,900; Paris, €190; São Paulo, R$440.

Valid for: Two years Points to note: Before taking an English proficiency exam, be sure to check which tests are accepted by the institution you are applying to.

Resources: The official website (www.ielts.org) offers practice materials and free sample questions. Many test centers run preparatory courses.

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MOOCs: The Future of Higher Education?

Could free online courses from top universities change the face of higher education forever? Mansoor Iqbal investigates.

F

ree courses from the likes of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne and Australian National University: sounds a bit too good to be true, doesn’t it? Well, you had better start believing, because that’s exactly what MOOCs – massive open online courses – are. Students can now get a taste of education at some of the world’s top universities without spending a penny, leaving their own home or even going through an application procedure, by taking courses offered though an ever-growing selection of cross-university platforms.

Unsurprisingly, these courses have garnered a lot of attention from media and the public. The first course offered by edX – originally a collaboration between MIT and Harvard, but now involving an international cohort of 27 elite universities (at the time of writing) – attracted 155,000 students.

Coursera, currently the largest MOOC provider in terms of university partners, also reported a sign up rate of well over 100,000 for the first courses it offered, and can boast a total of 3.2 million users in its first year of existence. One course offered through edX was taken by an entire hospital in India.

Dr Rahul Choudaha, director of research and advisory services at World Education Services, believes the emergence of MOOC courses is a question of global engagement and visibility. “For many premier universities this is an opportunity to

‘It is important to recognize that MOOCs have their origins in faculty entrepreneurism’ extend the engagement of the brand with a large number of students without compromising on the selectivity of their institution. It is also important to recognize that MOOCs have their origins in faculty entrepreneurism.”

Coursera, started by a pair of Stanford computer science professors, is a prime example of this. Choudaha believes

the high visibility of the courses is compelling more universities to get involved in the scheme.

Democratizing higher education?

The MOOC providers themselves, however, cite grander motivations.

A spokesperson for edX says nothing less than the democratization of higher education was at the core of the collaboration between the two elite universities. It should be noted, edX is non-profit, and uses an open-source platform, which does add credence to this claim.

A spokesperson for HarvardX (Harvard’s edX branch) speaks of the opportunity it offers the university to demonstrate its strength on a truly global platform.

“This is a catalyzing moment for the university, a manifestation of the ‘one university’ philosophy, taking advantage of intellectual strengths of all of our schools. One place that showcases our breadth and depth of academics, from business to medicine to engineering to humanities.”

>>

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Top Grad School Guide 2013/2014

· Feature a long way away from being able to challenge the dominance of traditional degrees, or even full online programs.

One of the key issues is the lack of faculty support. Though the courses may be designed by professors and academics at world-leading institutions, they cannot be at hand to offer individual support to each student as they would be at a selective institution of higher education. And of course, as with any kind of online learning, there are fewer opportunities to interact with other students and limitations when it comes to courses that would usually require laboratory space.

>> Continued from page 49 It also affords an opportunity, the spokesperson says, to improve delivery at the university itself and to develop online learning generally – an area of education many believe has been massively under-researched. “The large number of students involved and dynamic interaction will allow us to conduct research on how learners learn and teachers teach. As worldclass academic institutions, Harvard

‘Current MOOC providers have improved online education in quantum leaps’

days of simply watching a recording of an instructor delivering a pre-recorded lecture straight through for an hour or more are gone.”

Overcoming the limitations So, what does this mean for higher education? Choudaha believes MOOCs offer something unique. “MOOCs are a game-changer in the sense that they offer a unique mix of cost, prestige, access and convenience, which was unavailable in the spectrum of learning opportunities.” However, he warns we should not yet risk getting overexcited about what’s on offer. “MOOCs are not for all – they serve a particular segment of students who are seeking learning

However, these challenges are being tackled head-on by the big players in the MOOC game. Coursera, for instance, uses a system whereby questions can be asked in a forum for other students to answer – regularly asked questions which cannot be tackled by other students move to the top, where they can be addressed by professors. Students who perform well in a course are invited back to volunteer as ‘community teaching assistants’, helping to coach other students taking the courses.

EdX operates a similar system, with forums being monitored by teaching assistants and program managers, who look out for trending topics to address or specific challenges which cannot be addressed by users. An experimental format where students are grouped into small sections with a teaching assistant is also being trialed.

and MIT will take a leading role in developing and delivering online education, much like the institutions have done in areas such as financial aid, student and faculty diversity, and innovation and entrepreneurship.”

The edX platform believes definite progress has already been made in this direction.

“Current MOOC providers have improved online education in quantum leaps in both quality and quantity,” edX’s spokesperson continues. “For edX in particular, we have focused on delivery in a way that is effective from a pedagogy standpoint by making the online lectures, labs and exercises interactive and fun. We owe homage to our predecessors, but we think the

‘MOOCs are a game-changer they offer a unique mix of cost, prestige and convenience’

opportunities from premier brands at no cost and convenience of time. It is not for students seeking full-time educational credential,” he says.

Choudaha’s point is pertinent. Though the significance of these courses should by no means be understated, we would do well to remember that they are not without their shortcomings and are

Utilising technology Improvements in technology have gone some way to tackling the issue of the lack of lab space, says the edX spokesperson. “With regard to laboratory work, some courses lend themselves to online, virtual labs. For example, in ‘Circuits & Electronics’, the course includes a circuit builder lab where learners can ‘build’ circuits and test their effectiveness. In addition, in

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Feature ‘Biology: The Secret of Life’, students used sophisticated protein folding software to see and play with the molecular structure of proteins.”

Blending online lectures with real-world laboratory and discussion time is one potential solution we might see in the future to both the issues of providing lab space for MOOC students, and to increasing the availability of resources at financially stretched universities.

What are MOOCs for?

This last possibility is already beginning to become a reality in California – where universities belonging to the three state systems (the University of California, California State University and California Community Colleges – all hit hard by budget cuts in recent years) may soon be obliged to offer credit for MOOC courses taken where real-world equivalents are oversubscribed. Coursera has also recently struck deals with ten US public university systems which will see it offering courses across their campuses.

However, the main market for MOOCs remains individual students not officially enrolled at the institutions providing the online course. If these students want something more than the free certificate offered on successful completion of a course, they have the option of taking a proctored examination. Coursera, edX and Udacity, another major provider, all offer these for a charge. How universities and employers view these remains to be seen.

“MOOCs are new, so it is understandable that employers are testing the waters to see how effective they are at teaching skills,” comments edX’s spokesperson, before adding that MOOCs have already gained some traction with employers. “Many of our students have included their edX credentials on their résumés. In fact, we are aware of some learners who have garnered a promotion or new job as a result.”

Increasing the availability of proctored exams is high on the agenda.

However, the true value of MOOCs perhaps lies beyond credentials and softening the impact of cuts. One of the most inspiring things for many

‘MOOCs offer learners an opportunity which five years ago would not have existed’ is the free availability of knowledge which was previously the preserve of a small elite. Whether preparing for or supplementing a traditional course, or just learning for the sake of learning, MOOCs offer learners an incredible and unique opportunity which only five years ago, would not have existed.

Access for all Though perhaps we’re a while away from seeing MOOCs truly democratize education, improving access for those who might otherwise not enjoy such opportunities is certainly one of the most exciting future applications.

“MOOCs have great potential to offer access to learning to a large number of

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Top Grad School Guide 2013/2014 www.topuniversities.com

students,” reflects Choudaha. “Quality is definitely a concern, but it does not mean it will remain so for ever. Given the pace of change of technology, learning and quality assurance models, MOOCs will evolve and expand access, especially for ‘glocal’ students who want to access international learning opportunities without leaving their home country.

“By making high quality education available to anyone with internet access, edX hopes to democratize education, transform lives worldwide, and reinvent campus education,” comments the platform’s spokesperson.

“In fact, we hear from many of our learners about how edX has provided an opportunity for education that they otherwise could not afford. We have heard from learners who are literally moved to tears by the very possibility of taking classes from top schools on edX.” The goal is to reach no fewer than one billion users.

Exciting times It’s early days yet, but the massive impact MOOCs have had in a short space of time suggests we may well be witnessing something of a revolution in higher education delivery. Whether it is in the improvement of access, or the supplementation of programs at underfunded institutions still reeling from the financial crisis of 2008-9, it seems entirely plausible that the often sluggish world of higher education may be entering a period of profound change. Watch this space!

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PhD Popularity

Will pursuing a doctorate degree in the current financial climate be worth it in the long run? Elke Schwarz investigates.

T

he doctoral degree as we know it today, has its origins in the 19th century Humboldt tradition of education. Back then, a select few academics were awarded with the prestigious title Doctor of Philosophy, or in short: PhD. To attain the prestigious qualification scholars had to have completed an undergraduate and graduate degree that contributed substantially to original research in one or more fields.

Today, the principle and requirement for a PhD remain the same – it is a rigorous course of study that culminates in a final thesis or dissertation, which contributes to existing knowledge in a specific field – yet the context has changed significantly. As Professor Daniel Drezner of Tufts University recently quipped: “Should you get a PhD? Only if you are crazy or crazy about your subject.” Particularly in times of a global financial crisis, where austerity measures affect a range of public institutions, including the academic sector, the endeavour of a PhD might seem an uncertain undertaking at best. The immense growth in the number of PhDs produced in recent years compounds the unpredictability of the degree in terms of career outcomes.

A rise in doctoral degrees Academia has experienced a tremendous proliferation of both

PhD degree programs, as well as PhD graduates since the 1920s, which continues today. In the past 15 years,

‘Academia has experienced a proliferation of PhD programs and graduates since the 1920s’ there has been a 40% increase in PhDs worldwide. China leads the way, producing more PhDs annually than any other country at present and experiences a 24% growth year on year.

In the US, previously the most prolific originator of PhDs, more than 400 higher education institutions have PhD

programs, while Brazil and Egypt have doubled their PhD output since the start of the new millennium.

A larger production of PhDs also means a greater and more colourful diversity in PhD theses, dissertations and projects, including research projects on illustrious topics such as ‘speaking textiles’, ‘extinct tribal languages’, ‘basket weaving in Botswana’ or ‘the political role of coffee’. However, the steep growth of the degree also means the employment market cannot keep up with demand for positions >> for PhD graduates. This is relevant

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in times of financial instability and uncertainty. There have been numerous articles on the topic in recent years, lamenting dire job prospects and small pay offs for a PhD. The most widely referenced study on the incremental

income advantage is Bernard Case’s, which states that income for PhD graduates is only marginally higher than income for master’s degree graduates when they hit the job market.

Furthermore, with current cuts and austerity measures affecting universities worldwide, jobs in academia – traditionally the largest employer of PhDs – are harder to come by and considerably more competitive.

But if it was all that terrible, the PhD would have quickly become less and less attractive for potential students, and, given the growth statistics, that is clearly not the case. Granted, a PhD is

not for the faint-hearted. The financial aspect has to be considered carefully before launching into this arduous academic path. The costs of a PhD vary considerably by country. In the UK, being a self-funded PhD student can

‘The financial aspect of a PhD has to be carefully considered before embarking on study’ be an expensive endeavour with an annual tuition bill of approximately £3,000 for domestic students and up to £16,000 for international students for the first three years. In the US, the price tag for a PhD is even higher ranging from US$28,000 to US$40,000 per year. In China, tuition fees for a PhD program range from £2,000 to £6,000.

In Germany, on the other hand, PhD students face no tuition fees at all, aside from a nominal semester contribution of 250 to 500 euro.

Funding options However, while fees in the UK and the US might seem insurmountably high, it is well worth noting that at this level of academia, there is a wealth of funding opportunities available for students wishing to obtain this prestigious degree. The UK has seven research councils, divided by academic sector, which provide funding opportunities

for various research projects. Europewide, such funding is offered by the European Research Council. Both, the US and Canada have the equivalent in their National Research Councils, which give financial support to students either individually, as scholarships, or for funded research projects in specific academic fields or for institutions.

Furthermore, most universities provide substantial scholarships, studentships and other funding opportunities to their students. These scholarship and studentship schemes typically cover the cost for a good proportion of the annual tuition fees, if not more, and are generally open to all PhD students,

with institutional variations. Many universities also provide some funds doctoral students can put toward the costs of field trips for original research and conference attendance as a speaker.

Depending on whether the PhD is

>>

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regional or international in orientation, these trips can be quite costly and having sufficient support from the institution can make a big difference.

A further means to fund a PhD in times of financial difficulty is through PhD positions. Also known as PhD studentships or assistantships, these are essentially jobs tied to the PhD program

‘PhD studentships are an ideal way to support your research and gain job experience’ and involve teaching or research, or both. This is an ideal way to support one’s own research, be involved in a larger, often team-based, funded research project and gain job experience while studying. Such PhD positions are more widely available in the natural sciences, and in engineering and technology, but not exclusively so.

Other costs to be considered in the PhD endeavour are living and opportunity costs. The former vary significantly by country and city. Studying in Paris, France or Oslo, Norway will likely incur a substantially higher annual cost than completing a PhD in Bangkok, Thailand. Opportunity costs can, however, be high.

Unlike the master degree, which takes at most two years full time, a PhD demands a markedly higher investment in time – most programs require an absolute minimum of three years, many require five to six, depending on the country. This means during that time, full-time employment is possible only if it is in relation to the PhD program itself, or if the student decides to do a PhD part-time. The latter option, however, has shown to be exceptionally challenging for most who attempt it and some studies suggest drop-out rates for part-time PhDs are as high as 66%.

Significant benefits While this might all sound daunting to the prospective PhD student, there are considerable benefits and advantages to having this prestigious degree.

While entry-level salaries may not be considerably higher in comparison to starting salaries for master’s graduates, the long-term prospects for faster career and pay-scale advancements for PhDs are better. And a growing number of PhD students consider a post-doc life outside of academia.

Jacob Parakilas, final year PhD candidate at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) has weighed the pros and cons of academia for his future career path and intends to apply the skills he acquired during the doctorate in a nonacademic context: “When I started my PhD, I was 95% sure I didn’t want to go into academia, so it’s not as

though I became disillusioned by the process. I had a few reasons for my choice - the difficulty of the academic job market being perhaps the most significant, but also a sense from my previous career that I wanted to work in something more directly policyoriented.” For Jacob, choosing a nonacademic career path is also a matter of personal style as he considers his approach to thinking, writing and speaking more naturally in line with a policy environment.

Despite the doom and gloom of job market reports for PhDs, there has been a clear trend in non-academic employers increasingly valuing not only the specialist knowledge of PhD graduates but also their maturity and more polished communication skills.

Also valued by employers across a wide range of industries are a PhD’s diligence, research abilities, focus,

‘Employers value the polished communication skills of PhDs’ discipline, presentation skills and the demonstrated ability to work under pressure and to a deadline.

For aspiring PhD students who aim to have a quick return on their investment a word of caution: the benefits of a PhD are not to be had in the fast lane. The value of the qualification is to be found in the long-term benefits it brings, financially, professionally and intellectually. For those with realistic expectations and the discipline and tenacity to complete this highest of academic degrees, it is a tremendously rewarding experience.

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· Country

Guide

United States of America Danny Byrne looks at why so many international students are choosing to live the American dream.

T

hough the Ivy League schools remain world-class, they are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to US institutions offering top graduate programs. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) ranks number one in the 2012/13 QS World University Rankings®, while California alone has a university system that would be the envy of most countries, featuring the likes of Berkeley, Stanford, Caltech and UCLA. Even outside of the established big names listed above, the US offers a remarkable diversity of world-class graduate programs, from those at big, comprehensive universities to small liberal arts colleges or institutes of technology. It is little wonder the US is the world’s number one study destination, attracting over 764,000 international students every year.

Rankings dominance The QS World University Rankings

by Subject underlines the extent of US dominance. The US accounts for around half of the top 20 positions across the 30 subjects covered. Harvard’s total of ten global number one spots is unmatched, ahead of MIT with seven and Berkeley with four. A total of 123 US institutions make the top 200 in at least one subject, strength in depth that is unrivalled.

While the big names already mentioned in this article feature near the top in many disciplines, less internationally well-known institutions that make the global top five in at least one subject include: University of California, Davis (1st in agriculture and forestry), University of Texas at Austin (2nd in communications and media studies), Carnegie Mellon University (4th in computer science), Georgia Institute

of Technology (4th in statistics), Johns Hopkins University (4th in medicine), New York University (4th in philosophy), and University of Wisconsin-Madison (5th in communications and media studies).

Graduate programs Graduate programs are generally split between terminal master’s degrees, lasting one or two years, and sequential PhD programs, which generally

‘A total of 123 US institutions make the top 200 in at least one subject of the rankings’ last between five and seven years.

Sequential PhD candidates will usually also gain master’s and MPhil degrees during the course of their program.

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Country Guide Terminal master’s programs cover a wide range of disciplines and are taken by candidates with a range of career aspirations, both inside and outside of academia. PhD programs are generally designed to train candidates for a career in academia, though in practise candidates end up using them to follow a diverse range of career paths.

institutions have generous financial aid packages that are available to international students.

Candidates can enter sequential PhD programs at different stages, either with only a bachelor’s degree, or having already completed prior graduated training elsewhere. Candidates who have completed master’s degrees elsewhere may be able to transfer credits or enter sequential courses as second year students.

Funding and scholarships Tuition fees at US universities are among the most expensive in the world, and can reach as high as US$60,000 per year, once accommodation is added in. However, the good news is that many US

Top private schools generally offer funding for sequential doctoral candidates, which can range from tuition fee remissions to teaching fellowships carrying living stipends.

Paid teaching opportunities for graduate students tend to be comparatively plentiful at top US institutions.

However, it should be noted that international visa requirements are strict and often prohibit working offcampus, meaning other part-time work opportunities are likely to be scarce.

‘Paid teaching opportunities for graduate students tend to be comparatively plentiful’ University funding is often restricted to sequential PhD candidates rather than candidates applying for terminal master’s programs. However, there are other scholarships available, some offered through individual schools and programs, others available to international students more generally.

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Top Grad School Guide 2013/2014 www.topuniversities.com

Admissions As you might expect, admission to funded programs at leading institutions is extremely competitive, with some schools accepting fewer than 5% of applicants. Entry to master’s programs can be a little less daunting, though the costs involved are generally far higher.

Applicants for US graduate programs will generally need to provide a statement of purpose, a short essay that should demonstrate your critical intelligence and passion for the subject, your intellectual interests, and how your prior education has prepared you for the proposed course of study. You will generally also have to provide transcripts of all previous exam scores, references from two or three academics who know you and can vouch for your academic potential, and, in some cases, an additional writing sample.

US institutions often also require the GRE test, which is a standardized exam designed to test your aptitude in certain core areas. The test is divided into three

‘US institutions often require students to sit the GRE test’ sections: verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning and analytical writing. There are also various subject-specific tests, which may or may not be required for your program. Tests can be taken at different times of year in test centers around the world – it is important to book a test at least six weeks in advance of your application deadline in order to receive your score in good time.

Candidates whose first language is not English will generally be required >> to provide evidence of language

You may also qualify for financial aid.

All US universities are now required by law to have a net price calculator on their websites, which gives you, at the very least, a rough idea of any aid you might qualify for.

Check your government’s department of education website for details of scholarship schemes for candidates in your country applying for graduate study in the US.

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Country Guide

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>> Continued from page 59

proficiency, often in the form of an IELTS score. Precise requirements will vary according to the school and program to which you are applying – details can be found on the relevant department websites.

Visa requirements In order to study in the US, you will need to get an F-1 non-immigrant visa.

Acquiring one of these is normally a fairly straightforward process, so long as you’ve been offered a place at a university and can support yourself financially. Things may be a little more complex if you’re an expert in certain sensitive fields of science and technology, or you’re studying a course that will allow you to claim this status.

Learn more about studying in the US at www.topuniversities.com/whereto-study

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· Country

Guide

Australia Laura Bridgestock explores the enduring appeal of studying in this land of great outdoors, great cities and great universities.

A

ustralia is one of those countries where asking ‘why study here?’ seems almost a joke. The list of attractions is, at least for most people, pretty obvious – who wouldn’t jump at the prospect of studying at one of the world’s best universities, in a cultured and lively city, close to beautiful beaches, in warm, sunny weather?

But just in case you do still need convincing, or simply can’t get enough of hearing about the joys of life ‘down under’, here’s a closer look at some of Australia’s key selling points as an international study destination.

‘The Group of Eight is a collective of comprehensive research-intensive universities’ World-leading universities First things first: the universities. While hot surf spots and dynamic cities certainly haven’t harmed Australia’s attempts to entice international students to its shores, the heart of the country’s appeal remains its worldleading higher education system.

‘World-leading’ is no exaggeration.

Only the US and UK have more universities in the top 100 of the 2012/13 QS World University Rankings®, and both have significantly larger populations and therefore more universities to start with.

Australia’s equivalent to the US Ivy League and UK Russell Group is the Group of Eight (Go8), a collective of comprehensive, research-intensive universities which consists of Australian National University, University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, University of Queensland, University of New South Wales, Monash University, University of Western Australia and University of Adelaide.

But these eight are by no means the country’s only distinguished universities. In the 2012/13 QS World University Rankings®, a total of 25 Australian entries were found in the world’s top 500.

International outlook Australia is known as something of an

international melting pot of cultures.

According to government statistics, more than a quarter of residents were born elsewhere, and decades of migration from multiple corners of the globe have led to the establishment of truly multicultural communities.

Australian universities have also become known for their international outlook, among the first to embrace the internationalization of higher education and to prioritize the recruitment of

‘Australian universities have an international outlook’ international students. “Australia has decades of experience in international education, meaning students benefit from the excellent services of a mature, >> well-established system,” says a

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St Mary’s University College Twickenham London

Join us at our beautiful campus in south west London for a first class education and a unique social experience.

St Mary's University College in London offers a wide range of full-time and part-time MA and MSc courses within a rich and varied research environment and culture. Our postgraduate courses and the Schools which house them are internationally recognised for pushing academic boundaries and setting standards.

MA Applied Linguistics and English Language Teaching Bioethics and Medical Law Catholic School Leadership: Principles and Practice Charity Management First Novel Gothic: Culture, Subculture, Counterculture Irish Studies International Tourism Development Physical Theatre Religion, Politics and Conflict Resolution Sports Journalism Theatre Directing Theology

MSc Applied Sport and Exercise Physiology Applied Sport Psychology Applied Sports Nutrition Human Nutrition Managing for Sustainability Sport Rehabilitation (Pre-Registration) Strength and Conditioning

MA Education Leading Innovation and Change Leading Innovation and Change – Specialism in Religious Education Pedagogy and Professional Practice in Physical Education Pedagogy and Professional Values and Practice

PGCE Primary Secondary

We also offer Postgraduate Research courses and PhD studentships.

For detailed information on all of our courses please visit www.smuc.ac.uk International Office Waldegrave Road, London TW1 4SX Email: International@smuc.ac.uk Tel: +44 (0)20 8240 2307

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Monash University spokesperson.

“Comprehensive support infrastructure is in place at universities across Australia to assist students academically, socially and emotionally, no matter where they are from.”

Australian universities have also been highly active in nurturing global connections and establishing a presence in many different countries. Monash,

‘Australian universities have been highly active in nurturing global connections’ for example, has branch campuses in Malaysia and South Africa, a joint graduate school in China, a joint research institute in India, and further centers and partnerships in Italy and the UK. These kinds of international initiatives all feed through to the experience offered to students, whether through exchange schemes, the opportunity to

Guide

be taught by professors from a variety of different countries, or simply through the international framework within which curricula are designed.

Monash’s spokesperson says: “We believe that every student is an international student – we seek to develop globally engaged graduates; professionals who are well prepared for success in an ever more competitive and diverse labour market – the sort of employees organizations go out of their way to recruit.”

Awesome nature, spectacular cities Academic credentials and international connections established, let’s take a closer look at the places some of Australia’s top universities call home.

Often referred to as the world’s largest island, Australia is known for the grand scale of its natural features – the Great Barrier Reef, Ayers Rock, the Great Dividing Range of mountains, and that huge, dry central area known as ‘the outback’. Unsurprisingly, outdoor activities play a central role in Australian culture – whether it’s barbecues on the beach, popular sports such as cricket and rugby, or more adrenaline-driven pursuits such as skydiving or jet skiing.

At the same time, Australia is in some respects one of the world’s most city-centric nations, with more than 75% of the population living in urban centers – including globally renowned cities such as Sydney and Melbourne. Indeed, Australia is arguably equally well known for the desirability of its urban hubs and for the awe-inspiring scope and variety of its natural attractions.

Cultural capitals With a few exceptions, most of Australia’s universities are within major cities, and most of those cities are close to the coast. So as a student, there is a good chance you’ll end up within a short distance of one of those world-famous beaches (there are, after all, more than 7,000 of them).

If your main concern is getting your regular fix of culture, Sydney and Melbourne will most likely have appeal – the two main competitors for the title of Australia’s cultural capital. Each has

‘Five Australian cities featured in the top 30 of the QS Best Student Cities ranking’ an impressive selection of high-ranking universities, and both appeared in the top 10 of QS’s Best Student Cities ranking. Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide also made the top 30 of this ranking.

>>

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>> Continued from page 64

Fees and support According to current government guidelines, international students can expect fees of between A$15,000 and A$36,000 (about US$15,700-37,750) per

‘International students can work part-time while studying abroad in Australia’ year for a master’s or doctoral program.

International students are allowed to work part-time (up to 40 hours per fortnight), but before arriving into the country must prove they have enough money to cover living expenses – currently estimated at around A$18,610 (US$19,500) per year for a single student. While most international students are full fee-paying students, many do also benefit from scholarship schemes, which can be found using a searchable database on the government website studyinaustralia.gov.au.

For research-focused graduate students, one of the most relevant schemes is the

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International Postgraduate Research Scholarships (IPRS), which are open to students from all countries, except neighbouring New Zealand.

Moote Korina Anata is a student from the Pacific island of Kiribati, currently completing a Master of Business at RMIT University. He is among the current beneficiaries of the Australia Awards, a merit-based scholarship program for students from countries in the Asia-Pacific, Middle East, Europe and Americas.

Having always dreamed of studying in Australia, Moote had pretty high expectations, and he hasn’t been disappointed. “The quality of education is outstanding and whenever you have a problem everyone is willing to help,” he says. “There are people from all different cultural backgrounds and you

never feel lonely here. I’ve learned a lot, not only from what I’ve studied, but also from all the friends I’ve made.”

He’s also full of praise for Melbourne, which he says is “really the best place to be” – though not so much for the weather. Having moved from the South Pacific, where it’s “always summer”, seasonal variation has turned out to be a bit of a shock. “At first, I thought I’d enjoy winter, as I’d never experienced it before, but the reality is a little different,” Moote says.

“Waking up and getting to lectures during winter is hard!”

So, potential students be warned: perpetual summer is not guaranteed.

However, on the whole, it seems Australia does live up to the hype.

To find out why so many Australian cities feature in the QS Best Student Cities ranking, visit www. topuniversities.com/best-student-cities.

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WiWi-Online is one of Europe’s leading online sources of information for students, graduates and young professionals specialising in business, economics and related studies. Since 2001, we have been an invaluable source of specialist information, running, for example, one of Europe’s largest databases of professors working in the field.

WiWi-Online provides a rich source of specialist research material, papers and information about research projects as well as information on leading schools of business and economics.

In addition to the publication of upcoming, specialist events, we provide a platform for finding intern and job opportunities with leading European firms. A renowned part of this is the WiWi-Talents programme for students at the forefront of their field.

For more information, please visit:

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United Kingdom Strong universities and a unique and influential culture have made the UK the world’s second most popular study destination, writes Mansoor Iqbal.

O

ECD statistics consistently show that the UK is the world’s second-most popular study destination, with only the considerably larger US appealing to a greater number of students. In the 2011/12 academic year, close to 400,000 international students were studying at UK universities, according to the Higher Education Statistics Agency. Over half of these students – 209,710 to be precise – were studying at graduate level.

Obvious appeal The UK is obviously a destination which holds some cachet with international students. But why? It’s easy to level criticisms at this rain-drenched, overcrowded and often overpriced island in the North Sea. But when it

In many subjects, Pat Killingley, the British Council’s director of Higher Education, informs us, international students considerably outnumber the domestic cohort at graduate level – particularly in STEM subjects. What’s more they come from all over the world, she adds: “You’ll be part of a truly international community - you may find as many as 50 different nationalities on a single campus.”

comes to its higher education, there’s no denying that we’re dealing with one of the world’s most appealing international study destinations.

‘A total of 55 UK universities are represented in the rankings; 30 of which are in the top 200’

No fewer than four UK institutions feature in the top ten of the 2012/13 QS World University Rankings®, led by the University of Cambridge in second place – one of only three universities to ever top the rankings (it led for

two years before being toppled by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 2012/13).

But there’s strength in depth. A total of 55 UK universities are represented in the rankings; 30 of which are in the top 200. There’s only one place that can boast stronger representation, and, once again, it’s the unassailable juggernaut of >> higher education which is the US.

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>> Continued from page 69 Cost and administration One of the key challenges that faces international students who aspire to study at a UK institution is the fees.

Indeed, there’s no skirting the fact that UK universities are not the cheapest

in the world. At graduate level, there are no caps on tuition as there are at undergraduate level for domestic and EU students, so fees vary from course to course, and university to university.

EU students do, however, still pay the

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same as domestic students – which is around £4,000-£8,000 a year (US$6,250US$12,500), while those from outside the EU might be looking at anything from around £9,000-£18,000 (US$14,000-US$28,000). This is just a rough guide - check how much your individual course is going to cost.

Funding options However, help may be at hand. The UK is home to seven different disciplinespecific nationalized research councils, which between them command a funding pot of £3 billion (US$4.7 billion). The Higher Education Funding Council for England, which, as the name suggests, is responsible for funding universities across the country, also provides funds for research, and universities themselves often offer their own money up for research. Bear in mind, as you might expect, the hard sciences command the lion’s share of funding, but don’t despair, humanities students, this doesn’t mean there isn’t anything available.

“If you hope to get help with funding your studies, you need to do so before you leave your home country,” says

Killingley, who advises that you also look to other funding sources beyond the big research councils. “There are many country-specific options available so it is worth checking out what is on offer where you live.

The Education UK website, www. educationuk.org, has plenty of links and information. For example, you may

‘If you hope to get help with funding your studies, you need to do so before leaving home’ be eligible for The British Chevening Scholarships, a Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP), The Department for International Development (DFID) Shared Scholarship Scheme, The UNESCO Fellowship Bank scheme, or a Royal Society Fellowship.”

It’s also worth noting, while you’re toting up opportunity cost, that the UK offers shorter programs than many other places in the world. Master’s degrees tend to take no longer than one year, and you can complete a PhD in three years if you’re quick. That said,

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Country Guide you may also wish to take your time.

EU students do not need visas to study in the UK, but students from outside the EU will need to obtain a ‘Tier 4’ visa, and the usual student visa stipulations apply. You’ll need to prove your academic credentials, your proficiency in English and that you have enough money to cover your courses fees and living costs. At present, you need to show you are in possession of £800 a month, rising to £1,000 in London (US$ 1,250 and US$1,550 respectively) to fulfill the latter criterion.

to support international students’ employability in their home country.

We have recently organized big careers fairs for both Chinese and Pakistani students, inviting companies to come to the UK and see what skills those students are developing, and discuss with students how they can be recruited once they leave the UK and return to their home countries,” Killingley says.

‘You need to prove your academic credentials and your proficiency in English’ An international employment advantage If you have found a skilled profession, there are opportunities to stay and work after completing your studies.

You will just need to apply for a ‘Tier 2’ visa. Recent changes mean that holders of doctoral degrees are given leave to remain for 12 months to find a highly skilled job or start a business, which can make this a bit easier. If you’re of an entrepreneurial bent, there’s also a new type of ‘Tier 1’ visa especially for those who want to start a business – but there’s only 1,000 available every year, so be sure your sales pitch is a good one.

A British degree will also serve you well in finding employment outside of the UK. The strength of UK universities is something that has certainly not escaped international employers, says Killingley: “Top employers really value a UK degree; even in the United States, British Council research in 2011 found that one in six (17%) of US employers said they rank a degree earned in the UK to be higher than its US equivalent, and more than half consider them the same,” she says.

The British Council is also doing its part to further improve the prospects of graduates of UK universities. “[We have] been working with major businesses

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plenty to offer. Its charms come in many different varieties too. Whether it’s fashionable and fast-paced London or cultured Edinburgh; the vibrant music scenes and party lifestyles of cities in the north of England (Sheffield, Manchester and Liverpool for example) or the more laid-back environment offered by historic towns like York, Warwick and Bath; the vibrant multiculturalism of Birmingham or the stately traditions of Oxford or Cambridge which appeals, you’re likely to find an environment in which you will be happy.

Student experience Julián Gutiérrez, studying Applied Linguistics at the University of Leicester, agrees: “The United Kingdom is a wonderful place with a large array of opportunities and environments, so there is bound to be options that cater to most tastes. Its people are welcoming and interested in learning about those who visit their country so getting to know people is reasonably easy.”

As well as the advantage of being able to list an internationally-acknowledged university brand on your résumé, you’ll also have demonstrable proof that you can speak English to a high level. Though it is not the world’s most widely spoken language, English still very much dominates the academic and business worlds – and living and studying in an Anglophone nation will give you a considerable advantage.

Charming idiosyncrasies But enough about visas, fees and academic credentials; master’s and PhD-level study can be intensive, but it’s as important – particularly if studying overseas – to think about whether you will enjoy living where you are studying. In many respects, the UK may not seem the most glamorous of locations. It cannot boast, for example, the global cultural heft of the US, the refinement and sophistication of continental Europe, or the year round sun and beach culture of Australia. But, that’s not to say the plucky little UK doesn’t have

‘The UK is a wonderful place with an array of opportunities and environments’ He warns that some of the country’s idiosyncrasies may catch you off guard, but has generally found the UK a welcoming environment in which to study: “While different from my home country of Colombia, I have been able to adapt quite easily to day-to-day life in the UK,” he says. “Leicester is a city both multicultural and very true to British identity, so that makes for a very interesting combination.”

So, great universities, an exciting lifestyle, plenty of funding options and a warm welcome. Perhaps the UK’s appeal isn’t so mystifying after all.

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Canada

Big on international diversity, big on bilingualism and, well, just big in general! Laura Bridgestock explores study opportunities in Canada.

Let’s start with some big facts: Canada is the world’s second biggest country, spanning no less than six time zones.

It’s also one of the most sparsely populated nations, but has one of the world’s largest economies. And, known for its lively cities, stunning natural beauty, multicultural communities and world-leading universities, Canada is one of the world’s most popular destinations for international students.

Admittedly, Canada can’t compete with its neighbour to the south, the US, in terms of either numbers of international students or numbers of top-ranking universities – but then no country can. It is, however, host to more than 200,000 international students and researchers each year, and home to a highly respectable 23 universities in the top 700 of the QS World University Rankings® for 2012/13, including two in the global top 20.

The top two, McGill University and the University of Toronto, are based

in Montréal and Toronto, both in the east of the country – but the nation’s brains aren’t just concentrated on this side. On the west coast is Vancouver, home to the country’s thirdranking institution, the University of British Columbia (UBC).

These are by no means the only appealing destinations for international students, though their respective provinces – Ontario (home to Toronto), Quebec (Montréal) and British Columbia (Vancouver) – have so far led the way in attracting high numbers of foreign students. Vancouver regularly appears in lists of the world’s most desirable places to live, a fact Jaime Young, associate director of admissions at UBC’s Sauder Business School, is keen to highlight. However, he also emphasizes that many of the aspects

that make Vancouver an attractive destination for international students also apply to the country more widely.

“Canada is welcoming for international students (more an international ‘mosaic’ than a ‘melting pot’), it’s a relatively safe country with a stable economy, and there’s a wide choice of great public universities that are globally recognized,” he says.

Young also points out that changes to work permit regulations mean it’s now easier for international students to stay on after graduating. Under the Post-Graduate Work Permit Program, international students can now obtain a three-year open work permit, without

‘Canada is a relatively safe country with a wide choice of great public universities’ being required to have a job offer before applying, allowing them to work for any kind of employer, in any industry.

This is just one aspect of the Canadian government’s attempts to attract more foreign students to the country, following a series of official reports and recommendations on the issue. >>

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The national Education Action Plan 2013 proposes C$23 million (about US$22m) over two years to be invested in strategies to strengthen Canada’s position as a destination of choice for international students.

Finally, for those considering studying here but perhaps deterred by tales of extreme weather, Young emphasizes that contrary to widespread belief, it’s not always cold in Canada!

While on the subject of common misconceptions, he adds “not all Canadians love hockey, and not everyone skis”. He also points out it’s not necessary to speak French to study here.

Multilingual appeal Canada’s bilingual status – French and English are spoken to differing degrees depending on the province and city – is for many students part of its appeal.

This was certainly the case for Aude Giraud, currently pursuing a PhD in Computer Sciences at the Université de Montréal.

Originally from France, Aude studied in Manchester, UK. When choosing a location for her PhD, she explains, “Canada, and French-speaking Canada particularly, became clear frontrunners since they would permit me to combine my comfort with French with speaking the English I’d grown used to while studying in the UK.”

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In addition, campus life sounded exciting: “There are so many clubs and activities here that the most difficult part is choosing which ones you don’t want to join!”

As an example, international students enrolled on a research master’s degree at UBC in 2013/14 would pay C$7,640 (about US$7,485) per year in three installments. Meanwhile ‘professional’

Aude arrived in Montréal in January 2013 – “right in the middle of the famous winter... it was quite an experience!” she says. “Montréal is huge; it’s like having several little cities in one. The multicultural atmosphere is great, and there are so many things to do here – you can even ski in the middle of the city!”

‘Canada often represents a less expensive option than other popular destinations’

Applications, fees and funding There’s no centralized admissions process in Canada, so applications are made directly to individual universities. After receiving an offer of a place, international students should apply for a study permit via a Canadian visa office, or using the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) website: www.cic.gc.ca.

Tuition fees for international students vary depending on the institution and the type of course. In general, however, Canada often represents a less expensive option than other popular destinations, such as the US, UK or Australia.

master’s programs – a broad range of courses focused on preparation for a particular career – will typically cost much more than this. For instance, international students completing the Master of Software Systems would pay a total of at least C$19,332 (US$18,950), while a Master of Occupational Therapy would cost at least C$71,400 (US$69,950).

There is also a good selection of financial support available from various sources – individual universities, government schemes and other organizations – including tuition fee deductions, assistantships and fellowships. Many of these are listed on the government website www. scholarships-bourses.gc.ca.

So could this huge country have a niche for you? Find out more at www. topuniversities.com/where-to-study

‘Not all Canadians love hockey and not everyone skis’ Aude adds that as a French citizen, she was able to benefit from special agreements between the Québec and French governments concerning tuition fees and health care. She chose the Université de Montréal as its research strengths – in particular its leadership in video games research and realistic image synthesis – matched her own interests. It also offered close links with industry and a range of internship opportunities.

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Guide

Hong Kong Study abroad in this hybrid metropolis for a unique experience, writes Danny Byrne.

H

ong Kong is “the most eastern of western cities and the most western of eastern cities,” says Paul W. Forster, program director in the Global Student Office at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST).

On the one hand are the expensive shopping malls and gleaming corporate skyscrapers, expat nightclub culture and ubiquitous western brands. On the other, the traditional Chinese culture that stills thrives on Kowloon Island, and the backstreet restaurants serving up local delicacies, not to mention the famed dim sum bars.

Hong Kong is one of the world’s most densely populated cities, a highrise concrete jungle teeming with inhabitants of all nationalities. While this may seem intimidating for some, most people find Hong Kong’s energy to be infectious.

‘Hong Kong is becoming a rising power in international education’

five) and City University of Hong Kong (15), HKUST leads a cluster of universities that are making a mark both regionally and globally.

The 2013 QS World University Rankings by Subject feature several outstanding performances from Hong Kong universities: HKUST ranks 7th in the world for statistics and operational management, while HKU is 8th= in civil engineering and 10th in computer science. Chinese University of Hong Kong’s best position is 25th in mathematics; it is also the best placed Hong Kong institution in communications and media studies (29), geography (33) and sociology (39).

City University of Hong Kong ranks first nationally, and 22nd globally, in the field of linguistics.

International character In a global higher education landscape in which English is still the lingua franca, Hong Kong’s past as a British colony gives it a linguistic head start over much of Asia. Its leading

universities offer virtually all courses in English at both undergraduate and graduate level, giving Hong Kong an enviable record of attracting highquality international students and staff.

‘Leading universities offer almost all courses in English’ Nearly 20% of undergraduates currently enrolled at the University of Hong Kong come from overseas. This diversity helps push up standards across the board, says John Spinks, director of Undergraduate Admissions and International Student Exchange at HKU. “International students challenge local students by offering a different perspective, bringing them into contact with different learning models and approaches.”

Also important is the tradition of international exchange and research >>

Hong Kong is also the financial engine room of Asia’s economy, and its dynamic character is mirrored by the aspirational nature of its universities.

Prestigious universities Asia’s number one institution in QS University Rankings: Asia, HKUST has emerged as one of the outward-looking, ambitious and internationally-minded institutions that are increasingly marking out Hong Kong as the flagbearer of Asia’s status as a rising power in international education. Alongside University of Hong Kong (HKU), ranked number three in Asia, Chinese University of Hong Kong (ranked

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Guide

>> Continued from page 76

collaboration partnerships. HKU enrolled 875 international exchange students in 2009/2010 alongside its 6,338 permanent international students, and all of Hong Kong’s leading institutions have established research partnerships and collaborations with institutions in the West. In total, over 17,000 international students from around the globe enroll at Hong Kong universities every year.

‘Over 17,000 international students enroll at Hong Kong universities every year’ Programs of study For prospective students from North America and Europe, the Hong Kong educational model will look familiar, following a tripartite structure of bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. Master’s programs are one or two years in length, while doctoral degrees are usually a minimum of three.

In 2012, the undergraduate system shifted from a UK-style three-year to a US four-year model, though universities have prepared for the extra influx of students by building new facilities and increasing staff hire.

Fees and funding Hong Kong’s eight universities are all publically funded, though still charge tuition fees for international students.

This means that while students can expect to pay considerably more than in parts of continental Europe, costs are not generally as prohibitive as at private universities in the US. Though costs vary by institution and program, in general students can expect to pay tuition fees of around US $10,000-15,000 per year.

A range of scholarships are available to international students, some exclusively so. In 2009 the Research Grants Council (RGC) of Hong Kong established the PhD Fellowship Scheme, aimed at attracting the brightest candidates from around the world to Hong Kong. Around 135 fellowships are awarded per year across the range of disciplines, covering tuition fees and providing a monthly stipend of

around US$2,600. Other scholarships are offered through individual institutions and departments, so always consult university websites for funding opportunities specific to your academic field and program.

Student lifestyle and visas Hong Kong ranked 19th in the QS Best Student Cities exercise, which ranked the world’s best study environments based on factors such as number and quality of top institutions, international student mix, affordability, quality of life and employability. One of the downsides to life in Hong Kong as a student is affordability, with the island’s lack of open space reflected in exorbitant prices for rent. However, once accommodation is factored out of the equation, general living expenses such as eating out and transport remain fairly low, especially for such a global financial capital.

study in Hong Kong. To obtain these from the immigration department you need to prove you have been accepted onto a program, and that you are capable of paying for it. In addition you must find a local sponsor to support your application, though in most cases this is arranged through your university.

Useful links A site dedicated to graduate study in Hong Kong (can be used to help put you in touch with universities): grad.edu.hk/grad/ A general site about higher education in Hong Kong: http://studyinhongkong. edu.hk/eng/index.jsp The PhD Fellowship Scheme offers funding to international doctoral candidates: http://cerg1.ugc.edu.hk/ hkpfs/index.html The Immigration Department website can be found at: http://www.immd.gov. hk/en/home.html

International students must obtain a study visa or entry permit in order to

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Country Guide

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Going Nordic Everyone knows the Nordic nations are good at innovation, but what does that really mean for graduate students?

Laura Bridgestock investigates.

I

f one word were to be chosen to sum up the Nordic nations, ‘innovative’ would definitely be a high contender.

The region scores consistently well on global surveys intended to measure how innovative and innovation-friendly countries are. In INSEAD’s Global Innovation Index 2012, for instance, Sweden was ranked 2nd (beaten only

by Switzerland), Finland 4th, Denmark 7th, Norway 14th and Iceland 18th. In Bloomberg’s 2013 ’50 Most Innovative Countries’, which uses slightly different criteria, Finland is ranked 4th overall, Sweden 5th, Denmark 9th, Norway 13th and Iceland 20th. Nordic countries score particularly well in terms of research and development (R&D) as a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP), and number of R&D researchers per million inhabitants.

Helsinki (78th in the 2012/13 QS World University Rankings®), argues that the Nordic region’s strong R&D framework underlies the strong focus on research typically found in graduate-level programs. “Students are exposed to and connected with research,” he says, adding that at the University of Helsinki “the rule of thumb is that every teacher is a researcher, and vice versa.”

‘Students are exposed to and connected with research’

So, what does this mean for prospective graduate students? How are these high scores for innovation reflected in the region’s higher education systems?

One recent example of the university’s focus on supporting innovation is the Helsinki Think Company, a new initiative launched in 2013 by the university in collaboration with the city government. This is a dedicated ‘innovation center’, which aims to bring together students, academics and budding entrepreneurs, to fast-track the process of transforming good ideas into commercial enterprises.

Strong connection with research Markus Laitinen, head of international affairs at Finland’s University of

The Helsinki Think Company is essentially about creating an open meeting space and promoting

collaboration between different groups. These same qualities are highlighted by CarlFredrik Miles, deputy director for student affairs and international relations at Sweden’s University West, as key elements of the innovationfriendly environment in Nordic universities. “Our education system gives students the tools to be innovative and creative. Swedish universities have an open climate, with a strong focus on group work. I would say that the way we teach and make students responsible for their own results means they are more open to innovation,” Miles says.

“Personal initiative and independent thinking are prized. Students are required to take an active role and contribute with opinions and ideas at lectures, seminars and in group discussions,” he adds.

‘The global job market values ambitious, innovative and perceptive team players’ These are all, of course, skills and experiences in high demand among employers. As Miles points out, “The global job market values ambitious, innovative and perceptive team players.” He also highlights the strong connections between industry and academia at many of the region’s universities – not just in schemes like the Helsinki Think Company, but also embedded into graduate courses.

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Country Guide

>> Continued from page 79

ranking institutions more impressive as a proportion of their overall higher education systems.

‘The Rankings feature a total of 25 universities in the region’

Furthermore, their 25 entries are not just in the 700 QS currently includes, but well within the world’s top 500.

practice. Many programs also cooperate closely with the industry, offering students the possibility to mix study and practical work. This gives the students distinct advantages when entering the job market.”

For those who want to study at a globally renowned institution, the rankings may be a good starting point – but it’s important to look beyond them too. Some of the region’s best known and reputed institutions are not actually included, in some cases because they are too specialized to meet the criteria. Examples of this are Sweden’s Stockholm School of Economics and medical university, Karolinska Institute, both highly reputed worldwide in their respective fields.

Miles continues: “Swedish master’s degree programs offer unique opportunities to turn theory into

Nordic nations in the rankings The 2012/13 QS World University Rankings® feature a total of 25 universities in the region: eight in Sweden, eight in Finland, five in Denmark and four in Norway.

These are much lower numbers compared to countries like the UK or Germany – not to mention the US. However, the crucial context here is the relatively small populations of all the Nordic countries. In fact, the combined population of Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland – about 25.6 million – is less than half that of the UK (more than 63 million) and nowhere close to the US (about 316 million). As a result, Nordic countries have far fewer universities to start with, which makes their 25 high-

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Top Grad School Guide 2013/2014 www.topuniversities.com

in the rest of Europe Scandinavia is known as a region, but not in the rest of the world.”

For US student Lucas Tilley, currently studying a Master in Economics at Sweden’s Uppsala University (81st in the 2012/13 QS World University Rankings®), it was definitely a case of choosing Sweden, rather than Scandinavia. “Several years ago, I visited Sweden with my Swedish sister-inlaw,” he explains. “Getting to live >> with her family for several weeks,

The ‘Nordic’ region From travel guides to economic analysis, these countries tend to be discussed as a group – either Scandinavia (Denmark, Norway and Sweden) or the Nordic nations (add Finland and Iceland).

But while there are many broad similarities in terms of culture and economic policy, these groupings can also be misleading.That, at least, is the opinion of Miles, who says, “I don’t think it’s possible to generalize about Scandinavian higher education. Maybe

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>> Continued from page 81

I was enthralled by both the culture and the language. Things were similar enough to my own culture that I knew I wouldn’t experience ‘culture shock’ when moving here, but there were also enough differences that

Guide

seemed meant to be, and Uppsala became my top choice for grad school.”

The attractions of ‘Nordic’ life Beyond the universities, there’s also the wider appeal of life in the region. The Nordic countries are known for their high quality of life, highly advanced

I knew studying here would broaden my perspectives and expose me to new values and experiences,” he says.

Lucas took the step of participating in a Swedish language program at Uppsala University during the summer before his final year of undergraduate study.

‘These countries are known for their high quality of life and advanced social support’ On returning to the US, he says, “When my professors heard me speaking so fondly of my time here, they mentioned that Uppsala University has a strong international reputation and suggested I look into their options for graduate studies. As soon as I realized the economics department specialized in my specific areas of interest, it

social support systems, and leadership on issues ranging from gender equality to environmental policy. The capital cities frequently rank well in quality of life indexes – in Mercer’s 2012 ranking, Copenhagen came 9th, Stockholm 19th, Helsinki and Oslo joint 32nd.

Not all of the top universities are in the capital cities – in fact, they’re fairly well spread out – and the capitals are certainly not the only attractive destinations for international students.

Lucas describes Uppsala, a relatively small city to the north of Stockholm, as ‘the ideal city for students.’ “It’s nice that there’s a lot of history and tradition here, but at the same time, the city is becoming more modern and diverse. Uppsala also provides plenty of opportunities to experience the beautiful Swedish nature without feeling too rural and isolated, and Stockholm is only a short train ride away,” he says.

In general, Lucas has found Swedish society welcoming and easy to adapt to, adding that even language hasn’t been a barrier. “Swedes are so eager to speak English with international students, it’s actually difficult to learn Swedish!” The only challenge he does highlight is finding accommodation; due to high demand and short supply, this is an issue for both domestic and international students alike. But, he says, “Once you have a place to live, Uppsala quickly feels like home.”

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Country Guide

English is widely spoken in other Nordic countries, and many universities in the region offer English-taught programs. In Sweden, for example, there are now more than 600 Englishtaught programs available at bachelor’s and master’s level, while Denmark and Finland each offer more than 500 English-taught degree programs.

How much does it cost?

These countries are perhaps as well known for their living expenses as they

‘English is widely spoken and many universities in the region offer English-taught programs’

EEA are only required to show they have US$730 per month.

Even though actual living costs are higher in Nordic nations, the amount prospective international students are expected to have available is in many cases lower when compared to other leading European study destinations.

For instance, Germany’s student visa system requires proof of 8,040 euro (US$12,360) per year, while the UK requires non-EU/EEA students to have at least £800 (US$1,230) per month for visa purposes, and £1,000 (US$1,500) to study in London.

are for innovative design and freezing winters. The costs (like the weather) will vary to some extent depending on where you’re based; as in most countries, you can generally expect living costs to be higher in the capitals.

High living costs are to a large extent balanced out by low tuition costs.

In Finland, bachelor’s and doctoral programs are free for all students, regardless of nationality. Some master’s programs do charge a fee for students from outside the EU/EEA, ranging from 2,500-12,000 euro (US$3,300-15,700) per year. This is part of a trial period lasting until 2014.

To give a broad idea, in Sweden, monthly living costs are estimated at around US$1,100. Students from beyond the EU/EEA must prove they have at least this amount available in order to obtain a residence permit. For Finland this amount is significantly lower; students from outside the EU/

Similarly in Norway, most programs at public universities are almost entirely state-funded for students of all nationalities. There’s just a small fee of NOK300-600 (about US$50-100) per semester – virtually nothing compared to tuition fees worldwide. Private universities charge fees, but these

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Top Grad School Guide 2013/2014 www.topuniversities.com

are also relatively low. Some public universities charge fees for specialized

‘High living costs are to a large extent balanced out by low tuition costs in these countries ’ courses, usually at master’s level.

In Denmark, tuition remains free for all domestic and EU/EEA students.

International students from further afield can expect to pay 6,000-16,000 euro (US$10,000-20,000) per year. In Sweden, PhD programs are tuition-free, as are bachelor’s and master’s courses for domestic and EU/EEA students.

Those from outside these zones are charged annual fees of SEK80,000140,000 (US$12,300-21,500), with a few exceptions – for example, fees for medical courses are notably higher.

Scholarships and funding schemes are also available for international students, both through individual universities and via bilateral agreements at country level so it pays to do your research to see what funding support is available.

For more detailed information on study opportunities in the Nordic region, visit www.topuniversities.com/where-to-study

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· Country

Guide

Germany Europe’s economic heart is also one of the world’s leading academic powerhouses, writes Mansoor Iqbal.

O

f the 4.1 million students who studied internationally in 2010, 6.3% chose to study in Germany. To put this into perspective, only the US, the UK and Australia could boast a greater share, making Germany the most popular non-Anglophone study destination in the world, as well as the fourth most popular overall.

DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst – or German Academic Exchange Service), figures indicate 70,000 students were studying at graduate level in the same year, 50,000 of whom were studying master’s degrees. So what draws in these huge numbers of international students?

government and the länder (regions) are creating additional university places, recruiting additional staff, and improving study conditions at German institutions of higher education.

Flagship programs like the Excellence Initiative are promoting cutting-edge research at outstanding institutions across the country.”

Perhaps we might start with the quality of the universities, 44 of which are included in the 2012/13 QS World University Rankings® – a figure precious few countries can rival. An impressive 11 of these make the elite top 200.

and 11 cross-university strategies collectively funded with more than 2.4 billion euro (US$3.1bn) in 2012, with the overall goal being the promotion of high-level research in the country.

Investment creates opportunity This is not just by chance, reflects a spokesperson from the Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). “With the Pact for Higher Education and the Quality Pact for Teaching, the federal

The aforementioned Excellence Initiative saw 45 graduate-level institutions, 43 ‘clusters of excellence’

‘In 2010, there were 70,000 students studying at graduate level in Germany’

This is not the only evidence of the nation’s dedication to education and research. We might also look at the

13.7 billion euro (US$17.8bn) budget reserved for the BMBF in 2013 – an increase of 6.2.% on the previous year.

What’s more, this is a consistent trend.

In total, increases in the ministry’s budget since 2010 alone add up to a total of 13.3 billion euro (US$17.3bn) – equivalent to an extra year of funding.

Services for students For the ambitious scholar, figures like these are extremely appealing, perhaps even more so when you bear in mind that some is reserved specifically for international students.

Ursula Egyptien, a spokesperson for the DAAD (incidentally the largest funding organization for international students in the world) discusses what is available.

‘Students have the opportunity to secure funding for study’ “There are many opportunities to secure funding for short - and long-term study visits in Germany. International students can apply for scholarships offered by a variety of organizations

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Country Guide and institutions. The DAAD scholarship database is a convenient tool for researching various types of scholarships online. The database not only contains scholarships offered by the DAAD, but other funding organizations as well.”

As well as the DAAD, other funding bodies to which a graduate student might look include the DFG (the German Research Foundation) and the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, which provides funding to PhD students. However, individual German universities don’t tend to offer scholarships on an institutional basis.

The application process One student who has benefited from a DAAD scholarship is Camila Florez from Peru, currently studying a master’s degree in environmental governance at Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg.

“My program is considered ‘of relevance

‘German universities have an easy application process and funding is readily available’ for developing countries’, so a number of places have been assigned to DAAD students. There are seven in my class, two from Asia, two from Africa and three from South America. The DAAD supports you not only for your day-today life but also for an internship period and the thesis field trip.” And it’s not just about the academics, she adds. “It is noteworthy that they have told us several times that we’re not only here to study, but to experience new things, form a network, travel and discover new worldviews.”

degree translated as “kind of annoying”, though in general he speaks highly of the application platform at Technische Universität Munich, where he is studying a master’s degree in industrial biotechnology.

As with other European Union countries, EU residents do not need visas to study in Germany. All you need to do is register with the local authority so they know you are there. Those from further afield may or may not need a visa depending on their country of origin, but will certainly need to get a residence permit. All students will need to prove they have health insurance and enough money to support themselves during their stay.

Currently this stands at 8,040 euro (around US$10,500) per year.

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Top Grad School Guide 2013/2014 www.topuniversities.com

Another indication is the availability of programs in languages other than German. “The number of English study programs has increased, especially at the master’s level,” reflects the BMBF spokesperson. “German higher education institutions currently offer about 800 English study programs, more than 700 at the master’s level,” she says.

And it’s not just English, Egyptien adds: “Universities also offer numerous courses in several other languages, including French, Russian, Chinese and Spanish. Although knowledge of German is not usually compulsory for these programs, many universities offer German courses that allow students to learn the language while they study – certainly an opportunity that should not be missed.”

Learn more about studying in Germany at www.topuniversities.com/whereto-study

Internationalization a priority The easy application process and ready availability of funding stand as testament to Germany’s commitment to internationalization. “All responsible stakeholders welcome international students to Germany very warmly,” Egyptien notes. “The German government is actively involved in the so-called Bologna Process, in the course of which 85% of degree programs in Germany switched to the bachelor’s and master’s system in recent years.”

(Germany previously used its own system which was slightly different).

Camila says the application process was “very smooth”, and she was even able to send her original transcripts in Spanish without translating them – although it should be noted that not all universities in Germany will allow you to do this. In fact, fellow DAAD scholar, Jose Guillermo Ortiz Tena, describes the process of getting his Mexican

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Country Guide

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Spain Spain is keen to welcome more international students – and it’s certainly an attractive proposition, Laura Bridgestock writes.

H

aving set an official target of increasing the percentage of international students from 4.9% in 2012 to 10% by 2015, Spain has clearly stated its intention of welcoming more students from beyond its borders.

Indeed, many top Spanish universities are already incredibly international.

Latin American nations in particular have long sent high numbers of

‘Spain has a diverse set of attractions starting with a reputation for education’

Institute of International Education, Spain was the third most popular destination for US students abroad, hosting almost 10% of all US international students. It’s also the most popular destination for European students spending time studying abroad through the EU’s Erasmus program.

students to Spain, but the country also attracts high numbers from nonSpanish-speaking countries.

Like all popular study destinations, Spain has a diverse set of attractions, starting with a well-established reputation for high quality education.

In the 2012/13 QS World University Rankings®, 18 Spanish universities rank within the world’s top 700.

This includes the US; according to the 2012 Open Doors report from the

Many of these leading institutions have already been very successful

in attracting large numbers of international students. Those with particularly high scores for the international diversity of their student communities include the Universidad de Alcalá, Universidad de Navarra, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, and Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF).

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Studying at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece The Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh) was founded in 1925 as the second Greek university and today it is the biggest in the country, covering all scientific fields.

Our Undergraduate Study Programmes:

41 programmes in 10 Faculties Faculty of Theology Theology, Ecclesiastical and Social Theology Faculty of Philosophy Philology, History and Archaeology, Philosophy and Pedagogy, Psychology, English Language and Literature, French Language and Literature, German Language and Literature, Italian Language and Literature Faculty of Sciences Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geology, Informatics Faculty of Engineering Civil Engineering Architecture, Rural and Surveying Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Spatial Planning and Development Faculty of Law Law

Faculty of Economics & Political Sciences Economics, Political Sciences, Journalism & Mass Media Studies Faculty of Fine Arts Visual and Applied Arts, Music Studies, Drama, Film Studies Faculty of Education Primary Education, Early Childhood Education Faculty of Health Sciences Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy Faculty of Agriculture, Forestry & Natural Environment Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Environment Faculty of Physical Education & Sports Science Physical Education and Sports Sciences (Thessaloniki), Physical Education and Sports Sciences (Serres),

69 Postgraduate Study Programmes 49 Master Programmes 2 Greek-French 2 Erasmus-Mundus 16 Interdisciplinary 3 with other Universities 23 Special Agreements (Protocols) for co-supervised PhD with foreign universities, for Greek and foreign doctoral candidates European Educational Programmes The leading University in mobility among all the Greek Higher Education Institutions 596 active bilateralagreements for students and faculty exchange

International relations 108 agreements for Scientific Cooperation (Europe, Balkan and Black Sea countries, Russia, USA, Canada, Australia, Africa, Latin America, Near, Middle and Far East).

Our people

Students: 63.843 registered undergraduate, 5618 postgraduate and 3571 PhD students, of which 3571 are foreign, are registered in the Faculties and Schools of A.U.Th.

Staff: 2.122 people (2068 with PhD) Teaching and Research staff, around 1300 people administrative & technical staff

International students

can be admitted to Higher Education Institutions in Greece under special provisions (http://www.minedu.gov.gr)

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International outlook Scott Wishart, a professor at the University of Navarra’s School of Law, says: “The University of Navarra is truly international in character.

The student body is one of Spain’s most culturally diverse, with 14% of our students being international. An increasing number of programs have been developed to reflect an international dimension so that all students can acquire greater intercultural competencies and benefit from intercultural dialogue.”

He adds, “International outreach and communication are central to our corporate mission and a multicultural student body is a productive, effective and enlightened student body.”

Similar sentiments are expressed by Jorge Gutiérrez Breñosa, international relations coordinator at CESINE University Centre, who says attracting graduate students from outside Spain is definitely a priority for the institution.

“International students are important for us. We have nationalities from all around the globe represented on campus, and our commitment is to provide all the students with the most international environment to help them develop their skills in every situation.” As part of this commitment to internationalization, CESINE is among a number of Spanish universities offering more English-taught programs. In fact, like many countries keen to capture a larger share of the international student market, Spain has made teaching in English part of a set of national priorities for its higher education system.

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Top Grad School Guide 2013/2014 www.topuniversities.com

Learning the language This will undoubtedly broaden the country’s appeal as a study destination, but for many foreign students, the opportunity to study in a Spanishspeaking location, and to become fluent in the local language, is already sufficient attraction.

As Elena Liquete, MBA program director at the University of Navarra’s IESE Business School, says: “In today’s increasingly globalized world, the advantage of having fluency in Spanish cannot be overstated – particularly with the increasing emergence of Latin American economies.”

‘Spanish is the second most used language in international communication’ Breñosa seconds this, adding: “Studying in Spain enables students to fully understand the way business is done in Europe and in Spanish-speaking countries and to discover a market with some 600 million potential customers.”

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Top Grad School Guide 2013/2014

· Country

Guide social scene. The region is famous for its beaches, picturesque landscapes, surfing and skiing tradition, and is steeped in history and cultural activity.” He also points out that the international airport means less than two hours’ travel to many of Europe’s most prominent cities, such as London, Munich, Paris and Rome – good news for any students looking to do some extra exploring on the weekends!

Anastasia Samylovskaya, a Russian graduate student currently at CESINE, says she was attracted by the possibility of studying in a city close to both sea and mountains. She identifies her favorite things about Santander as “the

‘Tuition fees are regulated by the government at both public and private universities’

>> Continued from page 89

It’s certainly difficult to argue with claims about the global importance of the Spanish language. After Chinese Mandarin, Spanish is the world’s second largest mother tongue. It’s also the second most used language in international communication, and the third most used on the internet.

Unique cities High quality education, international campuses and the choice of studying in one of the world’s most influential languages – all of this goes a long way

‘Santander offers an excellent student environment and a wealth of activities’ to explaining Spain’s appeal as a study destination. But to fully understand what motivates students to study here, it’s necessary to delve a little deeper into the locations of the universities, which include some of Europe’s best known and loved cities.

Many of Spain’s leading universities are based in its two largest cities – Madrid and Barcelona. Both are well known for their cultural and nightlife scenes, along with high quality of life, internationally diverse populations, and

in Barcelona’s case at least, an appealing Mediterranean climate and close proximity to the beach.

beautiful beaches, the weather, the food and how friendly the people are.”

However, Anastasia’s claim that Santander is “the only city in Spain where you can surf and ski on the same day” might be disputed by the inhabitants of Pamplona – about 250km to the south-east, and home to the University of Navarra.

Jorge Pantoja, an Ecuadorian master’s student at UPF’s Barcelona School of Management, confirms the city lives up to its reputation. “This is one of the most beautiful cities in Spain and the world, where a high academic level, professionalism and lifestyle are combined,” he says, adding he’s had opportunities to meet people from all around the world.

Alternative cities However, while Madrid and Barcelona are Spain’s best known cities, they’re certainly not its only attractive locations. CESINE University Centre is based in Santander, a port city on the northern coast. According to Breñosa, “Santander has a great university tradition and offers an excellent student environment, a wealth of extracurricular activities, sports and a lively

Wishart describes amplona as “a place of great beauty, bordered by the Pyrenees and the rich Rioja vineyards, within an hour’s drive of the beach for swimming or the mountains for skiing.” Christa Byker, a graduate student from the US, adds that the city is “organized and peaceful, perfect for studying and making lifelong friends.”

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· Country

>> Continued from page 90

Practical information Tuition fees for master’s and doctoral programs in Spain are regulated by the government at both public and private universities, and charged on a per-credit basis. Costs vary depending on the subject and length of the program; a master’s degree is typically one or two years and a PhD between three and five.

Living costs can also vary significantly, with cities like Madrid and Barcelona tending to come with a higher price tag.

The Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona (UAB) advises international students to budget 700 - 1,000 euro (about US$900-1,300) per month to cover accommodation, travel, food and other

Guide

expenses during their time there.

Students from EU countries do not need a visa to study in Spain, but should apply for a Número de Identificación de Extranjero (Foreign National Identity Number) on arrival. This is needed for tasks such as opening a bank account or accessing health services. Those from most countries beyond the EU need a visa if intending to spend more than three months in Spain. This can be processed via the nearest Spanish embassy or consulate once an official offer of a place has been received.

For more information about studying in Spain, visit www.topuniversities.com/ where-to-study

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Hospitality Management Balancing accounts, keeping smiles on faces, and a lot more besides. Laura Bridgestock examines some of the key challenges for future hospitality leaders.

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he global hospitality industry is huge – and statistics to prove this are in wide supply. According to the UN World Tourism Organization, for example, tourism has a business volume equal to or larger than major industries such as oil exports, food products and automobiles. In 2013, consultancy HVS London reported the average value of a single hotel room in Europe at 240,000 euro (about US$315,000) per year – or 660,000 euro ($865,000) in a highend destination like Paris. Meanwhile the events sector is predicted to be worth £48.4 billion (almost US$75bn) by 2020 in the UK alone.

But while these kinds of statistics may be impressive, they really only brush the surface of the hospitality sector, failing to give a true impression of just how diverse and far-reaching the industry is – and, correspondingly, the type of graduates it demands.

Strategic thinkers needed While a head for figures and a certain element of natural charm are undoubtedly important, there’s

actually much more to hospitality management than maintaining profit margins or being able to bring a smile to the face of a disgruntled customer.

‘Tourism has a business volume equal to or larger than major industries such as oil’ Juggling these elements may sound like challenge enough – and undoubtedly is no easy task. But on top of these demands, future leaders in the hospitality sector also need to be strategic and >> innovative

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Guide “Many undergraduate programs in tourism and hospitality management only focus on operational matters, but rarely on strategic skills and research methodologies,” Wöber says.

The industry itself is experiencing “some seismic changes”, he believes, and as a result “urgently needs graduates with comprehensive knowledge of contemporary marketing and environmental and development issues to provide leadership for local and international companies.”

‘The industry urgently needs graduates with comprehensive knowledge of marketing ’

This, at least, is the view of Karl Wöber, president and dean of graduate programs at Austria’s MODUL University, where he also lectures on the MSc in International Management.

In particular, Wöber highlights environmental impact as one of the most important fields for future hospitality leaders to get to grips with. “Tourism is about travelling and experiencing the nature and culture of a destination, which creates many environmental issues. Investigating

at MODUL University Vienna in 2010, Stephanie was keen to stay on for an MSc in International Tourism Management. “The quality of the lecturers and the university’s internationality really provide students with opportunities to think outside the box,” she says.

and variety, contact with people has always been an important factor for me, as well as the fact you’re responsible for your clients and the success of the event. In this job it is very important to be able to work on your own and be empowered to decide what is best for the client as well as the company.”

Stephanie says her time at MODUL honed her ability to work in an accurate and well-structured way, while providing the “human touch” which is so important in the sector.

Having grown up in the Austrian capital, Vienna, Stephanie Mezera was lucky enough to have one of the world’s best known institutions in the field of tourism and hospitality management on her doorstep.

Varied work experience Having graduated from the MSc in 2012, Stephanie began work as a reservations and conventions agent at St. Martins Therme and Lodge, a spa resort on the outskirts of Austria’s Neusiedler See National Park. After this rural retreat, Stephanie returned to the capital in January 2013, taking up her current role as a convention and events sales executive at the Hilton Vienna hotel and conference center. “This role involves preparing and organizing events, seminars and conventions, including sending offers for requests, preparing contracts and planning the event to the smallest details to provide guests with a full service.”

After completing a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)

What does Stephanie enjoy most about the work? “Aside from the flexibility

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Student Profile

thinkers, ready to seize new opportunities and adapt to meet new challenges in a rapidly evolving market.

To achieve this, an undergraduate degree alone may not be sufficient.

Graduate profile: Stephanie Mezera MSc in International Tourism Management, MODUL University Vienna

While Vienna is an excellent place to be working in hospitality management, Stephanie adds she would like to travel in future, to gain some experience of working in a different country.

For more careers profiles, visit www. topuniversities.com/student-info/ careers-advice

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Subject Guide what policies can be implemented to reduce environmental impacts in the tourism production chain is not only a very exciting but also an important and fast-developing field of study.”

Wöber further identifies new technologies as a key area, particularly in relation to the marketing side of the sector. “In the internet and mobile communication age, tourism marketing is ever more sophisticated, multi-leveled and very dynamic,” he says. Graduates looking to work in hospitality marketing therefore need the skills and knowledge to make optimal use of new developments and trends, across multiple platforms and audiences.

Hot topics in hospitality Beyond these two major fields – environmental impact and new technologies – what other topics might graduate students consider specializing in? At the International Centre for Research in Events, Tourism and Hospitality (based at the UK’s Leeds Metropolitan University), a significant

‘The industry reaches far beyond the doors of a hotel or the reach of an online advert’ amount of research focuses on the relationships between the tourism industry and local communities.

This includes topics such as the role of tourism in reducing poverty in developing countries, the relationship between cultural festivals and a community’s social capital, and the role of ‘authenticity’ in tourism experiences.

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and China. This includes examination of hospitality industries within these regions, and also analysis of these national groups as outbound tourists.

destinations, attractions and products”, he is also keen to emphasize that these more ‘obvious’ positions are by no means the only options.

High priority topics identified at Cornell also include the effects of new media platforms on customer decisionmaking, the impact of government policy on travel and tourism revenue, changes to the ownership structure of the industry, and generational differences in consumer experiences.

Other career paths may include consultancy, policy advice and research, with employers ranging from government agencies and international conglomerates to SMEs.

Careers As this brief overview of current research priorities suggests, the hospitality industry reaches far beyond the doors of a hotel or the reach of an online advertisement. In fact, it impacts on, and intersects with, many other academic subjects and areas of human experience, from economics and politics to anthropology and psychology.

And, Wöber affirms, the range of careers awaiting graduates are just as varied and far-reaching. While many hospitality management graduates do go on to roles in “the development, management, and marketing of tourism

Given the breadth of possible specializations and career outcomes, it makes sense that the entry requirements for graduate programs in hospitality management should not be too narrow. While some applicants do have an undergraduate degree in a closely related subject, Wöber says MODUL also considers students from a broad range of social sciences backgrounds, including marketing, management, business informatics, geography, planning, sociology, policy sciences, law and economics.

However you see your future in hospitality, whether it’s as the welcoming face at a five-star hotel, the brains behind a new report, or the strategist behind a new marketing approach – opportunity abounds.

Other ongoing research projects at the center include innovation implementation at music festivals, the use of humor in advertising and brand building, the behavior of gambling tourists, perceptions of service quality at business events, and the impact of sustainability information on customers’ holiday choices.

Meanwhile over in the US at Cornell’s Center for Hospitality Research, one ongoing priority is research into emerging markets, particularly India

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Engineering Laura Bridgestock examines the broad range of graduate-level degrees available in engineering.

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tart searching for graduate programs in engineering and you’ll quickly realize it’s not just a case of MSc or PhD. For example, at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering offers a choice between a Master of Engineering (MEng) or Master of Science (MSc), with the first being more industry-focused and the second more research-based.

placement. Similarly, in the US, some institutions offer an Engineer’s Degree – again, a more professionally oriented alternative to traditionally academic PhD programs.

In the UK, some universities now offer Engineering Doctorate (EngD) programs, which lead to a qualification equivalent to a PhD, but with research conducted mainly within an industry

It’s also worth noting that different institutions often use the same degree title to refer to programs that are in fact very different. One university’s Doctor of Engineering (DEng) program may be

‘It is worth noting that different institutions use the same title for very different programs’

very academic in focus, while another is more oriented towards industry.

What’s your specialization?

At undergraduate level, engineering students are typically faced with a choice between four major subdivisions – usually along the lines of civil, electrical, mechanical or chemical.

At graduate level, however, the choice is not so simple. As you’d expect, master’s programs are significantly more specialized, focused on preparing students for work within a much more specific field of engineering. So, if you have a fairly clear idea of the career you’re headed for, it’s highly likely that somewhere in the world there’s a master’s program to match.

‘Programs prepare students to work in a specific field’ If you’re headed for a career in transport systems engineering, you may want to check out the dedicated master’s program at the University of Texas at Austin, US. Want to contribute to developing new medical technologies? Perhaps you’ll choose the MSc in Biomedical Engineering at Australia’s University of New South Wales. If building design is where your passion lies, then you may consider the two-year master’s course for budding architectural engineers at the Netherlands’ Eindhoven University of

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Technology. Want to combine your electronics engineering background with a passion for computer games?

There are plenty of master’s in this field too, such as the MSc in Computer Games Technology at the UK’s City University London.

Or if you agree with Andrew Stanley, head of education and learning at the UK’s Institution of Civil Engineers, that the key concern for engineers today is “managing the scale of human activity in relation to the capacity of the Earth to sustain that activity”, then you may choose to study in an engineering department with a focus on environmental issues.

One example is Kyoto University’s Department of Civil and Earth Sciences Engineering, where course options for master’s students include frontiers

in energy resources, river basin management, environmental disaster mitigation, and science and technology international leadership Preparation for management roles This last topic, leadership, is a common element in many professionally-focused graduate engineering programs, in recognition of the fact that many of today’s MSc graduates are destined to be future managers and leaders in the field.

While many courses cover the topic in just one or a few modules, some give

‘Leadership is a common element in many graduate engineering programs’ the subject a more central position.

For example, the UK’s University of Glasgow offers a range of MSc

in chemical engineering, she made the move to Hong Kong and started researching possible graduate courses.

HKUST stood out for many reasons, she says, “starting with its strong reputation as a young and yet globally well-ranked university with an international student body”. She adds, “Its impressive campus with a constant buzz of activities and extensive facilities (including barbecue stands by a small private beach) didn’t hurt either!”

Nikita Nanwani joined engineering and development consultancy Mott MacDonald within three months of completing her MSc, a rapid transition she says was largely thanks to the careers support she received at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST).

Flexible and multidisciplinary Further attractions included the program’s broad scope and multidisciplinary character, the fact that all teaching is in English, and the flexibility offered in terms of timing and approach. “HKUST offers two intakes a year, and the option of following either a research-based or course-based program. Plus, by having classes in the evening, I had the opportunity to meet part-time as well as full-time students and start getting insights into the local job market.”

Though of Indian origin, Nikita grew up in Spain. In December 2010, armed with a bachelor’s degree

Nikita recalls she’d also been impressed by the “warmth and personal attention” she received at an introductory session

Graduate profile: Nikita Nanwani MSc Environmental Engineering and Management, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (2012)

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programs jointly taught by the School of Engineering and the Business School.

Each allows students to develop their knowledge of a particular engineering field, while also studying topics such as human resources management, managing creativity and innovation, financial information management and management decision making.

A spokesperson for the university says the joint programs were developed “after recognizing that emerging global challenges required companies and organizations to increasingly integrate their engineering and business capabilities. This in turn demanded the provision of professional engineers who also understood the essential principles of business and management.”

The university believes that pursuing a postgraduate course that places equal weight on both an engineering and a management specialization can provide a real competitive advantage

she attended at HKUST before applying.

Now getting stuck into her new role, Nikita feels she is benefitting from the diversity of subjects she was able to study during the MSc, the opportunities to develop her analytic thinking and problem solving skills, and even the experience of working to deadlines under pressure – though she admits to not fully appreciating this at the time!

Utilising her knowledge “As an environmental consultant, I engage in a wide range of tasks and major infrastructure projects. The past few months have seen me involved in writing proposals, preparing initial drafts of sections of environmental impact assessments and air and water quality modeling. What I enjoy most is the breadth of work I get involved in, the firm’s strong support for helping its graduate employees get chartered and last but not least, working with my friendly and helpful colleagues.”

If it sounds as if she’s happy with where she’s at, that would seem to be the case.

For the foreseeable future, Nikita says she’d like to continue to progress her career within the company, and reach chartered status.

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in today’s job market. “The guidance that we receive from our industrial liaison committee suggests that industry, around the globe, requires a steady supply of professional engineers who are able to make an immediate and effective contribution to the profitability of their business.

“With a joint postgraduate degree in engineering and management our graduates have a competitive advantage in the labor market. The ‘hard skills’ acquired in engineering, combined with sound foundations of the main areas of management, give them a unique position as candidates for management posts in engineering firms.”

High demand for graduates Engineering graduates are enjoying high demand across many regions of the world, with countries reporting insufficient numbers of students choosing to study engineering at university (along with the other STEM subjects) to meet future demand.

Guide

good econometric evidence that the demand for graduate engineers exceeds supply and the demand is pervasive across all sectors of the economy.”

More specifically, mechanical and industrial engineering have emerged as particularly hot sectors, in the US at least; both feature in Forbes magazine’s top ten jobs for 2013. Any engineers specializing in fields relating to computer technologies will also, unsurprisingly, find their roles rated highly for both earnings and demand.

was petroleum engineering, followed by aerospace engineering, chemical engineering and electrical engineering.

But the prospects look good for graduate students in all fields of engineering. Compared to a full range of other subject areas, engineering majors emerged as the highest earners, taking home an average US$75,000 per year – rising to US$99,000 for those with a graduate degree. Not too bad!

The past few years have also seen various research reports confirm that completing a graduate engineering degree is likely to bring financial rewards. According to a study published

by Georgetown University, engineering graduates in the US earn an average 32% more if they have a graduate degree, compared to a bachelor’s.

By far the most lucrative field of engineering identified by this report

Find the world’s top universities in your field of engineering with the QS Rankings by Subject, at www.topuniversities.com/ subject-rankings

In the UK, for example, a recent report from the Royal Academy of Engineering had as its primary message: “There is

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International Relations A graduate degree in international relations could be your route into the ranks of policymakers, writes Mansoor Iqbal.

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s an academic discipline, international relations (IR) originated in the UK just after the First World War, with its focus reflecting the concerns of the times. “Originally, international relations was mostly concerned with security relationships

‘International relations is a subject which demands ambition from students’ between governments: war, peace, alliances, military capabilities and diplomatic relations,” explains Dr Ben Thirkell-White, an associate professor at Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand. Since then, the subject has evolved significantly, according to Thirkell-White.

“International relations scholars have become interested in a wider range of issues including economic relationships, international environmental and health policy and philosophical questions about human rights and global justice.”

A global context Students of the subject are now looking beyond governmental policies to questions about the forces that shape global culture, and the relationships and interactions between the various strata of society, policy and policymakers, and influencers, both in a domestic and international context.

“This gives us a better understanding of the large-scale processes that shape our world,” Thirkell-White says.

As you can see, this is a subject which demands ambition!

Graduate profile: Clara Marina O’Donnell MPhil in International Relations, University of Cambridge Clara Marina O’Donnell is a senior research fellow at the Centre for European Reform in London, and a non-resident fellow at the Washington DC-based Brookings Institution, focusing on international defense and security.

Think tanks, Clara says, were not on her radar when she began her undergraduate degree, but provided her with valuable opportunities both to pursue her academic interests and to assert a positive influence in the policy sphere.

“Think tanks are a hybrid, sitting halfway between government and universities, drawing on and linking both together. One is permanently following policy developments, analyzing them and trying to come up with new ideas for government.

This idea of continuously learning and developing deeper expertise is

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appealing, as is the idea of being able to help government, and by extension the public, to make informed decisions and reach better outcomes.”

So, how does a senior research fellow go about this? “My work is split between writing policy papers, articles for peer-reviewed journals and op-eds for newspapers, and providing oral commentary to the international broadcast and print media [Clara has been quoted in The New York Times and the Financial Times, among others].

The final leg of the work is speaking at and organizing events.” These events, she explains, bring together high-level government representatives and diplomats with commentators and the private sector, “to exchange perspectives on the current challenges facing them, and try to come up with policy recommendations to address these problems.”

The benefits of different approaches Both her undergraduate degree, in European studies, and her MPhil in International Relations, furnished Clara with the skills she now uses on a dayto-day basis. “My undergraduate degree was split between three institutions in two countries (King’s College London and the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), and Sciences Po, Paris). It was helpful to combine not only the different disciplines involved in European studies – history, economics, EU integration, French – but the different approaches of these universities. It was particularly useful to get a taste of both the British and French approaches, both of which have their strengths.”

The French system enables students to balance different aspects of complex debates, Clara explains, while the British system teaches them to develop and substantiate an individual argument. Talking about her MPhil at the University of Cambridge, Clara says the multidisciplinary nature of international relations was beneficial, not only in terms of the different subject content, but in familiarizing her with the different approaches and methodologies associated with history, security studies and economics. The greater course load also furnished her with useful skills.

“The volume of reading was such that one was forced to approach it in a different way than at undergraduate, and prioritize more. At Cambridge, you also have to produce a particularly long dissertation, which helps you to learn how to structure a long piece of work – helpful when you have to write detailed policy papers.”

Between the academy and policy Clara chose not to do a PhD so as to keep her options open. “I wasn’t sure I wanted to enter academia. The think tank environment provides you with an element of flexibility; you can return to academia, you can become a journalist, you can work in government.”

Although many think tanks require a PhD, this is not the case for the more policy-focused institutes. There also tends to be significant movement back and forth between think tanks and policy-making bodies, such as national governments, NATO, the EU and the UN – a path Clara intends to follow herself at some point in her career.

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‘Explore scholarship and exchange programs early on and do an internship’ The value of internships So, all in all, a fairly enviable career for an international relations graduate.

What advice would Clara give to graduate students who have similar ambitions? “Explore options for scholarships and exchange programs early on. I was fortunate in being awarded a Fulbright Schuman research fellowship and it was an invaluable opportunity. In addition, do internships, as soon as possible.

In the last decade, expectations that people will have done internships during their studies have increased significantly. Sadly, the internship is likely to be unpaid, but you will gain a lot of experience and make valuable contacts. And this will help you get into competitive programs and jobs down the line.”

However, Clara warns getting an internship in the first place is an increasingly challenging task in a saturated market. “You should try to attend events in cities with active foreign policy communities, and approach as many people as you can,” she advises: “99 people might say no, but one will eventually say yes. And it only takes one!”

For more information about international relations courses and careers, visit www.topuniversities. com/courses

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Guide Career paths International relations can open many doors for candidates, and not all are necessarily specifically related to the field. “At one level, international relations provides you with a good general education,” explains Thirkell-White. “You emerge from a degree better able to think logically, communicate coherently, and to debate and argue confidently and effectively. Dealing with controversial political material is particularly useful for learning skills of persuasion and argument. Students use those skills to apply for a wide range of jobs.”

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Contributing to the discussion The main difference between undergraduate and graduate-level international relations, as you’d expect, is a greater degree of specialization.

“International relations study is not progressive in the way that a science degree might be,” reflects Thirkell-

‘You could approach the subject through the lens of history or economics’ White. “The main difference is that you study in greater depth. So issues that you might have dealt with in one session at undergraduate level can take up a whole course at graduate level, with exploration of more cases, a deeper understanding of theory and more challenging exploration of the evidence underpinning broad debates.”

Dr Ian Hall, a senior fellow at Australian National University, echoes this, adding that it’s not just a knowledge base you need to make a positive contribution, but also a toolkit of skills and techniques. “Graduate work also involves developing student research skills, introducing approaches and methods that can be applied to the analysis of international relations. Our students are expected to develop their capacity to provide informed analysis of past and contemporary international relations, to apply and develop key theories, and to make well-grounded contributions to the areas of scholarly research and public policy,” he says.

As mentioned above, international relations is a very broad subject area, so there is a wide range of topics and trends in which you might specialize.

Policies, actions or events which result in any sort of internationally significant consequences fall within the subject’s remit, as do the bodies which effect or are affected by them. Then there are wider socio-economic or cultural trends, which take into consideration the more subtly ingrained effects of the subject.

Comparative politics, international law or environmental policy are some examples of specific specializations, or you might focus on a particular geographic region, political movement or a certain type of organization. You could look at war or other types of negative relations between countries or the diplomacy used to prevent and negotiate these. Or you could approach the subject though the lens of history or economics, or any of the other subjects with which there is potential crossover.

‘IR provides you with a good general education’ These jobs may range from public service to journalism or commerce but many students will go into international relations with a specific career in mind; working in a sphere similar to the one in which they have been specializing. Development agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and charities are the target of many, while others will aim to break into ranks of the policy makers themselves or enter the field of international diplomacy. Closely related to this, many choose to help produce the research which allows policy makers to make informed decisions, be it from within the academy, or in a think tank.

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© Zaha Hadid Architects

© www.BOAnet.at

Master your career.

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The new Campus WU (September 2013)

Study at Austria’s number one business university, located in Vienna, one of the most livable cities in the world. WU is Europe’s largest educational institution for business and economics and accredited by EQUIS and AMBA. The university has made internationalization a number one priority and offers a wide range of English-taught academic programs at the graduate level starting each fall! Starting in October 2013, classes will be held on our new Campus WU. Get ahead in your career and apply for WU’s English-taught graduate programs in: › MSc Information Systems › MSc International Management/CEMS › MSc Marketing › MSc Quantitative Finance › MSc Socio-Ecological Economics & Policy › MSc Strategy, Innovation, and Management Control › MSc Supply Chain Management › PhD Finance › PhD International Business Taxation Visit us at an education fair near you or online at wu.ac.at/programs/en for more information!

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Economics There are few degrees that represent such a sure-fire return on investment, writes Danny Byrne.

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rom business magnate Warren Buffett to Arsenal FC manager Arsene Wenger, a graduate degree in economics has come in handy for leading figures in a diverse array of professions. Graduates from top economics master’s and PhD programs have an enviable success rate in landing highly sought-after careers, from accountants to merchant bankers to city analysts and much more besides.

Yet a graduate degree in economics is more than just a means to an end.

Combining rigorous quantitative analysis with nuanced conceptual debates, economics is a highly demanding, varied and intellectually stimulating area of study. You’ll need to be just as confident solving differential

‘Studying economics can give you a deeper understanding of the world around you’ equations as you are critiquing the macroeconomic theories of John Maynard Keynes or Milton Friedman.

And in a post-recessional age in which the intensity of the debate surrounding

the state of the global economy is perhaps the greatest in living memory, a graduate degree in economics can be your ticket to a deeper understanding of the world around you.

Undergrad preparation The main difference between undergraduate and graduate level economics, says Professor Richard Tresch, director of graduate studies at Boston College’s Department of Economics, is the level of mathematical sophistication required. “Very little college-level mathematics is required for undergrad, whereas grad economics looks like an exercise in applied mathematics from most people’s point of view.”

For this reason, at Boston College, it is recommended that those who want to study at PhD level (they do not offer a master’s degree) do at least a minor in mathematics at undergraduate level. In fact, mathematical ability is actually more essential in Tresch’s eyes than an undergraduate qualification in economics itself. For this reason, he accepts students from an engineering

background on to his graduate program.

Apart from being able to think mathematically, he recommends that students who want to study economics enjoy studying social issues and are interested in research. Though it may sound like a given, this second point is important – economics is certainly a discipline that suits the active rather than passive learner.

‘Economics suits the active rather than passive learner’ The popularity of economics courses means entry to a course at a top university is extremely competitive.

You will not only be competing with the best recent graduates, but also with those who choose to study economics later on in their careers looking to climb the career ladder. At a time when many professionals are choosing to up-skill, this means competition will be stiff.

Therefore, be ready to prove your mettle when applying.

The benefit of studying a subject that is so universally popular and important, >> however, is that you will certainly

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not be limited when it comes to choosing a location. Indeed, a look at the QS World University Rankings by Subject: Economics and Econometrics reveals nearly 30 countries boast a ranked university in this subject area.

The US/UK trio of Harvard, MIT and London School of Economics top the rankings, while Singapore National University (14th) is the best-placed Asian school. Italy’s Universita Bocconi is continental Europe’s top institution at 17th, and University of Melbourne is the top-performing Australian school, at 20th. The global top 50 also includes

‘Whatever you choose to specialize in, this is an exciting time to study economics’ schools from Japan, Canada, Sweden, Hong Kong, Spain, China, Belgium, Netherlands, France and New Zealand.

So whether your decision is based on wanting to work and live in a particular country, not straying too far from home, studying in a particular language or to focus on a particular geographical region, you certainly won’t want for options. As well as the usual big name universities, many of the heavyweight courses offered in the economics field are offered at business schools. This might be a good option for economists looking to enter the financial services industry, as it is this sector in which business schools specialize.

Guide

applications of economic knowledge is reflected in the vast range of programs available at graduate level. Economic history, economic policy, econometrics, macroeconomics, financial economics, development economics and industrial economics are just a handful of the topics you might study.

Many universities will allow you to pick from a range of courses if you choose to do a taught program. If you are unsure what you want to specialize in, it might be worth looking at one of these courses rather than one with a tighter focus.

Whatever you choose to specialize in, this is an exciting time to study economics. The Western financial crisis of the past few years, as well as providing ample material to study in itself, has resulted in the necessary reassessment of many economic theories. What should and will happen next will certainly preoccupy many an economic mind for the foreseeable future.

The growing economies of Asia and Latin America are also a key area of interest and the potential shift in power in the economic world will certainly prove a fascinating topic for the economists of the future.

Career options The financial strife of the past few years has only served to shine a spotlight on the subject. “Economics ideas garner a heck of a lot of attention in the media and appear to influence political elections,” reflects Professor Tresch.

“More importantly, answers to many research questions in economics can have a profound effect on the wellbeing of millions of people,” he adds.

Indeed, for those wanting to work in any career which concerns itself with public policy, be it as part of a think tank, in politics or an NGO, knowledge of economics is key – hence the popularity of PPE (politics, philosophy and economics) for those looking to become the powerbrokers of the future.

However, public policy is far from the only field in which economic wherewithal is essential.

Anyone working in retail, manufacturing, finance or transport would do well to get themselves some training in economics. There will always be a need for academics and journalists specializing in the subject, and consultancy also offers a plethora of lucrative opportunities to the ambitious economist.

Specializations The sheer breadth of the potential

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Computer Science Danny Byrne looks at an area of graduate study that can open up a rapidly multiplying number of potential career paths.

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t seems fair to argue that computer technology has, more than anything else, shaped the modern world. Things we now take for granted– the Internet, mobile phones, medical technology – would not be possible without the major developments made in the field of computing, particularly over the past 20 years. Computer science is the discipline that underpins all of this.

The Internet now permeates every aspect of day-to-day life, and has transformed the business world.

Practically every company is now, in some sense, an online business, meaning there has probably never been a greater demand for graduates with the technical skills and knowledge gained through a graduate degree in the field of computer science.

But beyond this, graduate study in computer science will place you at the cutting edge of one of the intellectual areas that characterizes the age in which we live. For highly numerate problem solvers who are seeking to combine high-level research with practical application, graduate study in computer science offers a way

to fulfil your academic ambitions while substantially increasing your career options.

Computer science careers Typical graduate careers in computer science follow several different paths, each of which will likely require different levels of training. Perhaps the most common route for computer science graduates is into one of the various aspects of software design and/ or implementation. You might find yourself working for a company that designs software for others – from Microsoft and Apple to smaller tech startups – or you could be employed by an organization in any field to manage and implement software solutions.

Many computer science graduates are also employed in the field of managing technology infrastructures at larger organizations. Demand for professionals with advanced skills in both of these areas has rapidly expanded, and this is a very common career trajectory for computer science graduates, particularly at bachelor’s and

master’s level. Yet other career paths require PhDs with advanced specialist knowledge, and in fact, computer science is an academic area with an unusually high level of professional

‘Graduate careers in computer science will likely require different levels of training’ demand for doctoral graduates outside of the traditional academic environment.

Silicon Valley, for instance, is home to many computer science PhDs who are putting their expert knowledge to private sector use in ways that are not necessarily open to experts in other fields. Careers for computer science PhDs can involve working on innovative new computer technologies at a research institute or Internet start-up, or applying computer science theory to develop new ways of solving computing problems.

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Subject Guide

Leading programs If the demand for computer science graduates is truly global, this is reflected in the fact that universities in many different countries boast highly distinguished computer science faculty and programs. The global top 20 in the 2012/13 QS World University Rankings® for computer science features universities from eight different countries: Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, Switzerland, the UK and USA.

of Science and Technology (12), and Chinese University of Hong Kong (19).

Japan’s University of Tokyo also makes the top 20.

‘Universities in many different countries boast distinguished computer science programs’

Program structure At undergraduate level, the study of computer science tends to focus on the mathematical foundations of computers, giving students a solid grounding in how it is exactly that this technology works at the most basic level. At graduate level, the key differences, explains Minh Tran, Head of Communications at ETH-Zurich’s prestigious Department of Computer Science, are the opportunity to narrow one’s focus and the chance to start turning knowledge into action.

The US has been responsible for many of the revolutions in computer technology over the past 50 years, and it comes as no surprise that its premier technological research institution MIT ranks number one. Cutting-edge computing technology developed at the university has spawned nearly 100 spinoff companies, and the MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory counts numerous worldrenowned experts among its 800 members. Other leading US institutions for computer science include Stanford (2), Carnegie Mellon (4), Harvard (6) and Berkeley (7).

Yet despite the ongoing strength of the US, much of the world-class computer science research today is now coming from elsewhere. Singapore is rapidly establishing itself as an online technological hub, and National University of Singapore is the leading Asian institution, ranking 8th. There are also three Hong Kong institutions in the top 20, more than any nation other than the US and UK: University of Hong Kong (10), Hong Kong University

In Europe, the UK’s top two universities, Oxford (3) and Cambridge (5), both make the top ten, as does Switzerland’s ETH Zurich (9). Australia’s top institution is the University of Melbourne, ranked 13th, while Canada’s University of Toronto (16th) also makes the top 20.

“Our master’s program combines theory and hands-on practice. Students have the choice between the general computer science track, which allows a combination of courses from different areas and grants a maximum freedom of choice, and seven more specialized tracks,” Tran explains.

Courses at ETHZ include Visual Computing, Information Security, and Software Engineering. If you have a specialization in mind, it is certainly worth checking a few institutions if you can’t find it at the first place you look – computer science is such a wide field it’s impossible to offer every specialism at every institution.

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Top Grad School Guide 2013/2014 www.topuniversities.com

Driven by curiosity Professor Bruce Porter, chair of the Department of Computer Sciences at the University of Texas at Austin, defines the study of computer science at graduate level as “learning how to push the boundaries of the field by tackling new problems with a principled methodology.” For him, the key difference between undergraduate and graduate study of the subject is that during the latter, you are responsible for your own progress and trajectory.

“Graduate school is for students who are driven by curiosity and have a passion for independent research. These are the students who become frustrated with learning from textbooks and lectures,” he says.

At ETHZ, master’s students are given plenty of chances to let their curiosity drive them: “[Graduate students] have ample opportunities to quickly participate in one of the many exciting research projects – from building flying robots or developing cell simulations to exploring the world of quantum computing,” says Tran.

Inquisitiveness and a passion for the subject aside, what kind of person does Tran think would be well suited to studying computer science? “At its heart, this discipline is one of problem solving, and fuses research with real-

‘Graduate level study gives you the chance to start turning knowledge into action’ world engineering. In this sense, I would say the prospective student has to be a practiced, creative and efficient type of problem solver. They have to be a person who wishes to break new ground, make a significant difference and effect beneficial changes in society.”

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Subject Guide

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Top Grad School Guide 2013/2014 www.topuniversities.com

Journalism

Laura Bridgestock finds out how a master’s degree could help you get ahead in this competitive and fast-changing sector.

skills, others are going back to school to grow their journalism network, and some to improve on their journalistic fundamental skill sets.”

Choose a ‘forward-looking’ program What should prospective master’s students be on the lookout for when choosing a course? For Philips, a wideranging syllabus is essential. “On a good master’s program you should learn a very wide range of skills, from how to research and write a basic news story, to how to lay out a page, work fast online and handle social media,” she says.

F

or those who have their sights set on a career in journalism, a master’slevel qualification can be a definite asset. “This is a very competitive industry to enter and the more ‘jobready’ you can be the better,” says Angela Philips who runs the MA in Journalism at Goldsmiths, University of London, UK. “Publications in the UK increasingly demand a graduate qualification of some kind so that they don’t have to train new recruits.”

Pedro Cifuentes, academic director of the Master in Digital Journalism at IE University’s School of Communication, in Spain, agrees. He argues that demand for journalism graduates with a master’s degree has been driven by dramatic changes in the sector, meaning a very different set of skills and knowledge is required. “Journalism has changed almost more than any other profession in the last decade,” Cifuentes says.

“New media need professionals with innovative abilities, creative thinking and a new entrepreneurial mindset. Those interested in getting into journalism need to develop new skills (without neglecting traditional principles) in order to face the radical changes in the industry.”

“You should also be taught media law (which is vital) and, on the better courses, you should be learning in a challenging intellectual environment where you are encouraged to look ahead to how this fast-moving field is likely to be in the future, rather than just learning the tricks of the trade for today, or indeed yesterday.”

Marshall concurs, arguing that “journalism schools need to combine these new technologies with the eternal verities of traditional journalism: indepth reporting, fine writing, critical >> thinking, and ethical values. And

‘Demand for journalism grads with an MA has been driven by dramatic changes in the field’ Similar points are made by Colleen Marshall, associate director of admissions at the City University of New York (CUNY) Graduate School of Journalism. “The journalism industry is evolving and journalists need to be able to tell stories across all platforms,” Marshall says. “Many journalists are attending graduate school to develop their digital media

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they need to help find new business models to sustain quality journalism in the digital age.”

Cifuentes also highlights the importance of choosing a program which is focused on keeping pace with the rapid and ongoing changes occurring in the industry, both in terms

‘Choose a program which keeps pace with the ongoing changes in the industry’ of technological developments and the challenges this brings in terms of changing revenue channels.

Indeed, IE’s Master in Digital Journalism is one example of a program developed specifically in response to these transformations. “The program ensures technological immersion, proficiency in data investigation, advanced factgathering abilities, capacity to produce and create multimedia content, plus a deep understanding of online branding and social media,” Cifuentes says.

“Three trends have deeply transformed the industry: technological impact, the transformation of news from a product into a process, and the socialization of information,” he continues. “The most exciting fields and developments are data journalism (for investigative purposes) and multimedia narratives for data visualization. In a different sense, we should include discussions about new business models for media outlets and online media, which should produce viable alternatives in the next few years.”

Cifuentes also adds that “management and business fundamentals” are a

Guide

strong focus of the course, in order to give students more career options further down the line. “Nobody expects a lifelong job in a big media corporation anymore,” he says.

Finally, Marshall points out that students should make sure they choose a course that closely matches their own career goals, which will provide the specific skills and knowledge they require. She suggests asking to speak with alumni, current students and professors, and if possible, visiting the school and sitting in on some classes, to really get a feel for the program.

New media jobs and older ones In terms of the types of roles graduates enter after completing the IE program, Cifuentes lists a wide range within digital journalism, including content and editorial managers, professional bloggers, online community managers, digital project managers, brand journalists, new media coordinators, web content strategists and multimedia content developers.

The fact that most of these job titles probably didn’t exist 10 or 15 years ago is certainly testament to Cifuentes’ point about the scale of the change the industry has experienced. This is further illustrated by the latest industry forecast from Veronis Suhler Stevenson (VSS), which reported digital-related expenditure accounting for 26.5% of the US communications sector’s total spending in 2011. This is a significant increase from 16.7% in 2006, and is predicted to reach almost 40% by the year 2016.

the same, for example “national newspapers, consumer and specialist magazines, businessto-business press.”

Indeed, while no one would dispute the importance of online and mobile platforms,

it’s worth remembering that print journalism is far from dead.

Paul Grabowicz, director of the New Media Program at UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism, has pointed out that online revenue remains a relatively small percentage of overall earnings for most news organizations. For many newspapers and magazines, retaining as large a print audience as possible remains a major priority in ensuring financial viability.

‘Major employers of journalism grads remain largely the same’

Time to adjust What this partly indicates is that the industry is still struggling to adjust to its changed environment. While recognizing the importance of digital platforms, many news agencies have not yet figured out how to make these replace revenue from more traditional channels. Pew Research Center’s State of the News Media 2013 report emphasized the challenges this problem represents, suggesting that “in key revenue areas, it appears the news industry may have been outflanked by technology giants.”

Philips also stresses the importance of digital-related roles. But at the same time she highlights that while much has changed, the major employers of journalism graduates remain largely

The Pew report also highlights some of the strategies that do seem to be paying off for media outlets attempting to boost online revenues, including native advertising (also referred to as sponsored content or advertorials)

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Subject Guide and the use of content subscriptions or pay walls. In both cases, there are

remains an essential component for any news organization’s success.

Have you got what it takes?

As the experts themselves have identified, there are certainly changes and challenges ahead for the next generation of journalists. If you think you are ready to take these on, and become part of one of the most exciting industries on offer, what qualities will you need to display to gain entry to the program of your choice?

First, Philips says it’s definitely not essential to have studied journalism at undergraduate level in order to be considered for a master’s program. At Goldsmiths, applicants from almost any academic background are welcome.

What’s most important is to have strong grades and some work experience in the field. “I want candidates who have cut their teeth in student journalism, or had a fair amount of work experience, so that they know what it means to stay up until 4am to hit a deadline.”

Student Profile

signs that digital platforms can, in fact, be extremely lucrative if the right combination of factors is present, and that high-quality journalistic content

Cifuentes identifies two main categories into which most students on the IE program fall: “First, graduate students

story of the day.” On the day he spoke to Top Grad School Guide, the big story was the aftermath of tornadoes sweeping across Michigan. The previous week’s headline had been a quadruple shooting at a pre-prom event. “It changes every day,” he says.

Graduate profile: Walter Smith-Randolph MA in Journalism, CUNY Graduate School of Journalism (2010)

A native of New York City, raised in the borough of Queens, Walter says he chose CUNY for his master’s due to “location, cost of tuition and the fact it felt like home when I visited the campus.” He’d been motivated to take a graduate program in journalism in order to be “fully equipped to enter the journalism world.” As he says, “It’s changing daily and more is expected of reporters, so I figured a master’s degree could only help me.”

As a TV reporter and anchor, Walter Smith-Randolph spends his days “out in the field covering the big

After graduating in 2010, Walter went to work as lead reporter at WENY-TV News, an ABC affiliate in Elmira, New

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Top Grad School Guide 2013/2014 www.topuniversities.com

who want complete immersion in technological innovation, multimedia storytelling and business models.

Second, professionals with years of experience who want to revamp their career and develop an entrepreneurial perspective to lead and build digital information and communication projects.”

Finally, all three course leaders emphasize the importance of demonstrating ‘passion’ for the subject. “We look for students who are passionate about journalism, strong writers and news junkies!” Marshall says, while Philips adds, “You need to have the drive and commitment first.

We can probably teach you the rest.”

York. Now a reporter and anchor for NBC25 News in Flint, Michigan, he’s already received three awards from the New York State Associated Press.

Walter has no doubts his Masters in Journalism has helped him reach this point. “The MA is the reason I have my job. It gave me the skills I needed to report the facts and follow leads. The interactive courses helped me with my research and the urban reporting classes helped me learn how to dig up files and cover politics.”

While hoping to one day return to his hometown as a reporter, Walter is in the meantime enjoying getting to know new places – though he admits this can also be challenging. “I enjoy meeting new people, and the fact that each day is a new beginning. I get to meet new people and go to a new place every day.

I’m constantly learning,” he says.

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MBA/MSc

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Subject Guide

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Top Grad School Guide 2013/2014 www.topuniversities.com

Online Marketing

Laura Bridgestock explores the sector at the top of pretty much every company’s priority list, and the growing number of specialized graduate programs available.

I

t covers many bases and goes by various names – online marketing, digital marketing, e-marketing, internet marketing – but whatever you call it, this is without question one of the most important sectors for anyone involved in marketing today.

According to the UK’s Internet Advertising Bureau, the digital advertising sector in the UK alone was worth £5.4 billion (US$8.3bn) in 2012 – a 12.5% increase on the previous year.

And in a report from EConsultancy (again mainly UK-focused), surveyed companies were spending on average 35% of their total marketing budgets on digital channels, with almost a third dedicating more than half their total budget to digital. Half were planning to recruit more people into their digital marketing teams in 2013, and 71% planned to increase digital spending in 2013, compared to just 20% increasing offline spend.

Online development Within digital marketing, two of the largest areas of development at present are social media and mobile technology – quite simply, these channels are becoming more important for all forms of communication, marketing included.

In a 2012 survey by HubSpot, a huge 80% of US social media users said they prefer to connect with brands via Facebook, while 42% of marketers said Facebook was critical or important to their business.

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Meanwhile, The 2012 Internet Trends report from KPCB showed smartphone subscriptions growing at a figure of 42% year on year, with especially rapid growth coming from Taiwan, Mexico, Argentina, Turkey, China and the US. Countries where smartphones now account for more than half of all

‘Social media and mobile technology are becoming more important for communication’ mobile subscriptions span the globe and include Japan (65%), Korea (59%), Canada (55%) and Sweden (54%).

New media, new challenges These new media are challenging marketers in all kinds of ways.

The value of ‘content marketing’ – producing engaging and shareable content to be published online, rather than more traditional advertising – is

widely recognized, but many businesses are still trying to figure out how to make this work. One survey of Australian marketers found that a huge 96% are using content marketing, but only 29% felt they were doing so effectively.

Indeed, finding ways of measuring effectiveness, tracking return on investment, and identifying (and implementing) best practices are top priorities for many companies – and a growing array of online reports and tools are popping up to help with this. Then there’s the technical side.

Campaigns and content must be designed, developed and optimized for all kinds of different devices and platforms, and then tracked for impact.

Josep-Maria Fàbregas, director of the Master in Direct and Digital Marketing at Pompeu Fabra University’s Barcelona School of Management, highlights four key focus areas for future digital marketers. These can >>

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be summarized as: smarter use of ‘big data’, better integration of social media, optimizing mobile communication, and measuring return on investment.

He explains: “The first point relates to consumer data and how to transform the huge amount of data we can collect (big data) into actionable knowledge.

The second is about how companies integrate social media, not only as additional channels but also as a new relational DNA in their organizations, which should become experts in content generation to feed these social channels.

“The third aspect is about mobile: the consumer is connected anywhere and any time, and therefore mobile will increasingly become a priority sales and communication channel. Finally, the

Guide

fourth aspect relates to the financial management of digital marketing activities: accountability will become a must and ROI will be the new king of marketing management.”

Global perspective, specialized knowledge Roles within this diverse industry could range from analytics and data mining to the design and development of email newsletters, interactive adverts or infographics to share via social media. Others may focus on the big picture of overall brand management and strategy.

Whichever type of role graduates go on to, one of the main challenges they face is maintaining the required

completed a degree in management and administrative sciences with a major in marketing. After this, he made the move to Spain, starting out with a Master in Electronic Commerce and Information Technologies at the Charles III University of Madrid, followed by the Master in Direct and Digital Marketing at Pompeu Fabra University (UPF) in Barcelona.

Graduate profile:

Jose Manuel Ardila Morin

This last program, which he completed in 2011, was “a perfect complement to my knowledge and could give me a better base for my career,” he says.

Master in Direct and Digital Marketing, Barcelona School of Management, Pompeu Fabra University For Jose Manuel Ardila Morin, online projects and web development were passions from an early age – and three degrees later, he’s now combined this passion with a high level of expertise, leading to his current role as a digital projects director.

Starting out After graduating, Jose completed an internship at Catalan company iDISC, which he says was largely thanks to the careers support offered by the program. “This was an excellent experience which allowed me to implement much of the knowledge acquired during the course and which gave me the possibility to belong to an organization with an excellent track record and human qualities.”

Jose began his university education in his native Venezuela, at the Technological University of the Central Region, where he

On completing this internship, Jose returned to Venezuela for his wedding, and then moved with his wife to Bogotá, Colombia. Here, he says,

level of specialist knowledge for a particular job, while also keeping pace with developments across the rest of the sector. Fàbregas says one of the main aims of the master’s program at Barcelona School of Management is to equip students with the ability to understand how all the elements fit together, combining “global strategy perspective and the practical know-how to make it work.”

Most students on the program have a background in studying business administration, marketing, advertising or PR. In terms of professional experience, this spans the full spectrum from banking and insurance to travel and tourism. Sound like you? Then get online and market yourself.

it took just a few weeks to find his current role, as digital projects director at agency SM Digital.

Jose explains that this position involves “the management and monitoring of projects related to web development, mobile, online advertising, digital BTL [below the line] and SEO.” He adds that this allows him to work on exactly the kind of projects that interest him, while being constantly challenged to stay up to date with the latest trends in digital development.

Eyes on the future Completing a master’s degree (or in fact two) has turned out to be good preparation for these challenges. In particular, Jose highlights the modules in online advertising, analytics, project strategies and campaign planning as those which have so far had the most impact on his career. “I learned a lot from a top-quality teaching group and very well-prepared classmates who became friends.”

What next? Jose’s long-term goal is to establish his own digital projects company. In the medium term, he’s focusing on continuing his development as a digital leader.

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Question everything At the University of Essex we continue to ask questions long after others think they have found the answer. That’s why we’re ranked in the top ten for research excellence. Choose Essex for your postgraduate studies and we promise you a challenging time, working alongside world-leading academics and researchers.

So if you want to make your mark on the world, come and join us.

To find out more about our wide range of courses – as well as scholarship and funding packages on offer – visit www.essex.ac.uk/ads/qs T 01206 872971 E pgadmit@essex.ac.uk

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Top Grad School Guide 2013/2014

· Institution

Profiles

Contact WU (Vienna University of Economics and Business) Welthandelsplatz 1, 1020 Vienna, Austria

WU (Vienna University of Economics and Business)

Data

Profile

W

U was founded in 1898 as the Imperial Export Academy and is now the largest business university in the European Union.

Austria’s number one business school is EQUIS and AMBA accredited. Students benefit from the wide range of academic programs at the bachelor’s, master’s and Doctoral/PhD levels. WU’s research competencies are bundled in 11 Departments and 16 interdisciplinary Research Institutes. International ratings such as the Financial Times ranking reflect WU’s good standing in the global academic community.

Each year WU’s degree programs rank among those offered by top universities.

International orientation WU’s English-taught and internationally-oriented programs are attracting a constantly increasing number of international students. Currently 28% of WU’s students come from outside of Austria, from close to 110 nations. Over 230 partner universities around the world, about 1,000 exchange students per year, and 10 international summer programs demonstrate WU’s position as a truly international university.

English-taught graduate programs • MSc Information Systems • MSc International Management/CEMS • MSc Marketing • MSc Quantitative Finance • MSc Socio-Ecological Economics & Policy • MSc Strategy, Innovation, and Management Control • MSc Supply Chain Management • PhD Finance • PhD International Business Taxation German-taught graduate programs • MSc Business Education • MSc Business Law • MSc Economics • MSc Finance & Accounting • MSc Management • MSc Socioeconomics • MSc Taxation & Accounting

Tel: +43 (0)1 31336-0 Fax: +43 (0)1 31336-740 Email: admission@wu.ac.at Web: www.wu.ac.at

Main claims to international academic or non-academic excellence WU is EQUIS and AMBA accredited and well-rated in Financial Times and Handelsblatt rankings. WU Executive Academy’s MBA ranked number 1 in a recent Industriemagazin survey.

Total number of students Approx. 23,500 (20% graduate-level)

International students Approx. 6,500 (28% of total)

Range of tuition fees Image: © Zaha Hadid Architects • Doctoral Program in Business Law • Doctoral Program in Social & Economic Sciences (English track available) The new Campus WU WU will open its new campus in September 2013.

With six state-of-the-art building complexes, it will be a unique and innovative university complex.

Some 100,000m² in size, it will offer students and faculty ideal conditions for research, learning, and teaching. The new campus is easily accessible by public transportation and located next to the Prater Park recreational area.

Business hub Located in the heart of Europe, Vienna acts as a hub between East and West. It is host to one of the three permanent UN headquarters, and home to affiliated bodies such as UNIDO and the IAEA, as well as the permanent headquarters of OPEC and OSCE. Numerous multinational companies like Alcatel-Lucent, Coca Cola, Henkel, Beiersdorf and Siemens have their CEE headquarters in Vienna. WU’s large network of corporate partners supports the WU ZBP Career Center as Europe’s leading recruiting service provider and adds to the University’s competitive advantage.

Non EU: € 762,72 per semester (some exceptions possible)

Language entry requirements Sufficient level of English (e.g. TOEFL 600/250/100, IELTS 7.0, CAE)

Language tuition facilities Free access to the Language Resource Center

Accommodation facilities WU has no student housing, however accommodations can be found nearby

Price range of accommodation € 300 – 600 per month

Modes of study Full-time Levels of study MSc, Doctoral/PhD, MBA and Executive MBA

Main subject areas: Business, Employment & Social Security Law; Economics; Finance, Accounting & Statistics; Foreign Language Business Communication; Global Business & Trade; Information Systems & Operations; Management; Marketing; Public Law & Tax Law; Socioeconomics; Strategic Management & Innovation.

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Institution Profiles · EDUCATING ENTREPRENEURS FOR THE WORLD

Top Grad School Guide 2013/2014 www.topuniversities.com

Contact

Ms Tess Lau Head of Student Recruitment

EMLYON Business School 23 Avenue Guy de Collongue 69134 ECULLY, France

EMLYON Business School Profile

Tel +33 (0) 4 78 33 77 83 Email lau@em-lyon.com Web http://graduate.em-lyon.com

Visuel Top Grad School 2013.indd 1

E

MLYON Business School, created in 1872, stands out among the few business schools worldwide awarded three international accreditations (AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA). Choosing to study at EMLYON Business School is choosing to study in a resolutely international environment, fully connected to today’s business world.

Join in the programme that suits your career goals at best!

Looking for a focus on General Management • MSc in Management Join the #9 Master programme in Europe (FT, September 2012) A 2-to-3-year graduate programme taught in English and/or French, offering students the possibility to tailor the programme to their needs. www.em-lyon.com/master • European Master in Management – 1 Programme | 3 Business Schools | 3 Degrees Obtain a triple degree from 3 leading European Business Schools.

2-year Master in general management with a specialisation (Finance, Marketing, Strategy), taught fully in English. Run jointly by Aston Business School-Birmingham (UK), LMU-Munich (DE) and EMLYON Business School. www.european-master.com

Looking for a focus on Entrepreneurship • Global Entrepreneurship Program – 3 Continents | 3 Business Schools | 1 Focus 1-year Master of Science program specialised in entrepreneurship, taught fully in English and set up at 3 institutions internationally recognised as entrepreneurial experts: Purdue University (USA), Zhejiang University (China) & EMLYON Business School (France). www.msc-entrepreneurship.com • International MBA – The right MBA for entrepreneurial leaders 12-month, full-time MBA programme focused on entrepreneurship, taught fully in English, offering the career support and the academic knowledge

03/06/13 13:58

high-potential managers need to reach their career goals. A minimum of 3 years of work experience is required. www.em-lyon.com/imba Looking for a focus on Specialisation • MSc in Sports and Outdoor Industry Management - Matching Your Talent With The Industry’s Specific Needs 16-month Master of Science programme specialised in the Sports and Outdoor Industry Management, taught fully in English and set up in France and China. www.em-lyon.com/outdoor • MSc in Luxury Management & Marketing Become the expert companies want to recruit 16-month Master of Science programme specialised in luxury management and marketing, set up in 3 locations and with access to a top-level network of luxury companies.

Data

Main claims to international academic or non-academic excellence #15 Business school in Europe *Top 80 Business Schools in Europe – FT, December 2012 #9 Masters of Science in Management *Top 70 Masters in Management Programmes – FT, September 2012 #3 MBA in France #25 in Europe *Global MBA Ranking – FT, January 2013

Institution’s main international achievements in innovation EMLYON Business School stands out among the few business schools worldwide awarded three international accreditations AMBA, AACSB and EQUIS

www.em-lyon.com/luxury

Total number of students 2,800

• Specialised Master in Quantitative Finance - Become a specialist in finance 1-year Specialised Master in quantitative finance, taught fully in English, with the objective to train top level specialists.

Range of tuition

www.em-lyon.com/quantitative-finance

TOEFL, TOEIC or IELTS required French is not required

Your Career at the Heart of the Programme The Careers Services Department supports you from day one in numerous ways to help you define your career. A full range of opportunities throughout the year includes events to meet companies on campus, round tables, workshops etc...

Facts & Figures - 2,800 students, 40% non-French students, representing 80 nationalities - 105 permanent faculty members - 123 foreign partners - International network of more than 500 experts and visiting faculty - Campuses in Lyon and Shanghai - A network of 21,000 alumni in 107 countries

From 15,500€ (European Master in Management) to 35,900€ (iMBA) per year

Language entry requirements

Language tuition facilities Free access to the language centre French classes available

Accommodation Up to 350 students are provided with accommodation in modern facilities located on the campus.

Modes of study Full-time and Joint degrees (EMM, GEP)

Levels of study Masters and Specialised Master

Main subject areas Business & Management Strong focus on Entrepreneurship

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F

ounded in 1819 ESCP Europe Business School has educated generations of leaders. With five European campuses in Paris, Berlin, London, Madrid and Turin, ESCP Europe welcomes 9,000 students and top-level executives each year from around the world.

ESCP Europe offers a wide range of general management and specialised business programmes, all with an international outlook, to students, young professionals and senior managers. The majority of our degree programmes include international seminars or the possibility to go on an exchange at one of our 100 partner institutions. ESCP Europe is one of the few Business Schools worldwide to have attained the triple accreditation from international bodies: AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA Master in Management A general management degree for students with 2 or 3 years of higher education.

Students have many study options that take them to ESCP Europe’s European campuses and also to our international partner institutions Build the curriculum and choose the specialization from abroad and varied range of academic content (core management courses, a portfolio of 140 electives, 20 specialization options); including international exchange opportunities and in-company internships.

Study in two to three countries thanks to our five campuses (Paris, London, Berlin, Madrid and Turin) and many international exchange program • Obtain a dual or triple degree at two or three of our five campuses or partner universities worldwide • Acquire real-life professional experience: a minimum 39 weeks of internships or choose the “apprenticeship track” Master in European Business: One-year, two-country postgraduate general management programme 2 semesters of studies on two campuses: students have the choice of studying on one of

ESCP Europe Madrid Almudena Moreno +34 91 38 62 511 solicitudes@escpeurope.eu

ESCP Europe Berlin Holger Endroes +49 30 32 00 70 info@escpeurope.eu

ESCP Europe Torino Marco Scognamiglio +39 (0)11 670 58 97 info.it@escpeurope.eu

ESCP Europe London Anna Borsarelli +44 (0) 207 443 88 73 ukadmission@escpeurope.eu

ESCP Europe Profile

ESCP Europe Paris Dina Brassart +33 (0) 1 49 23 21 45 info.fr@escpeurope.eu

the 5 ESCP Europe campuses or at one of the 3 partner institutions in India, Mexico Thailand. The academic year starts in September or in January.

Students undertake company consultancy projects in groups, and individual internships and benefit from our international faculty a participatory approach to learning. Students come from over 40 different nationalities all differentacademic fields and the average age is 25 years.

Fifteen Full-Time Specialised Masters ESCP Europe offers 15 full-time Specialised Masters’ a one-year program, six months of courses, a four-month-minimum internship and a professional dissertation. They are designed for postgraduates with a clear career goal and are professionally oriented and lead to a specialisation complementing the student’s first degree.

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Main claims to international academic or non-academic excellence ESCP Europe is a world renowned international Business School offering our students high-level management education to prepare them for the challenges our today’s business world.

Total number of students 9000 ( 50% are international)

Language tuition facilities Students have access to classes in many different languages

Accommodation ESCP Europe helps students to find accommodation near our 5 urban campuses

Price range of accommodation Master in Marketing and Creativity This programme recognised the growing value of creativity in the practice of Marketing. It is open to graduates with a Bachelors degree and relevant professional experience. The course lasts 15 months and starts in January.

Prices vary depending on the city

Modes of study Full-time, Part-time, Locally Taught, Joint degrees

Levels of study and research Eight Executive Specialised Masters Part-time programmes open to young professionals, holding a postgraduate degree, with three to five years of professional experience: 350 hours of classes over 15 months, a professional thesis, and is compatible with full-time professional activity.

European Executive MBA Designed for high potential executives the European Executive MBA offers core courses in management and a unique portfolio of electives across the five European campuses of the school.

The programme enrols 100 men and women with on average ten years of professional experience; in diverse industry sectors. This programme is compatible with full-time employment.

Masters, Doctorate, Graduate Diplomas and Certificates, Research Studentships and Advanced Proffessional Qualifications

Main subject areas Accountancy, Auditing, Business and management, Communications and media, Economics, Finance, Marketing, Organisational Behaviour , Strategy and Operations

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Contact

International Recruitment Office

Avenue Bernard Hirsch, BP 50105 95021 Cergy-Pontoise Cedex France

ESSEC Business School Profile

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SSEC Business School, one of the leading institutions in Europe for business education, is built on the core values of innovation, openmindedness, responsibility, and excellence.

Founded in 1907, ESSEC has built an influential brand name on our comprehensive range of programs that have evolved in response to student needs, corporate developments, and an evolving market. ESSEC’s diverse community is made up of students representing over 90 nationalities. We have a network of 145 partner universities in 40 different countries, 16 doubledegree partnerships and a vast network of 42,000 active alumni that stretches across the globe.

Career Impact A dynamic learning environment allows participants the flexibility to integrate professional and international experience in to their curriculum.

Thanks to our focus on corporate relations and 700 corporate partners, 15,000 internship and work experience opportunities are available to students every year.

Entrepreneurship The entrepreneurial spirit is key to ESSEC and the principal reason why ESSEC Ventures was created in 2000. The program provides the tools needed to turn an idea into reality: training programs, a business incubator, dedicated startup funds and get-togethers for entrepreneurs and investors.

Thinking globally and acting locally Since its foundation, ESSEC has shown a longstanding commitment to CSR and sustainable development initiatives and continues the tradition through our partnership with the Globally Responsible Leadership Initiative as well as our implication in the Principles for Responsible Management Education program.

Masters of Science in Management This internationally reputed program, taught in English and/or French, uniquely allows students the flexibility to design their own curriculum.

The MSc in Management program incorporates

Tel: +33 (0)1 34 43 37 04 Email: berrittella@essec.fr Web: www.essec.edu

Main claims to international academic or non-academic excellence

practical application that teaches students to think for themselves and helps them develop in to veritable business leaders. Students are required to complete 18 months of an internship or an apprenticeship, allowing them to obtain hands-on professional experience.

Masters of Science in Finance & Accounting The new ESSEC Masters of Science are short, intensive and internationally oriented programs, designed for those who wish to specialize in Finance or Accounting. The programs welcome international students with business or economics backgrounds. Exclusively taught in English, the courses consist of career-oriented training, a wide range of learning methods including lectures supplemented by analysis of case studies and a master’s thesis oral defense.

• Internationally acclaimed programs wellregarded by the Financial Times rankings: #2 Advanced Master in Financial Techniques worldwide #5 Master of Science in Managemen #7 Executive Education worlwide • Partnerships with more than 145 world renowned institutions • AACSB and EQUIS Accredited

Total no of students: 4,400 Range of tuition fees €17,50 0 - €38,000 depending on the program of study

Language entry requirements Fluency in English. Intensive foreign language courses available for international students

Accommodation facilities Comfortable and well-equipped rooms and studio apartments near the campus are available.

Advanced Master’s Programs These one-year, intensive programs are designed for graduate level students who wish to focus on particular areas of management.

Price range of accommodation

Advanced Master in Strategy and Management of International Business • Provides students with a strong set of skills in multiple disciplines • Offers a choice between 9 academic tracks • Based on 6 campuses across France, Singapore, Canada, Mexico and the U.S. Advanced Master in Financial Techniques • Gives students a comprehensive view of financial engineering • Offers two academic tracks: Financial Markets & Corporate Finance and Financial Engineering • Integrates 4 to 6 month company field projects and provides international exposure with trips to London and Hong Kong

Modes of study - Full-time and Part-time

Single studios: €490 - €750 (French housing subsidy: €200-€260)

Levels of study and research Bachelor, MSc, Specialized Masters, MBA, PhD

Main subject areas Business & Management, Finance, International Business Financial Aid ESSEC scholarships, apprenticeships, and partnerships with companies are some of the options available to help students develop their personal career plan.

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Contact HEC Paris - MSc Admissions Office

1, rue de la Libération F - 78351 Jouy en Josas, France

Tel: +33 1 39 67 96 95/73 52 Fax: +33 1 39 67 73 04 Email: hec-qs@hec.fr Web: www.hec.edu

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Main claims to international academic or non-academic excellence

hroughout its 130-year history, HEC Paris has continually attracted individuals highly capable and talented, innovative and entrepreneurial, ambitious and open minded and has consistently developed a wide and unique range of programs from the 20-year-old student to the international senior executive in France and across the world.

We enact this mission in harmony with our three core values: Excellence as an objective in all that we undertake; the value of knowledge as a vehicle to fight sectarianism and ideology; the importance of participating as a major player in the construction of a responsible world.

The Faculty (65% are non-French), central to knowledge creation and dissemination work on internationally acclaimed research in most of the major disciplines of management, reflecting the diversity of thought and cultures, the open-mindedness and the exacting of intellectual standards promoted at HEC. All these professors contribute to corporate reflection on management issues and are involved in national and international scientific community debates.

Privileged corporate relationships HEC Paris students receive full support from the Corporate Relations Department which offers its extensive expertise to both recruiters and students. Its main mission is to favor meetings between companies and students or young graduates from the various programs. This objective forms an integral part of HEC Paris’ policy to respond to company needs in providing candidates who are intellectually mature and prepared for the corporate world.

The HEC Alumni Community wherever you are and whatever you do 45,000 alumni of 107 nationalities represented in 113 countries.

Scholarships HEC Merit-based scholarships, Corporate partner scholarships and French Government Scholarships (Embassy, Eiffel, etc).

FT top- rankings 2012/2013: 1st Executive Education Programs worldwide 2nd Business School in Europe 1st Master in Int’l Finance worldwide 4th Master in Management worldwide 21st Full-time MBA worldwide The 2 years MSc in Management – Grande Ecole Program (MIM), taught in English and/or French is designed for students holding a Bachelor Degree in any field. The aim is to give participants the pertinent academic and practical knowledge in management for an international career.

Institution’s main international achievements in innovation

Year 1: Fundamentals of business knowledge Year 2: Specialization and Certificate.

Total number of students

Double Degree with top universities: MIT (USA), ESADE (Spain), St Gallen (Switzerland), BOCCONI (Italy), RSM (NL), GSOM (Russia), FGV (Brazil), IIMA(India), Freie Universität, Berlin Technische Universität München (Germany), SEM Tsinghua (China), Joint Degree CEMS Master in Management (28 partners worldwide).

The 12 months Master’s Programs taught in English, are designed for students who hold a University Degree and who wish to acquire an expertise in a specific field of management: International Business, International Finance, Managerial & Financial Economics, Marketing, Sustainable Development, Strategic Management and 5 programs, taught in French, designed for students at postgraduate level to acquire an expertise in a specific field of management.

The Certificate Program, on top of the Master is a set of short interdisciplinary programs sponsored by companies: Energy & Finance (Deloitte, SG), Social Business (Danone, Schneider Electric), Luxury Strategy (PPR Luxury Group: Boucheron, Gucci, YSL, Balenciaga, Sergio Rossi...), Digital Innovation for Business (Free, Priceminister, Pixmania.com, Meetic, Vente-Prive. com) and Innovation Management in Aviation & Aerospace (Safran).

AMBA, AACSB, and EQUIS. Co-founder of ParisTech. Co-founder of CEMS (Community of European Management Schools)

4500 full-time

Percentage of international students 35%, over 90 nationalities

Range of tuition fees Depends on the program

Language entry requirements TOEFL or IELTS for certain programs.

French is not required to study at HEC

Accommodation facilities On campus accommodation, 120 student clubs and excellent sports facilities

Price range of accomodation 450€ - 650€/month (French housing grant: 150€ - 200€/month)

Modes of study Full-time

Levels of study and research PhD, MBA, MSc, Specialized Masters, Executive Education.

Main subject areas Management & Business.

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Institution Profiles ·

Top Grad School Guide 2013/2014 www.topuniversities.com

Contact Chow Yei Ching School of Graduate Studies City University of Hong Kong Tat Chee Avenue Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR China

City University Of Hong Kong

Tel +852 3442 9076 Email sg@cityu.edu.hk Web www.cityu.edu.hk/sgs/

Profile

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Main claims to international academic or non-academic excellence

ity University of Hong Kong (CityU), one of the eight government-funded institutions in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China, is a leading global university excelling in research and professional education. CityU offers professional education that prepares its students for the challenges and exciting opportunities opening up in Hong Kong, the Asia-Pacific region and throughout the world in business, science and engineering, energy and environment, law, creative media, liberal arts and social sciences.

Our faculties are recruited from around the world, each an expert in their profession. Employing interactive, IT-based teaching methodologies, students acquire a first-rate grounding in their chosen subjects and the life-long learning skills needed for the real world.

CityU offers state-of-the-art learning, teaching and research facilities in a high-technology environment to create an ambiance that encourages intellectual curiosity, social interaction, self-expression and mutual support.

At CityU, students are encouraged to become original thinkers and to discover for themselves solutions to the myriad problems we face today.

Relevance of creativity, the need to be curious and the sheer excitement of discovery are emphasised among the students.

CityU has achieved phenomenal growth since its establishment in 1984. To date, it has a student population of over 19,000, of which over 6,000 are postgraduates. The University offers more than 130 programmes at the associate degree, undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

For more information about the University and its academic and supporting units, please visit our website http://www.cityu.edu.hk.

95 QS World University Rankings 2012 12 QS Asian University Rankings 2012

Total number of students 19,883

Percentage of graduate students 31%

Chow Yei Ching School of Graduate Studies

Percentage of international (post) graduate students

Postgraduate education facilitates the advancement of knowledge and provides high-level academic education and professional training to cater for the society’s needs.

To provide a better focus for the further development of its postgraduate programmes, the University established the School of Graduate Studies in 1994. The School offers a wide spectrum of high quality programmes and student activities. Both taught and research programmes are favourably received by students and have earned high acclaim from the community.

7%

MPhil and PhD programmes are offered in all Colleges and Schools* covering a wide range of strategic areas to reflect the University’s strengths and to suit individuals’ research interests. The School offers studentship, a number of scholarships, conference grant and other financial assistance to students so that they can engage in more academic exchange activities which are beneficial and related to their research studies. Through collaboration with scholars in different regions, students can bring their research skills to new heights.

Price range of accommodation

The School received generous donation from Dr Chow Yei Ching, and was named the “Chow Yei Ching School of Graduate Studies” in 2006. For more information about the School, please visit our website http://www.cityu.edu.hk/sgs/ .

* College of Business, College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences, College of Science & Engineering, School of Creative Media, School of Energy & Environment and School of Law.

Range of tuition From US$2,698 to US$10,794 per year (research degree programme)

Language entry requirements TOFEL score 550 (PBT); 213 (CBT); 79 (IBT); IETLS 6.5 (Individual faculties and schools may set a higher standard)

Accommodation facilities Please refer to http://www.cityu.edu.hk/sro

From US$244 to US$436 per month

Modes of study Full-time, part-time, locally taught, joint degrees

Levels of study and research Masters, doctorate, graduate certificates, graduate diplomas, research degrees, advanced professional qualifications

Main subject areas Applied Mathematics, Bioengineering, Built Environment, Business and Management, Chinese and Comparative Law, Communication, Computer Science, Creative Media, Electronic Engineering, Energy, Environmental Science, Finance, Language, Marketing, Materials Science, Policy and Administration, Sustainable Manufacturing.

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Faculty of Business

9/F Li Ka Shing Tower, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, China

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Tel: +852 2766 7087 Fax: + 852 2365 7415 Email: fb.rpss.enquiry@polyu.edu.hk Web: www.polyu.edu.hk/fb/rpss

Profile

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onveniently located in the heart of the city, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is one of the leading universities in the Asia-Pacific region. With a strong network of over 32,000 current students, 3,500 staff members and 310,000 alumni, PolyU has academic strength while staying close to the practical needs of its community and country.

Bearing in mind the motto “To learn and to apply, for the benefit of mankind”, the university takes great pride in offering a wide range of well-regarded academic programmes which nurture the kinds of professionals and leaders needed in today’s society.

Apart from nurturing the much needed talents and professionals for society, PolyU also excels in research and innovation, and provides an expanding range of consultancy, professional training and services. Through applying research results to meet commercial and community needs and maintaining close partnerships with the business and industry, the University has been able to turn innovative ideas into practical use, bringing benefits to mankind.

Faculty of Business The Faculty of Business at PolyU is the largest business school in Hong Kong, we are triple accredited by AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA. The Faculty of Business is ranked 65th in the world (The University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) Top 100 World Rankings of Business Schools, based on research contributions 2008-2012).

Our core value is Innovative - driven Education and Scholarship (IDEAS) with a 3D focus on discovery, Design and Delivery.

We offer a comprehensive portfolio of postgraduate programmes that cater to the needs of the global economy. At Faculty of Business, you will explore subjects blending theory and practice, meet new people from around the world and learning in a vibrant culture and dynamic environment.

In additional to equipping our students with professional competency, we also encourage the development of independent thinking, good communication skills and the nurturing of a global outlook in all our students.

www.facebook.com/PolyU.B.School

Main claims to international academic or non-academic excellence PolyU’s Faculty of Business is ranked 65th in the world (The UTD Top 100 World Rankings of Business Schools based on Research Contribution 2008 -2012)

Main international achievements in innovation Our research innovation in the key focus areas of accounting, finance, logistics and maritime studies, management and marketing.

Total number of students 32,000 (5,200 students in Faculty of Business)

Percentage of postgraduate students (Faculty of Business) - 45%

Percentage of international postgraduate students out of total number of international students in the Faculty of Business: 23.4%

Main subject areas: China Business, Business/Management, Finance/Accounting, Human Resource Management, International Shipping and Transport, Logistics, Marketing, Public Sector Management.

Range of tuition fees Ranged from HK$94,500 to HK$216,600 for 2013/2014, subject to review for 2014/2015

Language entry requirements • TOEFL score of 550 for the paper-based test, or 213 for the computer-based test, or 80 for the Internet-based test.

• IELTS Band 6.

• CET Band 6.

Modes of study Full-time / Part-time

Levels of study Masters, Doctorate, Graduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas, Research Studentships.

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Contact International Projects Service

Marketing & International Promotion Office Piazza Leonardo Da Vinci 32, Milan 20133, Italy

Politecnico Di Milano Profile

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Innovating since 1863

Main claims to international academic or non-academic excellence

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he Politecnico di Milano is one of the most outstanding technical universities in Europe. Established 1863, it is the largest school of architecture, design and engineering in Italy, with two main campuses located in Milan, the heart of fashion and design industries, and five more premises located in Northern Italy. Many important scientists and architects studied and taught here, among them Achille Castiglioni, Gio Ponti, Renzo Piano and Aldo Rossi, both Pritzker Price in 1990 and 1998 respectively, and Giulio Natta, Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1963.

In 2012 QS World University Rankings Engineering & Technology ranked Politecnico di Milano as it follows: • World: 48th • Europe: 13th • Italy: 1st The Politecnico di Milano offers innovative programmes at Bachelor, Master and Doctoral level. Thanks to a strong internationalization policy, most of the ‘Laurea Magistrale’ programmes (equivalent to a MSc Degree) are taught in English, and attract an ever increasing number of talented international students, which now form a diverse community, coming from more than 100 different countries. The overall number of international students exceeds 4000 out of 37000 currently enrolled students, and creates an international environment and a cosmopolitan atmosphere.

The drive for internationalization has led the Politecnico di Milano to take part in the European and global network of the major technical universities with 146 exchange Programmes and 61 Double Degree, while the participation of foreign students is ever-increasing.

For those aiming at continuing their academic career after their Master’s studies, the Doctoral Programmes of Politecnico di Milano, completely taught in English, aim to develop the professional competence to carry out high level research in

Tel: +39 02 23999802 Fax: +39 02 23999762 Email: www.polimi.it/contact-us Web: www.polinternational.polimi.it

Research-led education with high reputation for the quality of teaching. Ranked among the best technical universities in Europe by Qs World University Ranking

Institution’s main international achievements in innovation 211 projects financed by EU (FP7); 337 inventions; 603 patents.

Total number of students: 37.900 manufacturing and service companies, public bodies and universities.

For those aiming at a professional career Politecnico di Milano Career Service offers support and organizes events for students and graduates:

Percentage of graduate students as proportion of total students: 36% Percentage of international students: 60% Range of tuition fees

• 50 job opportunities per day • 30 new internship opportunities per day • 1850 companies registered • 3 corporate events every week • 2 career guidance days per week • 100 expert trainers involved • 1 Career Fair a year

MSc Annual Fees: for Non EU students: €3300/ for EU students: from about €800 up to €3300.

PhD Annual fees: € 1500 .Scholarships available.

Language entry requirements TOEFL/IELTS/TOEIC/CAMBRIDGE/TRINITY

Language tuition facilities Living on and off campus A varied cultural programme characterizes life on campus, from concerts, to actors performances, to exhibitions. International students are particularly entitled to discounts in theatres and museums, and special initiatives are organized for them.

Italian language courses free of charge for all international students enrolled

Accommodation facilities Student Residences and Privately Rented Housing are available

Price range of accommodation

Milan is always open to cultural and economic innovation coming from abroad, as demonstrated by the many tradeshows and events that animate the city all year long, like the International Furniture Show and the Fashion Week. Moreover in view of Expo 2015, Milan is transforming and renewing its profile in an atmosphere of vibrant activities and expectation, and it is a perfect location to start from for visiting Italy: cities like Venice, Verona and Florence are within easy reach.

250€/500€ per month

Modes of study Full-time, Part-time, Joint degrees

Levels of study and research Bachelors, Masters, Doctorate, Graduate diplomas, Research Studentships

Main subject areas Architecture, Design, and Engineering.

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Contact Graduate Services

Guidance and Recruitment Office Piazza Sraffa 11, Milan 20136, Italy

Università Bocconi

Tel: +39 02 5836 3091 Fax: +39 02 5836 5822 Email: graduate.services@unibocconi.it Web: www.unibocconi.eu/graduate

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niversità Bocconi is one of Europe’s leading economics and business universities. Its modern urban campus is located in the centre of Milan, the country’s commercial, financial and fashion capital, and also its most cosmopolitan city. Always a standout among Italian schools for its international outlook, Bocconi offers a range of undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate programs taught in English by an international faculty.

Bocconi aims to provide selected students from Italy, Europe and the rest of the world with a truly international education that leads to professional growth and superior access to the job market.

Bocconi has a strong commitment to providing scholarships for international students admitted to its academic programs.

Bocconi’s offer features flexibility, paving the way either for further studies (towards a PhD or in research) or for a high-level entry into employment, with a range of bachelor programs and two-year Master of Science programs.

Seven of these are entirely taught in English: International Management, Marketing Management , Accounting, Financial Management and Control, Finance, Economics and Management in Arts, Culture, Media and Entertainment, Economic and Social Sciences Economics and Management of Innovation and Technology, In addition, Bocconi offers several PhD programs in English. Its attached business school SDA Bocconi offers top-ranked MBA and post-experience masters as well as executive programs.

Classes at Bocconi present up-to-date quality content and interactive methods, supported by excellent IT and library facilities. Lessons with highly-qualified faculty and distinguished visiting professors are peppered with seminars and workshops involving members of the Italian and international business community, who inject a strong dose of practical economic reality into the course curriculum.

Main claims to international academic or non-academic excellence FT Masters in Management 2012: - 3rd worldwide for CEMS-MIM program - 23rd worldwide for MSc in International Management Universities Europe 2013: - 6th in Europe for quality-to-price ratio in economics (graduate) Bocconi’s well-organized program of internship and exchange opportunities give students a chance to get hands-on experience in the country of their choice, as part of their studies.

Bocconi is a member of two important international networks, the Partnership in International Management (PIM) and the Global Alliance in Management Education (CEMS). In addition to exchange agreements with many members of these organizations, Bocconi has bilateral agreements for exchanges with over 200 leading universities.

With the support of our International Relations service, over 4,000 students participate in incoming or outgoing exchanges with Bocconi every year, further enriching their university experience through periods of study or internships.

Bocconi also offers Double Degree programs.

Graduate students have the possibility to spend the first year at Bocconi, acquiring core knowledge and skills, and to specialize in their field of interest while attending the second year at one of the foreign host institutions, selected among the most prestigious Universities in Europe and overseas.

Bocconi supports its graduating students in their approach to the job market with a strong Career Services program. The University maintains an enormous network of connections with companies of all types and sizes in Italy and abroad, because it understands that when a graduate gets a good job, Bocconi has done a good job, as testified by 100,000 Bocconi alumni employed around the world.

Total no of students 13,800 Percentage of graduate students 30% Percentage of international graduate students as a proportion of total number of international students 30%

Range of tuition fees €12,000 ca. per year (2-year MSc programs - ref. a.y. 2013/14)

Language entry requirements www.unibocconi.eu/graduateadmission Language tuition facilities www.unibocconi.eu/languagecenter

Accommodation facilities 1,400 housing spots in 5 University Residences

Price range of accommodation Reduced rate housing (approx. 500 rooms) and full rate housing

Modes of study Full-time, Joint degrees

Levels of study Masters, Doctorate

Main subject areas: Business/Management, Economics, Finance/Accounting, Marketing

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Institution Profiles ·

Top Grad School Guide 2013/2014 www.topuniversities.com

Contact Student Enrolment Centre Private Bag 3 Wits 2050 South Africa

University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg Profile

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he University of the Witwatersrand is a research-intensive institution focusing on high level research and postgraduate education. Our strategic goals for the next ten years include raising our international profile in research and in postgraduate training. The University currently is the second highest ranked university in Africa, in terms of global ranking systems. The University is in the top one percent of world universities in nine of twenty-two fields as listed by Essential Science Indicators. Our research has a high reputation internationally and more than 80% of its publications are in international journals attracting considerable numbers of citations.

Priority research areas Some of the areas of special expertise in the University include palaeoscience, clinical and health science, astrophysics, environmental science and social science and humanities research. The University has launched an ambitious project to establish several large research institutes focusing on Evolutionary Science, Molecular Biosciences, Global Change and Sustainability, Mining, Cities and Wellbeing and Development. Through these bold initiatives, we intend to increase our international profile for research. The University offers unique opportunities to academic staff and students alike. Situated in the economic heart of the continent, we strive to answer the important problems of Southern Africa, and our researchers have exceptional reputations in work on African infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS and TB. Opportunities abound for exploring unique aspects of our geographic location environment and socio-political challenges.

Postgraduate training Part of being a research-intensive institution is to train postgraduates so as to perpetuate our research reputation and to produce successful graduates at the highest level to contribute to the South African and global economies. We offer degrees at Masters level (by research only

Tel: +27 11 717 1030 Email: postgrad.senc@wits.ac.za Web: www.wits.ac.za/prospective/postgraduate

Main claims to international academic excellence • The Alma Mater of four Nobel Laureates and 91 Rhodes Scholars • Accommodates seven research institutes, 20 research units and 10 research groups • Is establishing prestigious multidisciplinary 21st Century Research Institutes • Has 16 ‘A-rated’ NRF scientists • Has five faculties: Faculty of Science; Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment; Faculty of Health Sciences; Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management; Faculty of Humanities

or by course-work and research report) and PhDs. Postgraduate students are embedded in the five Faculties, and receive particular support during their period of study.

Increasing postgraduate numbers and the international profile Wits will grow the postgraduate students to 35% of the student body by 2014. We will also grow the number of international postgraduate students to 18% of the total student body. We particularly wish to grow the numbers of students registered for doctoral study and consider them as our premier students. Students can register as either full- or part-time students for Masters and Doctoral degrees. The Postgraduate Support Division has put in place a number of activities to support postgraduate students.

These activities include a series of training workshops on research methodologies as well as writing retreats. There is also an annual postgraduate symposium in which all Masters and PhD students have an opportunity to showcase their research. Prizes awarded at the symposium are significant and allow the students to travel to conferences and to support their research activities. The funding for postgraduate students, from Wits and a range of donors, to support their studies is significant. This funding is available to support the tuition fees as well as the living expenses of students.

Institution’s main international achievements in innovation • Is the Evolutionary Hub of Africa: Professor Lee Berger discovered a new species of hominid and the hand of Au.sediba, the most complete hand ever described in an early hominid • Ranked as one of the top two universities in Africa by various league tables Total no of students 30,417 Percentage of graduate students as proportion of total student 30% Percentage of international (post)graduate students as a proportion of total number of international students 53% Language entry requirements IELTS, consideration will be given to an applicant who has a pass in TOEFL equivalent to IELTS 7.0 Language tuition facilities An English-medium university Accommodation facilities The Central Accommodation Office deals with all enquiries regarding student accommodation. Go to www.wits.ac.za/ Prospective/StudentsServices/Accommodation

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Top Grad School Guide 2013/2014

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Profiles

Contact Admissions

Admissions Department Maria de Molina 11, Madrid 28006, Madrid Tel: 91568 96 00 Fax: n/a Email: admissions@ie.edu Web: www.ie.edu

IE

Data

Profile

I

Main claims to international academic and non-academic excellence

E is an international institution dedicated to educating business leaders through programs based on our core values of global focus, entrepreneurial spirit and a humanistic approach.

More than 90 nationalities are represented by our student body, and all of our programs and degrees are taught by a 500-strong international faculty. Our alumni, now numbering over 40,000, hold management positions in some 100 countries worldwide.

IE’s aim is to contribute a new model of higher education, leveraging on the best academic traditions yet providing a fresh approach in a number of areas, from the organization of faculty to learning methodologies and program content. The fact that our University was created by IE Business School, considered a leading European management education center, highlights the DNA of our activities. For example, Management is a core part of all our degrees -from Architecture to Law, Psychology to Communication, since we believe that behind any good professional practice there is good management. We prepare graduates who are professionals, and that is why Humanities are present across all our programs.

Another distinctive feature of our activity is that all programs are delivered through innovative learning methodologies, combining traditional face-to-face and high quality online courses.

This allows students to combine their dedication to the program with an internship, volunteer work or by learning a foreign language, living abroad or all of the above.

We believe that a cross-cultural environment, like the one you will find at IE, is the best breeding ground in which to develop international thinking.

Our school is a mosaic of cultures, where diversity in terms of nationality, gender, and most importantly, different outlooks on the world, is the ideal environment for training international

Top-ranked by publications such as Financial Times, The Economist, Wall Street Journal and América Economía, among others

Institution’s main international achievements in innovation #1 in Distance Learning according to The Economist

Total number of students aprox 2000 per year

Percentage of international students 80% professionals and entrepreneurs. IE students are called on to become the architects of the future’s global society. Through IE’s emphasis on entrepreneurial thinking, students are encouraged to reinvent the world’s institutions, to discover new business opportunities, to rejuvenate mature industries, to develop corporate venturing, to revamp their family businesses, and to launch new start- ups.

Range of tuition fees 18,000-90,000 Euros

Language entry requirements TOEFL/IELTS/TOEIC/CAMBRIDGE/TRINITY

Language requirements Students must be fluent in the language in which the program is taught.

IE is regarded as one of the most dynamic and innovative business management institutions in the world, a place where new learning methodologies and platforms are tested, where things happen fast in response to the constant changes taking place in the corporate landscape.

That is why we are always striving to offer a wide and varied range of educational programs, and to work as a hub for research and debate on the latest trends in knowledge, as well as assist our alumni to develop throughout their careers.

Modes of study Full-time, Part-time, Distance Learning, Joint degrees

Levels of study and research Masters, Doctorate, Graduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas, Research Studentships, Advanced Professional Qualifications

Main subject areas Architecture, Business/Management, Design,

The two most important assets in education are an excellent faculty and excellent students. At IE you will find a community of talented professionals from both spheres who share a passion for education and who want to transform the world for the better.

Economics, Finance/Accounting Humanities, International Relations/Studies/Affairs, Law/Legal Studies, Marketing, Sport/Leisure

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16/07/2013 08:46:48

Institution Profiles ·

Top Grad School Guide 2013/2014 www.topuniversities.com

Contact Mark Reimer

EMBA Admissions Officer Route de Cojonnex 18, Lausanne 25 1000 Switzerland

Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne Profile

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cole hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL) is the world’s first hotel management school, founded in 1893. As the oldest hotel school in the world, EHL has prepared young, ambitious students for leading edge careers at an international level in the hospitality industry. It has registered more than 25,000 graduates located in over 120 countries. With more than 120 years of teaching hospitality management, we are an institution steeped in traditions as rich as those of the most venerable hotels around the world. Yet come to visit us, and you will find a young, dynamic institution with ultra-modern facilities. EHL is one of the most culturally diverse schools in the world: the student body is 60% international, with about 90 different nationalities. Our philosophy of learning, combining experience and discovery, leads to the mastery of the arts and sciences of hospitality management. The young men and women who make up the student body are learning not only to be successful managers for tomorrow’s international hospitality industry, but also to transmit the century-old EHL tradition of European hospitality, savoir-faire and savoir vivre.

Advanced EHL’s Executive MBA in Hospitality Administration is a full-time programme which requires a strong commitment and a minimum of 60 hours of work per week including classroom presence and preparation.

The programme is designed to help creative, resourceful people to acquire the solid financial and management skills that will enable them to turn their projects into successful, profitable enterprises. The focus is on hospitality, but extends to the services sector in general, preparing students to be leaders in any hospitality-related business. This programme is highly personalized, and prepares participants for specific opportunities and niche markets offered by the hospitality industry. It attracts experienced professionals and novices, artists and scientists, thinkers and doers, all driven by a sense of expectancy and a desire for change.

Tel: +41.21.785.14.00 Fax: +41.21.785.11.21 Email: master@ehl.ch Web: www.ehl.edu

Main claims to international academic or non-academic excellence As the world’s first hotel management school, the Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne offers a tradition of excellence in the arts and sciences of hospitality management.

Main international achievements in innovation EHL’s Executive MBA in Hospitality Administration programme is for career switchers wishing to move to hospitality or for career climbers seeking new responsibilities or a change of direction within the hospitality industry. It uses your expertise in a new context and allows you to develop a unique mix of competencies.

Hospitality offers great opportunities, but it is not for everyone. You need a special combination of talents to succeed in this complex and dynamic environment. On one hand, you are running a successful business and you need hard business skills and know-how. On the other, you are dealing with intangibles as you create magical experiences for your clients and you need both relationship and artistic skills.

In close collaboration with the industry and a network of 25,000 alumni, EHL transmits a century-old tradition of European hospitality, savoir-faire and savoir-vivre.

Total number of students 30 students per master class

Percentage of international postgraduate students: 90%

Range of tuition fees CHF 48,500

Language entry requirements TOEFL 100 iBS or IELTS Band 7.0 minimum

EHL’s Executive MBA in Hospitality Administration programme is based on EHL’s philosophy of bringing together the arts and sciences of hospitality. It provides sound financial management knowledge and tools, and ensures that graduates have all the analytical and decision-making skills from a top-tier school.

At the same time it also integrates a unique intuitive approach that is an essential part of hospitality management. So, unlike students from more conventional business schools, our master students study the vital role played by creativity and design, art, tradition and ambience in creating and sustaining a successful hospitality venture. The curriculum is designed to develop participants’ analytical, managerial and strategic skills for rapid progression to the highest levels of hospitality management or for an entrepreneurial business concept.

Accommodation facilities Yes

Price range of accommodation approx 1,000 CHF/month

Modes of study Full-time Locally taught

Levels of study Masters

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03/07/2013 11:13:06

Top Grad School Guide 2013/2014

· Institution

Profiles

Contact Rosanna Barbuto Schenk

Université de Genève, Service des relations internationales, Uni Mail, Genève, 1211 Genève 4, Switzerland

University of Geneva

Tel: +41 22 379 80 83 Fax: +41 22 379 80 80 Email: Rosanna.Barbuto@unige.ch Web: www.unige.ch/international/

Profile

Data

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ounded in 1559 by Jean Calvin, the University of Geneva (UNIGE) is dedicated to thinking, teaching, dialogue and research. With 16’500 students of more than 140 different nationalities, it is Switzerland’s second largest university.

Total number of students 16,154

Percentage of postgraduate students 28.87%

Based on its unique international presence in Europe, the UNIGE has continuously strengthened its ties with the international and nongovernmental organizations established in Geneva, such as the United Nations Organization, the World Health Organization the International Telecommunications Union, or the International Committee of the Red Cross.

The UNIGE is therefore motivated to establish and expand relations internationally. The products of these efforts translate into the ability of recruiting top-level scientists and educators, attracting the best and brightest students, leading cutting-edge research initiatives and securing financial resources to support the mission of the University. Thanks to these efforts, the Institution has hosted several Nobel laureates as students, researchers and/or professors such as the American physicist Alan Jay Heeger (Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2000) or Kofi Annan (Nobel Peace Prize 2001), former Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Composed of eight faculties and twelve Interdisciplinary Centres, the UNIGE offers 280 types of degrees covering an extremely wide variety of fields. The institution develops it priorities along nine axes: life sciences, physical sciences, neurosciences, historical sciences, environmental sciences, finance and society, vulnerabilities and ageing, language and communication science and international relations and European studies. UNIGE is host and co-host to six National Centres of Competence in Research: Frontiers in Genetics, Materials with Novel Electronic Properties, Chemical Biology, Affective Sciences, Synaptic Bases of Mental Diseases and LIVES-Overcoming vulnerabilities in a life course perspective.

Percentage of international postgraduate students out of total number of international students: 35% Through its participation in the League of European Research Universities, the UNIGE, moreover, stands out as one of the 20 best research universities in Europe. It is also a member of prestigious academic networks such as the Coimbra Group, an association of long-established European multidisciplinary universities meeting high international standards and committed to creating special academic and cultural ties in order to promote internationalization, academic collaboration, excellence in learning and research, and service to society. The institution proudly counts amongst its members the Russian mathematician Stanislav Smirnov, who was awarded in 2010 the Fields medal for his work on the mathematical foundations of statistical physics (finite lattice models). It is also at the UNIGE that was detected the first exoplanet orbiting a sun-like star. The Astrophysicists Michel Mayor and Didier Queloz made this historic discovery in 1995.

UNIGE is active as well in the European Union Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development, and regularly collaborates with institutions such as the European Molecular Biology Laboratory, the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, the European Southern Observatory, a European organization for research in astronomy, the European Space Agency and the NASA. Moreover, it maintains a privileged connection with the European Centre for Nuclear Research (CERN)

Range of tuition fees CHF 500.- per semester

Language entry requirements Good French language skills are required.

Language tuition facilities Support courses for non-native French speaking students are organized

Levels of study Masters, Doctorate, Graduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas, Research Studentships, Advanced Professional Qualifications

Main subject areas: Administration, Anthropology, Area Studies, Biological Sciences, Built Environment, Business/Management, Communications/ Media, Computing/Information Technology, Dentistry, Earth Sciences, Economics, Education/Training, Electronic/Electrical Engineering, Environmental Studies, Ethnicity, Gender and Diversity, Finance/ Accounting, Geography, Health/Para-medical Studies, History/Archaeology, Humanities International Relations/ Studies/ Affairs, Languages Law/Legal Studies, Literature, Marketing, Mathematics Mechanical Engineering, Medicine/ Medical Sciences Pharmacy/Pharmaceutical Sciences, Philosophy Physical Sciences, Politics Psychology, Public Policy Sociology/ Social Studies, Theology/Religion, Unclassified, Urban Planning.

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03/07/2013 11:15:28

Institution Profiles ·

Top Grad School Guide 2013/2014 www.topuniversities.com

Contact University of St.Gallen (HSG)

Dufourstrasse 50 9000 St.Gallen Switzerland

University of St.Gallen (HSG)

Tel: +41 (0)71 224 21 11 Email: info@unisg.ch Web: www.unisg.ch

Profile

Data

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he University of St.Gallen (HSG), Switzerland, was founded as a “Business Academy” in 1898. The HSG continues to pursue the goal of providing its more than 7,000 students with a practice-oriented education, guided by an integrative view of management, economics, law, social sciences and international affairs.

We have been consistently ranked among the top business schools in Europe. In 2012 our Master’s in Strategy and International Management was ranked #1 by the Financial Times Global Masters in Management Ranking. Accreditations by EQUIS and AACSB International underline our commitment to a holistic curriculum that meets the highest academic standards.

International orientation The HSG is enriched by a high number of international students and faculty, as well as by providing all students with an international education. More than 34 per cent of students come from 80 different nations and we are a member of the CEMS, PIM and APSIA networks.

Students are encouraged to participate in an exchange at one of our more than 170 partner universities worldwide. Students have the possibility of participating in one of the double degree programmes with renowned partners such as Sciences Po, Paris; ESADE, Barcelona; Fletcher School, Boston; RSM, Rotterdam; FGVEAESP, São Paulo; NTU, Singapore.

Labour market The University’s Career Services Center supports and advises students who are about to embark on their professional career. On average, graduates are able to choose from 2 job offers and have relatively high starting salaries.

Campus & student commitment The HSG offers the latest facilities and services to support individual and collaborative learning.

In addition, we offer a full spectrum of sports activities. The attractive location between Lake Constance and the Swiss Alps makes St.Gallen an ideal setting for all kinds of leisure activities.

Main claims to international academic or non-academic excellence Ranked 1st by the Financial Times with the Master’s in Strategy and International Management and 5th with the Master’s in Banking and Finance. Accredited by EQUIS and AACSB.

Institution’s main international achievements in innovation

Master’s programmes • Business Innovation (taught in German) • Marketing, Services and Communication Management (English) • Accounting and Finance (German) • Banking and Finance (English) • Strategy and International Management (English) • Business Management (German) • Management, Organization Studies and Cultural Theory (German) • Economics (English) • Quantitative Economics and Finance (English) • International Affairs and Governance (English) • International Law (English) • Law (German) • Law and Economics (German)

International Master’s programmes with high academic standards and strong ties to the practical world, taught in an environment enhanced by Switzerland’s excellent living conditions.

Total number of students 7,300

Percentage of international students 34%

Range of tuition Per semester: PhD £717, Masters £2217

Accommodation Students share apartments or rent small flats (min. £310 per month).

Living costs: The Master’s programmes are postgraduate programmes of a consecutive nature, i.e. only students holding a recognised Bachelor’s degree in the same or a similar major are admitted.

Ph.D. programmes • Management: Accounting (English); Business Innovation (German); International Business (English); Strategy and Management (English); Marketing (German) • Economics and Finance (English) • Finance (English) • International Affairs and Political Economy (English or German) • Organization Studies and Cultural Theory (English or German) • Law (German)

About £17,000 a year (all included)

Language admission requirements: Certificate C2 level For further information please visit the website: www.admissions.unisg.ch

Modes of study: Full-time / double degrees

Levels of study and research Bachelors, Masters, PhDs, MBAs

Main subjects: Business, Management, Banking, Finance, Economics, Marketing, International Affairs, Law and Legal Studies

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Top Grad School Guide 2013/2014

· Institution

Profiles

Contact Rosemary Mills Postgraduate Advisor, Penglais Campus, Aberystwyth Ceredigion, SY23 3FB

Aberystwyth University: Wales, UK

Tel: +41 22 379 80 83 Fax: +41 22 379 80 80 Email: Rosemary.mills@aber.ac.uk

Profile

Data

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berystwyth University was the first university in Wales. We pride ourselves on the quality of our student experience, regularly featuring at or near the top of national and international polls on student satisfaction. We value both teaching and research; and the University is broad enough to offer you great choices, but is small enough to be a real academic community where you will meet and interact easily with colleagues and students from a wide range of specialisms.

The Location Aberystwyth is a vibrant university town in a stunning coastal location, with a dynamic social and cultural life centred around the University.

Our Arts Centre is nationally significant with live performances, exhibitions, courses and cinema offering urban lifestyle in a beautiful environment.

The National Library of Wales, adjacent to the main University campus, is one of the great libraries of the world and one of only five copyright libraries in the UK. Our Students Our Postgraduates come from 99 different countries and can choose options for full-time and part-time study , on campus or by Distance learning. We seek to attract highly motivated applicants to our postgraduate courses and we have a diverse study body made up of highly skilled students; combining academic excellence; practical work experience and cultural and social diversity. One of our core values is our belief in our community to have a global reach, and our students benefit from an international student experience; although a personal one.

Our Taught courses We offer a range of taught programmes building on our academic strengths and are constantly refreshing our courses and adding new ones.

Based on our established history (we were founded in 1872), some of these courses reflect traditional academic disciplines, but others offer new and sometimes unique combinations and many are multidisciplinary. The University has always been forward thinking and we were one of

www.aber.ac.uk/en/postgrad/postgraduate-courses/

Main claims to international academic or non-academic excellence According to the International i-Graduate survey (2012) we are home to one of the Top Five Graduate Schools in the world.

We are also highlighted as Top UK University for “Making friends in this country” One of the safest places to study in the UK Ranked in the top 3 UK institutions for “Managing Research” Ranked 2nd in the UK for “Opportunities to Teach”

Language tuition facilities English; with some bespoke courses taught through the medium of Welsh.

We also offer pre-sessional English language training to help you improve your English. the first universities to admit female students.

Our Research courses Our research programmes offer substantial support in terms of supervision; indeed we have a long history and much experience in supervising research projects. We can offer you excellence in facilities, training, continuing professional development, and access to academic networks. All of this is combined with our continued investment in new academic posts, scholarship funding and updated and upgraded facilities.

Finally…

We are confident we can offer you one of the best postgraduate experiences available.

We differentiate ourselves through our ability to provide postgraduate students with a personalised and unique student experience. By choosing Aberystwyth University, you will join a traditional British University with a community feel; in a beautiful location.

Accommodation facilities Dedicated postgraduate accommodation on campus and on the coastline.

Levels of study Masters, Doctorate, Graduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas, Research Studentships, Advanced Professional Qualifications

Main subject areas: Administration, Agriculture, Biological Sciences, Business/Management, Communications/Media Computing/ Information Technology, Creative/ Performing Arts, Earth Sciences, Economics, Education/Training, Environmental Studies, Ethnicity, Gender and Diversity, Finance/ Accounting, Other Engineering, Geography, Health Studies, History, Humanities, International Relations, Languages, Law/ Legal Studies, Literature, Logistics/ Supply Chain Management, Marketing, Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Politics, Psychology, Public Policy Sociology/ Social Studies, Sports/Leisure, Tourism/ Hospitality, Zoology.

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03/07/2013 13:01:43

Institution Profiles ·

Top Grad School Guide 2013/2014 www.topuniversities.com

Contact Recruitment Team

Imperial College Business School, South Kensington Campus, London, SW7 2AZ

Imperial College Business School Profile

Tel: +44 (0)207 589 5111 Fax: +44 (0) 207 823 7685 Email: business.school@imperial.ac.uk Web: www.imperial.ac.uk/business-school

mperial College Business School is a worldclass business school, at the heart of Imperial College London, one of the UK’s and world’s leading universities. Its programmes are demanding but practical, with a quantitative and research-led approach.

I

Postgraduate studies The School’s programmes combine demanding academic standards with hands-on practice.

Current research is an integral part of teaching, providing a stimulating environment and a competitive edge for students.

Reputation: The Business School specialises in developing high-performing managers within innovation-intensive industries. As part of one of the top 10 universities in the world, it has the faculty, the students and the reputation to deliver the high-calibre business leaders of tomorrow.

The following postgraduate programmes are available on a full time basis for one year: MBA suite: • The Imperial Full-Time MBA • The Imperial Weekday Executive MBA • The Imperial Weekend Executive MBA

Location: The School is centrally located in London, on the doorstep of some of the top international blue chip companies.

Finance suite: • MSc Finance • MSc Finance & Accounting (New for 2014) • MSc Investment & Wealth Management (New for 2014) • MSc Risk Management & Financial Engineering

Rankings: Imperial College London is consistently rated as a top 10 global university in a wide range of rankings tables.

Entrepreneurial: Imperial College London is renowned for its innovation and its MBA is consistently ranked in the top 10 worldwide for entrepreneurship (Financial Times, 2013).

Practical: The Business School’s programmes are constructed in a very practical way using case studies, group discussions and coursework to make learning highly relevant for today’s competitive job market, and keep students right up to date with the latest developments in their chosen field.

Management suite: • MSc Management • MSc Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Management • MSc Economics & Strategy for Business • MSc Strategic Marketing • MSc International Health Management

Data

Main claims to international academic or non-academic excellence Imperial College London offers world-class teaching and research and is ranked 3rd in Europe and 8th in the world overall in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2012-13.

Institution’s main international achievements in innovation The Business School’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship Group has had a significant effect on global companies, for example transforming the way in which IBM and Finmeccanica manage their internal knowledge capabilities.

Total number of students 1,007 Percentage of graduate students 88% Percentage of international (post) graduate students as a proportion of total number of international students 80%

Range of tuition Please see www.imperial.ac.uk/ business-school

Language entry requirements: Please see www.imperial.ac.uk/ business-school

Language tuition facilities : Student life Imperial College is sited at the very heart of cultural London and close to the City, the capital’s financial and business hub. This proximity offers students at the Business School a unique opportunity to visit and learn from leading global organisations. And when you’re not studying you have access to some of the world’s most famous museums, art galleries, parks and restaurants which are right on our doorstep in South Kensington.

We offer pre-sessional English courses

Modes of study: Full-time and part-time Levels of study and research Masters, Doctorate, Research Studentships Subjects offered at postgraduate level

Business postgraduate programmes available in Finance, Health Management, Marketing, Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Management, Strategy and Economics.

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Top Grad School Guide 2013/2014

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Contact Student Recruitment team

Imperial College London South Kensington Campus, SW7 2AZ, UK

Imperial College London Profile

C

onsistently rated in the top three universities in the UK and in the top 10 worldwide, Imperial College London is a world leading university whose reputation for excellence in teaching and research attracts students and staff of the highest international quality. It was ranked 6th in the world in the 2012-13 QS World University Rankings.

Innovative research at the College explores the interface between science, medicine, engineering and management and delivers practical solutions that enhance the quality of life and the environment, underpinned by a dynamic enterprise culture.

Imperial’s staff are frequently consulted by government and departmental committees at both national and international levels.

Imperial’s strong links with industry mean that a large proportion of its total research funding (more than £310 million) coming from industrial partners. In addition, the College receives significant research funding from private and charitable foundations.

Imperial nurtures a ‘can-do’ entrepreneurial culture and as a result it has an enormous amount of intellectual capital. Its technology Imperial Innovations, has raised over £200m to invest in healthcare and technology businesses and its portfolio consists of over 80 companies.

Postgraduate studies The range of academic disciplines offered at Imperial facilitates a high level of interdisciplinary interaction and innovation between its four

faculties: Engineering, Natural Sciences, Medicine and the Business School. Imperial currently provides over 110 taught postgraduate courses in a wide range of subjects at the forefront of scientific, engineering, business and medical research. Programmes on offer include the MSc (a mixture of taught courses and research), MRes (a research-focused Master’s designed to prepare students for doctoral study), PhDs (three or four years in duration) and MBA from the Business School. Imperial’s Graduate School provides transferable skills courses to help students achieve their full potential while at the College and beyond.

This programme includes an award-winning residential course for all new PhD students. The Graduate School also organises social activities, guest lectures and research symposia and is responsible for quality assurance.

Student life Imperial College Union provides a wide variety of activities from events put on by its over 250 clubs and societies to quizzes, gigs and the Summer Ball. The College is located in the heart of one of the most exciting and cosmopolitan cities in the world, home to an incredibly diverse range of people, cultures and religions. The main campus is in South Kensington, a beautiful area of central London. Located near to South Kensington Underground Station with access to the Piccadilly Line, Circle Line and District Line, the campus is only 50 minutes away from Heathrow Airport.

With the Natural History Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum, Science Museum and Hyde Park nearby, it is within easy reach of the best of London’s museums, parks, shops, and nightlife.

Tel: +44 (0)20 7594 8040 Fax: +44 (0) 207 594 8002 Email: international-admissions@

imperial.ac.uk Web: www.imperial.ac.uk

Data Main claims to international academic or non-academic excellence Imperial College London is a world leading university, ranked 4th in Europe and 6th in the world in the 2012-13 QS World University Rankings

Total number of students - 15,500 Percentage of graduate students - 39% Range of tuition www.imperial.ac.uk/studentfinance

Language entry requirements: www.imperial.ac.uk/registry/admissions/ pgenglish

Language tuition facilities: We offer pre-sessional and remedial English courses

Accommodation facilities Some accommodation available in halls and help finding private accommodation

Modes of study: Full-time, part-time, locally taught, Joint degrees

Levels of study and research Masters, Doctorate, Research Studentships, Main subject areas:

Subjects offered at postgraduate level Biological Sciences, Business/Management Chemical Engineering, Civil/Structural Engineering, Computing/Information Technology, Earth Sciences, Economics, Electronic/Electrical Engineering, Environmental Studies, Finance/Accounting, General Engineering/Other Engineering, Marketing, Mathematics , Mechanical Engineering, Medicine/Medical Sciences, Physical Sciences.

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03/07/2013 11:27:15

Institution Profiles ·

Top Grad School Guide 2013/2014 www.topuniversities.com

Contact The Compass

King’s College London, Strand, London WC2R 2LS, UK

King’s College London Profile

K

ing’s College London is one of the top 30 universities in the world (2012/13 QS international world rankings) and the fourth oldest in England. A research-led university based in the heart of London, it has over 25,000 students (of whom more than 10,000 are graduate students) from 150 countries and approximately 6,000 employees.

King’s has an outstanding reputation for providing world-class teaching and cutting-edge research. In the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise for British universities, 23 departments were ranked in the top quartile of British universities; over half of our academic staff work in departments that are in the top 10 per cent in the UK in their field and can thus be classed as world leading. The College is in the top seven UK universities for research earnings and has an overall annual income of over £500 million.

King’s has a particularly distinguished reputation in the humanities, law, the sciences (including a wide range of health areas such as psychiatry, medicine, nursing and dentistry) and social sciences including international affairs. It has played a major role in many of the advances that have shaped modern life, such as the discovery of the structure of DNA and research that led to the development of radio, television, mobile phones and radar. It is the largest centre for the education of healthcare professionals in Europe.

The King’s Graduate School was founded in 2006 specifically to support postgraduate students, as well as recognise the central role they play in the life of the College and in its research culture. The Graduate School’s various functions include helping to recruit the best students from around the world and providing scholarships to academically outstanding students. It also provides a wide range of courses and resources designed to help students write better PhDs in a timely fashion and realize their full personal potential, as well as courses focused on enhancing their employability and entrepreneurship skills. In addition, a number of social events and facilities are provided to allow postgraduates from different disciplines and Schools to meet each other, as well as a variety of resources to help our postgraduates travel, deliver papers at conferences and organise their own training activities and events. The Graduate School also oversees the quality of the supervision and training postgraduate students are offered while at King’s.

Main Subject areas Biomedical Sciences, Computer Science, Cultural Studies, Dentistry, Education, Electronic Engineering, Geography, History, International Relations, Law, Literature, Medicine and related subjects, Management, Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering, Nursing, Pharmacy, Philosophy, Physics, Politics, Psychiatry, Psychology, Public Policy, Telecommunications, War Studies.

Tel: 00 44 207 848 7070 Email: prospective@kcl.ac.uk Web: www.kcl.ac.uk

Data

Main claims to international academic or non-academic excellence

Ranked 26th in the world (QS World University Rankings, 2012/13), the Sunday Times ‘University of the Year 2010/11’

Institution’s main international achievements in innovation 1. Joint/dual PhD programmes with prestigious overseas universities (including the University of Hong Kong and National University of Singapore).

2. Partnerships with 130 universities around the world.

3. Six ‘Global Institutes’ delivering innovative teaching and research focused on specific nations and regions of the world (Brazil, China, India, North America, Russia and Africa).

Total no of students 25,187

Percentage of graduate students as proportion of total student complement 41 %

Range of tuition fees £12,000 - £37,500

Accommodation facilities King’s halls of residences, Moonraker Point and University of London Intercollegiate residences.

Modes of study Full-time, Part-time, Distance Learning, Joint degrees.

Levels of study and research Masters, Doctorate (PhD), Graduate Diplomas, Research Studentships.

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Top Grad School Guide 2013/2014

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Profiles

Contact Marketing and Admission Team Manchester Business School Booth Street West, Manchester, M15 6PB, United Kingdom

Manchester Business School

Tel: +44 (0) 161 306 1339 Email: pg@mbs.ac.uk Web: www.mbs.ac.uk/masters

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anchester Business School was one of the first business schools in the UK and is the country’s largest campus-based business and management school. As one of Europe’s leading schools, we produce capable confident graduates with specialist expertise in key areas for the 21st century business environment.

Main claims to international academic or non-academic excellence No. 1 for business research power according to the latest Research Assessment Exercise

Total no of students 1,000 (on our taught masters courses)

According to the latest Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) 2008 results, MBS is the UK’s leading centre for business research. You can be assured of our quality – we are accredited by AACSB International, AMBA and EQUIS – one of only a small number of business schools worldwide to receive accreditation from all three international business school and MBA accrediting bodies.

Our taught masters courses focus on today’s key management challenges, and give you the chance to develop in-depth knowledge in a breadth of specialist areas, shaping your careers in the direction of your choice. Plus, you don’t have to have previously studied business or management as many of our MSc courses take graduates from any academic background.

Masters courses Manchester Business School offers 20 masters courses specialising in different areas such as Accounting, Business Analytics, Finance, Corporate Communications, Marketing, Chinese Business, International Business and Management, Information Systems, HR Management, Organisation Psychology and more.

Whether managing your own investment portfolio on the MSc Finance, looking at the effect of climate change, nanotechnologies, and 3g on the way business is conducted on MSc Innovation Management & Entrepreneurship, or carrying out a project for a client company on MBus Global Business Analysis you will have the opportunity to learn in a forwardthinking, research-led environment working with academics at the cutting-edge of their fields.

Percentage of graduate students 39%

You will join a diverse group of students from over 70 nations, meeting friends for life and contacts for the future. You will have access to our top ranked careers service, voted No 1 in the UK by employers for the past eight years.

Percentage of international graduate students as a proportion of total number of international students 51% Range of tuition fees Please see www.mbs.ac.uk/masters

Our services

Language tuition facilities

We offer excellent facilities and web based services including the business school’s specialist libraries and the University of Manchester Library, recognised as one of the most extensive libraries in the world.

We offer pre-sessional English courses - please see www.mbs.ac.uk/masters

With over 50,000 alumni across 169 countries, our global footprint reaches high-performing individuals in business, management, governance and industry all around the world.

Your connection with our alumni community begins as soon as you step through the door... and continues long after you leave.

Staying connected with MBS means our alumni benefit from constantly evolving networking opportunities with an increasing number of likeminded people, as our alumni base grows.

Student life You can be part of the fastest-growing city region outside of London. Manchester is a big city with a compact and friendly centre. It is a trendsetting music and style capital with a wealth of traditional street markets and local restaurants, pubs and clubs. MBS is at the heart of the city, just a short walk from the centre and all its attractions.

Accommodation facilities Over 8,000 rooms on or near campus with some residences reserved for postgraduate students.

Modes of study Full-time, Part-time

Levels of study Masters, Doctorate, Research Studentships

Main subject areas: Accounting & Finance, Finance, Finance & Business Economics, Quantitative Finance, Business Analytics: Operational Research & Risk Analysis, Corporate Communications & Reputation Management, Human Resource Management & Industrial Relations, Innovation Management & Entrepreneurship, Information Systems, International Business/Chinese Business/ Global Business Analysis/Management, Marketing, Operations, Project & Supply Chain Management, Organisational Psychology

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Institution Profiles ·

Top Grad School Guide 2013/2014 www.topuniversities.com

Contact Student Recrutiment Officer

LSE, Houghton Street, London WC2A 2AE, United Kingdom

London School of Economics and Political Science

Tel: +44 20 7955 6613 Fax: +44 20 7955 6001 Email: stu.rec@lse.ac.uk Web: lse.ac.uk

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he London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) is the world’s leading dedicated social science institution. The School is a place of genuine intellectual excitement and cutting edge research carried out by academic experts across the social sciences.

Founded in 1895, LSE enjoys a global reputation for academic excellence. All of LSE’s teaching and research is undertaken from a social science perspective, giving the institution a unique approach to otherwise common fields. Around 68% of LSE’s students, and more than 40% of its academic staff, originate from outside the UK. Students are selected for their academic commitment and ability. The global diversity of the students and staff ensures that LSE’s education is truly international, both in and out of the classroom. LSE’s academic staff remain actively engaged in their research. Their expertise is called upon by governments, companies and media around the globe and they share their “real world” experience with the School’s students.

LSE’s location in the heart of London is fundamental to its identity. It enjoys an easy interchange of ideas with the external environment – Westminster, the City, the Law Courts and the media are all on the School’s doorstep.

LSE graduates are found in senior positions

around the world and regularly command the highest salaries of all UK graduates. Former staff and alumni include 16 Nobel Prize winners in Economics, Peace or Literature, and 37 past or present world leaders.

LSE offers over 140 taught postgraduate programmes across 30 departments or institutes. As a ‘laboratory of the social sciences’, the School’s academic profile spans a wide range of disciplines, from accounting to law, management to urbanisation. In addition to degrees involving study solely at LSE, there are an increasing number of postgraduate two-year ‘dual degrees’ which provide students with the opportunity to study both at LSE and at other leading institutions around the world.

Postgraduate research degrees (MPhil/PhD) are offered by all of LSE’s departments and institutes.

Students are invited to submit applications that complement the academic interests of the School’s staff.

LSE makes over £13 million of need and merit based financial aid available to its students each year. Awards range from a contribution to tuition fees to full coverage of all expenses and are usually awarded to students from a certain country or region or to students on a specific degree programme.

Main claims to international academic or non-academic excellence Top ranked London University, and third overall in the 2014 Complete University Guide UK League Table. Highest UK government social science research ratings.

Main international achievements in innovation LSE is the world’s leading laboratory for the social sciences, an institution where ideas are developed, analysed, evaluated and disseminated around the globe.

The School has produced 16 Nobel Prize winners and 37 world leaders.

Total number of students 10,400 students

Range of tuition fees £8,827 – £27,552

Language entry requirements TOEFL: 100 – 109 (iBT), IELTS: 6.5 – 7.5

Accommodation facilities 98% of postgraduate students now offered a place in an LSE or University of London hall of residence in central London. (£87 -£336 per week)

Modes of study Full-time / Part-time / Joint degrees

Levels of study Masters, Doctorate, Graduate Diplomas

Main subject areas: Anthropology, Business/Management, Communications/Media, Economics, Environmental Studies Gender, Finance/ Accounting Geography, History, Humanities International Relations/Studies/ Affairs, Law/ Legal Studies, Mathematics, Philosophy, Politics, Psychology Public Policy, Sociology/ Social Studies Urban Planning.

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Top Grad School Guide 2013/2014

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Contact UCL International Office

Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK

University College London (UCL)

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onsistently recognised as one of the world’s leading universities and ranked fourth in the world in the 2012 QS World University Ranking, UCL is London’s top multidisciplinary research university with an international reputation for the quality of its research and teaching. UCL’s excellence extends across all academic disciplines with subjects spanning the sciences, engineering, arts and humanities, social sciences and biomedicine. Its international research strength was confirmed in the Research Assessment Exercise of 2008 by the outstanding results achieved across all ten faculties. The programmes we offer reflect the very latest research and are often taught by academic staff members who are world-leaders in their fields. UCL has one of the best staff-student ratios in the UK, with a strong emphasis on small group teaching.

A cosmopolitan environment As well as being dynamic and intellectually challenging, UCL also provides a cosmopolitan environment in which to study. Over 40% of our students are from outside the UK representing 155 different countries. UCL also attracts academic staff from around the globe and international staff and students are welcomed for the different perspectives and diversity they bring to teaching and learning at UCL. The university’s location on a compact site in the heart of London offers outstanding academic, professional and social benefits. UCL is surrounded by the greatest concentration of libraries, museums, archives and professional bodies in Europe. London also has a wealth of opportunities for social and leisure activities.

Cutting-edge opportunities Focused on the translation of research into solutions for the world’s major problems, UCL works across the disciplines and with partners from all over the world. We strive to ensure that our students can achieve their full potential at UCL and are equipped not just with academic knowledge but with other highly valued skills which are sought by some of the world’s most

Tel: +44 (0) 20 7679 7765 Fax: +44 (0) 20 7679 3001 Email: international@ucl.ac.uk Web: www.ucl.ac.uk

Main claims to international academic or non-academic excellence Ranked 4th worldwide (QS World University Rankings 2012). Outstanding results in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise.

Institution’s main international achievements in innovation 21 of UCL’s staff and former students have been awarded the Nobel Prize.

Total number of students 26,000 prestigious employers. The UCL Careers Service offers a full range of specialist support for graduate students including graduate employer forums and networking events, a PhD specific fair and employability skills development workshops, as well as individual career advice.

UCL offers a stimulating and richly rewarding experience for graduate students who want to study in one of the world’s leading centres of research and teaching.

The Graduate School Over 10,000 of our students are studying at graduate level, which is one of the largest populations of graduate students at any UK university. UCL offers an extremely diverse range of graduate qualifications, from taught Master’s and shorter programmes to MPhils, PhDs and specialist doctorates.

Percentage of graduate students 40% Range of tuition £3,500 – £39,000 (please see individual course listings) Language entry requirements TOEFL 92-109 (IBT); IELTS 6.5-7.5, Depending on subject Language tuition facilities: The UCL Centre for Languages & International Education www.ucl.ac.uk/clie

Accommodation Guaranteed for first-year overseas graduate students who firmly accept their offer and meet published deadlines.

Modes of study: Full-time, part-time

All UCL graduate students become members of the Graduate School which offers opportunities that few UK institutions can match, with the aim of enhancing the student experience by offering the finest environment for personal and academic development. This includes free access for graduates to the Skills Development Programme.

Furthermore, the Graduate School offers a number of Research and Master’s scholarships to outstanding students. Details of the full range of UCL scholarships available for students can be found on our website at: www.ucl.ac.uk/scholarships.

Levels of study and research Masters, Doctorate, Graduate Diplomas

Main subjects: Anthropology, Architecture, Area Studies, Biological Sciences, Built environment, Business/Management, Chemical Engineering, Civil/Structural Engineering, Computing & information technology, Dentistry, Earth Sciences, Economics, Electronic/Electrical, Engineering, Environmental Studies.

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Institution Profiles ·

Top Grad School Guide 2013/2014 www.topuniversities.com

Contact Recruitment and Admissions Office

The Registry, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NZ, UK Tel: +44(0)1227 827272 Fax: +44(0)1227 827077 Email: enquirypg@kent.ac.uk Web: www.kent.ac.uk/pg

University of Kent Profile

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Main claims to international academic or non-academic excellence

ne of the UK’s leading universities, Kent provides a dynamic and challenging academic environment. Our world-leading research informs our teaching, so you can be sure that you are acquiring the right skills and knowledge to succeed in your chosen field.

Recognised for the quality of both our teaching and student experience - Kent is ranked 20th in the UK in the 2014 Guardian University Guide, 24th in the UK for world-leading research (RAE 2008), and 3rd in the UK for overall student satisfaction (National Student Survey) - we also have an excellent record for graduate employment.

Our £8.5million postgraduate scholarship fund, including research student scholarships, location-specific funding, and sport and music scholarships is designed to help with the cost of studying. You will also benefit from dedicated postgraduate facilities and support.

Known as “the UK’s European university” we have beautiful UK campuses in south-east England less than an hour’s travel from London, and specialist postgraduate centres in Brussels, Athens, Paris and Rome. Our international student community, drawn from 140 countries, contributes to our friendly cosmopolitan atmosphere and provides the ideal environment for you to gain a range of different perspectives.

Academic strengths We offer a range of taught programmes and research opportunities including New Route and External PhDs, distance learning and continuing professional development (CPD) courses across the arts and humanities, social sciences, medical studies, and science and technology. Some of our postgraduate programmes offer dual UK and European qualifications (International Double Degrees and jointly supervised PhD awards), and a new opportunity for 2013 is our Brussels-based Two Capitals MA in International Studies which allows students to study for two MAs, in Brussels and another in Washington, Brasilia or Beijing.

Kent is one of the world’s top 100 universities under 50 years old (The Times Higher Education 100 Under 50, 2012)

Institution’s main international achievements in innovation Kent is rated 24th in the UK in the Research Assessment Exercise (RAE 2008)

Total number of students: £8.5m Postgraduate Scholarship Fund We allocate over £6 million from our own funds and attract an additional £2.5 million from external funding bodies to provide a variety of financial support opportunities for postgraduate students.

Funding includes a generous number of taught and research student scholarships, location specific-awards, sport and music scholarships.

We also have a Graduate Teaching Assistantship Scheme whereby postgraduate research students receive financial support in return for teaching.

19,275

Range of tuition fees See www.kent.ac.uk/pg for details

Language entry requirements See www.kent.ac.uk/pg for details

Language tuition facilities See www.kent.ac.uk/cewl for details

Accommodation facilities Successful future A postgraduate qualification from Kent opens up your career opportunities by providing you with an impressive portfolio of skills and specialist knowledge. Over 90% of our postgraduate students who graduated in 2011 found a job or further study opportunity within six months.

We also help you to develop general skills that are essential within the competitive world of employment, such as the ability to adapt to challenges, analyse complex real-world problems and develop original ideas.

See www.kent.ac.uk/accommodation

Modes of study Full-time, Part-time, Flexible/Distance learning, Locally Taught, Research programmes

Levels of study and research Masters, Doctorate, Graduate Certificates, Graduate diplomas, Research Studentships, Advanced Professional Qualifications, New route PhDs, Pre-Master’s GDips

Main subject areas Our postgraduate community We are proud of our thriving intellectual community and our research activities and collaborations with outside organisations which create knowledge that is highly influential in many areas. As a postgraduate student you will be encouraged to take an active role in the academic community and develop your skills by presenting work at research seminars, participating in conferences and publishing papers.

Anthropology & Conservation, Architecture, Arts, Biosciences, Business, Computing, Economics, Engineering & Digital Arts, English, European Culture & Languages, History, Journalism, Law, Mathematics, Statistics & Actuarial Science, Pharmacy, Physical Sciences, Politics & International Relations, Psychology, Social Policy, Sociology & Social Research, Sport & Exercise Sciences

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Top Grad School Guide 2013/2014

· Institution

Profiles

Contact Enquiries unit University of Roehampton Erasmus House, Roehampton Lane London, SW15 5PU, United Kingdom

University of Roehampton, London

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he University of Roehampton is the only traditional campus university in London, located in the south-west of the capital, 20 minutes from central London. Its’ beautiful parkland campus, which offers excellent facilities for learning, teaching and working, is also one of the safest in the capital.

There are ten academic Departments offering a wide range of postgraduate masters and research programmes, including the Roehampton Business School and School of Education as well as areas such as Life Sciences, Psychology, Social Sciences, Humanities, Media, Languages, Drama and Dance.

Some 9,000 students attend the University, 25% of whom are postgraduates. There is a cosmopolitan atmosphere on campus with more than 130 different nationalities represented.

Roehampton has a proud history stretching back 170 years through its four Colleges. Founded in 1841, Whitelands College is the oldest College and one of the five oldest institutions for training educators in England. A flagship women’s college, it was the first college of higher education in the UK to admit women. Roehampton’s strong values come from this rich collegiate history, built on community, engagement and partnership.

At the same time the University has a very contemporary outlook, preparing students for success in the modern world.

Teaching and Research Quality “Roehampton continues to attract quality students. The university is popular with students and performs strongly in terms of retention and employability. There is a broad range of expertise across the arts and humanities, social sciences and the human and life sciences, and it maintains its historic strength in education.” – The Guardian University Guide 2013 At the University of Roehampton there is a strong emphasis on supporting our students to reach their full potential and helping them to launch themselves onto successful graduate careers. We

Tel: +44 20 8392 3192 Email: international@roehampton.ac.uk Web: www.roehampton.ac.uk

Main claims to international academic or non-academic excellence

guarantee our students high levels of contact with excellent teachers and researchers working at the cutting edge of their subject areas. Our graduate employment rates are among the best in London, with around nine out of ten of our students in work or further study within six months of graduation.

The University has “one of the strongest research profiles among modern universities” (Sunday Times), with a third of our research rated internationally excellent, and ranked as the best in the UK for our research in Biological Anthropology and Dance. The University has been awarding honorary degrees and fellowships since 1991 when it was the University of Surrey, Roehampton.

Community All of our students have the chance to get involved; to volunteer, work for us, play sports or join one of our many student societies. Through our innovative ‘Student Partnership’ we offer our students a say at all levels of decision-making in the University. This includes Student Senate, a unique committee whose membership is drawn from the senior team, the Students’ Union and the wider student body.

“Roehampton has the best record for research among all modern universities in the UK” (Sunday Times).

Awarded the top university in the UK for student retention (Guardian).

Total number of students in advertising institution 9,000

Percentage of postgraduate students 25%

Percentage of international postgraduate students out of total number of international students: 33%

Range of tuition fees - 2013 entree £11,150 for most Masters, £13,700 for MBA

Language entry requirements IELTS 6.5 overall with 5.5 in each band

Language tuition facilities Pre-sessional summer programmes, a Pre-Masters programme and in-programme support.

Accommodation facilities A range of on campus accommodation options available as well as off campus options.

Price range of accommodation Main subject areas: Anthropology, Biological Sciences, Business Management, Media, Creative/Performing Arts, Education, Finance/Accounting, Health, History Archaeology, Humanities, International Relations, Languages, Literature, Supply Chain Management, Marketing, Philosophy, Psychology, Social Studies, Sports, Theology/ Religion, Zoology.

From £100.45 per week (2013)

Modes of study Full-time/ Part-time /Learning – a number of 100% online degrees in Business

Levels of study Masters, Doctorate, Graduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas, Research Studentships, PHDs

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Institution Profiles ·

Top Grad School Guide 2013/2014 www.topuniversities.com

Contact Thomas Marr

Senior International Officer St Katharine’s West, 16 The Scores St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9AX, Scotland

St Andrews

Tel: +44 (0) 1334 463325 Email: pgrecruitment@st-andrews.ac.uk Web: www.st-andrews.ac.uk/admissions/pg/

Scotland’s first university

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Percentage of graduate students 20%

Total number of students 7,582

ounded over 600 years ago, the University of St Andrews has a long and distinguished history. Since 1413, we have forged a reputation as a world-leading institution with the highest standard of research and inspirational teaching.

Percentage of international (post) graduate students as a proportion of total number of international students 40%

Academic excellence is our strength. Here you will find an environment that will challenge you intellectually, encourage you to think innovatively and help you to develop first class skills for success in a competitive employment market.

You will live in a unique setting, rich in history and tradition with a vibrant international community – described by our students both past and present as the perfect place to live, learn and grow.

Ranking performance St Andrews is extremely successful in many of the high-profile ranking lists compiled on university data. Recent highlights include: • 4th in the UK by The Guardian University Guide 2013 • 5th in the UK by The Sunday Times 2013 • The QS World Rankings (2012/13), which placed St Andrews at 93rd overall.

• The THES-World University rankings for “Arts and Humanities”; 34th in the world.

• The Leiden Rankings for Scientific Research output (April 2013); 47th in the world.

With 92 per cent of our academic staff submitted for consideration in the last Research Assessment Exercise (RAE 2008), our University is one of the most research intensive universities in the UK. Our academic staff to student ratio is around 1:12 and small class teaching will provide you with the professional guidance and support to adapt to the independent study that is expected of you.

Scholarships St Andrews is pleased to offer a range of scholarships for both taught and research postgraduate students. The majority of awards

Range of tuition fees Tuition fees range from £2,060 to £17,550 depending on the programme

Language entry requirements

are for academic excellence. For full details of all the funding available we advise you to visit our website: http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/scholarships/ The Town, Networking, and What You Should Do Next 20,000 people, including almost 8,000 students, live in this quaint town with its rich and colourful history. Wherever you walk there are local quirky shops and boutiques, supermarkets, bakeries, and a range of high-street fashion shops. St Andrews retains many marvellous mediaeval buildings juxtaposed with modern cutting-edge science and arts facilities. You will find a friendly, cosmopolitan vibe to the town with students coming from the far corners of the globe to study here.

An IELTS overall score of 7.0 or equivalent is required. Please note that some Schools have higher overall requirements, or ask for a minimum score in some components of the test.

Language tuition facilities St Andrews ELT Centre offers a range of pre-sessional language courses as well as in-sessional support to students.

Price range of accommodation: Accommodation costs range from £3,122 to £9,577

Modes of study Full-time, Part-time (not international students), Distance Learning, Joint degrees (in some disciplines)

Levels of study and research As you can imagine, St Andrews is a great place for networking. With so many students from around the world, lots of social opportunities, and everyone keen to make friends, social circles become very large and by the time they move into employment most students have an extensive network of useful contacts.

To submit an application online or learn more about St Andrews, please visit our website. Direct questions are always welcome and can be emailed to Thomas Marr at any time. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Masters, Doctorate, Graduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas, Research Studentships, Advanced Professional Qualifications.

Main subject areas Business and Management, Communications and Media, Computing & Information technology, Creative and Performing Arts, Economics, Environmental Studies, Health and Para-medical Studies, Humanities, Languages, Mathematics, Medicine and Medical Sciences, Psychology, Physical Sciences, Social Sciences, Zoology.

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Top Grad School Guide 2013/2014

· Institution

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Contact Hult International Business School

Tel: The Americas - + 1 617 746 1990 Tel: Europe - + 44 207 341 8555 Tel: Middle East/Africa - + 971 4275 58800 Tel: Asia - + 852 2111 2399 Email: postgraduate@hult.edu Web: www.hult.edu

Hult International Business School

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ult International Business School is a top-ranked business school with campuses in Boston, San Francisco, London, Dubai, and Shanghai, and rotation centers in New York and São Paulo. The school offers businessorientated undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs, including an MBA, Executive MBA, several Master degrees, and undergraduate programs.

Main claims to international academic or non-academic excellence Hult is dedicated to offering a uniquely practical business education which equips students with the soft skills and hands-on experience required for success on the global stage.

Institution’s main international achievements in innovation

Top-ranked business school Ranked Top 10 in all five international categories by the Financial Times, Hult International Business School offers the international exposure and skills required for success in today’s globalized commercial world. The Economist ranks Hult 21st best business school in the U.S. and 31st best business school in the world and recognizes Hult as offering the best return on investment (ROI) of any business school. hult.edu

Accelerated one-year Master programs Minimize your time away from the job market and study costs with Hult’s unique accelerated one-year Master degree programs in International Business, Finance, International Marketing, and Social Entrepreneurship.

Global Campus Rotation: Boston, San Francisco, London, Dubai, Shanghai, New York, São Paulo Experience business first-hand and extend your global network in seven of the world’s major commercial centers. Students can start their Master program at one of our home campuses and then study for up to 12 weeks at two other of Hult’s seven global locations where their program is offered. Hult is unique in offering a seamless educational experience; you can expect the same curriculum, high-class facilities and supportive Student Services teams wherever you choose to rotate to.

Hands-on business education Hult International Business School is dedicated to offering a practical business education that will equip students with the tools and skills they require for success in the global workplace.

Tackle a real-life commercial challenge for a leading company or organization, as part of our six-week Action Project. Put business theory to the test with our case-study based methodology.

Take advantage of Hult’s pioneering iPadintegrated curriculum. You will graduate job-ready from day one.

Our LEAP method allows students to apply their skills and knowledge in a real business setting. Apple has also recognized our innovative use of iPad-technology in the classroom.

Percentage of graduate students 80%

Range of tuition Master Program tuition fees 2013* 39,900 USD/ 29,200 GBP *At time of printing – subject to change

Distinguished faculty Hult’s faculty members are experienced business practitioners with current or past experience working for major companies or founding their own business. Hult’s faculty bring their experiences in the business world into the classroom to show how theory translates into practice. Our faculty members also have experience teaching at other major academic institutions.

Accommodation Our Student Services teams will provide details on sourcing suitable accommodation

Language admission requirements: A minimum of TOEFL 90 or IELTS 6.5

Language tuition facilities Arabic and Mandarin offered at our Dubai and Shanghai campuses

Global network Study alongside classmates from over 135 countries, speaking 105 languages and with varied professional backgrounds. You will graduate with an incredibly diverse network of new business and professional contacts; vital in today’s increasingly interconnected world.

Modes of study Full-time

Levels of study and research Masters

Main subject areas One-year Master programs: Master of International Business, Master of Finance, Master of International Marketing, Master of Social Entrepreneurship

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Berkeley Engineering

Master of Engineering Program GAIN THE COMPETITIVE EDGE OF AN INDUSTRY-RELEVANT MASTER’S DEGREE • Core courses on leadership, management, innovation • Technical depth in your engineering discipline • Solve real industry challenges through a capstone project • Exceptional student cohort, lifelong career network • Project advising by faculty and industry mentors from companies such as Applied Materials, Siemens, SanDisk, Samsung and Xilinx

A PROFESSIONAL PROGRAM TO FAST-TRACK YOUR CAREER In a global economy driven by technology, companies need project managers with business skills as well as technical expertise. Berkeley Engineering’s Master of Engineering Program integrates the deep technical coursework of a top-ranked engineering college with a core leadership curriculum. We offer both a full-time, one year program, as well as a part-time program for working professionals. Applicants can choose from seven different engineering departments, with technical concentrations such product design, sustainability and data science and systems.

Students graduate with the master of engineering degree (M.Eng.), ready for a career path leading to management and executive positions in industry and entrepreneurial ventures.

For more, visit

www.funginstitute.berkeley.edu

or e-mail funginstitute@coe.berkeley.edu.

COLEMAN FUNG INSTITUTE FOR ENGINEERING LEADERSHIP COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING, UC BERKELEY 130 BLUM HALL #5580 | BERKELEY, CA 94720-5580

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