studying in the…
UNITED KINGDOM & IRELAND
étudier en Suisse
Contents 3 Studying in the United Kingdom 3 5 9 16 16
Institutions of higher education Diplomas Getting in… Academic year Distance learning
31 Studying in Ireland 31 33 33 36 36
Institutions of higher education Diplomas Getting in… Academic year Distance learning
17 Living
37 Living
17 17 17 18 18 19
37 37 37 39 39 39
Conditions for entry in the UK Costs of living Financial assistance Student housing Social security Working and studying
19 Useful links and addresses
Conditions for entry in Ireland Costs of living Student housing Social security Working and studying Financial assistance
40 Useful links and addresses
United Kingdom & Ireland
STUDYING IN THE UNITED KINGDOM INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION The UK has two distinct education systems: one for England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and one for Scotland. Each is compatible with the other.
Many colleges cover a wide range of subjects, while some specialise in one or two areas, such as art and design, dance and drama, agriculture, or nursing.
Universities The British universities are diverse, ranging in size, mission, subject mix and history. They are self-governing and independent and have their own degree-awarding powers. They also decide about the conditions of entry for the students.
Types of courses You do not necessarily have to specialize in one subject. By studying a combination of subjects, you can develop a range of skills across arts, languages and sciences.
Colleges Higher education colleges also vary in size, mission, subject mix and history. Like universities, they are self-governing and independent. Some award their own degrees and other qualifications; in other colleges, qualifications are validated by a university or national accrediting body.
A subject might be offered as: • a single-subject course leading to a single honours degree, • a two-subject course, leading to a joint honours degree • one of two , three or four subjects leading to a combined degree • a major-minor degree ( 75 and 25 % respectively of each subject) Modular courses: you can also choose modules of different subjects and build your course with approval of your tutor.
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Combined courses If you have a strong interest in more than one subject, you may easily find courses that combine the two. Be aware that there will be a heavy workload! These degree programs are different from modular schemes. BA or BSc combined studies degree programs generally allow you to select courses of a year's duration from a more limited set than is available in a modular scheme.
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Types of degree courses Typical content
Usual length
Honours degrees
One subject studied in depth
Usually three years but can be four, especially in Scotland. Architecture, medicine, dentistry and veterinary sciences degrees are five to seven years.
Joint Honours degree
Two subjects studied in less depth
Three to four years (more often four in Scotland)
Combined Honours degree
Two or more subjects studied in less depth
Three to four years (more often four in Scotland)
Ordinary / General degree
One or more subjects studied at less advanced level Three years
Sandwich course
Course including up to one year of integrated work experience
Foundation degree
Employment related higher qualification Two years (option to progress to an honours degree (subjects such as e-systems; design and technology) after a further fifteen months of study)
Four to five years
United Kingdom & Ireland
DIPLOMAS Undergraduate qualifications Undergraduate refers to the first stage of study at a college of higher education or a university in the UK. Bachelor’s degrees The Bachelor’s degrees are the most popular undergraduate qualifications. They are often referred to as "first" degrees. The first award in some disciplines can also be a Master's degree (MEng, MSci, MPhys, MChem). At Oxford, Cambridge and the ancient Scottish universities, the first degree in arts is a Master of Arts (MA). Title of degree The title of a degree does not necessarily reflect the field or faculty in which you have studied. For example, at several universities, the Bachelor of Arts is awarded to students in almost all disciplines - Science, Engineering etc. - as well as in Arts subjects.
Degree titles • Bachelor of Arts or BA • Bachelor of Science or BSc • Bachelor of Education or Bed • Bachelor of Engineering or BEng • Bachelor of Law or LLB • Bachelor of Medicine or MS / BS Length of studies Most first degrees take 3 or 4 years to complete, though some professional courses, such as architecture, dentistry, medicine and veterinary science, can take between 5 and 7 years. Sandwich courses These involve full-time study combined with periods of work experience from 6 months to one full year. Part-time courses Many institutions allow students to take a degree on a part-time basis over 5 or more years. 5
United Kingdom & Ireland
Higher National Certificate/Diploma: HNC/HND The HND is equivalent to two years of undergraduate study and in many cases can be used to progress into the third year of a degree. Holders of the HNC may progress into the second year of a degree (to be checked with the individual institutions!). Courses usually take: • Certificate – 2 years part -time • Diploma – 3 years part-time, 2 years full-time
Foundation courses Also known as access or bridging courses, they bridge the gap between the qualifications you have and those you need to enter onto an undergraduate degree course in the UK. Some foundation programmes are specially designed for international students, and usually include English language tuition. These programmes are usually one academic year long.
Foundation degrees Foundation degrees are employment related higher education qualifications designed to prepare students for work in particular sectors of business or industry. They are likely to include work placements as academic study. Length of studies: two years full-time or part-time over a longer period. After completion students can progress to an honours degree with a further 12-15 months of study. 7
Postgraduate qualifications Postgraduate degrees either follow a taught programme or are research based. The most prestigious research degree is the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), the highest academic award available. You can also study for a masters: Master's Degree in Philosophy (MPhil), the Arts (MA) or Science (MSc) Although these are taught courses, they also require some research and/or academic independence. There are also a number of postgraduate certificates and diplomas. Taught postgraduate courses: - Diploma or certificate courses : Postgraduate Certificate (PG) Cert., PG Dipl. - Taught Masters: MA, MSc, LLM, Med.,‌ Research degrees - Research Masters: MPhil, MA/MSc by Research, M.Res. - Research Doctorates: PhD, D.Phil.,
MBA Business studies are increasingly popular with students from all countries and the MBA (Master of Business Administration) is the most popular business qualification. MBA programmes are designed to develop management skills, knowledge, the ability to analyse complex problems and the ability to make strategic decisions. There are literally hundreds of MBA programmes tailored to careers like agribusiness, banking and finance, construction, health care, hospitality,, transport and technology. Many have links to relevant industries to ensure their direct relevance to the working world. Many postgraduate courses-particularly MBAs where people tend to need to continue working-are now offered via distance learning. This allows you to study from home with course materials provided by the institution. These can be paper-based, on CD-Rom or accessible via Internet. Entrance requirements for the MBA British or recognised overseas undergraduate degree or a professional qualification plus a good GMAT score plus English language proficiency (e.g. IELTS band six or above) Further information: www.educationuk.org/
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United Kingdom & Ireland
GETTING IN… Entry requirements for undergraduate courses To be considered for a place on a degree course, you must usually be holder of a secondary school-leaving diploma: diplôme de fin d'études secondaires / secondaires techniques, equivalent to GCE A-level. In the UK, unlike many other countries, possessing recognized qualifications does not automatically guarantee admission. In other words, marks are not the only important factor in an application process. On the application form there is a space where you are required to write about your reasons for choosing that particular course, as well as your career plans, hobbies, etc. There is another section where a teacher writes about you, recommending you to the admission tutor. These two texts as well as the information regarding the school or university marks will form your profile .
Language requirements The institutions of higher education usually claim proficiency in English. The proficiency may be attested through tests and examinations like the “Certificate of Advanced English” (CAE), the “International English language testing system” (IELTS) or the “Test of English as a foreign language (TOEFL)”. Further information Institut national des Langues: IELTS-test www.cll.lu www.ielts.org International School of Luxembourg: TOEFL-test www.islux.lu www.toefl.org Key job www.keyjob.lu The British Council in Brussels: tests of English www.britishcouncil.org/learning-exams.htm
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United Kingdom & Ireland
Application through UCAS Admission to undergraduate courses UCAS In the UK all applications to universities for full-time courses are made through UCAS-the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. It is not possible any longer to make your UCAS application on a paper form. Further information: www.ucas.ac.uk/apply/index.html If you are a pupil at a “Lycée” or “Lycée technique” in Luxembourg, your school (SPOS) will help you with your application ! How to apply? You need to select the 2012 entry Student login link on the apply web page. A log in page will be displayed on which you will need to click “Register”. During registration, you will need to enter some personal details and indicate if you are applying as an individual or if you are applying through your school. If you are applying through your school, you will need to obtain a buzzword (a word or phrase that is supplied to you by your school). But you can also apply as an individual; you will then receive a password from UCAS.
You do not need to complete your application all at once. You will be able to use your username and password to log in to your application at different times and enter more information each time you log in. You will not be able to add any further information to your application when you have completed and sent it. You can apply to a maximum of 5 institutions (maximum 4 for medicine and veterinary studies, the other 2 choices could be made out of other courses within the scheme to cover the overall maximum of 6 institutions) on a single online application each year. UCAS sends a copy of the form to each institution listed by you.
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Personal statement This is the place where you should try, in your own words, to persuade admissions tutors that your application is the best! Try to make the presentation clear and easy to read, using paragraphs or sub-headings. Your personal statement should probably include the following details: - Why you want to study that particular subject - What qualities and experience you can bring to it - Details of any work experience or voluntary activity - Your career aspiration - Your knowledge of the English language (any opportunities you have had to use English)
Application timetable 15 October 2011 (for entry in 2012) Applications for Oxford and Cambridge and applications for courses in medicine, dentistry, veterinary science/medicine 15 January 2012 (for entry in 2012) All other applications except those with a 15 October deadline and art and design courses with a 24 March deadline. 12
24 March 2012 Deadline for receipt at UCAS of all apllications, for all art and design courses, except those listed with a 15 January deadline. 30 June 2012 (for entry in 2012) Ultimate deadline for applications
United Kingdom & Ireland
Documents You should send certificates and documents translated in English. After you have applied - Offers and acceptances Information about what to expect after making your application, how to interpret offers, when to reply to them with your decisions, will be sent to you by UCAS at the appropriate time. 1. confirmation: you first receive a confirmation of your application and your application number which you will need to access “Track “ . This allows you to check the progress of your application, respond to offers and amend your personal details. 2. unconditional offer (U): each institution considers the application independently and sends its decision to you via UCAS. If you have already taken your school-leaving exams, you may receive an "unconditional offer. 3. conditional offer (C): usually you will receive conditional offers, specifying that you must obtain certain grades in the exams you will be taking.
5. interviews: if you are invited to go for an interview on a day that is not convenient, let the university or college know straight away and ask for a different date. Please try to give advance notice of the dates when you are not available because of exams or other commitments. 6. acceptance: once you have received replies from all of your chosen institutions, UCAS will write to you and ask which one you wish to accept. a) you can accept one offer as your firm acceptance (UF) choice if the offer was unconditional; b) if the offer was conditional, your firm acceptance will be “CF” c.) in that case, you can accept a second offer as your insurance acceptance (CI choice), but you must decline any others. When the exam results come out and you have qualified for your first choice university or college, you will be accepted. If not, hopefully your Insurance choice of place will be suitable. If you have not obtained high enough grades for either, you will be told about the Clearing procedure.
4. rejection (R): a rejection means that you have not got the requirements for the course, or that the other applicants were better. 13
United Kingdom & Ireland
When to reply? Use Track to reply to your offers. If you do not reply by the date shown on your Replying to Offers letter, your offers will be withdrawn. The date on the letter is your individual reply date so it may be different from other people's reply dates. Use Extra to apply to additional universities and colleges that have vacancies.
Admission to postgraduate courses Applications must usually be sent directly to the institutions. Entrance requirements are based on the programme you want to study. It also requires a proficiency in English (usually an IELTS grade 6, a TOEFL score of 550, or equivalent). You will need to contact your chosen university for specific requirements.
Clearing !!! If you have not managed to secure a place at a university or a college for the current year, the “Clearing system” can be of some help!
New: UKPASS is an online service for all those wanting to apply for postgraduate study in the UK and for universities and colleges that offer postgraduate opportunities. UKPASS embraces both taught courses and research programmes. UKPASS (UK Postgraduate Application and Statistical Service) is owned and run by UCAS. Further information: www.ukpass.ac.uk
You are eligible for Clearing if: • you have not withdrawn from the UCAS scheme • you hold no offers • your offers have not been confirmed because you have not met the conditions (such as not achieving the required grades) • you declined your offers • you have applied after 30 June If you are eligible, UCAS will automatically send you a Clearing Entry Form (CEF) and instruction leaflet.
Tuition fees Tuition fees in England, Wales and Northern Ireland Universities and colleges in England will charge up to £ 9000 tuition fees for home students and students from the EU. This will start from 2012 - 2013. In Scotland no fees for undergraduate studies will be charged.
Lists of courses with vacancies will be published from the middle of August until late September on this site: www.ucas.ac.uk
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Tuition fees in Scotland If you are a Scottish or an EU student from outside the UK you won’t have to pay tuition fees. The Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) will pay the full amount on your behalf. You must still submit an application form to SAAS to have your fees paid (www.saas.gov.uk) The Graduate Endowment Abolition Bill (Scotland) restores free education which means that all current and future students will not have to pay the Graduate Endowment.
ACADEMIC YEAR Semester 1: September to January Semester 2: January to June Assessment Continuous assessment based on coursework, projects, seminar participation, ongoing exams, etc. is mostly applied. Plus, usually, a final dissertation and final exams. Examinations are not necessarily held annually. Many universities have only two major examinations for the BA or BSc: - one at the end of the first year and the "final" 16
examination. However the intervals between examinations and the methods by which students are examined may vary from one university to another!
DISTANCE LEARNING The majority of UK universities have degree programmes that can be studied outside of the UK. University of London External Programme offers over 100 degrees and diplomas that can be studied by distance learning. The Open University allows students to study at home a vast range of subjects. There are a wide range of UK MBAs available by distance learning, e-learning or through part-time study. The association of MBAs website may provide you with useful information. Further Informations: www.educationuk.org www.londonexternal.ac.uk www.mba.org.uk www.mba.org.uk www.open.ac.uk ¸www.csl.lu (Luxembourg office)
United Kingdom & Ireland
LIVING CONDITIONS FOR ENTRY IN THE UK Nationals of an EU country, Liechtenstein, Norway, Iceland and Switzerland are free to travel to the UK without a visa to study or work.
COSTS OF LIVING
Further information: www.educationuk.org
Apart from the fees for your course itself, you should allow for a nine-month academic year (on average):
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
£6,650 if you will be living in London (or £730 per month) £5,250 if you will be living elsewhere in the UK (or £585 per month). Deposit on rented accommodation: £250–£400 (one month’s rent) Heat and light (if charged separately): £20–£40 per month, depending on the season Food (if not included in accommodation): £30–£40 per week Television licence: £121 per year per household Restaurant meal: £5 per head minimum; £15 per head average (drinks extra) Cinema/Theatre ticket: £4–£10 Sports: £2.50-5
There are only a limited number of scholarships available for undergraduate studies. Most of them are linked to a specific university. For further information: www.scholarship-search.org.uk Some scholarships (Chevening scholarships) are available through the British Council; they are especially meant for students of upper grades at university. Further information: Ministère de l'Enseignement supérieur et de la Recherche in Luxembourg (Tel.: 247 85 13 5). Financial assistance from the Luxembourg Government is granted through the CEDIES www.cedies.lu
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Application deadlines: from 1th August till 31th October
STUDENT HOUSING When you accept a study place, you should receive a package of information which will include accommodation information. Complete the accommodation application form and return it by the date stated. Even if residential accommodation is not available, there will be an accommodation advisory office which can help you find private accommodation. University halls and houses Most universities provide places for first-year students in their halls of residence. Each University Accommodation or Housing Office has literature describing the facilities in detail as well as excellent websites. Many universities provide flexible eating arrangements : wholly catered, self-catering and pay-as-you-eat facilities. A room in a self-catering (shared kitchen where you can prepare your own meals) hall of residence or student apartment costs from £180 to £360 per month. For accommodation with meals included you can expect to pay from £320 to £400 per month. www.unite-students.com 18
Private sector accommodation If you choose to rent accommodation in the private sector, the options are private hostels, lodgings, bed-sits or shared flats/houses. A lodging is where you rent a room in a private house. Your landlord/landlady would live in the same house, possibly with their family, and would prepare your meals for you. For hostel accommodation and lodgings where meals are included, you can expect to pay £300 to £400 per month. For a bed-sit or a room in a house or flat shared with other students, you would pay from £200 to £380 per month. Further information: www.educationuk.org, www.accommodationforstudents.com www.unite-students.com
SOCIAL SECURITY As an international student, you may be entitled to free or subsidised treatment underthe UK's National Health Service (NHS). If you are studying on a full-time course in Scotland, you will receive this benefit regardless of the length of your course. Elsewhere in the UK, you will receive this benefit if your course lasts more than six months or if you are a national or resident of an EEA country.
United Kingdom & Ireland
To receive any kind of treatment through the National Health Service (NHS), you must be registered with a doctor or General Practitioner (GP) Once you've registered with a doctor, register with a local dentist as soon as possible! Further information National Health Service: www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk National Bureau for Students with Disabilities: www.skill.org.uk
WORKING AND STUDYING Overseas students can work up to 20 hours a week during the academic year and full time in the vacations without the need for a work permit.
USEFUL LINKS AND ADDRESSES www.educationuk.org Unofficial rankings - The Times newspaper http://www.timesonline.co.uk “The Times good university guide”; ISBN 0-00-720303-9 (available at “Cedies”) - The Guardian newspaper www.guardian.co.uk/education
External reviews The QAA or Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, www.qaa.ac.uk The Research Assessment Exercise (RAE), www.rae.ac.uk 19
Universities and Colleges A University of Aberdeen www.abdn.ac.uk University of Abertay Dundee www.abertay.ac.uk The University of Wales, Aberystwyth www.aber.ac.uk Anglia Ruskin University www.anglia.ac.uk Aston University, Birmingham www.aston.ac.uk B University of Wales, Bangor www.bangor.ac.uk University of Bath www.bath.ac.uk Bath Spa University www.bathspa.ac.uk University of Birmingham www.birmingham.ac.uk 20
The University of Bolton www.bolton.ac.uk Bournemouth University www.bornemouth.ac.uk University of Bradford www.brad.ac.uk University of Brighton www.brighton.ac.uk Brighton and Sussex Medical School www.bsms.ac.uk University of Bristol www.bris.ac.uk University of the West of England, Bristol www.uwe.ac.uk Brunel University, Uxbridge www.brunel.ac.uk The University of Buckingham www.buck.ac.uk Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College www.bcuc.ac.uk
C University of Cambridge www.cam.ac.uk Canterbury Christ Church University www.canterbury.ac.uk Cardiff University www.cardiff.ac.uk University of Wales Institute, Cardiff www3.uwic.ac.uk/English/Pages/ home2.aspx University of Central England in Birmingham www.uce.ac.uk University of Central Lancashire, Preston www.uclan.ac.uk University of Chester www.chesteralumni.com University of Chichester www.ucc.ac.uk City University, London www.city.ac.uk
United Kingdom & Ireland
Coventry University www.coventry.ac.uk
University of Exeter www.ex.ac.uk
D De Montfort University, Leicester www.dmu.ac.uk
G University of Glamorgan, Pontypridd www.glam.ac.uk/
University of Derby www.derby.ac.uk
University of Glasgow www.gla.ac.uk/
University of Dundee www dundee.ac.uk
Glasgow Caledonian University *****www.calledonian.ac.uk
University of Durham www.dur.ac.uk
University of Gloucestershire, Cheltenham www.glos.ac.uk
E University of East Anglia, Norwich www.uea.ac.uk University of East London www.uel.ac.uk The University of Edinburgh www.ed.ac.uk University of Essex, Colchester www.essex.ac.uk
Goldsmiths College (University of London) www.gold.ac.uk University of Greenwich, London www.gre.ac.uk H Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh www.hw.ac.uk University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield www.herts.ac.uk
The University of Huddersfield www.hud.ac.uk The University of Hull www.hull.ac.uk K Keele University www.keele.ac.uk University of Kent at Canterbury www.ukc.ac.uk King's College London (University of London) www.kcl.ac.uk/ Kingston University, Surrey www.kingston.ac.uk L Lancaster University www.lancs.ac.uk University of Leeds www.leeds.ac.uk Leeds Metropolitan University www.lmu.ac.uk 21
University of Leicester www.le.ac.uk University of Lincoln http://www.lincoln.ac.uk The University of Liverpool www.liv.ac.uk Liverpool Hope University www.hope.ac.uk Liverpool John Moores University www.lljmu.ac.uk University of London www.lon.ac.uk
Schools and Institute of the University of London: Goldsmiths ’College www.goldmiths.ac.uk Holborn College www.holborncollege.ac.uk Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine www.imperial.ac.uk 24
King ’s College London (KQC) www.kcl..ac.uk London School of Economics and Political Science www.lse.ac.uk Queen Mary College www.qmul.ac.uk Royal Holloway College www.rhul.ac.uk Royal Veterinary College www.rvc.ac.uk
London South Bank University www.lsbu.ac.uk Loughborough University www.lboro.ac.uk M University of Manchester www.manchester.ac.uk The University of Manchester (UMIST) Institute of Science and Technology www.umist.ac.uk
School of Oriental and African Studies www.soas.ac.uk
The Manchester Metropolitan University www.mmu.ac.uk
School of Pharmacy www.ulsop.ac.uk
Middlesex University, London www.mdx.ac.uk
University College London www.ucl.ac.uk
N Napier University, Edinburgh www.napier.ac.uk University of Newcastle upon Tyne www.ncl.ac.uk
London Metropolitan University www.londonmet.ac.uk
United Kingdom & Ireland
University of North London www.unl.ac.uk University of Northumbria at Newcastle www.unn.ac.uk The University of Nottingham www.nottingham.ac.uk The Nottingham Trent University www.ntu.ac.uk O Open University www.open.ac.uk Oxford University www.admissions.ox.ac.uk
Q The Queen ’s University of Belfast www.qub.ac.uk R The University of Reading www.reading.ac.uk The Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen www.rgu.ac.uk Roehampton University www.roehampton.ac.uk Royal Agricultural College www.rac.ac.uk
P University of Plymouth www.plym.ac.uk
Royal Veterinary College (University of London) www.rvc.ac.uk S The University of Salford www.salford.ac.uk
University of Portsmouth www.port.ac.uk
(University of London) www.soas.ac.uk
Oxford Brookes University, Oxford www.brookes.ac.uk
School of Oriental and African Studies
The University of Sheffield www.sheffield.ac.uk Sheffield Hallam University www.shu.ac.uk University of Southampton www.soton.ac.uk University of St.Andrews www.st-andrews.ac.uk Staffordshire University www.staffs.ac.uk University of Stirling www.stir.ac.uk University of Strathclyde, Glasgow www.strath.ac.uk University of Sunderland www.sunderland.ac.uk University of Surrey www.surrey.ac.uk University of Sussex, Brighton www.sussex.ac.uk 25
T University of Teesside, Middlesborough www.tees.ac.uk
University College of Wales, College of Medicine, Cardiff www.uwcm.ac.uk
Thames Valley University, London www.tvu.ac.uk
The North East Wales Institute of Higher Education, Wreham Institute of Health Care Studies University Hospital of Wales University of Wales Institute, Cardiff, www.uwic.ac.uk
U University of Ulster www.ulster.ac.uk
Cleveland College of Art and Design www.ukadia.ac.uk Courtauld Institute of Art (University of London) www.courtauld.ac.uk
University of Warwick, Coventry www.csv.warwick.ac.uk
University College for the Creative Arts at Canterbury, Epsom, Farnham, Maidstone, Rochester www.ucreative.ac.uk
Constituent college: The University of Wales, Aberystwyth www.aber.ac.uk
University of Westminster,London www.wmin.ac.uk University of Wolverhampton www.ulv.ac.uk
Cumbria Institute of the Arts www.cumbria.ac.uk Dartington College of Arts www.dartington.ac.uk
University College of Wales,Bangor www.bangor.ac.uk
The University of York www.york.ac.uk
Edinburgh College of Art www.eca.ac.uk
University of Wales, Swansea www.swan.ac.uk
Art
The Glasgow School of Art http://www.gsa.ac.uk
W University of Wales www.aber.ac.uk
University of Wales, Lampeter www.lamp.ac.uk 26
The Arts Institute at Bournemouth www.aib.ac.uk
ALRA (The Academy of Live and Recorded Arts) www.alra.co.uk
Gloucestershire College of Arts and Technology www.gloscat.ac.uk
United Kingdom & Ireland
Herefordshire College of Art and Design www.hereford-art-col.ac.uk
Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama www.rwcmd.ac.uk
Kent Institute of Art and Design www.ucreative.ac.uk Leeds College of Art & Design www.leeds-art.ac.uk
The Surrey Institute of Art and Design, University College www.ucreative.ac.uk
Leeds College of Music www.lcm.ac.uk The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts www.lipa.ac.uk University of the Arts London www.linst.ac.uk Manchester College of Arts and Technology www.mancat.ac.uk The Norwich School of Art and Design www.nsad.ac.uk Plymouth College of Art and Design www.pcad.ac.uk Royal Academy of Dance www.rad.org.uk
University of the Arts London www.arts.ac.uk
Interesting web-sites The Aimhigher student portal is a project that has been initiated by the Department forEducation and Skills: www.aimhigher.ac.uk/ www.dfes.gov.uk/ www.educationuk.org The British Council website offers a wide range of information on undergraduate opportunities in the UK: www.britishcouncil.org/ Higher Education and Research Opportunities in the UK (HERO), www.hero.ac.uk
HERO is the official gateway to universities, colleges and research organisations in the UK. Society of Luxembourg Students in Britain (SLSB), www.slsb.lu The SLSB provides general and practical information about studying in the UK. UCAS – the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service www.ucas.ac.uk/apply/index.html The Quality Assurance Agency, www.qaa.ac.uk This agency is the official source for information on how the different universities perform. The Research Assessment Exercise (RAE), http://www.rae.ac.uk The RAE assesses the quality of research in universities and colleges in the UK.
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Bibliography The Times Good University Guide John O’Leavy, 2009 ISBN 978-0-00-727353-9 Progression Series for entry to university and college in 2009 Third edition 2009 ISBN 978-1-84361-090-8 Student’s Money Matters 08/09 14th Edition, Trotman ISBN 978-1-84455-166-8 28
Information Centres Ambassade du Luxembourg à Londres Wilton Crescent, London SWIX 8SD Tél.: 0044 207 2356/Fax 0044 207 2359734 The British Council, Brussels Léopold Plaza 108, rue du Trône B-1050 Bruxelles Tel.: 2/227 08 40/Fax 2/227 08 49 e-mail:enquiries@britishcouncil.be www.britishcouncil.org/brussels.htm
The British Embassy in Luxembourg 5, bd. Joseph II L-1840 Luxembourg Tél.: 22 98 64
United Kingdom & Ireland
CEDIES (Centre de Documentation et d’Information sur l’Enseignement Supérieur) Ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur et de la recherche 209, route d’Esch, L-1471 Luxembourg, www.cedies.lu adresse e-mail: cedies@mesr.etat.lu Informations sur l’Enseignement supérieur Tél.: 247-88 66 4 /88 66 5 /88 66 6 Aide financière de l’Etat pour études supérieures Tél.: 247-88 65 4 /88 65 5 /88 65 6 /88 65 7 /88 65 8
DEFS -Department for Education and Skills Student Support Division 1 Mowden Hall, Staindrop Road Darlington DL3 9BG www.open.gov.uk/dfee/dfeehome.htm UCAS - The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service Rose Hill, New Barn, Cheltenham Gloucestershire GL52 3L2 www.ucas.ac.uk International advisers international_enquiries@ucas.ac.uk
Ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur et de la Recherche, Luxembourg Bourses du British Council 20,montée de la Pétrusse L-2273 Luxembourg Tél.: 247 8513 5
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United Kingdom & Ireland
STUDYING IN IRELAND INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION Higher education in Ireland is broad in scope and encompasses the university sector, the technological sector, the colleges of education and private, independent colleges. The institutions which fall within the first three groupings are autonomous and self governing, but substantially state funded (List of addresses, see appendix). Universities There are seven universities in the Republic of Ireland and two in Northern Ireland (Belfast und Ulster: see chapter on studies in the United Kingdom). Universities offer degrees at Bachelor, Master and Doctorate levels and undergraduate and postgraduate diplomas over a full range of disciplines. In addition research is undertaken in many areas and the universities are also involved in continuing and distance education programmes.
The University of Dublin (Trinity College) is the oldest university in Ireland. The National University of Ireland (NUI), is based on a federal model and has four constituent universities which are the teaching and research organs of the National University. Individually they enjoy a large degree of autonomy. The constituent universities are: University College Dublin (UCD), University College Cork (UCC), National University of Ireland, Galway, National University of Ireland, Maynooth (NUI Maynooth). The University of Limerick (UL)and Dublin City University (DCU) are Ireland's newest Universities.
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Institutes of Technology There are 14 institutes of technology located throughout the Republic. Many also run postgraduate and degree programmes, both taught and by research. Most have schools of Science, Engineering & Technology and Business. In addition some institutes have developed special programmes in areas such as Humanities & Languages, Paramedical Studies and Healthcare, Art & Design and Tourism. Colleges of Education These colleges offer three year full time courses leading to a Bachelor’ Degree of Education which is the recognised qualification for primary school teaching. Proficiency in the Irish language is currently an entry requirement. In order to get information regarding the recognition of overseas qualifications and eligibility to teach in Ireland please contact: Primary Administration Section 1 Department of Education and Science Athlone Co Westmeath Tel: +353-1-902 74 62 1 Fax:+353-1-902 78 02 4
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Independent Colleges The independent institutions provide mainly courses in business and professional educational training. Courses on offer include: Accountancy and Business Studies, Law, Humanities, Hotel and Catering, Tourism Studies and Art. Many of the programmes offered by these colleges are validated by the Higher Education and Training Awards Council (HETAC) and some have links with universities and/or professional associations through which the courses on offered are accredited.
United Kingdom & Ireland
DIPLOMAS The following academic awards can be achieved at Irish third level institutions: - Higher Certificate: 2 year full-time course - Ordinary Bachelor’s Degree: 3 year full time course - Honours Bachelor’s Degree: normally a 3 or 4 year course - Graduate Diploma: designed for graduates seeking a vocational reorientation - usually a 1 year course - Master’s degree: either by research or through a taught programme. Normally one-two year(s) duration - Doctorate (PhD): usually takes a minimum of 3 years of original research
GETTING IN… Entry requirements for undergraduate courses Entry requirements for overseas students are determined individually by each institution and are generally based on national examination performance and English language aptitude.
Language requirements The institutions of higher education usually claim proficiency in English. The proficiency may be attested through tests and examinations like the “Certificate of Advanced English” (CAE), the “International English language testing system” (IELTS) or the “Test of English as a foreign language (TOEFL)”. Further information Institut national des Langues: IELTS-test www.cll.lu/ www.ielts.org International School of Luxembourg: TOEFL-test www.islux.lu www.toefl.org The British Council in Brussels: tests of English www.britishcouncil.org/learning-exams.htm. Further information: Institut national des Langues: IELTS-test (http://www.cll.lu/) www.toefl.org www.ielts.org
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United Kingdom & Ireland
Admission to undergraduate courses Application for most full-time undergraduate courses is made through a Central Applications Office (CAO). The CAO provides an application pack with a handbook which lists all the courses on offer and gives information on how to apply. The CAO may be contacted at : Central Applications Office Tower House Eglington Street Galway Tel:+353 91 50 98 00 Fax: +353 91 56 23 44 Website: www.cao.ie Email: help@cao.ie Online application or paper application. Online application is the advisable method. It enables you to avoid errors which you might make if you were to use a paper application. In addition, the fee for submitting an online application is lower than the fee for a paper application
Application Dates & Fees You should avoid submitting an application close to a Closing Date. The Closing Date cannot be extended. There are different fees for online and paper applications. Paper application fee Normal application Late application
Fee 40€ 60€
Closing date 1 February (5:15 pm) 1 May (5:15 pm)
Online application Normal application Late application
Fee 40€ 80€
Closing date 1 February (5:15 pm) 1 May (5:15 pm)
Change of mind
Nil
1 July (5:15 pm)
Payment with paper application If you are applying from Luxembourg, you must use either : - Bank Draft in Euros or - direct payment in Euros into the CAO bank account: Bank of Ireland, Eyre Square, Galway, Republic of Ireland, CAO No.3 A/C, Sort Code: 90-38-16, A/C No. 13252813 IBAN: IE47 BOFI 903816 13252813 BIC N0 (SWIFT Code): BOF1 1E 2D 35
Attach evidence of such payment to the Application Form! Payment with online application Only applicants who apply online may make payment by credit card (Visa or MasterCard) or by debit card (Laser).
Fees for Master’s programmes can vary depending upon the type of programme. Taught Master’s programmes range from €8,000 to €15,000 (and upwards for some specialised medical programmes).
Admission to postgraduate courses Applications must be sent directly to the institutions. It is recommended to contact them a few months in advance.
ACADEMIC YEAR
Tuition fees If you are planning to study at a publicly funded university / college in the Republic of Ireland you will not be required to pay tuition fees. The Department of Education and Science runs a free fees scheme. To be eligible to receive this award you must satisfy the following criteria: - be a first-time undergraduate - hold E.U. nationality or refugee status - have been ordinarily resident in an E.U. Member State for at least three of the five years preceding the entry to an approved course. Students who are repeating a year at the same level are generally not eligible under the Initiative. Further information: www.education.ie
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The academic year typically runs from September to June and is divided into either two or three semesters with holidays in December (Christmas) and April (Easter). Most universities run a semesterised system and modularisation has been introduced in the majority of colleges to allow greater flexibility for students. Teaching at undergraduate level generally involves a programme of lectures supplemented by tutorials, practical demonstrations and laboratory work (where relevant).
DISTANCE LEARNING This website is the most popular and relevant source for information about Adult Education, IT Training, Distance Learning and Evening Classes in Ireland. The site has consistently recorded high visitor statistics and popular interest. Further information: www.nightcourses.com
United Kingdom & Ireland
LIVING CONDITIONS FOR ENTRY
STUDENT HOUSING
Nationals of an EU country are free to travel to Ireland without a visa to study or work.dix).
All institutions of higher education will have an accommodation officer or advisor who can provide information for you about accommodation on or close to your campus. The following options are generally available: Self catering accommodation includes a large number of options from a room in a shared house to a large private apartment (average monthly charge: 450-800.-€). While self catering accommodation can offer full independence, the prospective student should be aware that there can be significant set-up costs associated with self catering accommodation such as: deposits, connection charges for utilities, bedding and the purchase of household items. Most universities and a number of other colleges offer oncampus accommodation. This can range from a single or shared room in a large apartment to a one-bedroomed apartment. Your institution of choice will be able to provide you with full details of the options on offer (average monthly charge: 480-720.-€). Many international students, particularly in the first year, opt to choose family based accommodation. This means a private room in a family home where two meals (generally breakfast and evening meal), utility costs and laundry services are provided.
COSTS OF LIVING Living expenses will differ depending upon the location of the institution, the type of accommodation preferred and on the personal expenditure of the student. To give some idea of the total cost involved, the following approximate figures - at 2008 rates - are given as a guide to overall expenses for one month. On average, it is estimated that a student will spend between €11,700 and €15,250 per academic year (9 months). Expenses Euros Textbooks 600€ Accomodation 450-720€ Food and Household 70-100€ per week Other living expenses 200-450€ per month (travel, health, insurance, social life, communications…) Further details: The Irish Council for International Students www.icosirl.ie/ and www.educationireland.ie
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United Kingdom & Ireland
Again the institution you are applying to will have lists of experienced families in the area who provide approved accommodation for international students (average monthly charge: 480-600.-â‚Ź). Further information: www.daft.ie Source: www.educationireland.ie
SOCIAL SECURITY A student health service is provided in all institutions of higher education. It is free of charge and completely confidential. It is staffed by doctors, nurses and counsellors who are equipped to deal with various medical problems. However, this service does not provide 24 hour cover. In addition, all third-level institutions have 'International Student Offices' whose staff is equipped to deal with the issues faced by overseas students. The European Health Insurance Card must be obtained in Luxembourg before departure! Thiscard will facilitate access to health care. If you have to pay any costs up front, this Card guarantees reimbursement of health care costs locally or very soon after your return home. Further information: www.hse.ie/en/
WORKING AND STUDYING If you are looking for a job you must apply for a PPS (Personal Public Service) number. Your PPS number is your Personal Public Service number. It is a unique identifier for use in any transactions you may have with public bodies or persons authorised by those bodies to act on their behalf. All employees in Ireland have a PPS number for tax purposes. Applications are made through your local social welfare office. You will need to take the following along with you: - Passport - Proof of address (electricity/gas bill in your name or a bank statement) Further information: www.welfare.ie
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE Financial assistance from the Luxembourg Government is granted through the Cedies. www.cedies.lu Application deadlines: from 1th August till 31th October
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USEFUL LINKS AND ADDRESSES Universities Dublin City University (DCU) http://www.dcu.ie
All Hallows College http://www.allhallows.ie/
HSI Limerick Business School http://www.hsi.ie
Burren College of Art http://www.burrencollege.ie/
Hibernia College http://www.hiberniacollege.net
Carlow College http://www.carlow.edu/
Irish Management Institute http://www.ibat.ie
Dublin Business School http://www.dbs.edu
National College of Ireland http://www.ncirl.ie/
Griffith College Dublin http://www.gcd.ie
Portobello College Dublin http://www.portobello.ie/
University College Cork (UCC) http://www.ucc.ie/international
Griffith College Cork http://www.gcd.ie
Mid West Business Institute http://www.mwbi.ie/
University College Dublin (UCD) http://www.ucd.ie/international The University of Limerick (UL) http://www.ul.ie
Harcourt Business School Dublin http://www.hbsdublin.com/
Tourism College Killybegs http://www.tck.ie/
National University of Ireland,Galway (NUIG) http://www.nuigalway.ie National University of Ireland Maynooth (NUIM) http//www.nuim.ie University of Dublin,Trinity College (TCD) http://www.tcd.ie/ISA
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Colleges
United Kingdom & Ireland
Internet resources
Institutes of technology Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) http://www.dit.ie The DIT is the largest institute of technology in Ireland. As with the universities, it has the statutory authority to award its own degrees at all levels. Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology (IADT) http://www.dit.ie/DIT/Homepage/index.h tml Athlone Institute of Technology (AIT) http://www.ait.ie/ Institute of Technology, Blanchardstown (ITB) http://www.itb.ie/ Institute of Technology, Carlow (ITC) http://www.itcarlow.ie/ Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) http://www.cit.ie/
Dundalk Institute of Technology (DKIT) http://www.dkit.ie/ Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT) http://www.gmit.ie/ Limerick Institute of Technology (LIT) http://www.lit.ie/ Letterkenny Institute of Technology (LYIT) http://www.lyit.ie/ Institute of Technology, Sligo (ITS) http://www.itsligo.ie/
Accommodation: www.educationinireland.ie Admissions: www.cao.ie Cost of living: www.icosirl.ie Distance learning: www.nightcourses.com Health: www.hse.ie Higher Education: www.educationinireland.ie and www.learninginireland.ie Language requirements: www.cll.lu; www.toefl.org; www.ielts.org Tuition fees: www.education.ie
Institute of Technology, Tallaght (IT TAL) http://www.it-tallaght.ie/ Institute of Technology, Tralee (IT TRA) http://www.ittralee.ie/ Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) http://www2.wit.ie/ Tipperary Institute http://www.tippinst.ie/ 41
Information Centres Ambassade du Luxembourg pour la République d’Irlande 27, Wilton Crescent, London SW1X 8SD. Tel: 0044 171 235 6961 Fax: 00 44 171 235 9734 Embassy of Ireland in Luxembourg 28 Route d'Arlon L-1140 Luxembourg Tél/fax: +352-450-6101/458-820 Email: Luxembourg@dfa.ie CEDIES (Centre de Documentation et d’Information sur l’Enseignement Supérieur) Ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur et de la recherche 209, route d’Esch, L-1471 Luxembourg, http://www.cedies.lu adresse e-mail: cedies@mesr.etat.lu - Informations sur l’Enseignement supérieur Tel. : 247-88 664 /88 665 /88 666 42
- Aide financière de l’Etat pour études supérieures Tél. : 247-88 654 /88 655 /88 656 /88 657/88 658 Ministère de l ’Enseignement supérieur et de la Recherche, Luxembourg 20, montée de la Pétrusse L-2273 Luxembourg Tél. : 247 85135
étudier en Suisse& Ireland United Kingdom
Edition 2011/2012 05 04 03 02 01 Cedies www.cedies.lu 209, route d’Esch L-1471 Luxembourg Illustrations: Fotolia.fr Clôture de rédaction: 15 avril 2011. Toute modification postérieure à cette date est annoncée sur le site www.cedies.lu Dans la présente publication le masculin est utilisé dans un souci de lisibilité sans volonté de discrimination. 43
Centre de Documentation et d’Information sur l’Enseignement Supérieur 209, route d’Esch L-1471 Luxembourg - Gasperich Tél.: 247-88650 • Fax: 26 19 01 04 www.cedies.lu e-mail: cedies@mesr.etat.lu
Edition 2011/2012