University of Stirling

Nestling where the Scottish highlands and lowlands meet, it is no surprise that Stirling is known as the Heart of Scotland. On your doorstep is the peace and tranquillity of unspoiled mountains, lakes, and shores perfect for outdoor activities such as walking, canoeing, mountain biking, and sailing. As the geographical heart of Scotland, Stirling naturally has superb links to the rest of the country and beyond. The cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow are only 45 minutes away by road or rail. The University of Stirling was named the Scottish University of the Year for 2009-10 by the Sunday Times and is consistently ranked best in the UK for "a good place to be" (International Student Barometer, 2007/2008). The University has high student satisfaction levels and an excellent employability rate for graduates. Stirling has an excellent reputation for research and teaching, a caring, friendly community, and being one of the finest campuses in Europe.

Busy, confident and fun, Stirling’s just like you. It’s one of the UK’s most attractive places to live, capturing the historic and contemporary in a unique atmosphere. Here are some of the key things you’ll probably want to know…

HOW BIG IS STIRLING?
We think it’s the perfect size. The population’s around 40,000 – 20 percent of whom are students. This makes Stirling big enough to offer a full ‘city experience’: shopping, café culture, performing arts and nightlife. Yet it’s still compact enough to retain a warm community feel – and make it easy for you to get around and settle in.

HOW FAR IS IT FROM CAMPUS?
Stirling city centre is just two miles from the campus – less than 10 minutes by bus.

WHAT CAN I DO?
Stirling combines the charm of an historic destination with the buzz of a contemporary city. There’s truly something for everyone, much of it aimed directly at students. You’ll soon learn that Stirling is linked to two of Scotland’s historic heroes: William Wallace and Robert the Bruce. Along with a dramatic medieval castle, these give it a magical aura. Stirling’s history blends perfectly with a thriving modern soul. The city lights up at night, and many pubs, clubs and bars gear themselves towards students, with themed nights and DJs. Traditional pubs provide quieter alternatives, with open fires, real aleand folk music. Closer to campus, Bridge of Allan provides a vibrant mix of old and new, with beer gardens for long summer evenings. Culturally, Stirling Castle is an established concert and arts venue, and is the focal point of the city’s annual Hogmanay (New Year) celebrations. The Tolbooth building isanother busy focus for performing arts and other events.The city’s a major tourist destination, something reflected in the wide choice of cuisine at the numerous restaurants, bistros and cafés. There’s everything from pub grub to fine dining, with Italian, Indian, Chinese, Thai and Mexican all well represented. And you can pop into nearby Bridge of Allan for delis, bakeries and a classic fish ’n’ chip shop.

All this information is available at www.stir.ac.uk

International Student Handbook
International Handbook Visitor Exchange Booklet
Study Abroad Prospectus 2012

 

As a Study Abroad student, you can tailor your learning according to your academic background and experience. Stirling offers a diverse and dynamic range of course modules for you to choose from and everything counts for credit at your existing institution. Above all, we want to create a feeling that your time at Stirling will be one of the most exciting, rewarding, and unique times of your life.

Why Stirling? 10 Reasons.

1. QUALITY OF CHOICE - Around 300 high quality degree combinations to create the course that will suit your strengths and help you achieve your goals.
2. LEADING RESEARCH - Three quarters of Stirling's research was judged as "Internationally Excellent" and "Internationally Recognise" in the most recent Research Assessment Exercise (RAE, 2008), with 10 percent judge to be "World-leading". Many of our academic departments are rated top in Scotland for research so you'll have access to cutting edge developments in your field.
3. EXCELLENT PROSPECTS - 94.6% of our graduates are in employment of further study six months after graduation (Higher Education Statistics Agency, 2009).
4. SUPERB SPORT - We have some of the finest facilities on a single site in the UK. No wonder we've been named Scotland's University for Sporting Excellence.
5. CENTRAL LOCATION - Edinburgh, Glasgow and the Highlands are all on your doorstep - Stirling really is Scotland's heart.
6. STUNNING ENVIRONMENT - "Where else can you study on the shores of a loch, by an 18th-century castle, beneath rolling hills?" (The Guardian University Guide).
7. FRIENDLY ATMOSPHERE - We're medium-sized, based on a campuse, highly residential, with 80 natioanlities represented; there's a great community feel.
8. LATEST TECHNOLOGY - All the bedrooms in our halls are networked and there are wireless hubs throughout the campus - no excuse not to stay in touch!
9. CRACKING NIGHTLIFE - Stirling's a friendly, buzzing and youthful city, with lots to do. One in every five residents is a student.
10. YOU'RE GOING TO LOVE IT - We know you will because a resounding 88% of students were satidfied with their course (National Student Survey, 2009). We have also been voted The Sunday Times Scottish University of the Year (2009/2010).

All students at Stirling take a maximum of three modules (courses) in one semester. When choosing, we recommend you apply for at least three modules per semester, and preferably up to six to give a wide choice of pre-approved modules. You will be asked to narrow this down to three when you accept your place, and you will be registered for those three before you arrive. You can choose from any listed in the course catalogue, so long as you have the necessary academic background listed in the prerequisites. We don't expect you to have taken exactly the same module listed in the prerequisite, but to have a similar level and background from previous study of the subject.

You can find all undergraduate courses offered, listed by academic program, here. Download the undergraduate course catalogue here.

International Student Handbook

2012 Study Abroad Prospectus

Modules shown as Level 8 and Level 9 do not require much, if any, previous study in the subject. Level 10 is more advanced, and always requires previous study in the subject, and equates to US Upper Division programs. When applying, make sure your choice of modules is agreed by your home institution, and that you will gain credit for them. Even though we register you prior to arrival, you may still change modules during the first two weeks of semester, if places are available. Don't panic if you see 22 credits this is equal to 5 credits at UNI.

Also, see University of Stirling's International Summer School.

Application Deadlines:

• Spring 2011: November 1st

Stirling guarantees accommodations for all Study Abroad and exchange students. The campus has a variety of flats and chalets which generally house second, third, and fourth year students. Many of the residences overlook the loch, and all are just a few minutes walk from all main facilities. Housing is provided in Stirling itself if campus housing is full or you prefer to be in the city. Over 300 Study Abroad students are welcomed each year, and with over 11,000 students on campus from over 80 different countries, there are plenty of opportunities for you to make new friends and get involved from day one. Rooms are almost all single occupancy. Overseas students are completely integrated into Stirling life, and your roommates could well come from any corner of the globe--even Scotland!

Take a Tour

Its a great environment: Shared self-catering kitchen facilities create a superb social atmosphere. Almost all rooms are networked, so you can link your PC to our high-speed network giving you free Internet access, 24 hours a day, every day. Most areas of the campus are suitable for wheelchairs, and some of our housing has specially adapted facilities. Exchange students are recommended to apply to A.K  Davidson, H.H Donnelly and Union Street (off campus), Alexander Court.

SUSA - Stirling University Student Association - www.stirlingstudentsunion.com

The University of Stirling is a UNI Exchange for the first student applicant. UNI students pay UNI tuition and fees, (in-state or out-of-state), plus the study abroad fee to participate ($360 per semester or $480 per year). Expenses not included in the tuition fee include airfare ($1200), housing ($2800), meals ($1400), personal expenses ($1800), and others listed on the budget sheet available in the Study Abroad Center.

See the Univerisity Living Costs page.

Participants in this program may use their UNI financial aid to help pay for the program. Scholarships are available through the Study Abroad Center.