University of Stirling International Summer School

Nestled 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.

Check out the University of Stirlings Website.

The city of Stirling is located in the heart of central Scotland, just two miles (or 10 minutes by bus) from the University campus.

It has strong historic links with two of Scotland’s most famous historic figures – William Wallace and Robert the Bruce, and boasts the National Wallace Monument and Stirling Castle, an impressive medieval castle, both towering over the city.The city was for many years the historical residence of Scottish kings and queens, and has also played host to the Scottish Parliament.

Stirling has a population of around 40,000 and offers a great mix of small city and rural lifestyle. It is large enough to be able to offer the full city experience of shopping, entertainment, café culture, restaurants, performing arts and nightlife, but still compact enough to retain a warm community feel. In fact most students find Stirling is a home away from home that’s as easy to get around as it is to settle in.

Stirling is also a major tourist destination which attracts visitors from all over the world to view the historic castle, monument, Stirling Bridge and other famous churches and sights. For those keen to explore further afield, big city life is not far away.

Travel less than an hour by train or coach and you will reach two of Europe’s most vibrant cities, Edinburgh and Glasgow. Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is home to the new Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh Castle and two of the world’s largest cultural festivals held in August each year – the Edinburgh International Festival and The Fringe Festival.

An hour west of Edinburgh is the city of Glasgow, the largest city in Scotland and home to some of the most beautiful architecture in Europe. With a vibrant mix of museums and shops, and a lively music and arts scene, Glasgow is a great option for a day or night out.

If you are looking to escape from city life, then on Stirling’s doorstep you can find tranquillity and solitude in Scotland’s unspoiled mountains, lochs and shores or a wide range of outdoor pursuits, such as walking, canoeing, mountain biking and sailing. The Trossachs National Park, gateway to the Highlands, is only 20 minutes west of Stirling and is home to some of the most stunning scenery in Scotland.

(www.stir.ac.uk/iss)

Founded in 1967, the University of Stirling is consistently rated highly for both teaching and research. The most recent UK-wide Research Assessment Exercise (RAE), in 2008, confirmed that Scotland is the leading Scottish research university in a number of areas, including Film & Media, Sport, Education, and Nursing & Midwifery. It is common practice for undergraduate as well as graduate students at Scottish institutions to be taught by professors who are also leading research experts in their field.

ACADEMIC

• Newly refurbished 24-hour computing labs
• State-of-the-art lecture theatres and seminar rooms for interactive teaching
• Large university library with individual, networked study desks

• MacRobert theatre, cinema and café bar
• A shopping area with bank, travel agency, bookstore, pharmacy and small supermarket
• A variety of cafés and restaurants
• Multiple pubs located within short walk of campus

Stirling’s main campus is breathtaking. Beneath the Ochil Hills, the campus has a beautiful loch and the 18th-century Airthrey Castle at its heart. It is also very easy to get around, with all the facilities (housing, teaching buildings, social and sporting centres) no more than a ten-minute walk apart, ensuring that everything you need is close at hand – day or night. Stirling is also recognised as one of the safest campuses in the UK.

source University of Stirling (www.stir.ac.uk/iss)

The programme will be structured in two four week blocks which can be taken independently or consecutively and will include modules/classes in a variety of subjects.

The ISS programme is not simply a means of gaining academic credit, however. The programme has been designed to incorporate a range of social and cultural activities enabling you to get to know other students in the ISS, plus other local and international students at the University, as well as giving you the opportunity to travel and experience more of Scotland.

A key feature of the Stirling ISS is the out-of-class study which will be an integral part of each course module. The content will vary depending on the subject studied but options include visits to the Scottish Parliament, Europe’s largest on-shore wind farm, football stadiums such as Ibrox and Celtic Park, the site of the Battle of Killiecrankie and readings at the MacRobert theatre, cinema and café bar on campus. These field trips are also open to those not signed up for the module (subject to space) and are included in the programme fee. Upon arrival you will be picked up from the designated airports and brought to your on-campus housing.

Your time at Stirling will begin with a Welcome Reception with your fellow students, overlooking the University’s picturesque loch. A full orientation programme will be offered to new students at the start of each block which includes a campus tour, bus tour of Stirling and surrounding area, as well as an IT and library induction. Social activities and social trips are an important part of the programme.

Day trips to St Andrews, Glasgow and Edinburgh are included in your course fee. There may also be the opportunity to visit other Scottish treasures such as Loch Ness, the Highlands and the Isle of Skye at discounted rates. Each block will end with an evening including a ‘ceilidh’, which will allow you to learn (or practise) Scottish country dancing.

Each Stirling module earns 11 Stirling credits, which is equal to 3 US credits:

enabling you to take six US credits (during a four-week block)

or 9 to 12 US credits (during an eight-week block).

CHECK OUT THE ISS PROSPECTUS and the Module (course) Finder

source: University of Stirling (www.stir.ac.uk/iss)

You will be housed alongside other ISS students in shared apartments on campus. Muirhead House’s rooms are all single study bedrooms with up to five individuals sharing kitchen and bathroom facilities.

Your apartment’s kitchen is fully equipped so you can choose to self-cater with friends or easily eat out on campus.

The teaching buildings and social centre (housing the cafés, eateries and bars) are only five minutes’ walk away. Bedding and cooking utensils are provided in all apartments.

Internet access is available free of charge in your room 24 hours a day in the nearby computing labs or via wifi hotspots around the campus.

Accommodation costs are included in the fee. However you will have to pay for your food.

source: University of Stirling (www.stir.ac.uk/iss)