UNIVERSITY OF STIRLING
 


 


The University

Location: Stirling, Scotland
Campus setting: Suburban
Campus Size: 9,000 students
Academic Calendar:
Sem. one: mid-Sept to mid-Dec
Sem. two: mid-Feb to June
Application deadlines:
Fall: May 15
Spring: September 15

Lying on the outskirts of the Scottish city of Stirling, an attractive, ancient town that has played a pivotal role in Scotland's history, the University of Stirling's location and history provide some clue as to what makes it different from other British universities. The University is a modern campus built on the 360 acre estate of the 18th century Airthrey Castle and has been described as "one of the most beautiful in Europe." The campus is surrounded by the Ochil Hills and boasts a large man-made loch (lake) in the center as well as the original landowner's castle. Founded in 1967, Stirling is one of the more modern universities in Scotland and this is apparent when you see the fantastic facilities and grounds. Approximately 9,000 students from 70 different countries call the University home.

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Academic Programs

The University of Stirling blends the best of Scotland's internationally respected educational heritage with the philosophy and structures of the American liberal arts system. Bachelor degrees range from 3-4 years and many taught master's degrees can be completed in one year. Similar to a North American university, Stirling operates on a semester system and it allows students to take subjects outside of their major area (most British universities do not). Academically, Stirling has been ranked among the top British universities for teaching and career placement so you can be sure that your education will be challenging and practical. Should you need academic support while you are at Stirling, you will be pleased to know that there are academic advisors and tutors who can guide you and there are even special services for learning disabled students. You will be able to choose among degrees in the following faculties (academic departments): Arts, Human Sciences, Management and Natural Sciences.

Scroll down to the Subject and Degree Areas for an explanation of the programs offered at Stirling.

For information about admissions requirements at the University of Stirling please see the Undergraduate Admissions and Graduate Admissions pages.


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Subject and Degree areas

The following links will take you to the university Web site where you can find more specific information about the types of degrees available.

Undergraduate: http://www.external.stir.ac.uk/undergrad/index.php
Graduate: http://www.external.stir.ac.uk/postgrad/index.php
(These pages will open in a new window).

Links to Stirling's different academic departments can be found here:
http://www.external.stir.ac.uk/departments/academic/index.php
(This page will open in a new window)

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Tuition

The Center for International Studies does not charge for its services in preparing you for studying for a full degree at one of our partner institutions, therefore you will be responsible for paying only the direct fees charged by the university you attend. Unlike U.S. institutions, overseas universities charge different fees for different programs. An example would be that if you are interested in a program in the Humanities you would probably pay less than in the Sciences where lab expenses would be included.

Tuition amounts vary considerably but a range for an undergraduate degree may be between $US10,000 - $US12,00 for non laboratory-based programs and $US15,000 to $US18,000 for laboratory-based programs. Graduate fees can range from $US11,500 - $US17,000 per year (many take only one year). When you request information on a particular university a fee schedule will be provided by CIS. In addition to the tuition fees, you will want to be prepared for the other costs associated with traveling abroad such as travel expenses, meals (if you are not on a meal plan), local transportation, spending money, etc. If you wish to inquire about specific tuition fees for a program you can go to:

Undergraduate: http://www.external.stir.ac.uk/undergrad/financial_info/scottish/tuition_fees.php

Graduate: http://www.external.stir.ac.uk/postgrad/financial_info/tuition_fees/index.php
(These pages will open in a new window).

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Studying in Stirling

The city of Stirling is in the center of Scotland - 30 miles from Glasgow and 40 miles from Edinburgh - an easy train ride from either of Scotland's two largest cities. Known as the Gateway to the Highlands, Stirling, an ancient fortress city with a long and colorful history, sits just south of the Scottish Highlands. William Wallace (a.k.a., Braveheart), Scotland's National Hero, made his famous stand in Stirling when he defeated the English at the Battle of Stirling Bridge. Over the years, Stirling's location gave it a central role in the history of Scotland and for many centuries, Stirling Castle was the royal residence of kings and queens (and it is still in existence today).

Modern day Stirling still has an old world charm with many of the original buildings from centuries still standing, but it is now a manufacturing, administrative, shopping and tourist center which offers easy access to the Highlands. With a population of 35,000 Stirling offers all you would want in a city - theatre, pubs, restaurants, clubs - in a small, safe environment and it is easily accessible from the campus by regular bus service. Should one want to get away on the weekend, there is hourly train service to Edinburgh (45 minutes one way) and Glasgow (30 minutes one way) and from either major city you can find inexpensive flights to other European destinations.



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Student Life

Due to the fact than more than a quarter of Stirling's students live on-campus, the University offers a vibrant campus life. There are clubs and societies for just about every interest ranging from photography and orchestra to politics and culture. SUSA, the Stirling University Students' Association, runs a range of bars and venues on campus (there are six bars and a nightclub on campus) and is responsible for programming entertainment throughout the semester. If you enjoy the outdoors, the campus itself is a wildlife preserve where ducks, rabbits, squirrels, and deer abound. Also, the Ochil Hills that surround the campus are filled with hiking trails for the outdoor enthusiast. Sports fans will be pleased to note that Stirling offers more than 30 club and University-sponsored sports and that the campus is the home to the Scottish Institute of Sport.

To support you during your time on campus you will find that the University has facilities that rival any campus, any where and they include the following: University Library, MacRobert Arts Centre (with a theatre and cinema), Robbins Student Center, computer center (with internet access), a mini shopping mall (with a bank, post office, travel agent, drug store and supermarket), extensive indoor and outdoor sports facilities (gym, 50 meter indoor pool, 9 hole golf course), and various cafes and restaurants.

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Accommodation

The University of Stirling has accommodation space for more than 25% of its entire student body - a rarity among British universities. Most of the accommodation overlooks the University's own loch and is only a short walk from all of the other buildings on campus. Other university housing, particularly for graduate students, is located within the city itself and is a short bus ride away from the campus. The types of accommodation that are offered include residence halls and student flats (apartments). While there are a number of university-sponsored options, students can also elect to live off-campus and there is a service on campus to assist you in finding appropriate housing.

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Useful links

Take a Tour of the University of Stirling! new!

Click here for useful degree abroad links.

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