Studying in the United Kingdom and Ireland

UNITED KINGDOM& IRELAND

studying in the…

étudier en Suisse

Studying in Ireland

Institutions of higher educationDiplomasGetting in…Academic yearDistance learning

Living

Conditions for entry in IrelandCosts of livingStudent housingSocial securityWorking and studyingFinancial assistance

Useful links and addresses

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Studying in the United Kingdom

Institutions of higher educationDiplomasGetting in…Academic yearDistance learning

Living

Conditions for entry in the UKCosts of livingFinancial assistanceStudent housingSocial securityWorking and studying

Useful links and addresses

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United Kingdom & Ireland

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STUDYING IN THE UNITED KINGDOMINSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION

The UK has two distinct education systems: one for England,Wales and Northern Ireland, and one for Scotland. Each is com-patible with the other.

UniversitiesThe British universities are diverse, ranging in size, mission,subject mix and history. They are self-governing and independentand have their own degree-awarding powers. They also decideabout the conditions of entry for the students.

CollegesHigher education colleges also vary in size, mission, subject mixand history. Like universities, they are self-governing and inde-pendent. Some award their own degrees and other qualifications;in other colleges, qualifications are validated by a university or na-tional accrediting body.

Many colleges cover a wide range of subjects, while some specia-lise in one or two areas, such as art and design, dance and drama,agriculture, or nursing.

Types of coursesYou do not necessarily have to specialize in one subject. Bystudying a combination of subjects, you can develop a range ofskills across arts, languages and sciences.

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 sub-jects and build your course with approval of your tutor.

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Combined coursesIf you have a strong interest in more than one subject, you may easily find courses that combine the two. Be aware that therewill be a heavy workload! These degree programs are different from modular schemes. BA or BSc combined studies degree pro-grams generally allow you to select courses of a year's duration from a more limited set than is available in a modular scheme.

Types of degree courses

Honours degrees

Joint Honours degree

Combined Honours degree

Ordinary / General degree

Sandwich course

Foundation degree

Typical content Usual length

One subject studied in depthUsually three years but can be four, especially inScotland. Architecture, medicine, dentistry and ve-terinary sciences degrees are five to seven years.

Two subjects studied in less depth Three to four years (more often four in Scotland)

Two or more subjects studied in less depth Three to four years (more often four in Scotland)

One or more subjects studied at less advanced level Three years

Course including up to one year of integrated work experience

Four to five years

Employment related higher qualification (subjects such as e-systems; design and technology)

Two years (option to progress to an honours degreeafter a further fifteen months of study)

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DIPLOMAS

Undergraduate qualifications

Undergraduate refers to the first stage of study at a college of hi-gher education or a university in the UK.

Bachelor’s degreesThe Bachelor’s degrees are the most popular undergraduate qua-lifications. They are often referred to as "first" degrees. The firstaward in some disciplines can also be a Master's degree (MEng,MSci, MPhys, MChem).At Oxford, Cambridge and the ancient Scottish universities, thefirst degree in arts is a Master of Arts (MA).

Title of degreeThe title of a degree does not necessarily reflect the field or fa-culty in which you have studied. For example, at several universi-ties, the Bachelor of Arts is awarded to students in almost alldisciplines - 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 studiesMost first degrees take 3 or 4 years to complete, though someprofessional courses, such as architecture, dentistry, medicine andveterinary science, can take between 5 and 7 years.

Sandwich coursesThese involve full-time study combined with periods of work ex-perience from 6 months to one full year.

Part-time coursesMany institutions allow students to take a degree on a part-timebasis over 5 or more years.


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Higher National Certificate/Diploma: HNC/HNDThe HND is equivalent to two years of undergraduate study andin many cases can be used to progress into the third year of a de-gree. Holders of the HNC may progress into the second year of adegree (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 degreesFoundation degrees are employment related higher educationqualifications designed to prepare students for work in particularsectors of business or industry. They are likely to include work pla-cements as academic study.

Length of studies: two years full-time or part-time over a longerperiod.

After completion students can progress to an honours degreewith a further 12-15 months of study.

Foundation coursesAlso known as access or bridging courses, they bridge the gap bet-ween the qualifications you have and those you need to enteronto an undergraduate degree course in the UK. Some founda-tion programmes are specially designed for international students,and usually include English language tuition. These programmesare usually one academic year long.

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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 awardavailable. 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.,

MBABusiness studies are increasingly popular with students from allcountries and the MBA (Master of Business Administration) isthe most popular business qualification. MBA programmes aredesigned to develop management skills, knowledge, the ability toanalyse complex problems and the ability to make strategicdecisions. There are literally hundreds of MBA programmestailored to careers like agribusiness, banking and finance,construction, health care, hospitality,, transport and technology.Many have links to relevant industries to ensure their directrelevance to the working world.

Many postgraduate courses-particularly MBAs where peopletend to need to continue working-are now offered via distancelearning. This allows you to study from home with coursematerials provided by the institution. These can be paper-based,on CD-Rom or accessible via Internet.

Entrance requirements for the MBABritish or recognised overseas undergraduate degree or aprofessional qualification plus a good GMAT score plus Englishlanguage proficiency (e.g. IELTS band six or above)

Further information: www.educationuk.org/


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GETTING IN…

Entry requirements for undergraduate courses

To be considered for a place on a degree course, you must usuallybe holder of a secondary school-leaving diploma: diplôme de find'études secondaires / secondaires techniques, equivalent toGCE A-level.

In the UK, unlike many other countries, possessing recognizedqualifications does not automatically guarantee admission. Inother words, marks are not the only important factor in anapplication process. On the application form there is a spacewhere you are required to write about your reasons for choosingthat 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 aswell as the information regarding the school or university markswill form your profile .

Language requirements

The institutions of higher education usually claim proficiency inEnglish. The proficiency may be attested through tests andexaminations 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 informationInstitut national des Langues: IELTS-testwww.cll.luwww.ielts.orgInternational School of Luxembourg: TOEFL-test www.islux.luwww.toefl.orgKey jobwww.keyjob.luThe British Council in Brussels: tests of Englishwww.britishcouncil.org/learning-exams.htm


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Application through UCASAdmission to undergraduate courses

UCASIn the UK all applications to universities for full-time courses aremade through UCAS-the Universities and Colleges AdmissionsService. It is not possible any longer to make your UCASapplication on a paper form.Further information: www.ucas.ac.uk/apply/index.html

If you are a pupil at a “Lycée” or “Lycée technique” inLuxembourg, your school (SPOS) will help you with yourapplication !

How to apply?You need to select the 2012 entry Student login link on the applyweb page. A log in page will be displayed on which you will needto click “Register”.During registration, you will need to enter some personal detailsand indicate if you are applying as an individual or if you areapplying through your school.If you are applying through your school, you will need to obtaina buzzword (a word or phrase that is supplied to you by yourschool). But you can also apply as an individual; you will thenreceive a password from UCAS.

You do not need to complete your application all at once. Youwill be able to use your username and password to log in to yourapplication at different times and enter more information eachtime you log in. You will not be able to add any furtherinformation to your application when you have completed andsent it.

You can apply to a maximum of 5 institutions (maximum 4 formedicine and veterinary studies, the other 2 choices could bemade out of other courses within the scheme to cover theoverall maximum of 6 institutions) on a single online applicationeach year. UCAS sends a copy of the form to each institutionlisted by you.

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Personal statement

This is the place where you should try, in your own words, topersuade admissions tutors that your application is the best! Tryto make the presentation clear and easy to read, usingparagraphs or sub-headings.

Your personal statement should probably include the followingdetails:- 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 forcourses in medicine, dentistry, veterinary science/medicine

15 January 2012 (for entry in 2012)All other applications except those with a 15 October deadlineand art and design courses with a 24 March deadline.

24 March 2012Deadline for receipt at UCAS of all apllications, for all art anddesign courses, except those listed with a 15 January deadline.

30 June 2012 (for entry in 2012)Ultimate deadline for applications

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DocumentsYou should send certificates and documents translated inEnglish.

After you have applied - Offers and acceptancesInformation about what to expect after making yourapplication, how to interpret offers, when to reply to them withyour decisions, will be sent to you by UCAS at the appropriatetime.1. confirmation: you first receive a confirmation of yourapplication and your application number which you will need toaccess “Track “ . This allows you to check the progress of yourapplication, respond to offers and amend your personal details.

2. unconditional offer (U): each institution considers theapplication independently and sends its decision to you viaUCAS. If you have already taken your school-leaving exams, youmay receive an "unconditional offer.

3. conditional offer (C): usually you will receive conditionaloffers, specifying that you must obtain certain grades in theexams you will be taking.

4. rejection (R): a rejection means that you have not got therequirements for the course, or that the other applicants werebetter.

5. interviews: if you are invited to go for an interview on a daythat is not convenient, let the university or college know straightaway and ask for a different date. Please try to give advancenotice of the dates when you are not available because of examsor other commitments.

6. acceptance: once you have received replies from all of yourchosen institutions, UCAS will write to you and ask which oneyou wish to accept.

a) you can accept one offer as your firm acceptance (UF) choiceif 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 insuranceacceptance (CI choice), but you must decline any others.When the exam results come out and you have qualified for yourfirst 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 willbe told about the Clearing procedure.

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When to reply?Use Track to reply to your offers. If you do not reply by the dateshown on your Replying to Offers letter, your offers will bewithdrawn. The date on the letter is your individual reply date soit may be different from other people's reply dates. Use Extra toapply to additional universities and colleges that have vacancies.

Clearing !!!If you have not managed to secure a place at a university or acollege for the current year, the “Clearing system” can be ofsome help!

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 metthe 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 ClearingEntry Form (CEF) and instruction leaflet.

Lists of courses with vacancies will be published from the middleof August until late September on this site: www.ucas.ac.uk

Admission to postgraduate coursesApplications must usually be sent directly to the institutions.Entrance requirements are based on the programme you wantto study. It also requires a proficiency in English (usually an IELTSgrade 6, a TOEFL score of 550, or equivalent). You will need tocontact your chosen university for specific requirements.

New: UKPASS is an online service for all those wanting to apply forpostgraduate study in the UK and for universities and collegesthat offer postgraduate opportunities. UKPASS embraces bothtaught courses and research programmes. UKPASS (UKPostgraduate Application and Statistical Service) is owned andrun by UCAS.Further information: www.ukpass.ac.uk

Tuition feesTuition fees in England, Wales and Northern IrelandUniversities and colleges in England will charge up to £ 9000tuition fees for home students and students from the EU. Thiswill start from 2012 - 2013. In Scotland no fees for under-graduate studies will be charged.

Tuition fees in ScotlandIf you are a Scottish or an EU student from outside the UK youwon’t have to pay tuition fees. The Student Awards Agency forScotland (SAAS) will pay the full amount on your behalf. Youmust still submit an application form to SAAS to have your feespaid (www.saas.gov.uk)

The Graduate Endowment Abolition Bill (Scotland) restores freeeducation which means that all current and future students willnot have to pay the Graduate Endowment.

ACADEMIC YEAR

Semester 1: September to JanuarySemester 2: January to June

AssessmentContinuous assessment based on coursework, projects, seminarparticipation, ongoing exams, etc. is mostly applied. Plus, usually,a final dissertation and final exams.Examinations are not necessarily held annually. Manyuniversities have only two major examinations for the BA or BSc:- one at the end of the first year and the "final"

examination. However the intervals between examinations andthe methods by which students are examined may vary fromone university to another!

DISTANCE LEARNING

The majority of UK universities have degree programmes thatcan be studied outside of the UK. University of London ExternalProgramme offers over 100 degrees and diplomas that can bestudied by distance learning. The Open University allowsstudents to study at home a vast range of subjects. There are a wide range of UK MBAs available by distancelearning, e-learning or through part-time study. The associationof MBAs website may provide you with useful information. Further Informations:www.educationuk.orgwww.londonexternal.ac.ukwww.mba.org.ukwww.mba.org.ukwww.open.ac.uk ¸www.csl.lu(Luxembourg office)

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Further information: www.educationuk.org

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

There are only a limited number of scholarships available forundergraduate studies. Most of them are linked to a specificuniversity.For further information: www.scholarship-search.org.ukSome scholarships (Chevening scholarships) are availablethrough the British Council; they are especially meant forstudents of upper grades at university.Further information: Ministère de l'Enseignement supérieur etde la Recherche in Luxembourg (Tel.: 247 85 13 5).

Financial assistance from the Luxembourg Government isgranted through the CEDIES www.cedies.lu

LIVINGCONDITIONS FOR ENTRY IN THE UK

Nationals of an EU country, Liechtenstein, Norway, Iceland andSwitzerland are free to travel to the UK without a visa to study orwork.

COSTS OF LIVING

Apart from the fees for your course itself, you should allow for anine-month academic year (on average):

£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, depen-ding on the seasonFood (if not included in accommodation): £30–£40 per weekTelevision licence: £121 per year per householdRestaurant meal: £5 per head minimum; £15 per head average(drinks extra)Cinema/Theatre ticket: £4–£10Sports: £2.50-5

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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 ofinformation which will include accommodation information.Complete the accommodation application form and return it bythe date stated. Even if residential accommodation is notavailable, there will be an accommodation advisory office whichcan help you find private accommodation.

University halls and housesMost universities provide places for first-year students in theirhalls of residence. Each University Accommodation or HousingOffice has literature describing the facilities in detail as well asexcellent websites. Many universities provide flexible eatingarrangements : wholly catered, self-catering and pay-as-you-eatfacilities.A room in a self-catering (shared kitchen where you can prepareyour own meals) hall of residence or student apartment costsfrom £180 to £360 per month.For accommodation with meals included you can expect to payfrom £320 to £400 per month.www.unite-students.com

Private sector accommodationIf you choose to rent accommodation in the private sector, theoptions are private hostels, lodgings, bed-sits or sharedflats/houses. A lodging is where you rent a room in a privatehouse. 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 areincluded, you can expect to pay £300 to £400 per month. For abed-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.comwww.unite-students.com

SOCIAL SECURITY

As an international student, you may be entitled to free orsubsidised treatment underthe UK's National Health Service(NHS). If you are studying on a full-time course in Scotland, youwill receive this benefit regardless of the length of your course.Elsewhere in the UK, you will receive this benefit if your courselasts more than six months or if you are a national or resident ofan EEA country.

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To receive any kind of treatment through the National HealthService (NHS), you must be registered with a doctor or GeneralPractitioner (GP) Once you've registered with a doctor, registerwith a local dentist as soon as possible!Further informationNational Health Service: www.nhsdirect.nhs.ukNational Bureau for Students with Disabilities: www.skill.org.uk

WORKING AND STUDYING

Overseas students can work up to 20 hours a week during theacademic year and full time inthe vacations without the need for a work permit.

USEFUL LINKS AND ADDRESSESwww.educationuk.org

Unofficial rankings- The Times newspaperhttp://www.timesonline.co.uk“The Times good university guide”;ISBN 0-00-720303-9 (available at “Cedies”)- The Guardian newspaperwww.guardian.co.uk/education


External reviewsThe QAA or Quality Assurance Agency forHigher Education, www.qaa.ac.ukThe Research Assessment Exercise (RAE),www.rae.ac.uk

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Universities and CollegesAUniversity of Aberdeenwww.abdn.ac.uk

University of Abertay Dundeewww.abertay.ac.uk

The University of Wales, Aberystwythwww.aber.ac.uk

Anglia Ruskin Universitywww.anglia.ac.uk

Aston University, Birminghamwww.aston.ac.uk

BUniversity of Wales, Bangorwww.bangor.ac.uk

University of Bathwww.bath.ac.uk

Bath Spa Universitywww.bathspa.ac.uk

University of Birminghamwww.birmingham.ac.uk

The University of Boltonwww.bolton.ac.uk

Bournemouth Universitywww.bornemouth.ac.uk

University of Bradfordwww.brad.ac.uk

University of Brightonwww.brighton.ac.uk

Brighton and Sussex Medical Schoolwww.bsms.ac.uk

University of Bristolwww.bris.ac.uk

University of the West of England, Bristolwww.uwe.ac.uk

Brunel University, Uxbridgewww.brunel.ac.uk

The University of Buckinghamwww.buck.ac.uk

Buckinghamshire Chilterns UniversityCollegewww.bcuc.ac.uk

C University of Cambridgewww.cam.ac.uk

Canterbury Christ Church Universitywww.canterbury.ac.uk

Cardiff Universitywww.cardiff.ac.uk

University of Wales Institute, Cardiffwww3.uwic.ac.uk/English/Pages/home2.aspx

University of Central England inBirminghamwww.uce.ac.uk

University of Central Lancashire, Prestonwww.uclan.ac.uk

University of Chesterwww.chesteralumni.com

University of Chichesterwww.ucc.ac.uk

City University, Londonwww.city.ac.uk

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Coventry Universitywww.coventry.ac.uk

DDe Montfort University, Leicesterwww.dmu.ac.uk

University of Derbywww.derby.ac.uk

University of Dundeewww dundee.ac.uk

University of Durhamwww.dur.ac.uk

E University of East Anglia, Norwichwww.uea.ac.uk

University of East Londonwww.uel.ac.uk

The University of Edinburghwww.ed.ac.uk

University of Essex, Colchesterwww.essex.ac.uk

University of Exeterwww.ex.ac.uk

GUniversity of Glamorgan, Pontypriddwww.glam.ac.uk/

University of Glasgowwww.gla.ac.uk/

Glasgow Caledonian University*****www.calledonian.ac.uk

University of Gloucestershire,Cheltenhamwww.glos.ac.uk

Goldsmiths College (University of London)www.gold.ac.uk

University of Greenwich, Londonwww.gre.ac.uk

HHeriot-Watt University, Edinburghwww.hw.ac.uk

University of Hertfordshire, Hatfieldwww.herts.ac.uk

The University of Huddersfieldwww.hud.ac.ukThe University of Hullwww.hull.ac.uk

K Keele Universitywww.keele.ac.uk

University of Kent at Canterburywww.ukc.ac.uk

King's College London (University ofLondon)www.kcl.ac.uk/

Kingston University, Surreywww.kingston.ac.uk

LLancaster Universitywww.lancs.ac.uk

University of Leedswww.leeds.ac.uk

Leeds Metropolitan Universitywww.lmu.ac.uk

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University of Leicesterwww.le.ac.uk

University of Lincolnhttp://www.lincoln.ac.uk

The University of Liverpoolwww.liv.ac.uk

Liverpool Hope Universitywww.hope.ac.uk

Liverpool John Moores Universitywww.lljmu.ac.uk

University of Londonwww.lon.ac.uk

Schools and Institute of theUniversity of London:Goldsmiths ’Collegewww.goldmiths.ac.uk

Holborn Collegewww.holborncollege.ac.uk

Imperial College of Science, Technologyand Medicinewww.imperial.ac.uk

King ’s College London (KQC)www.kcl..ac.ukLondon School of Economics andPoliticalSciencewww.lse.ac.uk

Queen Mary Collegewww.qmul.ac.uk

Royal Holloway Collegewww.rhul.ac.uk

Royal Veterinary Collegewww.rvc.ac.uk

School of Oriental and African Studieswww.soas.ac.uk

School of Pharmacywww.ulsop.ac.uk

University College Londonwww.ucl.ac.uk

London Metropolitan Universitywww.londonmet.ac.uk

London South Bank Universitywww.lsbu.ac.uk

Loughborough Universitywww.lboro.ac.uk

MUniversity of Manchesterwww.manchester.ac.uk

The University of Manchester (UMIST)Institute of Science and Technologywww.umist.ac.uk

The Manchester MetropolitanUniversitywww.mmu.ac.uk

Middlesex University, Londonwww.mdx.ac.uk

NNapier University, Edinburghwww.napier.ac.ukUniversity of Newcastle upon Tynewww.ncl.ac.uk

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University of North Londonwww.unl.ac.uk

University of Northumbria at Newcastlewww.unn.ac.uk

The University of Nottinghamwww.nottingham.ac.uk

The Nottingham Trent Universitywww.ntu.ac.uk

OOpen Universitywww.open.ac.uk

Oxford Universitywww.admissions.ox.ac.uk

Oxford Brookes University, Oxfordwww.brookes.ac.uk

PUniversity of Plymouthwww.plym.ac.uk

University of Portsmouthwww.port.ac.uk

QThe Queen ’s University of Belfastwww.qub.ac.uk

RThe University of Readingwww.reading.ac.uk

The Robert Gordon University,Aberdeenwww.rgu.ac.uk

Roehampton Universitywww.roehampton.ac.uk

Royal Agricultural Collegewww.rac.ac.uk

Royal Veterinary College (University of London)www.rvc.ac.ukSThe University of Salfordwww.salford.ac.uk

School of Oriental and African Studies(University of London) www.soas.ac.uk

The University of Sheffieldwww.sheffield.ac.uk

Sheffield Hallam Universitywww.shu.ac.uk

University of Southamptonwww.soton.ac.uk

University of St.Andrewswww.st-andrews.ac.uk

Staffordshire Universitywww.staffs.ac.uk

University of Stirlingwww.stir.ac.uk

University of Strathclyde, Glasgowwww.strath.ac.uk

University of Sunderlandwww.sunderland.ac.uk

University of Surreywww.surrey.ac.uk

University of Sussex, Brightonwww.sussex.ac.uk

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TUniversity of Teesside, Middlesboroughwww.tees.ac.uk

Thames Valley University, Londonwww.tvu.ac.uk

UUniversity of Ulsterwww.ulster.ac.uk

WUniversity of Waleswww.aber.ac.uk

Constituent college:The University of Wales, Aberystwythwww.aber.ac.uk

University College of Wales,Bangorwww.bangor.ac.uk

University of Wales, Swanseawww.swan.ac.uk

University of Wales, Lampeterwww.lamp.ac.uk

University College of Wales,College of Medicine, Cardiffwww.uwcm.ac.uk

The North East Wales Institute of HigherEducation, Wreham Institute of Health Care StudiesUniversity Hospital of WalesUniversity of Wales Institute, Cardiff,www.uwic.ac.uk

University of Warwick, Coventrywww.csv.warwick.ac.uk

University of Westminster,Londonwww.wmin.ac.ukUniversity of Wolverhamptonwww.ulv.ac.uk

The University of Yorkwww.york.ac.uk

ArtALRA (The Academy of Live andRecorded Arts)www.alra.co.uk

The Arts Institute at Bournemouthwww.aib.ac.uk

Cleveland College of Art and Designwww.ukadia.ac.uk

Courtauld Institute of Art(University of London)www.courtauld.ac.uk

University College for the Creative Artsat Canterbury, Epsom, Farnham,Maidstone, Rochesterwww.ucreative.ac.uk

Cumbria Institute of the Artswww.cumbria.ac.ukDartington College of Artswww.dartington.ac.uk

Edinburgh College of Artwww.eca.ac.uk

The Glasgow School of Arthttp://www.gsa.ac.uk

Gloucestershire College of Arts andTechnologywww.gloscat.ac.uk

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Herefordshire College of Art and Designwww.hereford-art-col.ac.uk

Kent Institute of Art and Designwww.ucreative.ac.ukLeeds College of Art & Designwww.leeds-art.ac.uk

Leeds College of Musicwww.lcm.ac.uk

The Liverpool Institute for Performing Artswww.lipa.ac.uk

University of the Arts Londonwww.linst.ac.uk

Manchester College of Arts andTechnologywww.mancat.ac.uk

The Norwich School of Art and Designwww.nsad.ac.uk

Plymouth College of Art and Designwww.pcad.ac.uk

Royal Academy of Dancewww.rad.org.uk

Royal Welsh College of Music and Dramawww.rwcmd.ac.uk

The Surrey Institute of Art and Design,University Collegewww.ucreative.ac.uk

University of the Arts Londonwww.arts.ac.uk

Interesting web-sitesThe Aimhigher student portal is a projectthat has been initiated by the DepartmentforEducation and Skills:www.aimhigher.ac.uk/www.dfes.gov.uk/www.educationuk.org

The British Council website offers a widerange of information on undergraduateopportunities in the UK:www.britishcouncil.org/

Higher Education and ResearchOpportunities in the UK (HERO),www.hero.ac.uk

HERO is the official gateway touniversities, colleges and researchorganisations in the UK.

Society of Luxembourg Students inBritain (SLSB), www.slsb.luThe SLSB provides general and practicalinformation about studying in the UK.

UCAS – the Universities and CollegesAdmissions Servicewww.ucas.ac.uk/apply/index.html

The Quality Assurance Agency,www.qaa.ac.ukThis agency is the official source forinformation on how the differentuniversities perform.

The Research Assessment Exercise(RAE), http://www.rae.ac.ukThe RAE assesses the quality of research inuniversities and colleges in the UK.

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BibliographyThe Times Good University GuideJohn O’Leavy, 2009ISBN 978-0-00-727353-9

Progression Series for entry to universityand collegein 2009Third edition 2009ISBN 978-1-84361-090-8

Student’s Money Matters 08/0914th Edition, TrotmanISBN 978-1-84455-166-8

Information Centres

Ambassade du Luxembourg à LondresWilton Crescent, London SWIX 8SDTél.: 0044 207 2356/Fax 0044 207 2359734

The British Council, BrusselsLéopold Plaza108, rue du TrôneB-1050 BruxellesTel.: 2/227 08 40/Fax 2/227 08 49e-mail:[email protected]/brussels.htm

The British Embassy in Luxembourg5, bd. Joseph IIL-1840 LuxembourgTél.: 22 98 64

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CEDIES (Centre de Documentation et d’Information sur l’EnseignementSupérieur)Ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur etde la recherche209, route d’Esch, L-1471 Luxembourg,www.cedies.luadresse e-mail: [email protected] sur l’Enseignement supérieurTél.: 247-88 66 4 /88 66 5 /88 66 6Aide financière de l’Etat pour étudessupérieuresTél.: 247-88 65 4 /88 65 5 /88 65 6 /88 65 7/88 65 8

Ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur etde la Recherche, LuxembourgBourses du British Council20,montée de la PétrusseL-2273 LuxembourgTél.: 247 8513 5

DEFS -Department for Education andSkills Student Support Division 1Mowden Hall, Staindrop RoadDarlington DL3 9BGwww.open.gov.uk/dfee/dfeehome.htm

UCAS - The Universities and CollegesAdmissions ServiceRose Hill, New Barn, CheltenhamGloucestershire GL52 3L2www.ucas.ac.uk

International [email protected]


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STUDYING IN IRELANDINSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION

Higher education in Ireland is broad in scope and encompassesthe university sector, the technological sector, the colleges ofeducation and private, independent colleges. The institutionswhich fall within the first three groupings are autonomous andself governing,but substantially state funded (List of addresses, see appendix).

UniversitiesThere are seven universities in the Republic of Ireland and two inNorthern Ireland (Belfast und Ulster: see chapter on studies inthe United Kingdom).

Universities offer degrees at Bachelor, Master and Doctoratelevels and undergraduate and postgraduate diplomas over a fullrange of disciplines. In addition research is undertakenin many areas and the universities are also involved in continuingand distance education programmes.

The University of Dublin (Trinity College) is the oldest universityin Ireland.

The National University of Ireland (NUI), is based on a federalmodel and has four constituent universities which are theteaching and research organs of the National University.Individually they enjoy a large degree of autonomy. Theconstituent universities are: University College Dublin (UCD),University College Cork (UCC), National University of Ireland,Galway, National University of Ireland, Maynooth (NUIMaynooth).

The University of Limerick (UL)and Dublin City University(DCU) are Ireland's newest Universities.

Institutes of TechnologyThere are 14 institutes of technology located throughout theRepublic.

Many also run postgraduate and degree programmes, bothtaught and by research.

Most have schools of Science, Engineering & Technology andBusiness. In addition some institutes have developed specialprogrammes in areas such as Humanities & Languages,Paramedical Studies and Healthcare, Art & Design and Tourism.

Colleges of EducationThese colleges offer three year full time courses leading to aBachelor’ Degree of Education which is the recognisedqualification for primary school teaching. Proficiency in the Irishlanguage is currently an entry requirement. In order to getinformation regarding the recognition of overseas qualificationsand eligibility to teach in Ireland please contact:

Primary Administration Section 1Department of Education and Science Athlone Co WestmeathTel: +353-1-902 74 62 1Fax:+353-1-902 78 02 4

Independent CollegesThe independent institutions provide mainly courses in businessand professional educational training. Courses on offer include:Accountancy and Business Studies, Law, Humanities, Hotel andCatering, Tourism Studies and Art. Many of the programmesoffered by these colleges are validated by the Higher Educationand Training Awards Council (HETAC) and some have links withuniversities and/or professional associations through which thecourses on offered are accredited.

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DIPLOMAS

The following academic awards can be achieved at Irish thirdlevel 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 coursesEntry requirements for overseas students are determinedindividually by each institution and are generally based onnational examination performance and English languageaptitude.

Language requirementsThe institutions of higher education usually claim proficiency inEnglish. The proficiency may be attested through tests andexaminations 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 informationInstitut national des Langues: IELTS-testwww.cll.lu/www.ielts.orgInternational School of Luxembourg: TOEFL-test www.islux.luwww.toefl.orgThe British Council in Brussels: tests of Englishwww.britishcouncil.org/learning-exams.htm.

Further information:Institut national des Langues: IELTS-test (http://www.cll.lu/)www.toefl.orgwww.ielts.org


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Admission to undergraduate coursesApplication for most full-time undergraduate courses is madethrough a Central Applications Office (CAO). The CAO providesan application pack with a handbook which lists all the courseson offer and gives information on how to apply.

The CAO may be contacted at :Central Applications Office Tower HouseEglington Street GalwayTel:+353 91 50 98 00Fax: +353 91 56 23 44Website: www.cao.ieEmail: [email protected]

Online application or paper application. Online application isthe advisable method. It enables you to avoid errors which youmight make if you were to use a paper application.In addition, the fee for submitting an online application is lowerthan the fee for a paper application

Payment with paper applicationIf 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. 13252813IBAN: IE47 BOFI 903816 13252813BIC N0 (SWIFT Code): BOF1 1E 2D

Application Dates & Fees

You should avoid submitting an application close to aClosing Date. The Closing Date cannot be extended.There are different fees for online and paper applications.

Paper application fee Fee Closing dateNormal application 40€ 1 February (5:15 pm)Late application 60€ 1 May (5:15 pm)

Online application Fee Closing date Normal application 40€ 1 February (5:15 pm)Late application 80€ 1 May (5:15 pm)

Change of mind Nil 1 July (5:15 pm)

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Attach evidence of such payment to the Application Form!Payment with online application Only applicants who apply online may make payment by creditcard (Visa or MasterCard) or by debit card (Laser).

Admission to postgraduate coursesApplications must be sent directly to the institutions. It is re-commended to contact them a few months in advance.

Tuition feesIf you are planning to study at a publicly funded university / col-lege in the Republic of Ireland you will not be required to pay tui-tion fees. The Department of Education and Science runs a freefees scheme. To be eligible to receive this award you must satisfythe 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 leastthree of the five years preceding the entry to an approved course.Students who are repeating a year at the same level are generallynot eligible under the Initiative.Further information: www.education.ie

Fees for Master’s programmes can vary depending upon the typeof programme. Taught Master’s programmes range from €8,000to €15,000 (and upwards for some specialised medical pro-grammes).

ACADEMIC YEAR

The academic year typically runs from September to June and isdivided into either two or three semesters with holidays in De-cember (Christmas) and April (Easter).Most universities run a semesterised system and modularisationhas been introduced in the majority of colleges to allow greaterflexibility for students. Teaching at undergraduate level generallyinvolves a programme of lectures supplemented by tutorials, prac-tical demonstrations and laboratory work (where relevant).

DISTANCE LEARNING

This website is the most popular and relevant source for infor-mation about Adult Education, IT Training, Distance Learning andEvening Classes in Ireland. The site has consistently recorded highvisitor statistics and popular interest. Further information:www.nightcourses.com


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LIVINGCONDITIONS FOR ENTRY

Nationals of an EU country are free to travel to Ireland without avisa to study or work.dix).

COSTS OF LIVING

Living expenses will differ depending upon the location of theinstitution, the type of accommodation preferred and on thepersonal expenditure of the student. To give some idea of thetotal cost involved, the following approximate figures - at 2008rates - are given as a guide to overall expenses for one month. Onaverage, it is estimated that a student will spend between€11,700 and €15,250 per academic year (9 months).

Expenses EurosTextbooks 600€Accomodation 450-720€Food and Household 70-100€ per weekOther living expenses 200-450€ per month(travel, health, insurance, social life, communications…)

Further details: The Irish Council for International Studentswww.icosirl.ie/ and www.educationireland.ie

STUDENT HOUSING

All institutions of higher education will have an accommodationofficer or advisor who can provide information for you aboutaccommodation on or close to your campus. The followingoptions are generally available:Self catering accommodation includes a large number ofoptions from a room in a shared house to a large privateapartment (average monthly charge: 450-800.-€). While selfcatering accommodation can offer full independence, theprospective student should be aware that there can besignificant set-up costs associated with self cateringaccommodation such as: deposits, connection charges forutilities, bedding and the purchase of household items.Most universities and a number of other colleges offer on-campus accommodation. This can range from a single or sharedroom in a large apartment to a one-bedroomed apartment. Yourinstitution of choice will be able to provide you with full detailsof the options on offer (average monthly charge: 480-720.-€).Many international students, particularly in the first year, opt tochoose family based accommodation. This means a privateroom in a family home where two meals (generally breakfast andevening meal), utility costs and laundry services are provided.

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Again the institution you are applying to will have lists ofexperienced families in the area who provide approvedaccommodation for international students (average monthlycharge: 480-600.-€).

Further information: www.daft.ie

Source: www.educationireland.ie

SOCIAL SECURITY

A student health service is provided in all institutions of highereducation. It is free of charge and completely confidential. It isstaffed by doctors, nurses and counsellors who are equipped todeal with various medical problems. However, this service doesnot provide 24 hour cover.In addition, all third-level institutions have 'International StudentOffices' whose staff is equipped to deal with the issues faced byoverseas students.The European Health Insurance Card must be obtained inLuxembourg before departure! Thiscard will facilitate access tohealth care. If you have to pay any costs up front, this Cardguarantees reimbursement of health care costs locally or verysoon 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 (PersonalPublic Service) number.Your PPS number is your Personal Public Service number. It is aunique identifier for use in any transactions you may have withpublic bodies or persons authorised by those bodies to act ontheir behalf. All employees in Ireland have a PPS number for taxpurposes. Applications are made through your local socialwelfare office. You will need to take the following along with you:- Passport- Proof of address (electricity/gas bill in your name or a bankstatement)Further information: www.welfare.ie

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Financial assistance from the Luxembourg Government isgranted through the Cedies.www.cedies.luApplication deadlines:from 1th August till 31th October

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HSI Limerick Business Schoolhttp://www.hsi.ie

Hibernia Collegehttp://www.hiberniacollege.net

Irish Management Institutehttp://www.ibat.ie

National College of Irelandhttp://www.ncirl.ie/

Portobello College Dublinhttp://www.portobello.ie/

Mid West Business Institutehttp://www.mwbi.ie/

Tourism College Killybegshttp://www.tck.ie/

USEFUL LINKS ANDADDRESSES

UniversitiesDublin City University (DCU)http://www.dcu.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

University College Cork (UCC)http://www.ucc.ie/international

University College Dublin (UCD)http://www.ucd.ie/internationalThe University of Limerick (UL)http://www.ul.ie

CollegesAll Hallows Collegehttp://www.allhallows.ie/

Burren College of Arthttp://www.burrencollege.ie/

Carlow Collegehttp://www.carlow.edu/

Dublin Business Schoolhttp://www.dbs.edu

Griffith College Dublinhttp://www.gcd.ie

Griffith College Corkhttp://www.gcd.ie

Harcourt Business School Dublinhttp://www.hbsdublin.com/

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Institutes of technologyDublin Institute of Technology (DIT)http://www.dit.ieThe DIT is the largest institute oftechnology in Ireland. As with theuniversities, it has the statutory authorityto award its own degrees at all levels.

Dun Laoghaire Institute of Art, DesignandTechnology (IADT)http://www.dit.ie/DIT/Homepage/index.html

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/

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 Institutehttp://www.tippinst.ie/

Internet resourcesAccommodation:www.educationinireland.ieAdmissions: www.cao.ieCost of living: www.icosirl.ieDistance learning: www.nightcourses.comHealth: www.hse.ie Higher Education:www.educationinireland.ie andwww.learninginireland.ie Language requirements: www.cll.lu;www.toefl.org; www.ielts.org Tuition fees: www.education.ie

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Information CentresAmbassade du Luxembourg pour laRépublique d’Irlande27, Wilton Crescent,London SW1X 8SD.Tel: 0044 171 235 6961Fax: 00 44 171 235 9734Embassy of Ireland in Luxembourg28 Route d'ArlonL-1140 LuxembourgTél/fax: +352-450-6101/458-820Email: [email protected]

CEDIES (Centre de Documentation etd’Information sur l’EnseignementSupérieur)Ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur etde la recherche209, route d’Esch, L-1471 Luxembourg,http://www.cedies.luadresse e-mail: [email protected] Informations sur l’EnseignementsupérieurTel. : 247-88 664 /88 665 /88 666

- Aide financière de l’Etat pour étudessupérieuresTél. : 247-88 654 /88 655 /88 656 /88657/88 658

Ministère de l ’Enseignement supérieuret de la Recherche, Luxembourg20, montée de la PétrusseL-2273 LuxembourgTél. : 247 85135

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étudier en Suisse

Edition 2011/201205 04 03 02 01

Cedieswww.cedies.lu209, route d’EschL-1471 Luxembourg

Illustrations: Fotolia.fr

Clôture de rédaction: 15 avril 2011.Toute modification postérieure à cette date estannoncée sur le site www.cedies.lu

Dans la présente publication le masculin est utilisé dans un souci de lisibilité sans volonté de discrimination.


Centre de Documentation et d’Information sur l’Enseignement Supérieur209, route d’EschL-1471 Luxembourg - GasperichTél.: 247-88650 • Fax: 26 19 01 04www.cedies.lue-mail: [email protected]

Edition 2011/2012