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International Study Centre

About the University

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Learning Resources and IT

Studying at the ISC, and eventually your degree, may be different to how you've studied before. You need to manage your own time, do your own research, use libraries and computers in new ways. Not only does the University provide excellent facilities for all these, you'll be helped to adapt and make the most of them.

Making the most of Information ServicesInternational student in University of Stirling's library

When you arrive at Stirling, you'll automatically be enrolled on an induction event for the library and computing services. This covers the basics, and will get you started. Additional training opportunities cover various IT applications and are designed to provide you with self-help skills.

The University Library

The main library is in the Andrew Miller Building in the centre of campus:

  • Open up to 76 hours a week, including weekends
  • Houses around 500,000 books and over 9,000 current journals
  • Around 800 study areas, including open desks and individual study areas
  • Four computing labs, where a variety of IT resources can be accessed
  • Information Centre staff to help you make the best use of services.

A refurbishment programme is currently underway at the library, due for completion in 2010, to further improve facilities.

IT facilities at the University of Stirling

IT Services

  • You can use the numerous computing laboratories on campus, many of which are open 24 hours a day
  • You'll get your own email account
  • You'll get a file storage area on the University network
  • You can get help from the Information Centre in the library
  • You can bring your own PC or laptop. There are many points where you can connect to the University network and internet, including most of the rooms in the halls of residence
  • There are also wireless networks on campus

Learning Strategies

The International Study Centre provides Study Skills tuition as an integral part of its courses, to help you prepare for your chosen degree programme.

Once on your degree programme, there is continued help in studying efficiently and effectively to make the most of your time. The University offers accredited 'Learning Strategies' modules covering topics such as time management, critical thinking, assignment planning, academic writing, referencing and exam techniques.

IT skills

Basic computer skills are vital to your progress at university, and later in employment. You may already have these, but if not, we can help. We offer two modules comprising a series of practical workshops covering essential skills:

  • Core skills including use of Microsoft software packages, email and the web. You might think you have these already, but we can help you become a more expert user
  • Building on your skills to cover more advanced topics such as web design and organising data

IT training by Information Services

Information Services offers an extensive programme of IT application and information handling courses. These are advertised each semester and are aimed at assisting students to develop the skills required to underpin their academic studies.

Data skills

We offer modules designed to build your confidence in handling numbers and formulae. These cover:

  • Making use of statistics
  • Using statistics in solving practical problems
  • Key mathematical skills
  • Introduction to calculus
  • Employability and Personal Development Planning

Employability Skills

We can help you explore your career plans, develop your employability skills throughout your time as an undergraduate, and plan for life after graduation. We offer modules in career planning, and there are opportunities to gain accreditation through our work experience modules. You can also take part in seminars, or discuss your ideas with a Career Development Adviser on a one-to-one basis.

Personal Development Planning

Developed to help students define and explore their goals, and map out ways to turn them into reality. Personal Development Planning enables students to think about and reflect on the skills they are developing throughout their time as an undergraduate in order to open up opportunities in the future. All students have access to their own Personal Development Record through the student portal.