Latest news
Read the latest news stories from the International Study Centre at the University of Stirling:
- First Stirling Pre-Masters Students to Graduate from the University of Stirling
- MSc Media Management Open to ISC Pre-Masters Students
- NCC Education Competition Winner arrives at Stirling ISC
- Sir Alex Ferguson made a Doctor of the University of Stirling
- Stirling ISC staff and students cycle to Edinburgh for Buiding Futures Charity
- ISC Teacher receives Excellence in Teaching Award
- Stirling University Business Club
- Festival Fever!
- New library project
First Stirling Pre-Masters Students to graduate from University of Stirling
Wednesday 14th December 2011: Congratulations to our first Stirling ISC Pre-Masters students who attended their University of Stirling Masters graduation ceremony on the 25th November 2011 at the Albert Halls, in Stirling. We were delighted to see Leo wearing a Scottish kilt to mark the occasion! University of Stirling graduates were capped by Chancellor Dr James Naughtie and were played out of the Albert Halls by the music of traditional Scottish bagpipes.
We are proud to note that every student that joined the Pre-Masters Programme in 2009-10 and progressed to the University of Stirling went on to pass their Masters Programme, which is an excellent success rate. To read more about the Pre-Masters programme at the University of Stirling International Study Centre, click here.
Pictured left to right: Jiawei Yan (Shana), Jiaman Li (Abbey), Li Li (Leo), Hung Ju Lin
MSc Media Management open to ISC Pre-Masters students
Thursday 10th November 2011: Stirling ISC is proud to be adding the MSc in Media Management to its growing list of degree choices for students studying the Pre-Masters Programme.
This is an exciting opportunity for our students as the MSc Media Management programme is renowned in the UK for the success of the course. The 2011 National Student Survey ranked Media Studies at the University of Stirling joint first in the UK. The University of Stirling has also been ranked 1st in Scotland and top ten in the UK for Media and Communications in the Guardian University Guide 2011, 1st in Scotland in the most recent Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) and 1st in Scotland in the Complete University Guide 2011.
Head of the ISC, Dr David Silbergh, stated: "We are delighted to be able to offer progression from Pre-Masters on to the MSc Media Management, our newest pathway to the School of Arts and Humanities joining MLitt Publishing Studies and MSc International Publishing Management . We have long offered articulation to undergraduate degrees in film, media and journalism, and the addition of the MSc can only strengthen the Stirling ISC profile."
Dr Matthew Hibberd, Senior Lecturer at the University of Stirling talks about the course's international reputation: "In the last 18 years we have educated students from around the world in a variety of Media Management disciplines, we are the top school for Media in Scotland, and the programme is run by many academics with international reputations in their fields."
Previous students from the MSc Media Management have gone on to senior management positions at MTV and UK's Channel 4, others have also gone on to become Directors and CEOs of media companies across the world.
More information:
NCC Education Competition Winner arrives at Stirling ISC
Friday 28th October 2011: We’re delighted to welcome competition winner Joyce Wong (pictured here with Head of Centre David Silbergh) to the University of Stirling International Study Centre this week.
Joyce won the competition run jointly by Stirling ISC and feeder partner NCC Education in August by being judged to have the best answer to the question ‘Name your favourite Hong Kong product and why it would be successful in the UK’. She arrived on Sunday evening from Hong Kong, and has been spending a week getting a taster of ISC and University life by attending Pre-Master’s classes and staying in accommodation on campus.
This is Joyce’s first visit to the UK and she is leaving us on Saturday to go on holiday with friends to London and Paris.
Sir Alex Ferguson made a Doctor of the University of Stirling
The Manchester United Manager has this week received a doctorate in recognition of his outstanding contribution to sport.
Sir Alex, who recently won yet another Premiership title with his club, said: “I appreciate what Stirling University has done for me today, as do all my family. It is a great honour.”
The University of Stirling is Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence. Facilities on it’s beautiful parkland campus include a 50m swimming pool, home to the National Swimming Academy, a Fitness Centre, athletics track, grass and artificial floodlit pitches and much more.
Students at the University of Stirling International Study Centre can take advantage of these outstanding facilities as well as those throughout the campus, including the new Library which was recently redeveloped and provides an excellent resource. Students can study the Pre-Masters at the ISC leading to an MSc in Sports Management at the University of Stirling.
See the University of Stirling news page for more information on the honorary degree for Sir Alex Ferguson.
Stirling ISC staff and students cycle to Edinburgh for Buiding Futures Charity
Fourteen staff and students took part in the Building Futures Cycle Challenge from the University of Stirling ISC to Heriot Watt ISC on Tuesday 31 May, a distance of 41 miles. The challenge was part of a national event organised by Study Group with cycle routes between International Study Centres all over the UK. The event was organised to raise money for Building Futures, a charity dedicated to supporting communitites in developing regions through building schools and the provision of educational materials and resources.
The Stirling cycle team was lead by an advance party of five including Stirling ISC staff, Study Group head office staff and Pre-Master's student, David Huang.The advance party covered thirteen mils to Camelon Railway Station where they were met by the remaining staff and students.
Scottish Spring Water supplier, Highland Spring, generously sponsored the event and provided the team with bottles of water to keep them quenched along the way. With the Support of British Waterways, the group cycled the remaining 28 miles to Heriot Watt's campus on the outskirts of Edinburgh.
On arrival at Heriot Watt late in the afternoon a veritable feast had been provided by Heriot Watt ISC. The weather was kind on the day and despite a few people feeling saddle-sore, all the riders made it the full distance.
The following day (Wednesday 1 June) saw static bike rides take place at both Stirling and Heriot Watt ISCs.
ISC Teacher receives Excellence in Teaching Award
The University of Stiriling held an awards ceremony in May to award the top teachers in the University as voted for by the student. Among the teachers awarded was ISC Biology teacher, Dr Tim Whalley, who received the award for Excellence in Teaching in the School of Natural Sciences.
Dr Whalley has a degree in Biochemistry and a PhD in Cellular Physiology from University College London and has been teaching at Stirling for over 10 years.
The Recognising Achievement in Teaching Excellence awards is the first student-led teaching awards held at Stirling. In total 618 student nominations were received for 414 members of academic staff.
University of Stirling Business Club preparing graduates for success
Why do Stirling graduates achieve one of the highest graduate employment rates in the UK - 93% employed in graduate jobs (or continuing graduate study) 6 months after graduation?
Perhaps some of Stirling's student success can be attributed to the Stirling University Business Club: http://www.su-bc.org/index.html
Stirling University Business Club is run by students, for students, and any University of Stirling student can become a member. The club to provides:
- Better understand new economic and business trends
- Improve management skills
- Improve public speaking and presentation skills
- Leadership training
- Progress in academic achievement
- Improve CV to make it more attractive for future employers
They recently held an Entrepreneurship day (in association with The Scottish Institute for Enterprise - SIE) to encourage student entrepreneurs to learn about:
- The various stages of starting a business
- How to develop a business plan
- Legal requirements
- Accountancy rules
- How to develop a business identity
- How to take advantage of the business incubator provided by the Scottish Institute of Enterprise
Festival Fever
Every August the Scottish capital is taken over by artists and performers from around the globe for the Edinburgh festival season.
What is often referred to as the ‘Edinburgh Festival’ actually consists of several events taking place around the city. The Edinburgh Arts Festival turns the city in to a living art gallery, The Edinburgh International Festival is a celebration of arts, music and culture from around the world and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is a spectacular military show set against the backdrop of Edinburgh castle.
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe was established in the 1940s as an alternative to the International Festival and is now the world’s largest arts festival. The Fringe includes performances of theatre, comedy, dance and music throughout the month of August. See the video below for a taster of what can you can expect to see around the city this month:
The University of Stirling is only 37 miles from the vibrant city of Edinburgh - learn more about the University's location. See www.edinburghfestivals.co.uk to find out about all the events taking place around the city this month.
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New library near completion
Wednesday 21st July 2010: From September, students at the International Study Centre will have full use of the brand new University of Stirling Library.
The new library is scheduled to open on August 30th, just in time for the new term. The new £13.9m redevelopment of the main Library building on the Stirling campus aims to create a 21st century library at the heart of the university campus.
The new library project website outlines the vision for the new library:
See a virtual walkthrough of the new library (will open in your default media player)
Or be the first to hear about library developments by joining the Facebook page where you can find blogs, photos and vidoes and join discussions with the library development team.
Graduation Ceremony (for academic year 2007-8)
Monday 16 March 2009: Stirling ISC's first Graduation Ceremony took place at noon today at the Court Room, in the Cottrell Building.
The awards ceremony was attended by former ISC students who have now successfully progressed to the second year of their undergraduate degree, as well as current foundation year students, ISC staff, and tutors. The graduates collected their certificates from ISC Centre Head, Tim Miller and the University's Deputy Principal, Grant Jarvie. Congratulations to them all!
Two of the students, Yun Gou (Ray) and Onyeka Esiana (Ben) also gave wonderful talks about their respective time at the ISC.
Top picture (l-r): Deputy Principal, Grant Jarvie and ISC Centre Head, Tim Miller.
Bottom picture: Stirling ISC graduates - back row (l-r):Yun GOU (Ray), Maricarmen Domador-Pineda, Onyeka Esiana (Ben), Chen Cheng (Kevin), Zhongjian Xu (Jenson), Fei Zheng (Alex), Yang Liu (Billy). Front row (l-r): Qiu Yan Huang (Jessie), Chunhui Zhen (Vicky), Xilu Yan (Pearl), Xiao Yan Jiang (Rita), Yuhong Ying (Rain), Nnamdi Nwosu-Oji.
Hear from this year's students: read the Stirling ISC Student Blog
Student Debate Club
Thursday 20 November 2008: The first meeting of the Stirling ISC Debate Club got underway today. The motion; "Use of the Private Motor Car Should be Banned" was debated by two teams before an audience. The first meeting was well attended and the debating that took place was of an excellent standard. There was a lively floor debate with good points being made and effective rebuttals. The students felt that the club was a really great way for them to practice their speaking skills.
The students collectively suggested lots of topics for future debates. It is planned that the club will be held monthly. Pictured are the winning team of Evis (left) Alona Lishchenko (right), who defeated the motion by successfully convincing the audience that private motor cars should not be banned.
Successful exam results
Friday 29 August 2008: Final exam results of the first students completing the Undergraduate Certificate are out. Eight Business and Arts pathway students took the optional Financial Accounting module facilitating progression to a range of Accounting and Finance degrees. Students following the Science pathway successfully completed modules in Chemistry and Biology, leading to opportunities of further study in Stirling's conservation-focused environmental and marine biology research departments.
We'd like to congratulate everyone and wish them all the best of luck in their future studies.
Other students celebrating successful progression included six students who reached target level proficiency in the English Language Preparation course. These students are now looking forward to joining the Undergraduate Certificate programme commencing in September which provides guaranteed access to Year 1 or Year 2 of Stirling's highly regarded degree programmes.
Celebration at end-of-year party
Friday 15 August 2008: Students and staff from the International Study Centre got together this evening to celebrate the end of the academic year. The celebration was helped along with drinks and a finger buffet to the sounds of traditional Scottish folk music. Students enjoyed the party and took photos of their teachers and the close friends they've made at the ISC.
The end of the academic year marks the first Undergraduate Certificate cohort to complete their studies. Thoughts are now turning to exam results and that all important place on a University of Stirling degree.
The party was held in the garden terrace of the Iris Murdoch Centre on the University of Stirling's campus. The photo features Undergraduate Certificate students with Caroline Smith - Centre Administrator (far left) and Marguerite Nesling - English and Maths Teacher (far right).
Scholarship competition winner announced
Monday 30 June 2008: An exciting new Annual Award Scheme in Nigeria and Ghana offered a scholarship to the winning entry of a national essay competition.
Congratulations to the winner, Oluwagbeminiyi Abayomi Ogunleye of Grace High School, Lagos, who was presented with his scholarship at a televised award ceremony. He wins a 50% tuition fee reduction on both the one-year Undergraduate Certificate at the International Study Centre and for duration of his undergraduate degree at the University of Stirling. His entry was submitted through Global Education Study Centres. Oluwagbeminiyi is studying the Computing route in his first year, and progressing to a degree in Software Engineering.
The ISC relocates to its purpose-designed new home
Monday 26 May 2008: the University of Stirling International Study Centre moved to its new, permanent location on campus. The ISC is now based in the newly refurbished ground floor of a wing in the Cottrell Building. Read more about the Centre facilities and location.
The space has been purpose-designed for the needs of our international students and will meet the growing demand for University preparation courses in this stunning Scottish location, with capacity for over 100 students.
The University of Stirling is well known for its amazing views, but the ISC now has possibly the best on campus! The classrooms look out across the tranquil loch towards the impressive Dumyat Hill. It's a great setting for international students to enjoy all of the benefits of a British University education.
More students join the Undergraduate Certificate
Monday 7 January 2008: A second intake of students have just arrived at the University of Stirling to begin the Undergraduate Certificate. These new students will study exactly the same three-term programme as September-entry students, but will finish in August instead of June. In October 2008, provided they have achieved the grades they need, they will join the first cohort in progressing to the second year of their chosen degrees at Stirling.
On the first day of the ISC spring term, the new students, who are from China and Africa, were inducted into the on-campus International Study Centre and welcomed by the staff and existing students. They can now begin studying and enjoying living in Scotland. What an exciting way to start 2008!
Official launch of the ISC
Tuesday 11 September 2007: the official launch of the ISC at the University of Stirling. Staff and students attended along with representatives from the University and Study Group. Professor Grant Jarvie, Deputy Principal welcomed our new students to Scotland and to Stirling and all were impressed with the reception and the warmth of the welcome. He reassured students ‘you are not on your own, you are part of the University now.’ The speeches were accompanied by a buffet and drinks reception.
ISC students then went on to meet the Lord Provost of Stirling, Councillor Margaret Brisley, as she welcomed all international students onto campus. The International Student Welcome evening also featured a quiz to win T-shirts and games to encourage students to practice their English and meet other students.
First students arrive from all over the globe
Monday 10 September 2007: The International Study Centre at the University of Stirling opened its doors to the first group of Undergraduate Certificate and English Language Preparation students today. Coming from four continents, students have arrived from Japan, Russia, China, Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela.
After settling into their new home in the University's residences, and exploring the campus over the weekend, the students began their induction programme on Monday morning. Later in the week, classes start and students will need to work hard immediately, with homework and class tests on the horizon.
We wish all the students well in their studies and look forward to seeing them progress through the academic year.