British education is famous all over the world, but for some reason, speaking of Britain, everyone is limited only to the southern part of the country, completely forgetting about Scotland. But you can get an excellent education there as well – and in terms of connections in the economic and political establishment of Great Britain, the universities of the north are able to give a head start to the English.
In this text, we will talk about other reasons that prompt us to choose Scotland for higher education.
High salary
According to British statistics, graduates of Scottish universities receive a very high salary in comparison with graduates of other educational institutions.
The first university in this part of the country, St Andrews, was opened in 1413. It is not only the oldest in Scotland, but in general in the British Isles. It is safe to say that the Scots have centuries of experience in various issues related to higher education.
Every year, in terms of international cooperation, the country's universities acquire international relations in various parts of the globe. In general, foreign applicants are always welcome here.
Flexible education system
The Scottish system is more flexible than that of its southern neighbours. This is great for people who have not yet figured out what exactly they would like to do in the future.
The first stage - bachelor's degree - here lasts a year longer, and master's courses, on the contrary, are reduced. "Freshman" Scots take more exams and master more disciplines, and the final decision on their own prospects is made somewhere at the end of the second year. However, the specialty can always be changed, if there is such a desire. It remains only to listen and finish the academic difference - as in the United States.
Friendly atmosphere
The teaching staff is friendly and considers communication with the wards the most important component of the educational process. Many university professors know their pets by name – which in the United States and neighboring England with their scale, of course, is not possible.
And in Scotland, the atmosphere of a home – or a British boarding house, if you like – is preserved, which contributes to comfort and coziness and improves the assimilation of information.
Nature, culture and traditions
In addition, it should be noted that Scotland has incredibly beautiful nature, original natural landscapes and landscapes, countless masterpieces of architecture and rich historical traditions. Any street can become the scene of a multi-hour excursion, a film set or an open-air museum. All this Neolithic splendor is placed among heather fields and flowering flowers, snowy mountain peaks. And how can you not reveal your creative potential?
In addition to this, in Edinburgh almost the whole year the cultural life is in full swing: you can't breathe from the festivals, they go in a continuous stream, and the city is even called the festival capital of Europe.
Of course, it will be much easier to enroll if the applicant first passes through the forge of the national secondary education system. Any student, including a teenager who has reached the age of 16-18, can take a course in a preparatory school, which will allow you to pass all the necessary exams.
There is a less intensive option with Senior School. These educational institutions are also designed, among other things, for foreign schoolchildren, so they provide boarding when children see their family only during the holidays.
Where to study – universities
Usually, local potential applicants take a short break after the end of the school course. They have a traditional opportunity for this, which is called gap year – a free year. Usually, teenagers devote this period to entertainment, trips around the world and trying to plan their future.
To enter the university, you must pass the school exams A-level or Scottish Highers and send its results to various educational institutions. Did? It remains to wait for an answer. You can also send to Welsh, English or Northern Irish universities - despite the declared differences, the programs are the same or very close.
Where do they usually go?
University of Edinburgh
It has existed since the end of the XVI century and rightfully takes its place in the list of the oldest and most venerable universities. In addition, it boasts the thirtieth line in the Times rating.
The buildings were built in the Age of Enlightenment, and then underwent a series of reconstructions, but successfully preserved in their appearance the combination of antiquity and modernity inherent in British educational institutions.
Basically, they prefer programs that are related to linguistics and philological sciences, and the profile faculty is leading in the world in many respects and is consistently in the top 3 of this direction. The power of the local humanitarian direction is confirmed by the names of graduates who have made a significant contribution to world literature. Suffice it to name the names of the great Conan Doyle, the author of Sherlock Holmes, and J.K. Rowling, who enriched the world with the tale of Harry Potter.
Studying here is expensive: foreigners will have to, depending on the chosen direction, pay from 21 to 35 thousand pounds per semester. However, even if you cannot afford to study within these walls, it is still worth looking here - many buildings are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The University of St Andrews
Another legend of Swiss education. Located in the town of the same name, an hour and a half drive from the Scottish capital. There are four faculties - scientific, theological, medical and art history, inside there are schools.
Tuition costs range from 25 to 33 thousand pounds annually.
It was within these walls that the heir to the throne William and his fiancee Kate met. And this is not to mention the six brilliant laureates of the world's most famous scientific award!
St. Andrews is truly a student city, but small, no more than twenty thousand inhabitants, so a variety of temptations, as in American campuses, you will not find here, it is convenient to study.
University of Glasgow
For many years, this city on the west coast of Scotland disputed Edinburgh's metropolitan status, as well as the glory of the largest in the country. These times are in the past, but the university here is more crowded - almost a third of Scotland's students study within its walls. There are also 140 countries, and those who study here speak 176 languages. Among the priorities are economics and law, computer science, linguistics and health care. Here the very first ultrasound examination of the human embryo took place and penicillin was discovered.
The University of Aberdeen
This is the oil and gas capital of Europe, one of the most important energy centers in the world. Of course, energy, economic and engineering knowledge is preferred here. Among the graduates are four Nobels. Studying here is very expensive, but it is the technical specialties that are most appreciated. And artistic ones are not particularly popular, which allows you to count on a significant discount and a small competition.
