cSemester / Year at University of Stirling

"I was always fascinated with everything Scottish. Being at the University of Stirling I was able to do get credit for my classes as well as do a ton of fun stuff. Scottish people are really fun to be around and there is never a dull moment. Laurie W - At the University of Stirling in Spring 2003"


University of Stirling Facts

Location: Stirling, Scotland
Campus setting: Urban
Campus Size: 9,000 students
GPA required for admission: 3.0
Average Semester Load: 3 subjects (15 credits)
Academic Calendar:
Autumn Sem: mid-Sept to mid-Dec
Spring Sem: early Feb through May
Application deadlines:
Click here
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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. More than 9,000 sudents from 70 different countries call the University home.

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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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Program details


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. For U.S. study abroad students this means that while abroad they will be able to find the classes they need and, unlike many British universities, the academic calendar is very similar to the U.S. 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 classes in the following academic areas: Business, Natural and Health Sciences, Humanities, Communication and Media, Computer Science, and Education.

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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. CIS students typically live in a flat (student apartment) and have their own single room with a shared bathroom, kitchen and living area. While meals are not included in the package price, they can be purchased separately upon arrival or you can cook your own meals in the communal kitchen. Housing is allocated on a first come, first served basis, so you are encouraged to get your application in well before the deadline if possible.

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Student life


Due to the fact that 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, and they include the following: the 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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Testimonials

"I was always fascinated with everything Scottish. Being at the University of Stirling I was able to do get credit for my classes as well as do a ton of fun stuff. Scottish people are really fun to be around and there is never a dull moment. Laurie W - At the University of Stirling in Spring 2003"



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Subject areas


Listed below are some of the more popular areas of study and links to the university websites for more details about their offerings.

Semester/Year Abroad: You will have the opportunity to choose courses from the following areas: Aquaculture, Business, Biology, Communication, Computer Science, Ecology, Economics, Education, English, Environmental Studies/Science, European Studies, Film and Media, Finance, French, History, Journalism, Marine Biology, Mathematics, Nursing, Philosophy, Politics, Public Sector Management, Psychology, Religious Studies, Scottish History, Sociology, Spanish, Sport Studies/Exercise Science, Tourism.


A complete list of course descriptions can be found here
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Program Fee


Click here for the program fee. Included in this fee are full-time tuition (three subjects - 15 credits), CIS administrative fees, housing, all CIS advisory services and personal pre-departure orientation, airport reception, host university orientation, academic transcript, student union/association fees, and CIS comprehensive accident, medical, and travel insurance.

CIS is committed to helping students study abroad and as such has developed the CIS Go Global Scholarship Program. These scholarships are modest, merit based awards that are intended to provide the incentive academically qualified students need to study abroad. Click here for more information about the Go Global program.

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Other resources at University of Stirling

Take a Tour of the University of Stirling! new!

Sports at Stirling

Night out at Stirling

The city

Clubs on Campus


(All links will open in a new browser window)

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Apply

 

To apply simply download an application, and submit it to CIS. You can also apply via InstaAccept™ which will tell you the outcome of the application in 48 hours provided you meet the eligibility criteria. Please take into account the deadline when applying, but the sooner you apply the better the chance you will have in securing on-campus housing, the more time you have to save money and the better prepared you will be for your study abroad experience.

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CIS - Center for International Studies

25 New South Street # 102, Northampton, MA 01060
Toll-free phone 877 617-9090, Phone: 413 582 0407
Fax: 413 582 0327, Request More Information