University of Stirling, UK, Scotland’s first university in over four centuries has quickly established itself a national and international reputation

Founded by Royal Charter in 1967, the University of Stirling is Scotland’s first new varsity in over four centuries — after the University of Edinburgh (estb. 1582). During the past 47 years it has quickly built itself a national, even international, reputation. The Times Higher Education rates Stirling #1 in Scotland and #9 in the UK in its ‘Top 100 Under 50’ league table, which ranks the world’s best 100 universities of less than 50 years vintage. Stirling is also placed among Top 12 varsities in the UK for graduate employability with 94 percent of alums in employment (or further study) within six months of graduation. Moreover, in the UK’s most recent Research Assessment Exercise (2008), 10 percent of Stirling’s research output was judged ‘world leading’ and another 75 percent as ‘internationally excellent’ and ‘internationally recognised’.

“Students are at the heart of what we do and we provide one of the best all-round student experiences in the UK. In learning and teaching, we work with our student community to deliver high quality programmes that produce intellectually able graduates who are highly sought after by employers. We are ambitious for our students, and our flexible learning opportunities enable them to explore and discover new subjects and interests,” says Prof. Gerry McCormac, principal and vice chancellor of the university.

Set in the eponymous town in Scotland, Stirling U’s seven academic schools — arts and humanities, applied social science, education, management, natural sciences, sports, nursing, midwifery and health, and the graduate school — offer over 200 degree combinations to 11,000 students.

Stirling. Sited in the heart of Scotland, Stirling (pop. 40,000) hosts a fascinating mix of the old and new with historic monuments and castles coexisting with shops, pubs, and cafes. Ten minutes walking distance from campus is the Wallace Monument, erected in memory of the life and achievements of one of Scotland’s most venerated heroes, William (‘Braveheart’) Wallace. Other attractions include the Stirling Castle, built high on a crag guarding the lowest crossing point on the River Forth, and now a popular venue for concerts, and the Bannockburn Heritage Centre, which commemorates the victory of Robert the Bruce over the English forces led by King Edward II in 1314.

Nestled where the Scottish highlands and lowlands meet, Stirling has scenic mountains, lochs and shores, perfect for outdoor activities — walking, canoeing, mountain biking and sailing. Moreover, the bright lights of Edinburgh and Glasgow are less than an hour away by train or bus. Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital and has a number of famous tourist attractions, including Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace, the Royal Mile and the Royal Botanic Gardens. Glasgow (pop. 590,000) is Scotland’s next largest city with an abundance of art galleries, shops, restaurants and cafes.

The weather in Scotland changes quickly — there can be rain and sunshine within an hour. Summer temperatures range from 18-25o C. But in winter, temperatures can drop  between -5-10o C.

Campus facilities. Constructed in the shadow of the Ochil Hills, the Stirling campus is sited on a magnificent 310-acre estate, centred around a large loch (lake) and the 18th-century Airthrey Castle. From all angles. the vistas around campus are breathtaking, particularly as the surrounding woodland changes colour dramatically with the seasons.

University of Stirling, UK campus also hosts state-of-the-art classrooms, labs, a well-stocked library, 24-hour computer labs, 2,300 residential places, the MacRobert arts centre with theatre and cinema, the Robbins Students’ Centre with bars and nightclub, extensive indoor and outdoor sports facilities, and cafés and restaurants.

Sports facilities include a fitness centre; golf course and golf academy; a 50-metre swimming pool; tennis, badminton and basketball courts; an athletics track; a loch for canoeing; and pitches for football, rugby, and American football. The campus also boasts a shopping precinct hosting a bank, pharmacy, supermarket and bookshop, in addition to a variety of food outlets.
Moreover there are over 40 student clubs and societies on campus, and the Students’ Union hosts a variety of social and cultural events through the year.

Admission. Admission applications to undergraduate programmes at University of Stirling, UK must be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). The UCAS code for Stirling is S75. Applications can be made online (www.ucas.com) with the last date for receipt of applications being June 30 (fee:£23). The minimum eligibility requirement for admission into the undergrad programmes is successful completion of class XII and English language proficiency. IELTS and TOEFL scores are accepted.

For postgraduate admission, the eligibility requirement is a first class bachelor’s degree and English language proficiency. Postgrad applications must be made directly to the university.

For further information, contact University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA, Scotland, UK. Ph +44 (0) 1786 467044; e-mail: admissions@stir.ac.uk; graduate.admissions@stir.ac.uk; website: www.stir.ac.uk.

Accommodation. University of Stirling, UK offers a wide range of lodging options including halls of residence, shared flats, townhouses, studio apartments and chalets. The majority of accommodation is located on campus and is of single occupancy rooms.

Degree programmes. The university’s seven academic schools offer several bachelor’s (three years), honours (four years), Masters and doctoral research programmes (see box).

SUMMIYA YASMEEN