Study in Wales

The Wales International Consortium recently held an exhibition to inform students about the universities there. The consortium is a union of sorts, of all the universities in Wales. In attendance was Virginia West, director of the Wales International Consortium in addition to representatives from six of the universities in the Consortium.

The universities represented were: Bangor University, University of Wales Institute, Cardiff, University of Glamgoran, University of Wales Newport, Swansea Institute of Higher Education and Swansea University. Notes pottered along to get the inside scoop for those who did not attend.

Entry procedure

All the above mentioned universities, follow the standard United Kingdom guidelines for the first year Bachelor programme (secondary to individual performance), with A levels, International Baccalaureate and the Indian CBSE qualifications.

They all follow the standard United Kingdom admissions process, i.e. applications have to be made through the Universities and Colleges Admission Services (UCAS), for undergraduate courses. Those applying to foundation or postgraduate courses can apply directly to the universities.

However, most universities expressed their understanding of the difficulties faced by international students, such as meeting the UK deadline for UCAS, and the time consuming procedure it can be.

"If an international student has decided that he or she wishes to study at one particular university and does not wish to apply to any others, they can apply to the university directly, and the university will transfer their application into the UCAS format," said West, the director of the Wales International Consortium.

Online applications for some universities

This applies to all the universities in the Consortium. However Bangor and Swansea Universities are one step ahead, with direct online applications a realistic option for applicants in addition to sending applications through the UCAS scheme. All online applications received by Swansea University will be processed within five working days.

Martyn Edwards, International Officer, University of Bangor, said: "It's probably the only university in the world to be located inside a national park. It also has 11 subjects that are ranked among the highest in the UK, in addition to having the best student to staff ratio."

How do students from Dubai adapt to Wales

"Swansea and Cardiff both, are big and still expanding cities and therefore have been popular with students from the United Arab Emirates.

However, many who decide to go to universities outside the city, find that they enjoy the countryside, the greenery and weather a lot as it is all such a novelty for them," West said.

The advantages of studying in Wales

West also emphasised that studying in Wales conferred all the advantages of a UK education but in a safer, friendlier and more cost-effective environment.

She said, "Wales' universities have done well in the National Student Satisfaction Survey over the years."

West added, "The University of Wales, Aberystwyth, is in line for first place in this year's National Student Satisfaction Survey."

Students speak

Notes spoke to the students in attendance. Bhavnaa Sawlani, currently doing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Middlesex University, spoke to us about the exhibition and why she thought going to university in Wales would be a valuable experience. "The exhibition was very helpful and informative.

The representatives managed to answer all my questions and have supplied me with additional information, in the form of booklets and brochures, that I can turn to for guidance later." she said.

Just like her other students agreed that the exhibition was useful.

"I believe that going to university in a foreign country provides one with a lot of independence and autonomy. It allows one to study independently and develop important skills like cooking and managing one's finances. Life is not all academic, and going away provides one with a wholesome learning of sorts," she added.