UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER CONTINUES TO LEAD THE WAY ON WIDENING ACCESS TO TOP-RANKING HIGHER EDUCATION

The University of Leicester has extended its unrivalled record for widening access to top-ranking higher education, new national performance figures show.

It is the only institution among The Times top-20 universities to meet or exceed its benchmarks for attracting students from working class backgrounds, state schools, and neighbourhoods where participation in higher education is low.

Performance indicators published on Thursday 21 March by the Higher Education Statistics Agency also  show that Leicester has met all of its benchmarks for recruiting mature students from low participation areas and students in receipt of a disabled students’ allowance.

In addition, the University continues to have one of the best course completion rates in the country.

The performance indicators show that just over a quarter (25.1 per cent) of Leicester’s full-time, young, UK undergraduates are from the four lowest socio-economic classes. Nearly nine in 10 (87.6 per cent) of the University’s young UK full-timers come from state schools and just over one in 10 (10.2 per cent) of its mature students are from low participation neighbourhoods.

Despite concern that students from less traditional backgrounds may be more likely to drop out, Leicester has one of the highest completion rates at 96.2 per cent of young full-time first degree entrants finishing their studies. Across the sector as a whole, the completion rate for such students was just 93.7 per cent.

The HESA data, based on the student intake for 2011/12, measures performance against benchmarks for the proportion of students from state schools or poorer backgrounds that each university should be recruiting.  The benchmarks are drawn up on the basis of the profile of each university, taking into account size, subject spread and location, and also entry qualifications of students.

Commenting on the results, Leicester’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Robert Burgess said: “These figures show once again that Leicester is the only top-ranking university that can truly claim to be ‘elite without being elitist’.

“At a time when there has been a great deal of debate about the role of universities in enhancing social mobility in this country, it is encouraging to see that Leicester continues to lead the way in providing access to a high quality education to students from all backgrounds.

“Our very healthy continuation rates also show that we look after our students once they are here, providing the best support as well as some of the best education in the country to those who may need additional help and guidance.”

Source: University of Leicester Press Office

For information on studying at the University of Leicester International Study Centre, please visit the website.

How much energy is there in a peanut (and other snacks)?

The students at the Leicester ISC were tasked to find out by performing a calorimetry experiment in the Chemistry labs, University of Leicester.

For information on studying at the University of Leicester International Study Centre, please visit the website.

7 Reasons to Study in the UK

By the Study Group University Fair

Choosing to study in another country can be a daunting prospect, but a brave one too. Here at the Study Group University Fair, we think you should study abroad and we think the UK should be your first choice.  Here are our top 10 reasons why the UK is one of the best places in the world to receive your education.

1.    Arts and Culture: as a student in the UK, new experiences will be just around the corner. Museums and art galleries will be on your doorstep and you can make the most of the vibrant music scene.
2.    British culture has been very influential on the world. Some of our brightest stars of the last century include The Beatles, J.K. Rowling, Kate Moss, Adele, and Damien Hirst to name a few.
3.    Britain has a fascinating and complex history and people from all over the world come to visit our iconic historical sites.
4.    In the UK, we’ve contributed more than our fair share to the scientific world and, as a student here, you can expect university faculty to be leaders in this field, producing some ground breaking research.
5.    Studying in the UK puts you at the heart of one of the world’s best education systems. Our universities are both innovative and dynamic providing stimulating and challenging environments in which to learn.
6.    88% of UK graduates were in work or further study within 6 months after graduation (HESA).
7.    Britain is a diverse and multicultural nation that welcomes people from all over the world. We are sure you will enjoy interacting with many international students while immersing yourself completely in British life.

The Study Group University Fair is here to help you make that decision to study in the UK. It is completely free to attend and we will have expert advisers to talk to you about what life is like living here and how to prepare for your arrival, so that taking that brave step to move to Britain is made as easy as possible for you.

Join in the conversation on Facebook and Twitter and let us know what excites you about learning in Britain!

The Study Group University Fair is the No.1 university fair for international students. The University of Leicester International Study Centre will be there, along with over 75 other highly ranked UK universities.  It will take place on the 9th February at the Park Plaza Victoria Hotel in London, from 12-4pm. Visit the website for more information and details on how to register.

Studying in the UK: To Explore the UK with Passion

It has been reported that one of every ten international students from all over the world studies in the UK. In recent years, international students from China do not restrict themselves to certain sought-after subjects, such as Business, Computer Science, Engineering and so on when they study abroad. Humanities and Social Science, including Art, Design, and Media etc. are increasingly popular for Chinese students. But those who are doing Science are still in the minority today. Louis Lin, who graduated from Leicester ISC this summer, is one of the minority. Why this Chinese girl want to travel alone and study Biochemistry in the UK? With such a question, I interviewed Louis, who is from Zhongshan, Guangdong, China.

Louis just finished her foundation year in Leicester ISC this summer and she will progress onto University of Leicester for doing Biochemistry in this September. “Chasing my dream no matter how hard it is” is what she wrote in her personal message in QQ (MSN-like service). Through Louis’s sharing, I hope her enthusiasm and persistence could inspire those who want to study in the UK.

Boring or Fun?
When Louis was doing Science route in her foundation year, she had to take Biology and Chemistry modules. “Studying Biology and Chemistry in China, you will get a broad idea without discussion in depth. However, here, the teachers emphasise understanding in depth. When the teacher explains one concept in detail, you are learning something new,” she said.
Study skills are not only being trained in certain module, but also in academic subjects. The most favorite part of studying science in Leicester ISC for Louis is, “the teacher would ask us to complete a self-study project on a topic, sort of diseases, surgeries and so on. We need to study on it in depth and then make a poster and do a presentation for it. Our research skills, such as research methods, gathering, critical thinking, analysing etc. have been gradually developed and improved through this project. All these research skills will be very useful for our degree courses.”
It was the first time for her to do this kind of assignments, so she could not image herself can make it as a new student in the beginning. However, with the great help from tutors, Louis finally did a good job. Her friends who study in universities in China were surprised at her such huge improvement on her English and skills in such a short period of time when she shared her posters and good results online.

Louis won a bottle of sweeties in the celebration of Diamond Jubilee

So how about your classes? Louis frankly said, “Science students might feel a bit bored in classes because everyone is concentrated on note-taking and discusses professional questions.” Although what the Science students have to learn is serious and intellectual, ISC teachers try their best to make their students have fun in the classes.
“I remember that when we were learning PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction), our teacher played a video. The video shows the process and application of PCR in a humor way so we can remember the concepts more easily. Also, their lyric is quite simple so we can sing along with it. When we were singing along with the video, students from other routes were surprised and watched us through the windows because our classroom usually was very quiet,” she said. Furthermore, ISC teachers are not only good at helping student to study happily, but also good at motivating student to study science. Louis added, “As a gift for excellent students, we had an opportunity to visit the Science Museum in London together with our teachers in a weekend.” She felt honor to be one of the excellent students and join into the day trip.
As a foundation year Science student, of course, Louis could have classes in the lab. There were many different experiments she tried, such as burning crisps for calculating calorie, dissecting animal’s heart for studying and so on. But the most impressive one was DNA extraction. She extracted her DNA and then made it for a necklace. In Louis’s perspective, doing experiment in the lab is the most interesting part in doing science courses.

Louis’s DNA necklace

Though sciences might be very boring for others, Louis enjoys it and has fun in it. Even though I am not interested in sciences, I was quite enjoying in listening her interesting sharing. And you can tell how much does Louis love and enjoy what she was doing.

Leicester ISC Teachers
Louis mentioned Leicester ISC teachers many times during the interview. She thinks they are very nice and knowledgeable. When Louis arrived at University of Leicester, she did not know how to go to ISC building from her accommodation. So she had to spend a longer time than she expected to arrive at ISC building. Unfortunately, there were some admission tests being held at that day and she missed the Math one as she was late.
“I was very worry and upset at that time. It was the first test in Leicester ISC but I messed it up”, Louis said. She was frustrated by this missing test. So some ISC teachers over there attempted to comfort her. They explained that the admission tests were used to test the students’ levels only and the results of admission tests would not affect her results of her foundation year. However, Louis was still feeling down, so ISC teachers decided to specifically give her a makeup test. There would be makeup tests for all students who need it during the term time, but ISC teachers particularly held a personal one for cheering her up. Therefore, Louis was deeply moved by what those ISC teachers have done and she would never forget it.

University of Leicester campus

What’s more, Leicester ISC teachers represent a longing for the future to students. “Our tutor graduated from University of Leicester with a PhD degree and she was doing Biochemistry as well. During the classes, she would share her studying experiences when she was doing PhD degree. So we are looking forward to be someone like her in the future. We have a longing for being excellent in our studies like her.” As a student who is going to study Biochemistry at University of Leicester, I believe Louis is approaching the future which she is looking forward to.

To Choose the Most Appropriate one
Why Louis wanted to study abroad? She said that she did not get a good result in Gaokao so that she had to study a subject she does not like. Thus, for doing something she is interested in, she decided to study abroad and study the subjects she likes. There were many universities Louis could apply for, including some universities which have higher rankings than Leicester. Finally, she chose University of Leicester.
“First of all, the higher ranking means there will be a fiercer competition than others. I’m not confident enough to perform very well in such fierce competition. More importantly, from the first step, I decide to study Biology or related subjects. Biology is one of the top subjects at University of Leicester. And Leicester also has a good university ranking,” Louis explained why she chose Leicester.
According to the latest Times university ranking, University of Leicester is ranked No. 17 and always being the top 20 university in the UK as well. Additionally, Leicester is also famous for its high     quality, innovative and world-changing research and remarkable results. For example, the technique of genetic fingerprinting was discovered by Professor Sir Alec Jefferys in a lab at the University of Leicester. Interestingly, Louis met one of the members in the research team of genetic fingerprinting at school. She thinks it is amazing that you can meet someone you found in the books in the real world.

Louis enjoys her life in Leicester

Compared with the pressures of Gaokao, studying in foundation year was easier and more relaxing for Louis. So she prefers to travel to other cities when she is in the weekend and holidays. “The cost of living in Leicester is not very expensive and train tickets are not expensive as well. So we always travel around in the UK”, she said. Louis enjoys traveling. She has been here less than one year, but she already visited a large number of cities, such as Liverpool, Manchester, Oxford and so on. She explores and experiences the local
life and cultures through her travels.
Obviously, Louis did not choose the university with the highest ranking, but she chose the university which is the most appropriate for her.

“Chasing my dream no matter how hard it is.” Louis found her dream in Leicester ISC and work hard to achieve it. It shows that when international students apply their university and courses, ranking and trend are not the most important. To study the subjects you are really interested in is the most important. It will be worth to spend your money and time on something you have a passion for it when you study abroad.

Leicester City Centre

By Nazeesh Admani

As I write this article, I’m in a lively café sipping a glass of chilled milkshake, in contrast to JK Rowling’s hot cup of coffee. Avid Harry Potter fans will be aware of what I’m talking about! However, I’m not writing a story about a wizard – no matter how much I wish I was! This is to give you guys an insight to the city centre and the buzzing atmosphere surrounding it on a brilliant sunny day.

Much like other cities, Leicester city centre is packed with different stores, malls and restaurants, giving people the perfect opportunity for an outing. A couple of days back, my aunt and I took advantage of the weather and brought her nine month old twins to the heart of Leicester. I remember coming out of the bank, where we’d split our ways, and thinking ‘now I have to look for a lady with a pram’. Honestly, the number of prams that were around on that particular day was almost unbelievable! A conspiracy to confuse me? It definitely felt like it. However, the world doesn’t revolve around me, so I realized quickly enough that on an amazing warm day, a trip to the city centre, and some shopping would provide a perfect opportunity for mothers to make a quick outing with their toddlers.

But why should parents have all the fun? I could also see many teenagers in small groups making their way around from shop to shop, be it exquisite stores like Marks & Spencers and BHS or normal, everyday student stores such as Poundland or 99p Shop. The bookshops were bustling with eager youngsters while some people entertained the crowd with their talent in music right outside.

Shopping, as many see it, is a stress buster and a brilliant way to make use of your free time. Therefore, I once spent a whole morning window shopping  at the malls, Highcross and Haymarket. Before I knew it, I felt peckish and dropped into my favourite restaurant on Granby street, Peri Peri, where the grilled chicken never falls short of my expectations.  Had I been a bit more health conscious, I’d have opted for a baguette from one of the numerous shops around. That was a wonderful morning and I wouldn’t think twice if I had the chance to do it again. I believe it would wind up your day perfectly if you manage to catch the latest movie at the Cinema de lux, situated just behind Highcross Shopping Centre, don’t you think? A clever way to get away from all the stress and tension your ISC teachers pile on you!

For information on Studying at the University of Leicester ISC, please visit the website.

Students give University of Leicester top satisfaction rating again

A national survey of student satisfaction has placed the University of Leicester among the top 10 of English universities for the eighth year running.

Leicester is the top university in its region for satisfaction levels and nationally only narrowly behind the universities of Oxford, Cambridge and Bath, according to full-time undergraduate students in England who responded to this year’s National Student Survey.

The results, published today, mean that Leicester has held its top 10 position for satisfying students at English universities since the NSS began in 2005.

Leicester’s ranking is based on the average score from 23 questions covering all aspects of the student experience including teaching, assessment, support, management and resources. In 2012, 287,000 final-year students from across the UK responded to the NSS.

Student satisfaction levels across the University rose to 90 per cent this year, while in Biology and Physiology 100 per cent of students said they were satisfied.

As well being ranked fourth on average out of 90 English universities for every aspect of the student experience, Leicester was placed among the top 10 for learning resources, providing prompt feedback on coursework, and for staff who are good at explaining things.

Leicester’s consistently excellent track record is particularly significant this year as new information is published alongside the NSS scores to help prospective students choose the right university course for them.

So-called Key Information Sets (KIS) that include NSS results and also cover everything from tuition fee and accommodation costs to average graduate salaries are now available on a revamped Unistats website.

Leicester’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Robert Burgess, said the University’s consistently impressive and improving NSS results reflected its long-standing commitment to satisfying students’ needs and providing them with the best teaching, support, and facilities.

He said: “At a time of great change in higher education and increasing focus on student needs, we are proud to be able to say that the University of Leicester continues to be ranked among the best in the country for delighting students and meeting their expectations.

“These results alongside the last Research Assessment Exercise prove that departments at the University of Leicester are delivering world class teaching and research, and at the same time our attention is always focussed on providing a student-centred environment that meets the needs of people from all backgrounds.”

Source: The University of Leicester Press Office.

For information on studying at the University of Leicester International Study Centre, please visit the website.

Hoang Nguyet Minh Vu: Scholarship Winner

Congratulations to our very own blogger, Hoang Nguyet Minh Vu, who was recently awarded a High Achievers Scholarship by the University of Leicester. Here she talks about her experience in winning the award.

Hoang Nguyet Minh VU

I heard about the High Achiever’s Award since the beginning of my course at the ISC. That was so appealing to me. However, honestly, I did not think about getting that award at first. It was really competitive. Only after the first term, when I received results for the final exam, was I more confident and hopeful to achieve the award.

The high mark that I got at the final exam of the first term was the motivation and encouragement for me to make more effort in my study. I started with making key notes of the lessons after school. I found that quite helpful because I could learn one more time and also save revision time for exams. Especially for Economics, as it would be my major in university, I did not only make notes after each lesson, but I also read other A-level books as reference. And so lucky my teacher always posted teaching material on blackboard before lessons so I usually went through it beforehand in order to grasp new knowledge better.  Having a good plan for study as well as for exam was my tip to obtain good marks. Each time I came for exam period, I spent at least a week for revision and arranged appropriate time for each subject. Moreover, past papers have always proved effective to me. I often did them over and over again for several times to make sure I really understood the lessons. Last but not least, I did believe patience played an important role in the “somehow success” I have achieved. I did not let difficulties put me off but tried to get over them gradually.
Now I got the award. That was a very meaningful present to me. It was the recognition of my effort and all of my teachers’ dedication to us – students at the ISC. I am deeply thankful to my teachers who guided me through every single step during my foundation year at the ISC, as well as the ISC in general for giving me this award. This used to be the motivation for me to try hard and now it acts as a great support during my undergraduate study at the University of Leicester. I will now regard the award as an important turning point that I have attained, so that I will study and work better in the future to prove that I deserved it.

For more information about studying at the University of Leicester ISC, please visit the website.

University of Leicester’s Recognition to our High Achievers

Hoang Nguyet Minh VU

Four University of Leicester International Study Centre (ISC) students have been awarded the University’s High Achiever Scholarships. Each competitive scholarship is worth £2500 per year of the undergraduate degree programme and is awarded to the top performing students at the ISC.

TAM Yi Ling from Hong Kong is progressing to read BSc Biological Sciences (Biochemistry), within the School of Biological Sciences, ranked top 5 in the country by the 2013 Guardian.

YIP Kin Tung from Hong Kong will be studying BEng Mechanical Engineering within the Department of Engineering, ranked top 10 in the UK by the Guardian 2013.

VU Hoang Nguyet Minh from Vietnam will be reading BA Banking and Finance in the department of Economics, and HO Jia Yi from Singapore will be pursuing LLB. Both academic departments are consistently ranked amongst the best in the country in the National Student Survey.

VU Hoang Nguyet Minh (pictured) was thrilled to receive her award, “My foundation year at the ISC was an enjoyable experience. At first I suffered a bit from “culture shock” as the learning environment here is quite different from that in my country. Yet what impressed me the most was my dedicated teachers at the ISC. They were careful in delivering the lessons and so willing to assist us when we encountered problems in doing our assignment or coursework.
I am very happy with the High Achiever Award. This used to be the motivation for me to make every effort in my study at the ISC.”

James Kingscote, Head of Centre of University of Leicester ISC stated, ‘We have a number of excellent students here at the University of Leicester ISC and I would like to congratulate our High Achievers on their fantastic achievements over the last academic year (2011-2012).  The success of these students is a reflection of their hard work, determination and commitment to their studies on a very academically demanding course.   I wish them all the best in their future studies at the University of Leicester and hope that they will return to the ISC for some of our events and inspire our new students.’
A formal scholarship presentation ceremony will be held at the University in October to celebrate this fantastic recognition of our students.

For more information on studying at the University of Leicester International Study Centre, please visit the website.

 

My first peek into Leicester

By Nazeesh Admani

Nazeesh Admani

When I close my eyes and think of the UK, the first image that immediately pops into my head is the fresh, crispy wind, dotted with miniscule rain droplets that sprinkled on my face as soon as I stepped outside. This was on my first morning in mid-January, as I braved my way through the weather, soaking in (literally!) the vast difference of this climate from the tropical one that I had left behind.

But that’s the UK. What’s so different about Leicester, you’d ask. Leicester was recommended to me by an alumni who to this date still cherishes her memories of the time spent in an area as lovely as this. Simply put, Leicester is a place where everyone you meet is friendly and welcoming, leaving you feeling as though you’re still at home and may well have lived here all your life. I wouldn’t be able to count the number of times I got lost, merely because of my poor navigation skills. And each time I’ve found help from passers-by and shopkeepers. In one such incidence, one of them was kind enough to call me a cab, considering it was dark and my phone was completely out of charge! Yeah, just my luck.

Along with the amazing ranking of the University of Leicester and its academic approach, I learned that, with the multi-cultural environment this of city, you get to educate yourself about new things as an individual every day. Whether it’s about someone’s religion, or their cultural habits, or even how they balance out their academia with social life. It facilitates looking at every situation from a different aspect and from a different person’s point of view. Therefore when I heard about it, I was naturally inclined to want to experience it for myself, which was one of the driving forces that led me to choose the ISC in Leicester and not elsewhere.

Would I have been better off elsewhere? I can honestly say I don’t think so, because it’s been quite a few months since my arrival here and I always find myself with things to do in my free time. Going to the gym, the City Centre and heading off for small outings with friends are just a few of the activities I do regularly to fill my spare hours. By far, my favourite pass time has been exploring the city as a whole. Yes, that would explain the many adventures of finding myself in unknown places to the extent that it almost became habitual! Nevertheless, each street has something exciting to offer, for example Evington Road and Melton Street will plunge you into the Indian culture, while Saffron Lane will give you a taste of the British lifestyle. Welford Road on the other hand will meet you with the buzz of students travelling back and forth from their accommodation to the University, providing you with an exciting insight to Uni life.

After spending almost six months in Leicester I still feel like it’s been a lot longer. At the same time though, I remember my first day here as though it were yesterday and I’m still amazed at how quickly time has flown past and how easily I’ve adjusted in a country which I’d had never stepped foot into until half a year ago. I am pleased to have chosen Leicester and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

For more information about studying at the University of Leicester International Study Centre, please visit the website.

The Benefits of the International Buddy Network

International student, Candy, talks about how the International Buddy Network helped her to adjust to life at the University of Leicester.

Candy (right) with her International Buddy, Katherine (left)

I am an international student who is studying Economic, Business and Social study foundation courses at the International Study Centre. It was a little hard for me to adapt to the new environment at first, because everything was new to me. However, I was told that I could take part in the International Buddy Network which aims to help us adapt to the new life through linking new international students with an experienced buddy. It provides preparation programmes for overseas students who want to access undergraduate in the university. I was lucky that I took part in this activity and now I would like to share my experience.

Thanks to the International Buddy Network, I have got to know my buddy Katherine who is a nice and warm-hearted person. My friend Beryl has the same buddy as me. I clearly remember the Buddy Welcome Event which was the first time I met my buddy Katherine. Before that, we had sent emails to each other so that we could get to know more about each other. At the welcome event, we had a memorable talk. We talked about our hobbies, our study, something about UK and so forth. Also I told Katherine that my English was poor and I wanted to improve it. So thanks to Katherine that she encouraged me to speak more and gave me some useful websites about learning English. I feel that I have made progress in English now. So what a meaningful activity it is. After the welcome event, we met Katherine once a week. Every time we met, I would talk about my study and ask Katherine some questions about which I was confused. Then Katherine would help me and give me some advice. I have gradually got used to my new life in UK thanks to the help of Katherine.

I have to share the experience when Beryl and I went with Katherine to Morrison’s supermarket. Since I was not good at cooking, Katherine took us to Morrison’s so she could introduce some British food to us. I chose some vegetables which I wanted to try to cook with the materials recommended by Katherine. I have tried to cook them at home and I was glad that they are tasty. In addition, I bought a Shepherd’s Pie because it is a popular pie in UK and it was also recommended by Katherine. I enjoyed it and I would like to cook it one day. That was a really good day for us I believe because we established a deeper friendship. For me, I have learned some useful things about cooking.

I have not only known my buddy, but also known some foreign friends through the scavenger hunt activity organized by the International Buddy Network. We spent about two hours finding the places given by the organizer around the city center, getting the maps specified in the paper and asking about bus prices. During this activity, I got to know some friends in my group and we finished our work successfully. Also we got a high mark which showed our cooperation. Since then, we can chat with each other on Facebook. Therefore, I know how important the cooperation which guarantees our success is. Besides this, we also had other activities, such as the International Pancake Day and Varsity Rugby.

Above all, it is worth taking part in the International Buddy Network because you can learn a lot from it. And I am sure that it does good to my English and brings me many happinesses during these days. In short, I have learned about foreign cultures and made some friends. Also I am determined that I will apply for being a buddy which is a great work to help people when I go to university.

To join the International Buddy Network, simply apply online at www.le.ac.uk/buddy-network

To find out more about life at the International Study Centre, visit the website.