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Language courses in Scotland. Expert assistance with admission to master's programs at the world's best universities and business schools

This country is like a collection of animated illustrations for ancient legends, fairy tales and mystical stories. Her landscapes stagger the imagination with their beauty and naturalness: numerous islands, and the bizarre shape of the coast, and rocks, and forests - everything seems to have fallen out of the urban present. Yes, and the locals cause surprise and interest in the whole world - take, for example, the mysterious Nessie, a resident of Loch Ness. However, Scotland impresses not only with this - being a state within a state (the country is part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland), it confidently dictates its terms in international business, diplomacy, and education. According to the most average data, about fifteen thousand students from non-EU countries apply to study in Scotland. And no less students of university courses and participants of educational programs come here from Europe. The decision to study English in Scotland is becoming more and more popular.

For a small country with a population of just over five million people, there are a lot of universities, colleges and schools here - about a hundred educational institutions different levels and profiles. The same number of various training centers are added to them. It is not surprising that today education in Scotland is more in demand than ever: all conditions are created for foreign students here. In addition, leisure and extra-curricular life in this country are incredibly rich and exciting. The famous folklore festivals of Scotland in themselves become a reason to visit here, but you can participate in several national holidays at once only if you live in Edinburgh, Glasgow or, say, the Highlands for a while. A bright kaleidoscope of impressions - colorful kilts, the sounds of bagpipes and the roar of drums, national dances and burning whiskey - will not leave anyone indifferent: there is something surprisingly joyful for every age. Well, connoisseurs of cultural events are simply obliged to visit the Edinburgh Arts Festival - luminaries from all over the world come to it and it is here that you can see the manifestation of modern culture in all its diversity.

In addition, studying in Scotland can play a significant role in the search for personal harmony and the pursuit of relaxation. Combining language courses or preparation for entering the university with excursions to the sights of this country, you can relax both body and soul. Majestic castles and miraculous masterpieces seem to snatch you out of the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and the majestic northern nature gives peace and fills you with confidence and strength. During the excursions, you will be told legends and legends related to the sights, but, as if by magic, at some point you will simply forget that the guide speaks English to you. Foreign speech will become almost native, like the national hero William Wallace, or the local "Robin Hood" Robert.

English courses in Scotland are also remarkable in that they provide an opportunity to communicate with very sincere and sympathetic people. The hospitality of the Scots is manifested in everything - in the attention of teachers, and in the care of personal curators (tutors), and in the attention of ordinary people who can easily take a foreign guest under their care and reveal to him all the facets of their beloved country. That is why so often studying in Scotland involves living in patronage families, and not in hotels.

Well, children's courses in Scotland as part of vacation programs can be an unforgettable gift for young dreamers and travel lovers. Such training will help not only to perfectly master the English language, but also significantly broaden your horizons. And also - to find new friends from different countries.

The entire system of Scottish education can be described as flexible, because from an early age a child has a choice in everything related to the number of years to gain knowledge, study disciplines and specialties, directions, etc. There are a myriad of secondary and higher institutions, where they receive high-quality knowledge and a European-level attestation document, which is welcomed by most employers. The system can be classified into several mandatory stages:

Pre-school preparation (with mastering the basic knowledge of the school)
Junior school where students will spend 7 years of their childhood
Secondary educational institution - a school where you can earn, subject to successful completion of the course, a certificate for admission to institutions of specialized education
Secondary school with in-depth preparation for Higher (examination required for admission to universities)
A profile institution that gives students excellent profile education and the possibility of future admission to great amount local higher education institutions
Higher educational institutions that teach subjects in all fields of science
Postgraduate education, where you can improve your skills and deepen your subject knowledge

We will talk about all the many levels and variations of studying in Scotland below.

Early childhood education in Scotland

There is no kindergarten, in the standard sense, in this state. But there are training courses where kids are taught perseverance and basic knowledge of various sciences and manifestations of creative activity. They attend such institutions from 3 to 5 years.

Primary and secondary education

It takes 7 years for students to go to elementary school in Scotland (the age of schoolchildren is from 5 to 12 years), unusual for Russians. The system of marks here is similar to the Russian one, only the designation is not digital, but alphabetic (A-5, E-1). Knowledge control is carried out with the help of tests for knowledge of basic sciences for elementary grades. At the age of 11-12, students move to high school where they have to unlearn from 4 to 6 years. The first four years are a mandatory minimum required for everyone. It is at this time that you need to pass examinations, after which certificates of secondary education are issued. 15-year-old students are divided into two groups - those who have chosen a specialized education, and those who need to pass the Higher exam tasks to enter universities.

From 16 to 18 years old, students "absorb" the knowledge that will be useful for the successful delivery of 5-6 examination papers and receiving the long-awaited and honorary "higher certificate" - it will be required for admission to Scottish Higher Education Institutions. At the end of training, the so-called "sixth year", an attestation document is issued, which is positively considered by all higher institutions in the United Kingdom.

Private schools

Secondary general education in Scotland for citizens of the country is free (sponsored by the Department and numerous educational councils). But there are a number of non-state schools in which both local residents and foreigners can study an intensive general educational methodology. These institutions include the Edinburgh School, designed for boys, and the school. St. George, accepting only girls within its walls. The distinctive features of these educational institutions include:

Rich subject study program
Development and intensive realization of creative potential in children
Almost round-the-clock daily employment, including a variety of sightseeing and thematic excursions, numerous clubs, classes, courses
Personal education, which in the future becomes a powerful basis for the characters of students

The schoolchildren here spend their free time from studying with self-improvement in various fields. General education and creative circles, sports sections - all classes are held to maximize the potential and abilities of each student.

Education of children and teenagers during the holidays in Scotland

Two schools (named after Mary Erskine and named after St. Leonard) provide a vacation educational and entertainment course for children. Length of stay - from two seven days to a whole month. During this time, schoolchildren expect a schedule full of excursions and interesting activities. During the rest, children get acquainted with the culture and sights of picturesque Scotland, study English in depth, communicate with peers. At the end of the study of the program, the final test tests are always carried out, after the successful completion of which a certification document is issued. The cost of studying in Scotland under this program depends on the type and length of residence in the country and ranges from 200 to 500 thousand rubles per month. There is a unique chance of settling your child in a family or residence.

Professional education

There are 43 specialized institutions successfully operating in the state, many of which cooperate with universities. This means that each student, if desired, can continue to receive an already specialized education already at Higher Educational Institutions - Universities after receiving a special college education, and a shortened course awaits him (admission immediately to the 2nd or even 3rd year of study). The education system in Scotland is similar to the Russian one (in colleges) - you can choose one of the many directions and study it intensively for several years. After the 1st year of study, the Higher National Certificate is issued, and after the second year - a diploma. The requirements for students in Scottish educational institutions are high, which is why the documents they issue are valued by employers in well-known companies around the world.

Higher education in Scotland

Further study programs after high school or college in Scotland are flexible, i.e. it is possible to choose the form of training and courses (even individual programs are compiled). Basic education takes 4 years, after which the student is awarded a bachelor's degree. The next year is spent on a bachelor's degree with honors. By the way, some universities provide an industrial form of training, which involves intensive practice, which is especially appreciated by many employers as a kind of work experience.

The student body in Scotland is multinational. Most of the students here are local residents, as well as visitors from the UK, but there are also a lot of foreigners (about 10-15%). Admission conditions for foreign citizens are democratic - diplomas of colleges and schools are often accepted as part of the entrance documents. International students need to take Foundation or A-Level courses - these programs are offered by most colleges. Some universities are also ready to provide their own training courses, but further admission to this institution is often a prerequisite.

Programs higher education always paid, both for Scottish citizens and for foreigners. Some universities offer local residents an educational course on deferred payment, i.e. the student will pay for his education after graduation, if his wage will be over 21 thousand pounds (per year). If the bachelor's salary is lower, then you won't have to pay for your studies. With this, Universities emphasize their "status" and the quality of education (after all, this is what is valued by the largest companies).

Postgraduate education

In Scotland, there is an opportunity to complete an intensive course to upgrade to a Master's degree in a year - this is an excellent solution for urgent improvement of qualifications. For those wishing to gain in-depth knowledge, a three-year course is offered, after which a doctoral degree is awarded.

Features of the education system in Scotland

Independent schools in Scotland differ from educational institutions in other historical provinces of Great Britain with a slightly modified education system. Despite the similarity of mentality and approaches to the educational process, Scotland stands out with several non-standard solutions in this area. And its most striking feature was the introduction of innovations against the backdrop of deep reverence for the centuries-old Scottish traditions.

The Scots, having become part of the United Kingdom, chose to keep traditional system education, as well as the name of the training stages and exams. The differences in the names of these stages have become hallmark between the two systems. So, English Key Stages (Key Stages) in primary and secondary schools in Scotland are called National, GCSE exams, which are included in the certificate of secondary education - Standard Grades, AS exams (for the first year of study on the A-level program) - Highers, and A2 exams (respectively for the second year of study) - Advanced Highers.

The fundamental difference between the Scottish educational system and the English one is that more subjects are included in its curriculum. At the Highers stage (the first year of A-level), the Scots study from 4-6 subjects, while in English there are only 3-4. This helps to increase the level of general erudition of Scottish schoolchildren without prematurely imposing a narrow specialization on them.

Another difference between the Scottish education system and the English one is that you can enter the university immediately after Highers (the first year of A-level), and it is not at all necessary to complete the Advanced Highers program (the second year of A-level). Thus, Scottish students leave school a year earlier, but study at the university lasts a year longer than the English - not three years, but four.

For admission to most Scottish universities, an applicant must successfully pass at least four Highers exams, but for admission to especially prestigious faculties or universities with a higher rating, you need to provide the results of five Highers exams.

Characteristically, in the first year of a Scottish university, the curriculum also includes more diverse subjects. This increases its general educational potential and makes it less focused on narrow-profile subjects than English.

The final year at the Scottish school - Advanced Highers - is in many ways similar to the second year of A-level. Here they also study 3-4 subjects: they either continue to study the same ones as in Highers, or start new ones. But unlike the British, the Scots pay more attention to preparation for entering the university. The A-level program also provides for partial study of the material on your own, but in Advanced Highers this is given much more attention. In particular, the program includes: writing term papers, projects and essays; students can practice in some disciplines, learn to independently conduct research, analysis and preparation of written work at the university level. The Advanced Highers program is considered more difficult than the A-level - accordingly, its graduates receive a higher score at the UCAS rate. ( What is UCAS tariff?)

For example, an A grade in the Scottish system is "worth" 10 points more than the same grade in the English one. In connection with the reforms of the education system and the constantly changing A-level program, the assessment rate may also change. You can check this on the UCAS website ().

The scheme of differences between the two systems is simple.

Scottish version: complete the Highers program - enter a Scottish university - study there for 4 years.

English version: complete the full Advanced Highers program - go to university - study for 3 years.

But graduates of the Advanced Highers program who have chosen a Scottish university get the opportunity to enroll immediately in the second year.

In summary, it is worth remembering: the one-year Advanced Highers program is the same first course of a 4-year study at a Scottish university. The question is where the student would prefer to take it: at school plus 3 years at the university or at the university for a full 4 years.

Nota bene to parents: Having chosen a Scottish school for your child, do not worry about whether he will then be accepted to an English university - all British graduates have equal opportunities. Moreover, as we have already argued, a graduate of a Scottish school even has a slight advantage over an English graduate.

Thus, when choosing between England and Scotland, pay attention to just one aspect: how the child will get to the place of study in the changeable Scottish weather. Regarding logistics: learn all aspects of Scottish airports. As for the weather, although the weather in Scotland is less predictable than in England, its whims are fully compensated by the picturesque nature, clean air and incredible beauty of this ancient country.

The 2nd largest administrative and political unit of the United Kingdom.
Arriving for training courses in Scotland, you will immediately pay attention to its isolation. It has its own church, legal system and parliament.
Scotland consists of about 800 islands.
The symbol of the state is the unicorn, which expresses the spirituality and moral purity of the locals.
Between the two islands of the country operates the shortest flight in the world, it lasts an average of 74 seconds.
When studying English in Scotland for Russians, you will pay attention to the number of red-haired locals. There are 14% of them in the country.

Benefits of studying in Scotland

Favorable prices. The cost of courses in Scotland for foreigners is lower than classes in England or the USA, while the level of education is very high.
Entertainment all year round. About 350 festivals, beach holidays, clubs and restaurants known all over the world, museums and castles - in this country you can easily find something to your liking.
Well-established educational process. Unlike London and other famous British cities, education in Scotland is not so popular. In this regard, you are guaranteed small groups, personal attention and a minimum number of Russian speakers in the class.

English courses in Scotland: study programs

Vacation. These courses are convenient for pupils and students. You can come for summer, winter, spring or autumn holidays and spend your time with benefit.
Preparation for exams. This program is intended for those who plan to enter European universities.
standard courses. A program that will help you quickly start speaking and writing in English.
Intensive. Designed for those who are ready to actively work on the development of language skills and want to prepare for the delivery of a language text in a shorter time.
Business courses. Program for those who use English language in the professional field.
language and hobbies. This program combines not only language classes, but also art, history, and sports.

The Scottish education system includes pre-school, general secondary, special vocational and higher education.

Preschool education

There are no traditional kindergartens in Scotland. However, there are pre-school classes, an analogue of our kindergartens, which are attended by children from the age of 4, and where they are taught to draw, sing, dance, the basics of mathematics, reading and spelling.

General secondary education

From 5 to 12 years old children attend primary school(primary school). Children's knowledge is tested with tests in reading, writing and mathematics. Grades range from A ( highest mark, an analogue of our five) to E. At the age of 12, students move to secondary school. At the age of 15, students take exams for the Scottish Certificate of Education (SCE Standard Grade), which corresponds to the English GCSE. After that, the student can either go to a college of further education, or continue at school in order to receive a Higher Grade certificate. To do this, you need to study from 16 to 18 years old and pass exams in 5 or 6 subjects. This certificate is enough to enter Scottish universities.

To study in other parts of the UK or get into one of the top universities in Scotland, one must complete the so-called "sixth year" of school and receive the Scottish Certificate of Sixth Year Studies (SCSYS), which is equivalent to the UK-wide GCE A-level diploma. Now, instead of the SCSYS certificate, graduates are issued an Advanced Higher certificate. It generally corresponds to A-level. Higher and Advanced Higher certificates are recognized by all UK universities.

Special Vocational Education

Special vocational education in Scotland can be obtained after leaving school at the age of 16. Today in Scotland there are 43 colleges for special or further education (similar to Russian technical schools). In colleges, you can get a specialty in the following areas: information technology, the study of the basics of business, electronics, design, sports, tourism, interior and exterior design, healthcare, media, finance. After a year of full-time study here, you can get a Higher National Certificate, and students who have studied for two years become holders of a Higher Education Diploma.

Higher education

Foundation preparatory programs can serve as an alternative to studying in colleges of further education. There is also a single Scottish International Preparatory Program SIFP, the successful completion of which gives graduates the opportunity to enter almost any university in Scotland.

The procedure for admission to Scottish higher education institutions is no different from admission to English educational institutions and is carried out through the nationwide UCAS service. The procedure for admission and paperwork should be started as early as possible - 1-2 years before the date of admission. The time reserve will allow you to choose the right university, realistically assess your capabilities, prepare and pass all exams on time.

The basic course of higher education at a Scottish university (undergraduate) lasts 4 years. Upon graduation, a bachelor's degree is awarded. The last year of study gives students the opportunity to receive a bachelor's degree with honors (Bachelor with Honors).

The first two years, students study a wide range of basic subjects, and then devote another two years to special disciplines in their chosen profile. Scottish universities have curricula flexibility. Students have the opportunity to study a wide variety of disciplines, even if they are taught in different faculties.

Graduates can be awarded joint degrees, for example, in accounting and economics. Some educational institutions in Scotland offer so-called (sandwich courses), giving students the opportunity to gain practical work experience during their studies.

Postgraduate education(postgraduate) is available to everyone with diplomas from recognized educational institutions around the world. In Scottish universities there is an intensive one-year master's degree program and a three-year advanced doctoral program.