A Guide to University for International Students

1 Contents

6 14 Get ready for work Living costs 7 15 Work placements Social life 8 16 Why Brunel Scholarships 2 10 17 Welcome to Courses Scholarship winners 3 11 18 One London campus English language courses Student welfare and support 4 12 19 Vibrant international community Accommodation Entry requirements and visas 5 13 20 Applied learning Fees and funding Useful terms

2 www.brunel.ac.uk/international Welcome to Brunel One London London Brunel provides everything students need on one campus. • Modern, safe, on-campus accommodation with all Brunel University London is an exciting place to study, live and the essential facilities within walking distance: a mini socialise. Brunel offers 32 subject areas and more than 220 supermarket, cafes and a bar, 24-hour library, PC rooms, module-based undergraduate and postgraduate courses. multi-faith prayer areas, a medical centre and pharmacy. Our 1,100+ academics use state-of-the-art learning facilities and • A choice of world-class outdoor and indoor sports combine theory and practical teaching to help students build facilities and over 50 interest and activity clubs. knowledge and acquire practical skills they will have for life. • A convenient campus location – just 45 minutes by Brunel’s campus has everything students need within 10 underground to Central London, 20 minutes' walk to minutes’ walk: over 4,500 on-campus rooms, 24-hour library, town and only 15 minutes by car to nearby lots of study rooms, choice of cafes and restaurants and Heathrow Airport. world-class sports facilities. Today, we are proud to be home to over 3,100 international Brunel’s facilities are exceptional, with students from more than 110 countries. everything you need on campus: an excellent library, restaurants and even a medical clinic. This short guide tells you what it is like to study at Brunel and shares real stories from some of our international students. Take a look around Brunel campus for yourself Name: Tarryn Steenekamp on our virtual tour at: www.brunel.ac.uk/virtualtour Age: 25 years old From: South Africa We hope you will find it useful and interesting and if you have Studying: MSc in Sport and Exercise Psychology any further questions, please get in touch with us. We would be delighted to hear from you. Brunel’s sporting facilities have helped train hundreds of athletes who have won 26 Olympic and Paralympic medals between them.

2 www.brunel.ac.uk/international 3 Vibrant international community Applied learning

With over 3,100 international students from more than To find out more about Brunel’s diverse, Brunel is renowned for research-led teaching, strong 110 countries – from Argentina to Zimbabwe – Brunel is a multi-cultural, international community visit: practical learning and state-of-the art facilities. vibrant, welcoming multi-cultural community. www.brunel.ac.uk/international Students develop new study and research skills through International students have the opportunity to work lectures, seminars, field trips, presentations, group work collaboratively, discover how different cultures address and research projects. global issues and take experiences learnt in lectures l chose Brunel because it has a real Academics help students connect theory with real-world straight into the workplace. international community. When you arrive you feel challenges using state-of-the-art learning facilities such as Celebrating different cultures is integral to life at Brunel. the campus is full of vigour and vitality. clinical suites, laboratories and workshops. Every year the University hosts the festival One World Name: Xueqi Zhou Age: 23 years old From: China There is always somewhere for students to work and read Week, to celebrate our diverse community. Studying: MSc in Human Resources Management – Brunel has over 1,200 study spaces, 500 PCs, group study rooms, silent study areas and 24-hour library.

Brunel offers students a world-class education and hands-on experience where the students are encouraged to take part in seminars instead of just sitting back. Name: Saleem Kharraz Age: 26 years old From: Jordan Studying: LLM International Financial Regulation and Corporate Law

4 www.brunel.ac.uk/international 5 Get ready for work Work placements

For over 50 years Brunel has produced international Brunel has strong, long-standing industry links and an graduates with strong degrees who have acquired excellent track record for placing sandwich students in essential workplace skills and professional accreditations. prestigious global companies, such as Accenture, BP and Volkswagen. Advisers in Brunel’s award-winning Professional Development Centre provide support and coach students International students can undertake paid and voluntary to develop interview skills, obtain work experience and work placements for one year, and gain valuable practical prepare for job interviews. skills and work experience before graduating. Professional Development Centre services are free for Our dedicated, on-campus placement officers are there to students and available for up to two years after graduating. support students in finding and securing work placements.

To find out more about the services and support at Brunel’s award-winning Professional Development Centre I chose Brunel because of its work placement visit: www.brunel.ac.uk/services/pdc option, which will enable me to gain valuable work experience before I graduate. Name: Kandela Duma Yemina Age: 23 years old From: Indonesia Studying: MSc in Management (Pathway The team helped me to gain confidence to Branding and Marketing) in my abilities, leading me to successfully secure my current role as a finance analyst at IBM. Name: Ralitsa Todorova Age: 22 years old From: Bulgaria Many of Brunel's international students take up work placements in the UK and around Studying: BA in Business and Management Accounting the world at companies such as HSBC Bank, IBM, Glaxo SmithKline and Unilever.

6 www.brunel.ac.uk/international 7 Why Brunel

There are lots of great reasons to come to Brunel University London – here are a few of them:

1 2 3 4 5 Over 3,100 31 subject areas and Over 1,100 world- Strong track record for 100+ annual international students over 220 module- leading academics, research excellence international Engineering, Design, Education, English and Creative Writing from more than 110 based courses, practical learning and high rankings for: scholarships and at Brunel are ranked within the top 10 universities courses in the UK.* countries plus onsite English and state-of-the-art Design, Engineering, awards worth up to language courses facilities Health, Sport, Marketing £6,000 a year *Sources: U.S. News & World Report 2016, Best Global Universities 2016, Times Good University Guide 2016, Complete University Guide 2016 and The Guardian League Tables 2016 and Education

6 7 8 9 10 I really love living so close Brunel is one of the Brunel has given me a great Strong industry links World-class outdoor Award-winning Over 4,500 modern Convenient and to where lectures take place. only London universities to starting point and I will have the and an excellent track and indoor sports Professional and safe campus safe London suburb record for placing facilities and over 50 Development Centre rooms and 1st location The University supermarket, combine learning with practical skills and the confidence I need students in prestigious interest and activity with free on-going year guaranteed gym and pub make our routine experience which will give me to set up my own company after global companies clubs on campus advice and support accommodation a lot easier. invaluable experience. I graduate. Name: Julia Castro Mendes Name: Shakti Prasad Name: Catilin Kennedy Age: 24 years old From: Brazil Age: 26 years old From: India Age: 27 years old From: USA Brunel University London is recognised as one of the world’s top 50 international universities. Studying: Civil Engineering in Studying: MSc in Applied Studying: MSc in Sustainability, (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2016). Brunel’s Study Abroad Programme Corporate Brand Management Entrepreneurship and Design

8 www.brunel.ac.uk/international 9 Courses English language courses

Brunel offers 31 subject areas taught in three colleges, so it is easy for students to choose the right course for them. Our on-campus Brunel Language Centre supports international students before and during your degree. College of Business, Arts College of Engineering, Design College of Health and Life Sciences What we offer and Social Sciences and Physical Sciences Biomedical Sciences Anthropology Aerospace Engineering Occupational Therapy • Expertly taught Pre-sessional English Language courses, catering for a wide range of abilities and enabling you to Business and Management Civil Engineering Physiotherapy meet the English Language requirements of your degree Communication and Media Studies Computer Science Physician Associate • General English for all covering listening, speaking, Creative Writing Design Psychology reading and writing Economics and Finance Digital Media Social Work • Free support to help improve your academic English and Education Electronic and Computer Engineering Public Health and Health Promotion be successful at degree level English Mathematics Specialist Community Public Health • A choice of specialised foreign language courses Film and Television Studies Mechanical Engineering Nursing

Games Design Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences Brunel Language Centre is recognised as a Centre of Journalism Excellence by the British Council. Law The University is also home to London Brunel International Music College (LBIC), which offers a variety of Foundation, Level 1 Politics and History and Pre-master's programmes. Theatre Student progression rates from London Brunel International College To browse our full range of individual courses visit: www.brunel.ac.uk/courses to Brunel University London are excellent and during 2015-2016 were 97%. To watch our range of undergraduate course videos copy this link into your browser: bit.ly/undergraduate-course-videos

10 www.brunel.ac.uk/international 11 Accommodation Fees and funding

Brunel has over 4,500 modern, comfortable and safe rooms Undergraduate tuition fees vary from course to course with a wide choice of accommodation options. and standard fees for undergraduate courses range from £14,400 to £21,000 per year. Students have their own bedrooms with free Wi-Fi, and shared communal kitchen and laundry facilities. Brunel also offers specialised postgraduate courses Nearly all of our campus rooms offer en suite facilities. with fees ranging from £14,400 to £21,400 per year. Our halls of residence have an electronic door entry system and CCTV, and for peace of mind we have a 24-hour security team onsite too. All first year, third year and Postgraduate international students are guaranteed campus accommodation.* *To find out more about Brunel’s accommodation I chose Brunel for its high, educational choices and application deadlines visit: To find out more about the most up-to-date reputation and course choice. Brunel’s affordable www.brunel.ac.uk/accommodation undergraduate and postgraduate course fees visit: tuition fees also appealed to me. www.brunel.ac.uk/international/fees Name: Housam Haidar Ahmad Age: 29 years old From: Lebanon Studying: MSc in Oil and Gas Engineering The University has excellent facilities: comfortable accommodation, a warm and friendly international atmosphere, and very qualified lecturers. Name: Ace Akyalcin Turhan Age: 28 years old From: Turkey Brunel has more than 120,000 alumni working in 179 different countries. Our alumni Studying: MSc in Sustainable Electrical Power hold senior positions in major global corporations from AstraZeneca to Zurich Insurance.

12 www.brunel.ac.uk/international 13 Living costs Social life

The table below is a rough guide to indicate what students Brunel has a lively atmosphere and a very strong sense of might typically spend per month while studying at Brunel community, where making new friends is easy. University London. Activities and social events are at the heart of campus Actual living costs will vary according to lifestyle. life. There are 39 international societies, 20 different academic societies and an exciting calendar of on-campus Typical monthly expenses in 2016 cultural and interest activities to experience. Accommodation (on campus)* £431–£552 Socialising away from the campus is simple too – Uxbridge Accommodation (off campus, not £350–450 town centre is only a 20-minute walk or short bus ride including bills) away and is packed with shops, a multiplex cinema, bars, Bills (off campus) £25 restaurants and a nightclub. Mobile phone £40 Food and groceries £150 Travel £30 Get involved with the societies and the Study costs (books and equipment) £15 When students apply for a Tier 4 visa, they must currently activities that you like doing, because really it’s Clothes £50 show they can afford living costs of £1,265 per month for about the memories that you make here. Hobbies £10 each month of their course. Name: Meghna Dhanji Age: 23 years old From: Kenya Studying: BEng in Aviation Engineering To find out more about our student societies, clubs and Social activities £100 We advise students coming to Brunel in 2017/18 to budget activities visit: www.brunelstudents.com/activities Contingency fund £50 for £11,385 each year to cover their likely living costs for each academic year. * All monthly utility, Wi-Fi, basic insurance and bedding World-leading athletes from Usain Bolt to Mo Farah For the most up-to-date accommodation charges visit: costs are included in accommodation fees. have trained at the Indoor Athletics Centre on campus. www.brunel.ac.uk/accommodation

14 www.brunel.ac.uk/international 15 Scholarships Scholarship winners

Brunel offers more than 100 scholarships every Here is what three of our Brunel Scholarship 2015 winners have to say about Brunel University London. year to help international students from over 70 countries. The awards are worth up to £6,000 a year to help partially fund university fees and living costs. Brunel has a range of scholarship packages and works in partnership with several scholarship organisations and bodies including Chevening, The Commonwealth Scholarships and Santander Mobility Awards. I chose Brunel because it The thing I like most I chose Brunel because of has a real international focus and about studying at Brunel is the the combined Automotive and To find out more about our scholarship packages an innovative spirit. incredible sense of support from Motorsport Engineering module and awards available visit: Name: Xueqi Zhou Age: 23 years old my peers and my professors. and its strong international www.brunel.ac.uk/international/scholarships From: China Studying: MSc in Human Name: Anne Sabourin student presence. or email [email protected] Resources Management Age: 24 years old From: Canada Name: Vishal Muralidharan Studying: MSc in Occupational Age: 22 years old From: India Therapy (Pre-registration) Studying: MSc in Automotive and Motorsport Engineering

Brunel has produced thousands of scientists now transforming cancer research and neuroscience, making breakthroughs and improving lives every day.

16 www.brunel.ac.uk/international 17 Student welfare and support Entry requirements and visas

Brunel’s International Student Services Team and the Once you have found the course you would like to apply Academic entry requirement by country Brunel Buddies scheme give new students the practical for, there are a number of specific academic, visa and www.brunel.ac.uk/international/information-by-country advice and friendly support they need to settle in from the financial entry requirements and processes that you need first day they arrive. to meet. Tier 4 visa and immigration www.brunel.ac.uk/international/visas-and-immigration Brunel’s three-day International Orientation Programme Below is a list of useful website links to key guidance is packed full of practical advice and offers a full campus documents that outline important activities, deadlines Application process FAQs tour and help with course registration. and contact details you will need to apply for a course at www.brunel.ac.uk/courses/admissions/how-to-apply-for- Brunel University London. pg-courses/application-faqs A free Airport Welcome and Collection Service from nearby Heathrow Airport is also offered. Undergraduate process www.brunel.ac.uk/courses/admissions/apply- 96% of our international students are satisfied with the undergraduate-courses support they received from Brunel’s International Office (International Student Barometer, Autumn 2015). Postgraduate process www.brunel.ac.uk/courses/admissions/how-to-apply-for- pg-courses To find out more about the International Orientation I found the international support services, Programme and Airport Welcome Service watch our video administration, admissions, registration and the Research programmes For more information regarding the application at: www.brunel.ac.uk/international accommodation teams really helpful. They gave www.brunel.ac.uk/research/research-degrees-at-brunel/ process please email the Admissions department: me lots of useful information and the practical how-to-apply-for-research-courses [email protected] advice I needed. Name: Miray Titiane Razanajatovo Age: 29 years old From: Madagascar Studying: MSc in Public Health The James Dyson international design award 2014/2015 and Mayor of London's Low Carbon and Promotion Entrepreneur 2015 have been won by Brunel students – a tribute to the quality of invention on campus.

18 www.brunel.ac.uk/international 19 Useful terms

Below is a short list of some of the most commonly used terms. Conditional Offer Confirmation of Acceptance This means that students will be for Studies (CAS) accepted onto the course if they meet The student will be sent a unique certain criteria (i.e. grades/English reference number (your CAS) which is language test). required for their visa application. Unconditional Offer Undergraduate applications A student’s offer will become Clearing unconditional once they accept their Central A service to allow students to apply Brunel offer and they meet the conditions London for a place even if their exam results of their offer. This means they have a have not been as good as they had Q definite place on the course. Heathrow hoped for. Work placements and sandwich years Firm choice Some students do a work placement. To find out when our International The offer that the student has This extra year is sometimes called Team will be in your country, how to accepted as their first choice. a sandwich year, because it is contact our local representatives or "sandwiched" between the second Insurance choice for any other enquiries, please email: and final year. It is usually a paid The offer that the student has [email protected] placement. accepted as their second choice. or call +44(0)1895 265 265

20 www.brunel.ac.uk/international Brunel University London /brunelinternational Kingston Lane /Bruneluni Uxbridge /edu/brunel-university-london-12575 Middlesex /bruneluni UBB 3PH +bruneluniversity/posts United Kingdom www.brunel.ac.uk/blogs Course enquires Telephone: +44(0)1895 265 599 Email: [email protected] www.brunel.ac.uk/international

All information is correct at the time of going to print. The most up-to-date information can be found at www.brunel.ac.uk/international 06/2016 002215E 130616