An increasing number of Irish students are choosing to enrol in degree programmes abroad. Multiple factors contribute to this trend: from not securing offers from the Central Applications Office, tackling issues related to living arrangements and lifestyle changes, or simply seeking a dose of adventure.
Over 2,000 degree courses taught in English are offered across Europe, with most of these situated in the Netherlands – the favourite destination for Irish students. Other countries like Poland, Denmark, Italy, and Germany are also highly favoured. Being a citizen of the EU entitles students to study at any university within the European Union under the same rules and regulations as the residents.
Several representatives from third-level institutions spread across Ireland, Britain, Europe and beyond will be present at Higher Options this year to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the opportunities they can avail.
Poznan University of Medical Sciences is a university that has been consistently delivering educational services, carrying out research and providing medical services to the local community for over a hundred years. Based in Poznan City, the university has a rich connection with Poland’s past and has formed numerous international academic and business ties over the years. In 1993, it was the first university in Poland to offer full-time English-led studies. The Medical students here engage with patients from their second year, thus integrating academic principles with practical application.
On the other hand, the Em Normandie Business School, established in 1871, is one of the oldest French business schools. It takes pride in being among the rare 1% of business schools worldwide that are triple-accredited. Furthermore, it is part of the selective group of 38 management schools functioning under the Conférence des Grandes Écoles at the national level.
This esteemed global institution is lauded as among the leading business schools in the world. It operates across seven different locales including Caen, Le Havre, Paris, Boston, Dubai, Dublin, and Oxford. Besides managing a diverse student body exceeding 6,353, it provides various programmes that span finance, digital marketing, international business, human resources, logistics, supply chain management and entrepreneurship.
Coventry University, situated in the heart of Coventry city, boasts state-of-the-art facilities suited to a range of academic disciplines. Ranging from design and engineering laboratories to health centres and modern computing hubs, the university is well-equipped to ensure a holistic educational experience. The university is renowned for hosting three nationally acclaimed centres of excellence, dedicated to teaching and learning. With plans for future investment, it continues to evolve, contributing greatly to the amicable and vibrant atmosphere in Coventry. Through forging strong relationships with leading businesses and public and voluntary sector organizations, it provides students with opportunities for projects and placements, enhancing their employability post-graduation.
Since its inception back in 1831, New York University (NYU) has been a frontrunner in higher education. It has maintained a dynamic urban identity, a professional approach and a vision with global reach that fuels its 20 academic faculties. NYU is recognised as one of the most distinguished research universities across the globe and is highly selective, admitting less than one in eight undergraduate applicants. NYU’s presence extends beyond New York, with campuses in Abu Dhabi, Shanghai and a further 12 locations worldwide, making it a forerunner in international education. With an exotic mix of students from 133 countries and every American state, the university thrives on its diversity. Moreover, it is known for its inclusivity, accommodating an extensive range of students, from low-income families to first-generation learners. Catering to the educational needs of students across the spectrum, from those seeking solid liberal arts foundation to those pursuing a professional focus in postgraduate studies, NYU remains a stalwart among American universities.
The Cardiff Metropolitan University, Hanze University of Applied Sciences and Anglia Ruskin University are institutions that offer a wide range of educational courses. At Cardiff Metropolitan, courses range from art and design, business and management, to sport and health sciences and technologies and engineering. This diverse range of courses are delivered through impactful research and professional degree pathways. Additionally, they bolster a thriving international student community, constituting 23% of the over 25,000 enrolled students.
On the other hand, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, the largest institution offering applied sciences in North Netherlands, provides both undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes in numerous fields. Subjects range from art and business to health and communication studies. The university offers a practical learning approach where students can apply their theoretical understanding in projects and tasks, leading to tangible work experience featured on their resumes upon completing their studies.
Anglia Ruskin University, known for its global presence with students from nearly 200 countries, offers a wide variety of academic disciplines from computer science, law, and marketing to architecture and nursing. It has also achieved considerable recognition for its initiatives, crowned Times Higher Education University of the Year in 2023. Its performance in driving graduate employment is also notable, being within the top 10% nationwide.
A proud institution dating back to 1823, LJMU has grown to be one of the most substantial, esteemed universities in the United Kingdom. Across its five academic divisions, its research not only guides policymakers, but also enhances individuals’ lives and contributes to 21st-century problems’ solutions.
The university is segmented into five sectors, each known for offering top-tier education and research in various fields. These divisions focus on arts, professional and social studies; business and law; health; science; and engineering and technology.
Origins of Scotland’s Rural College can be traced back to more than a century ago when the Scottish Agricultural College merged with Barony, Elmwood, and Oatridge Colleges in 2012. It envisions serving as Scotland’s “enterprise university,” foundational to a robust and sustainable natural economy.
Through education, research and consultancy, SRUC aims to promote a nature-driven economy, dependent on the world’s natural resources: humans, land, energy, water, animals and plants, in a judicious manner. By collaborating and focusing on present-day global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity, and securing nutritious food and clean water, SRUC is committed to finding solutions.
Imperial College London, established in 1907, has consistently strived for worldwide recognition and impact. It fuses its expertise in science, engineering, medicine, and business with scientific discovery, innovation, and entrepreneurship to leave a lasting mark on the world.
It hosts some of the finest entrepreneurial support facilities in the UK, providing an unparalleled edge to its research-based education, ranked amongst the world’s best. The global student body at Imperial benefits from over 350 student-led clubs and societies, arts and music programmes, and advanced recreational facilities.
Focusing on pioneering research, transformative education and innovation, Imperial’s academic strategy aims to make an international and societal difference. Building on its revolutionary fundamental research and the capacity to cultivate new understandings, it envisions fostering sustainable change and making the world a better place. It also aims to enhance the student experience, nurturing leaders capable of instigating and managing change.
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