Further study in Europe
Studying for a postgraduate qualification in Europe will give you an awareness of international issues and diversity: in the global labour market this is highly advantageous.
To get the most out of studying abroad, be clear about your objectives. For instance, do you want to improve your fluency in another language or do you want to gain a more international perspective on your chosen knowledge area? Alternatively, perhaps you’re looking to improve your chances of finding employment in a particular country by picking up some local qualifications.
Throughout Europe, international students are admitted at all academic levels (ie bachelor, masters, PhD and
postgraduate diploma level). Most students tend to choose to study for one year, usually from one of the following options:
- sandwich/year-out placements where a year abroad is a requirement
- study periods abroad (over the summer or for a semester)
- via the Erasmus or Leonardo da Vinci programmes
- postgraduate degree (eg masters, postgraduate diploma or PhD).
Studying for a postgraduate qualification in another country is certainly on the rise. Certain countries and institutions have strong reputations in particular fields: because of this course funding can be more generous and studying at a respected institution looks impressive on a CV or application. A growing number of universities are also offering international students study programmes in a range of European languages, thus making international study easily accessible.
What to consider
There is a vast array of educational institutions and qualifications so it’s essential that you find out some core
facts about your chosen country. Things to pay attention to include:
- the structure of the undergraduate system, the duration of the courses and the name of the qualifications awarded
- whether you will pay your own fees
- how much support is provided for international students
- if your current institution has an exchange scheme with an institution in your chosen country whether your own qualifications will be recognised
- whether the qualifications you want to gain will be recognised when you start work.
Masters degrees and postgraduate diplomas
Throughout Europe, you’ll find an extensive range of postgraduate options to choose from. The timescale for masters and postgraduate diplomas can be appealing: in the UK, for example, a masters degree can be completed in a single year, making it a reasonably quick career-boosting option. The structure of a masters is also less intimidating than a PhD, in that students will normally attend lectures and seminars during their first two terms before producing an independent piece of research.
Some masters courses and postgraduate diplomas will offer the option of spending time in industry. Not only does this option give students the chance to put theory into practice, it also looks good and is an attractive asset for recruiters.
Be sure to do your research on individual courses and institutions. Check departments’ websites for information and speak to people in the department as well as your prospective supervisor. Some courses will require you to apply up to one year in advance of starting so be sure to be organised, plan ahead and meet all the application deadlines.
MBAs
After working in a professional role for several years, many people decide to pursue a masters of business
administration (MBA). An MBA is different from most postgraduate qualifications for a number of reasons.
- Almost without exception, to get onto an MBA course you’ll need to have several years’ work experience. In comparison you can usually study for other postgraduate courses straight after your first degree.
- MBAs focus entirely on business-related issues.
Most MBAs are general degrees, providing an overview of different business functions. Traditionally they offer courses in financial and managerial accounting, economics, finance, marketing, operations, organisational behaviour, quantitative methods/statistics and business policy/strategy. Students do not always need a business background and come from many different industries and sectors.
MBAs usually take one to two years to complete full time or up to seven years part time. Accredited MBA programmes have to fulfil certain standards set by national or international accreditation bodies. The most influential accreditation bodies are the American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the British Association of MBAs (AMBA) and the European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS). Some countries such as France, Italy, Spain and Germany have national quality systems.
Applying can take a long time so begin the whole process at least a year before you plan to start an MBA programme.
International opportunities
The international component of an MBA is a measure of the school’s integration into the real business world and its ability to adapt to changing environments. Diversity is most important if you want to pursue an international career after you graduate and if you need to develop a network of contacts. It’s important therefore that you find out whether a school offers academic exchanges with partner institutions in other countries or research projects with international organisations. Investigate also whether the student body is made up of people from different nationalities.
Entry requirements
Most schools expect:
Tuition fees
In Europe tuition fees for degree programmes and courses tend to be lower than in other countries, such as the US and Canada. While fees vary between countries, most do charge students (especially visiting fees). Specialist programmes (such as vocational masters and MBAs) can be costly as you may have to pay for equipment, depending on the nature of the course. Be sure to check out the individual institution’s prospectus and website for details of costs.
Funding
Most students finance their studies through a combination of personal savings, scholarships and loans. Being
financed by an employer is not very common except in sectors such as investment banking and consultancy.
If you take out a loan, you should look carefully at rates, fees, terms and conditions. In addition, look into whether you are eligible for tax reductions (available in Germany and the Netherlands for example).
Employment
Some companies recruit only on certain campuses. The placement service of the educational institutions that interest you should provide information about the employment record of graduates. You should also ask employers what they think of particular schools when you meet them on campus or at fairs. With so many schools offering so many programmes it’s also important to consider their ‘ranking’ before making a choice.
Educational requirements
Belguim
Typically you will be expected to have a good knowledge of French or Dutch although some programmes are conducted in English. A few scholarships exist.
France
The French education systemis extremely competitive. Postgraduate opportunities tend to have a professional focus or be research oriented.
Germany
German first degrees usually takemore than four years to complete so check whether your qualification will be accepted for postgraduate study.
Italy
Fluency in Italian is expected.
The Netherlands
Postgraduate study usually involves doctorates of one kind or another. There is substantial competition for places. Many courses are offered in English.
Scandinavia
There are more than 300 programmes taught in English, French and Swedish.
Spain
Most courses in Spain demand fluency in Spanish.
The UK and Ireland
There are more than 3,000 educational institutions that welcome international students in the UK. Many courses can also be taken through distance learning in your home country.
National education websites
For more information on study programmes, admission procedures, scholarship opportunities and general
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