Undergraduate Prospectus - University of Stirling

Undergraduate Prospectus

Open Days
Saturday 21 September 2013, 10am – 3.30pm
Saturday 2 November 2013, 10am – 3.30pm
Contact us:
For further information about Open Day opportunities,
to visit the University and to book your place, contact:
➲ Student Recruitment, Admissions & International Affairs
Email: recruitment@stir.ac.uk
Web: http://stir.ac.uk/5f
Tel: +44 (0) 1786 467046
Open Days
http://stir.ac.uk/5f
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Contents
Why choose Stirling? 2
Experience Stirling 18
Sport at Stirling 26
Academic life 34
Our Academic Schools 48
Course list A-Z 59
Entry requirements and costs 116
International students 128
See our Stirling campus 134
Index138

4 Why choose Stirling?
A great place to study
The University of Stirling is a
unique institution – a beautiful,
international seat of learning in
the historic centre of Scotland.
We offer a fantastically supportive
environment for students of all nationalities,
ages, backgrounds and routes into study;
with enviably high rates of student satisfaction.
Students ranked us first in the UK for a ‘good
place to be’*.
Situated in a stunning, safe campus setting,
Stirling is a University where you will find
everything you need to excel in your studies.
We offer some of the best recreational and
elite sports facilities in the country, and provide
exceptional social and cultural venues on
campus too.
Our degrees offer unrivalled flexibility,
evolving with you in response to your
developing interests. We actively encourage
you to study across a range of disciplines,
providing a breadth of experience that is
internationally recognised.
The majority of our courses allow you to study
a wide range of subjects in the first two years
of your degree.
Once you know which subjects you enjoy,
you can decide which degree combination to
graduate in.
Our emphasis on student choice – giving you
control of your own studies – is at the very
core of our teaching ethos.
We strive for innovation and excellence, not
in an abstract academic ideal, but in providing
inter-disciplinary teaching and research that
offers real-world relevance and excellent
employment prospects for every one of
our graduates.
Stirling graduates are high-calibre,
motivated individuals who are ready to
enter the world of professional services.
PricewaterhouseCoopers
What I remember most keenly is the
wonderful feeling of freedom of being
there and the sheer intoxication of living
and working in a place devoted to
learning, to the pursuit of knowledge.
Iain Banks, BA 1975
Novelist
* International Student Barometer, 2012
Web: www.stir.ac.uk xxxxx.stir.ac.uk More information: 0000 000 000

Why choose Stirling?
5
Our excellent reputation
Ranked highly for our teaching
approach by students and education
experts alike, and internationally
respected for our excellent research,
your education at Stirling prepares
you for a career, and for life.
The University of Stirling prides itself on
enabling you to shape and realise the career
path you aspire to, whether that be in
employment or further study and research.
Our innovative, cross-disciplinary teaching and
research methods give our graduates a broad
spectrum of academic expertise that is greatly
respected and sought after by employers and
research bodies.
Innovation
and excellence
Video: http://stir.ac.uk/5g
But we don’t only prepare you academically
for life after University. Our teaching develops
all of the personal skills and attributes that
will be called upon in your chosen workplace:
project management, presentation,
team-working and problem-solving skills,
right down to simple self-confidence.
Our Career Development Centre can help
you secure the vital work experience many
employers now demand in addition to a
degree, while our Study Abroad programmes
offer you the competitive edge of insights into
international travel and study.
We have an enviable record for graduate
employability – our graduates are employable,
respected and talented.
Over 90% of Stirling graduates
are in employment or further study
within six months.
Higher Education Statistics Agency, 2012
More information: 0000 000 000
Web: www.stir.ac.uk
xxxxx.stir.ac.uk

6 Why choose Stirling?
A world-class
Honours degree
In Scotland, an Honours degree
normally lasts for four years
– the same as equivalent courses
in Australia, Canada, the United
States and some EU countries. At
Stirling, we offer both four-year
and three-year options, giving you
the choice to tailor your education
to suit your needs.
Advantages of the four-year
Honours Degree:
Flexibility:
Students have the option to study and
experience subjects without committing
to them for the duration of their degree.
High graduation rate:
Allowing students to research and experience
different subject areas means they can make
a more informed choice about which subject
area to take forward to graduation.
Sound preparation for future study:
The four-year option provides students with a
broad knowledge base, a solid foundation for
decision making if and when the time comes
to progress to further study.
Personal development:
Over four years students have more time to
mature both academically but also personally,
developing key life skills which they will find
invaluable in the future.
My life has been punctuated by
several memorable events and my
time at Stirling was certainly one of
them… these were fantastic times.
Doug Allan
International wildlife documentary
cameraman for the BBC’s ‘The Blue
Planet’ and ‘Planet Earth’
Web: www.stir.ac.uk xxxxx.stir.ac.uk More information: 0000 000 000

Why choose Stirling?
7
In England, Northern Ireland and
Wales, an Honours degree course
typically lasts for three years.
At Stirling, if the minimum
requirements for advanced entry
are met, the option to study for
three years to gain an Honours
degree is available. This means
that students will effectively gain
advanced entry and start in Year 2
of the four-year degree.
Advantages of a three-year
Honours degree option:
A cost-effective option:
Fee-paying students will pay for three years’
tuition fees and living expenses rather than
four. For those undergraduates from outside
Scotland this equates to a saving of £6,750
in tuition fees plus additional living expenses
compared to the four-year option.
Specialise from the start:
For students who know exactly what they
want to study, the three-year option allows
them to specialise straightaway and is suitable
for those who relish the challenge of higher
workloads and a slightly more rigorous
academic schedule.
Open to all:
The three-year option is open to all suitably
qualified students and may be particularly
attractive to Scottish students wishing to
graduate faster.
Keeping options open:
If students don’t meet the conditions for their
advanced entry but still meet the conditions
for the four-year course, they can commence
study in Year 1.
Three-year Honours degree
All students complete their degree in
three years, subject to suitable qualifications
and/or experience.
Look out for the ‘3Y’ icon
in the course-page section of
this prospectus (page 59) to
identify which courses offer the option
of a three-year Honours degree course.
Turn to page 119 for more information
on advanced entry to a three-year
Honours degree.
More information: 0000 000 000
Web: www.stir.ac.uk
xxxxx.stir.ac.uk

Why choose Stirling?
9
Stirling Scholarships
The University of Stirling values
ability not background. We are
committed to ensuring that high
achieving students will be able to
study for an undergraduate degree
at the university irrespective of their
financial background.
At the University of Stirling we believe that a
university education is an investment in your
future. If you have the talent, ability and drive
to study with us, we want to make sure you
make the most of the opportunity, regardless
of your financial circumstances.
We expect to disburse around £3 million in the
2013/14 academic year in the form of fee and
maintenance bursaries and scholarships.
A wide range of scholarships are available
to encourage and support well qualified,
ambitious students to study here. This includes
scholarships for budding sportsmen and
sportswomen, and awards for undergraduates
from England, Wales and Northern Ireland to
assist with tuition fees and living expenses.
We offer bursaries based on financial need
in the form of grants which do not have to
be repaid.
In addition, you can apply for a range
of funding provided by UK and international
government bodies, the European
Commission, funding trusts, industry
and employers.
For advice and further information on
scholarship and bursary opportunities visit:
➲ http://stir.ac.uk/63
At Stirling, I received a
world-class qualification from
a world-class university in a
world-class setting. The Stirling
experience is like no other and
I would not hesitate to
recommend it.
Tikhala Chibwana
Malawi
www.stir.ac.uk

10 Why choose Stirling?
Our campuses
Our main Stirling campus is in
a stunning setting – beautiful,
inspiring, safe and modern. It is easy
to get around and there is nowhere
like it in the UK.
The University of Stirling is a thriving,
international community of students set in
a close-knit, campus environment. It is a
beautiful, supportive place: people from all
over the world come together here to study,
share ideas, research and live.
Inspiring environment
Founded in 1967 on an historic estate, the
campus has both an 18th-century castle and
a loch at its centre. It is one of the safest
campuses in the UK.
Everything you need: right here
With around 2,000 student rooms on campus,
you are just a scenic walk away from friends,
lectures, support for you and your studies,
sport or relaxation. Our bright, busy hub – the
Atrium – connects the library, Students’ Union,
arts centre, shops and places to eat.
Studying Nursing
You can study at our Stirling campus or at one
of our other dedicated campuses for Nursing
at the Highland and Western Isles campuses in
Inverness and Stornoway. Clinical placements
are available throughout these areas.
For more information on our Highland and
Western Isles campuses, turn to page 98.
The natural environment of
the campus makes it an inspiring
place to be, whether for sport or
academic research.
Sir Bill Gammell, BA 1974
Founder and Chairman of
Cairn Energy PLC
Web: www.stir.ac.uk xxxxx.stir.ac.uk More information: 0000 000 000

Campus life
http://stir.ac.uk/5h

Our libraries
http://stir.ac.uk/5i
Our sport facilities
http://stir.ac.uk/5j

Why choose Stirling?
13
Our campus facilities
The University of Stirling brings
together all of your learning and
living needs right here on campus,
so you can focus on study, discovery,
and shaping your future.
Space to study
We have transformed our Stirling campus
library – informal and modern, it provides the
latest technologies to maximise your learning,
whatever your needs.
Sport for all
Everyone needs a break from study and the
campus offers incomparable sports facilities –
whatever your ability. Our portfolio includes a
fitness centre and classes; golf course and golf
academy; 50-metre swimming pool; tennis,
badminton and basketball courts; an athletics
track; a loch for canoeing; and pitches for
football, rugby, American football and more.
Connect in the Atrium
When all else is done, draw breath at the
social centre of the campus. See a film or
show at the macrobert arts centre, meet
friends in our Students’ Union bars and
nightclub, or even book a getaway in our
shopping precinct with our travel agent. You
will also find a bank, pharmacy, supermarket,
bookshop and newsagent.
The campus and new library are
awesome, and I love how compact
the campus is so you always meet
people you know and really feel
at home.
Lelde Benke
Latvia
www.stir.ac.uk

14 Why choose Stirling?
Our accommodation
Once you have received an
Unconditional offer, you can apply
for accommodation online from
April and should do so as quickly
as possible.
The majority of our rooms are single
occupancy and we offer accommodation in
either halls of residence or self-contained flats.
Off-campus accommodation is located nearby
in Stirling city centre and has easy access to the
University bus routes.
All our residences are equipped with:
• Shared self catering kitchen facilities
• Concierge cover
• Bed linen, duvet and pillows
• Networked access in all bedrooms to link
your PC to our network
• Laundry facilities located nearby
If you have specific accommodation
requirements, contact us as soon as possible.
We will do our best to provide the most
suitable accommodation possible or adapt
existing accommodation subject to availability.
Applying and costs
Once you have received an Unconditional
offer, the Student Recruitment and Admissions
team will contact you to explain how to access
your University computer account where you
can apply for our accommodation.
For up-to-date costs, booking deadlines and
more details or advice, visit:
➲ www.studentaccommodation.stir.ac.uk
What about our other sites?
➲ For accommodation at our Highland
Campus, telephone: +44 (0)1463 704343
➲ For accommodation at our Western Isles
Campus, telephone: +44 (0)1851 708243
Accommodation
http://stir.ac.uk/5k
www.stir.ac.uk

Why choose Stirling?
15
Investing in accommodation
Stirling has an enviable reputation as a place
where student satisfaction with the all-round
campus experience is high.
As a result of an on-going, multimillion
pound investment in new residential
accommodation, that experience gets
better and better.
We consulted with our students about
their preferred options for accommodation.
As a result, we have created well designed
study bedrooms, spacious kitchens with
dining facilities, increased social space and
better connections to the surrounding
landscape areas.
Students in the new accommodation will
enjoy study bedrooms which have been
built to meet their needs, providing
a choice of residence types and rental levels
in our stunning campus setting.
All the new accommodation has either
en-suite facilities or, in the case of
townhouses, facilities shared by just a
few students.
Over the three-year project, which began
in 2012, just under 800 study bedrooms
will be replaced, which represents around
40 percent of the total accommodation
on campus.
Residences Project
http://stir.ac.uk/60
■ Computer simulation
www.stir.ac.uk

Why choose Stirling?
17
Eat well
The University offers a diverse range
of cafés, dining rooms and outlets,
catering for all tastes and budgets.
Sodexo, a leading food service provider,
manages a range of catering outlets at our
Stirling campus, including two dining rooms
and several cafés.
Don’t forget the Students’ Union offers a
range of catering options also.
Haldane’s Eatery and Pathfoot Eatery
Our two main dining rooms offer a wide
range of options, including traditional
Scottish cuisine, live theatre cooking and
healthy choices.
Atrium Food of the World
Hot snacks, including burgers and pizzas, are
on offer as well as noodles and hot wraps
from our ever popular live theatre bar. Fresh
soup and made-to-order sandwiches are
available from our new Atrium deli.
Eating well on a budget
As not all students want to cook for
themselves, the University can help you budget
for your catering needs using Flexi Meals deals
and cashless purchasing.
The Bite
The University’s Costa Coffee outlet offers hot
and cold snacks, confectionery and soft drinks
for students on the move between lectures.
Stir.Café
Stir.Café customers can enjoy triple certified
coffee, soup, salads and our new delicatessen
and chef’s board daily specials.
Eating and drinking
http://stir.ac.uk/9f
More information: 0000 000 000
Web: www.stir.ac.uk
xxxxx.stir.ac.uk

18 Why choose Stirling?
Be part of a global community
From the moment you arrive at
the University of Stirling you
are following in the footsteps of
inspiring alumni, former students
who have built upon their University
of Stirling experience to develop
successful careers around the world.
Our network of graduates spans
148 countries with a growing global
membership in excess of 44,000. The alumni
network provides a valuable resource for
undergraduate students to use for mentoring,
career development and other networking
opportunities – all vital components in
helping you take your first steps into your
chosen profession or career.
You automatically become a member of
our alumni association on graduation
and membership is free. Supported by an
international network of local branches
and special interest groups, our alumni
ambassadors help ensure that you stay
connected to your friends and enjoy a
lifelong relationship with the University.
➲ For more information on our alumni
network, visit: www.stir.ac.uk/alumni
I have been around the world
and met princes, presidents and two
popes, but the best and brightest
people I have met have been
here at the University of Stirling.
You have a vital community with
critical thought, mental rigour and
an environment second to none.
Just walk around the place; why
would you want to go to any other
university in the world?
Lord John Reid of Cardowan
Former Home Secretary
www.stir.ac.uk

Alumni network
www.stir.ac.uk/
alumni

Experience
Stirling

Experience Stirling
23
Student life
Away from study, student life at
Stirling is all about being at the
centre of things. Whether you want
to stay on campus, explore the city
of Stirling, take a short trip to
Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh,
or largest city, Glasgow, or perhaps
plan some international travel, you
couldn’t be better placed.
Home is where the heart is
When you want to stay close to home,
the campus offers everything you need to
get the best out of your free time. Stock
up for the weekend from the campus
supermarket, before meeting friends for
lunch in any one of the campus cafés. Put
work behind you at the Students’ Union over
a relaxed meal and drinks, or dance until late
in the nightclub, Envy.
Café culture on your doorstep
For a different perspective and within walking
distance, the historic town of Bridge of
Allan offers a variety of independent shops,
with great delis, gift shops, boutiques, bars,
restaurants and even a brewery. A relaxed café
culture comes into its own on sunny days.
Stirling: a city of energy and contrast
A pivotal seat in Scotland’s turbulent history,
Stirling is associated with William Wallace,
Robert the Bruce and the struggle for Scottish
nationhood. The cobbled old town climbs to
the dramatic vista of Stirling Castle: the past is
apparent and compelling. But Stirling is also a
young, cosmopolitan city whose style is fresh,
inclusive and unashamedly forward-looking.
You will join a large student population that
gives the city a modern, international flavour
– the perfect place to experience new Scottish
culture at its best.
➲ www.visitstirling.org.uk
Best of both worlds
If it is fresh air and open spaces you seek, then
Stirling is right for you. Situated at the point
where lowland and highland Scotland meet,
Stirling is an unrivalled base for exploring Loch
Lomond and the Trossachs, Scotland’s first
national park. Centrally placed, Stirling is an
ideal place from which to visit Scotland’s east
and west coasts too.
➲ www.visitscotland.com
Explore Edinburgh and Glasgow
At the geographical centre of Scotland, Stirling
naturally has superb links to the rest of the
country and beyond. In particular, Edinburgh
and Glasgow are both less than an hour away
by road or rail. Jump on a train from Bridge
of Allan or Stirling; they run on average every
30 minutes and more at peak times. Glasgow
and Edinburgh offer hourly trains to London if
you are travelling onward.
➲ www.nationalrail.co.uk
➲ www.edinburgh.org
➲ www.seeglasgow.com
Travelling further
When you are planning how long it will take
you to get home, it is good to know that
Scotland’s two main international airports
are less than an hour away by car. By public
transport, you can reach either airport in
around two hours from the Stirling campus.
However, the airport transfer service provided
by Stirling Direct is much quicker and can get
you there in an hour.
➲ www.edinburghairport.com
➲ www.glasgowairport.com
➲ www.stirlingdirect.org
www.stir.ac.uk

24 Experience Stirling
City of Stirling
The geographical gateway to the
Highlands, the city that blends the
historic and modern, Stirling is one
of Scotland’s most attractive places
to live.
Size and location
About 41,000 people live in Stirling and
the student population is a visible part of
that. The city centre is less than two miles
– a ten-minute bus ride – from campus. A
central train and bus station offer frequent
services to all points UK-wide.
A historic city
Stirling was the ancient capital of Scotland.
Originally a Stone Age settlement, Stirling
has been strategically significant since at least
the Roman occupation of Britain due to its
naturally defensible crag and tail hill, where
Stirling Castle is located.
Having a royal castle strengthened Stirling
and led to economic growth but it also
made it a target of English invasions. William
Wallace defeated the English at Stirling Bridge
in 1297 and in 1314 Robert the Bruce’s
battle with the English gave Scotland victory
over King Edward II at Bannockburn, on the
outskirts of the city of Stirling.
Shopping, nightlife and dining
A bustling, pedestrianised centre boasts all the
familiar high street brands. The city’s covered
Victorian mall offers speciality shopping,
while the Thistles Shopping Centre has four
malls and over ninety stores under one roof.
For fresh, local produce, browse the Farmers’
Markets in Port Street.
With great bars and clubs, the city is busy
every night of the week, with much activity
geared toward students who set the tone.
Choose between style bars, real ale pubs or
chilling out over coffee.
A major tourist destination and international
University city, Stirling offers fantastic food.
Choose from Greek, Scottish, Italian, American,
Indian, Chinese, Mexican, French and Thai to
name a few. You will not go hungry.
Cost of living
The cost of living in Stirling is consistently
lower than other Scottish cities like Glasgow
and Edinburgh, and is one of the lowest in
the UK. There are savings to be made from
campus living too. For more information on
cost of living, turn to page 127.
www.stir.ac.uk

Experience Stirling
25
Arts and culture
Whether you stay on campus or
travel further afield, you will have
some of the most innovative and
inspiring arts venues and events in
the UK right on your doorstep.
Culture on campus
The macrobert’s cinema screens latest releases,
foreign film, documentary and classics. The
live performance programme includes touring
theatre, dance, comedy and music; all with a
contemporary twist.
The University Art Collection comprises over
300 works including paintings, sketches,
tapestries, sculpture and silver. Find them
throughout the campus, with a main collection
in the Pathfoot building.
➲ www.macrobert.org
➲ www.artcol.stir.ac.uk
Discover Stirling
Stirling offers cinema, theatre and art galleries,
running more than 2,000 events a year. The
castle is an established arts venue, hosting
names like REM and Snow Patrol, and recently
the Big Concert part of the London 2012
Festival. The Tolbooth is an award-winning
venue for music, performance and exhibitions
in the Old Town.
➲ www.stirlingcastle.gov.uk
➲ www.stirling.gov.uk/tolbooth
World’s largest arts festival
Edinburgh’s streets are steeped in history and
home to the world’s largest arts festival in
August. A year-round programme of festivals
showcases everything from international culture
to film, books and science. Free museums and
art galleries abound, alongside live performance
venues, theatres and cinemas. The city is famed
for its stunning six-week-long winter festival.
City of music
Glasgow, named a UNESCO City of Music,
has around 130 music events every week. The
cosmopolitan city also has unrivalled galleries
and museums, presenting both international
and Scottish heritage collections. Renowned
for its architecture, Glasgow is increasingly
used by film-makers. Glasgow also has the
best shopping in the UK outside of London.
➲ www.edinburgh.org
➲ www.seeglasgow.com
…and there is more
Don’t forget that Scotland hosts some of the
biggest music and arts festivals in Europe:
T in the Park, Sound, the Wickerman Festival
and Rock Ness to name just a few. And to
experience a true Scottish tradition, there is
always the Highland Games, with piping and
dancing competitions; tossing the caber; the
Scottish hammer throw and much more.
www.stir.ac.uk

26 Experience Stirling
Your Students’ Union
The University’s award-winning
Students’ Union is an important
part of the University, providing
exciting social spaces, support,
societies and clubs.
Joining the Union
When you register at the University, you
will automatically become a member of the
Students’ Union, giving you access to all of
its venues and services, including a wireless
network in the Union so you can work over
lunch, access to the print room and drop
into the Advice and Support Centre.
Going out
The Students’ Union runs venues in the
Robbins Centre as well as a great choice of
entertainment too.
Studio serves food all day in a relaxed lounge
atmosphere with plasma screens for sports
fixtures and music. The outside decking offers
stunning views on warm days. The coffee
shop, Underground, serves Starbucks coffee
and tempting cakes.
At night, relax in Studio or party the night
away at the night club, Envy. Freshers’ events
are always a sell-out, with theme parties, guest
DJs, comedy nights and more.
Check out the Union’s website for
weekly events and for a full list of clubs, visit:
➲ www.stirlingstudentsunion.com
Support from the Union
The Students’ Union runs a portfolio of
welfare and support services – ranging from
the Advice and Support Centre to academic
representation – that can help you deal with
any personal or academic issue you are facing.
All services are run by trained volunteers
offering confidential peer support.
Giving something back
If you feel your experiences might help other
students, why not consider becoming a Union
representative? Elected representatives take
responsibility for a specific student group,
campaign or academic course. In this way you
can get involved in campaigning for the people
or issues you care about, making all students’
lives better.
Media experience
The Union has a strong media presence on
campus and it always needs volunteers. If
you are planning a career in the media,
now is your chance to get the experience
employers demand:
• Air3 broadcasts student-made programmes,
features, plays, news and views
➲ www.air3radio.com
• Brig has been shortlisted for NUS/Guardian
Student Newspaper of the Year
➲ www.brignewspaper.com
• AirTV provides experience in film and
TV production, advertising, acting
and scriptwriting
➲ www.airtvonline.com
• The Students’ Union website keeps
everyone up to date with events on campus
and hosts clubs and societies’ pages.
Get involved in its development
➲ www.stirlingstudentsunion.com
Clubs and societies
Whether you already have a consuming
passion, or fancy trying something new,
the Union’s thriving, award-winning clubs and
societies will probably play a big part in your
life at University.
There are over 50 active non-sport clubs and
societies ranging from Amnesty International
to the Wizarding Society. In addition,
there are more than 40 sports clubs with
a challenge for everyone, from American
football to Ultimate Frisbee.
For a full list of clubs and societies, visit:
➲ http://stir.ac.uk/9s
www.stir.ac.uk

Students’ Union
www.stirlingstudentsunion.com

Sport at
Stirling

Photo credit: GBswimstars

30 Experience Stirling
Sport at Stirling
The University of Stirling has one
of the best reputations for sport of
any UK university and is Scotland’s
University for Sporting Excellence.
Great facilities, lots of opportunities
to participate in over 40 sports clubs
and a winning support network for
international sports men and women.
What’s on offer?
Some outstanding facilities, among the best
you will find at any UK university.
The Gannochy National Tennis Centre has six
indoor courts, two outdoor all-weather floodlit
courts and two outdoor clay courts.
The National Swimming Academy
houses a 50-metre, six-lane pool and land
conditioning room.
The MP Jackson Fitness Centre has over
90 pieces of cardiovascular and resistance
equipment and two extensive free weights
areas containing nine lifting platforms.
You can also enjoy:
• An eight-court sports hall and three
squash courts
• An air-conditioned dance and fitness studio
• A 400m all-weather running track
• Two artificial pitches and seven grass pitches
• A nine-hole, par-three golf course, putting
green, driving ranges, pavilion and video
analysis suite
The loch at the centre of campus is a great
location for canoeing and fishing. Beyond the
campus, Scotland’s spectacular scenery offers
endless opportunities for outdoor activities.
A range of classes and courses is provided
for all students. You can take part in fitness
activities from aerobics to yoga and sports such
as canoeing and trampolining.
What can I do?
As well as enjoying the facilities and classes listed
above, a great way to get involved is through
our sports clubs. There are over 40 of these run
by the Sports Union, covering individual and
team sports. For more details, visit:
➲ www.stirlingstudentsunion.com/su
When it comes to competing with other
universities in Britain and abroad, these clubs
have an excellent track record. Stirling students
are regular winners at golf, tennis, swimming,
football, rugby, triathlon and American football.
To help with this, we run a Club Performance
Programme. This is organised by the School
of Sport in partnership with the Sports Union.
It helps improve the success of our teams
in national and international competitions,
and increase the number of students gaining
representative honours. Several core sports
benefit from its services, which include
coaching, sports science and sports medicine.
Can you help me compete at high levels?
Absolutely – we excel at this.
For students competing at national level or
above, we operate an International Sports
Scholarship Programme for both UK and
overseas students. This includes financial help
and top-level coaching. It also enables you to
extend your degree to allow for times when it’s
crucial to concentrate on a competition.
www.stir.ac.uk

Experience Stirling
31
The programme has a great track record.
Recently, we have helped produce:
• Over 100 junior and senior internationalists
• Seven athletes for the London 2012 Olympic
and Paralympic Games
• 14 athletes – including four medal winners
– at the 2010 Commonwealth Games
• Medal winners at European and
World Championships
• The 2011 European University
Golf Champions
• More than 50 British Universities’
representatives in the past three years
• Nine golfers gain professional tour
status, including European Tour player
Richie Ramsay
Scholarships are awarded in six sports: golf;
swimming and disability swimming; tennis;
triathlon; football (men and women) and
taekwondo. Currently, there are 95 scholars.
➲ Raleigh Gowrie
Sports Performance Manager
r.n.gowrie@stir.ac.uk
+44 (0)1786 466901
Can I learn to coach?
We offer coach education programmes in
a range of sports. So if you fancy gaining a
nationally-recognised qualification, Stirling’s
the place. If you already have qualifications,
we can provide practical coaching experience.
Partners on campus
The quality of our sporting environment has
attracted several sports agencies to base
themselves on our campus including:
• sportscotland Institute of Sport
• Commonwealth Games Council
for Scotland
• Scottish Swimming
• triathlonscotland
• Scottish Gymnastics
• Scottish Football Association
(Central Region)
➲ School of Sport
www.stir.ac.uk/sport
+44 (0)1786 466489
www.stir.ac.uk

Student support
http://stir.ac.uk/5v

Experience Stirling
33
Student support
While university is about finding your
own way, it helps to know you can
get advice and support if you need it.
We offer services that help you make
the most of your time at Stirling and
help the transition into employment.
Student money advice
Our Student Money Advisers can help you to
budget and manage your money and, as a
student, assist you in applying for the public
funding to which you may be entitled (SAAS,
SFE, welfare benefits etc.) referring you to
appropriate external agencies.
We also have information on a wide range of
money-related topics including bank accounts,
income tax for students and possible additional
sources of funding, such as national and
local trusts. We have specific information for
students with children and a range of moneysaving
tips and useful websites.
Counselling and wellbeing
We offer a free and confidential service for
you to talk in private about anything that is
troubling you, including your ability to study.
It is a completely private and confidential
process where the counsellor will listen
carefully to what you have to say and will
not judge you or tell you what to do.
Our aim is to help you understand things
more clearly so that you can make decisions
about what you want to do or how you want
to do it.
Care and support
We are fully committed to supporting
students entering and succeeding in Higher
Education after being in care. We recognise
the additional challenges this group can
face, therefore we aim to make things as
easy as possible and assist with the necessary
adjustments for anyone choosing Stirling as
their Higher Education destination.
We welcome applications from those
students who have experiences of being
looked after (by kinship or foster carers,
at home under a supervision order or in
residential care) and we are continuing to
develop our excellent student support services
to meet their specific needs.
Disability Service
Disability Advisers offer one-to-one
information, support and guidance; including
provision of needs assessments, organisation
of agreed University adjustments, application
for Disabled Student Allowance, and support
for students with dyslexia including organising
diagnostic assessment.
The service can help if you want to visit or
discuss matters before applying.
• Our campus is accessible to wheelchair
users and those with mobility issues
(map available)
• Adapted accommodation is available
• Non-medical Personal Support workers can
be arranged according to assessed needs
• We have dedicated computing facilities
with a range of Assistive Technologies;
some software packages are available
in all computing facilities on campus
• Training in the use of Assistive
Technology is available
• All lecture theatres have
infra-red technology
➲ Corridor 4Y, Cottrell Building
Student money advice:
studentmoney@stir.ac.uk
Counselling and wellbeing:
student.counselling@stir.ac.uk
Student advice:
student.advice@stir.ac.uk
+44 (0)1786 467080
www.stir.ac.uk

34 Experience Stirling
Pre-entry visits
Pre-entry visits may be helpful for some
disabled prospective students.
This visit will help you to assess for yourself the
suitability of the University environment.
For students with mobility or sensory
impairments in particular, an early pre-entry
visit is highly recommended.
➲ Room 2A1, Cottrell Building
studentadvice.disability@stir.ac.uk
+44 (0)1786 466612
Health
There is a General Medical Practice and Dental
Centre on campus. If you are living away from
home, you will be advised to register with a
doctor in the area.
➲ Airthrey Park Medical Centre
info@apmc.co.uk
+44 (0)1786 463831
➲ Airthrey Park Dental Centre
+44 (0)1786 448890
Religion
The multi-faith Chaplaincy/Faith Centre
organises programmes of worship, discussion
and social events. It provides for all faiths
and can put you in touch with the nearest
representatives of your faith group. The
Chaplaincy also supports Friends International
Stirling, linking international students with
local host families.
We have a dedicated prayer room for
Muslim students.
All our chaplains are part-time and represent
many of the area’s local churches.
➲ +44 (0)1786 467164
Childcare
Bright Beginnings Nursery, next door to the
University, caters for children from three
months to five years.
➲ +44 (0)1786 474712
Psychology, in the School of Natural
Sciences, runs an on-campus playgroup
for pre-school children.
➲ +44 (0)1786 466836
Career Development Centre
Careers guidance
We offer one-to-one interviews, mock job
interviews and a ‘drop in’ service.
Careers information
• Online vacancy facility for graduates
• A Job Shop for part-time, casual and
temporary vacancies
• Well-stocked information room, plus
take-away directories and magazines
• Monthly careers newsletter
• Careers fairs and employer presentations
Careers education
• Credit-bearing career management
skills modules
• Credit-bearing work experience modules
• A range of seminars to develop
employability skills
• Insight into Teaching Programme
➲ Room 3A1, Cottrell Building
www.careers.stir.ac.uk
careers@stir.ac.uk
+44 (0)1786 467070
www.stir.ac.uk

Experience Stirling
35
Enterprise and entrepreneurship
As part of education we encourage
entrepreneurial spirit and do all we
can to support students interested in
starting a business.
Scottish Institute for Enterprise (SIE)
SIE helps students in Scotland discover their
entrepreneurial talent and even start up
their own ventures. Our mission is to help
create new student businesses including
social enterprises.
Every year, two SIE Stirling Student Interns
promote SIE as well as the University’s own
Enterprise Programme by running local events,
competitions and the Enterprise Society.
The Enterprise Programme
The Enterprise Programme covers all aspects
of enterprise from employability skills to
running a business. Every student can benefit
from having their ‘enterprising self’ unlocked
and their enterprising skills enhanced. Get in
touch to find out about the range of seminars,
workshops and other interesting activities
designed to get the best out of you.
Most importantly, we want to emphasise that
every student’s interests or current involvement
with business, no matter what their degree,
can make enterprise an active part of their life
and have the potential to be an entrepreneur.
➲ www.su-bc.org
➲ www.sie.ac.uk
SUREstart Business Incubators
Be one of the many Stirling students to have
created a successful business in the unique
setting of the SUREstart incubator. You will
get office space, a landline, a PC, plus access
to lawyers, accountants, marketing experts,
funding and a whole range of other benefits;
and it is all free.
We have a dedicated space with expert
support for the formation of social enterprises.
Find out how to get involved with any part
of the Enterprise Programme by emailing the
Student Enterprise Manager:
➲ alasdair.gammack@stir.ac.uk
+44 (0)1786 458014
www.stir.ac.uk

Academic life
Web: xxxxx.stir.ac.uk More information: 0000 000 000

We are one of the leading UK
universities in the fields of:
· Health and Wellbeing
· Culture and Society
· Environment and Communities
· Enterprise and Economy
· Sport
More information: 0000 000 000
Web: xxxxx.stir.ac.uk

38 Academic life
Our learning facilities
Studying for a degree means learning
in different ways: managing your
own time; conducting research;
mastering new computer skills.
We have the facilities and advice on
hand to help you do all this – and
do it well.
Our libraries
We have created a sharp, hi-tech library that
is welcoming, innovative – and yours. Study
your way in individual or group study zones, or
work together in group study pods with touchscreen
computers.
Learning support
http://stir.ac.uk/5l
Our group study rooms have presentation
facilities including ipod docking and PCs
with HD display. Wi-fi is available throughout
the building, there is an Enterprise Zone for
thrashing out business ideas, and 24/7 access
for key online resources. When you enrol we’ll
give you an induction to tell you all about the
library and its facilities.
The library holds over 300,000 books,
approximately 46,000 ebooks and more
than 45,000 ejournal titles to support you
in your study.
Not only that, the libraries in our Highland
and Western Isles campuses are second to
none. The world-class Highland Health Science
Library in Inverness provides resources on
medicine, nursing, the allied health sciences,
psychology, social sciences, education,
management, IT and computing. Students,
staff and NHS employees all use it. The
Western Isles Health Board operates our library
in Stornoway, which specialises in medical and
health services information.
Borrow from any of these libraries through our
inter-site loan service.
www.stir.ac.uk

Academic life
39
IT facilities
We offer unrivalled IT facilities. Bring your PC
or laptop and connect to the network from
points all over the campus, and from all rooms
in our residences. You can even access the
network from off campus. Our Information
Centre will support you in your use of Library
and IT facilities throughout your stay here.
No computer? No problem. Use any of our
15 modern, comfortable IT labs throughout
the campus – many open 24/7 so you can
work overnight too. With IT support and
frequent upgrades, our labs ensure you are
always using the latest software and hardware,
whatever your field.
When you arrive, we will introduce you to
the University portal. It is a gateway to our
online learning environment Succeed, to
library indexing and abstracting databases, to
your academic records, and to vital University
services and support.
Science labs
All of our dedicated science labs are equipped
with the latest teaching and research
technologies. Whether you are studying Sport
and Exercise Science, Biology, Aquaculture or
any one of our other sciences, we will give you
rigorous training in lab techniques that will
bring theory to life and prepare you for both
work and research.
Media labs
There are many different ways of submitting
coursework and a multimedia project may be
just one of them. We are well equipped for
creating multimedia presentations that support
both your own study and the way we teach
you. Our excellent production facilities include
audio and TV studios, DVD mastering and
duplication, video production and editing for
inclusion in data presentations, graphic design
and printing.
www.stir.ac.uk

40 Academic life
Flexibility and choice
Flexible degree options
The majority of our courses allow you to study
a wide range of subjects in the first two years
of your degree. Once you know which subjects
you enjoy, you can decide which degree
combination to graduate in.
Your year*
Our academic year is split into two 15-week
semesters. Each semester has:
• A week-long, mid-semester break
• A reading/study block
• A two-week exam period at the end
• A winter break of seven weeks after
Semester 1 and a 15-week summer break
after Semester 2
2014/2015 semester dates
Semester 1
Monday 15 September – Monday 22 December
2014
Mid-semester break
Monday 27 October – Friday 31 October 2014
(inclusive)
Semester 2
Monday 9 February – Saturday 30 May 2015
Mid-semester break
Monday 30 March – Monday 6 April 2015
(inclusive)
* Please note, Nursing students follow a
different academic year structure.
Your flexible degree – the module system
Like most educational institutions in
Scotland we use the Scottish Credit
and Qualification Framework (SCQF).
Your studies are split into modules.
In the first three semesters you generally
take three modules each semester, in three
different subjects. You are assessed at the end
of each semester and awarded your credits.
Modular study is flexible: you can start on
one degree course and change its emphasis
as you go, or even graduate in something
entirely different.
With very few exceptions, you have right until
the middle of Year 2 to decide what subject
you want to graduate in. You can even change
from full to part-time study.
Learn more about the SCQF credit framework:
➲ http://stir.ac.uk/5n
➲ www.scqf.org.uk
How you will be assessed
Your final grade after each semester usually
comes from several pieces of assessed course
work as well as examinations. We think that
assessing you like this is fairer, more accurate
and less stressful. Exams usually account
for no more than 50 percent of your overall
grade for each module, with final-year
dissertations or research projects assessed
entirely by coursework.
How your degree progresses**
Years 1 and 2 – keeping your options open
During Semesters 1-3, choose three subjects
each semester. Select from a number of the
subject areas; there are few restrictions.
For a number of degrees you have up to
mid-way through Year 2 (Semester 3) to finally
decide what subject(s) you wish to graduate in
(if appropriate modules have been completed).
This flexible approach allows you to refine
your choice and provides a seamless transition
for those suitably qualified students entering
directly into Year 2 of an Honours degree.
Years 3 and 4 – focus on your
chosen degree
After two years of choice and exploration,
your final two years are about specialisation
and performance: these years determine your
final grade
In Year 3, almost all our degrees allow for a
period of study abroad, ranging from one
semester to a full year. See pages 46-47 for
more information.
Whatever path you pursue you can be sure of
our support and advice, especially in Year 4,
when your thoughts turn to graduating and
starting your career.
** This information applies to the majority of our degrees.
www.stir.ac.uk

Academic Life

Academic life
43
Flexible learning
Perhaps you have not studied for
years, need help after missing an
entrance requirement, or want to
study part-time to enable a career
change. We welcome anyone who
wants to study.
Part-time study
Anyone, regardless of age or qualifications,
can apply for part-time study. Many of our
Honours degrees are available part-time at
a pace that suits you. Past study may count
towards your degree, shortening the time it
takes to graduate.
Delaying the start of your degree
It may be possible to start your degree in
February. Anyone might need to delay starting
in this way, for example, to gain an entry
requirement. We can help you ‘catch up’ to
graduate alongside the people who started in
September, though our modular system means
you are never actually behind.
Number and timetabling restrictions may
mean not all subjects or Combined degrees
are available every year. Your ability to change
courses may also be slightly affected.
Access courses and other routes
We offer flexible routes for anyone who has
been out of education for a period of time:
• Access to Degree Studies
You can use this course to get the
relevant entry qualifications to our
degrees (turn to page 44)
• College Entry
Scottish Wider Access Programme (SWAP)
is run in further education colleges and
supported by colleges and universities
across Scotland (turn to page 44)
HNC or HND programmes offered by a
further education college
• Access to Higher Education/
Degree programmes
Many official access programmes offered
by other universities and courses offered by
accredited colleges in England, Wales and
Northern Ireland
Contact Admissions for further information.
Find out more
➲ Admissions
admissions@stir.ac.uk
+44 (0)1786 467044
www.stir.ac.uk

44 Academic life
Study support
While we know that you want to
make your own way at University,
there are a number of opportunities
which you can take advantage of to
enhance and develop your learning.
Training opportunities
We offer a range of training modules:
• IT skills: Core Computer Skills
modules, whether you are a beginner
(e.g. Word Processing) or more advanced
(e.g. Web Design)
• Data skills: Learn how to handle numbers
and formulae, from statistics to calculus
• Employability skills: Explore your career
plans, gain work experience and plan life
after graduation
Personal Development Planning
Progressively turn your personal and career
goals into reality. Keep your Personal
Development record up to date through the
Student Portal – it is the key to your future.
The aim of the module is to make sure you
are optimising your study time so that your
learning is both effective and efficient, and
also to boost confidence and enhance your
academic progress.
Disability Service
We hope that you will start talking to us long
before you even arrive – to discuss access,
adapted accommodation, your study needs,
assistive technologies and much more. We will
give you one-to-one guidance and personal
support before you arrive and throughout your
time here.
We strongly recommend that you visit before
you start, so that you can get to know both us
and the University before study begins.
➲ Disability Service
student.advice@stir.ac.uk
+44 (0)1786 467080
Student Learning Services (SLS)
In this module students can review their
approaches to learning and gain valuable
experience of the study skills required to be
a successful student at University.
www.stir.ac.uk

Learning support
http://stir.ac.uk/5l

46 Academic life
Flexible access
We welcome all types of students,
from all types of backgrounds and
offer a variety of different ways you
can access our degree courses.
Part-time study
The University of Stirling offers a very flexible
system which means that we are able to offer
most of our degrees on a part-time basis. You
will typically choose one or two modules a
semester, which means that you can manage
how and when you study. Part-time students
work alongside our full-time students, so you
benefit from the support and peer-to-peer
learning this offers.
➲ For the further information, including how
to apply, visit: www.stir.ac.uk/flexible
Mature students
A significant proportion of current
undergraduates at the University of Stirling
are considered mature students. We welcome
applications from mature students from all
backgrounds and can provide advice and
guidance at all stages of the application
process to anyone unsure of what they
need to do.
Specific access courses have been designed
to enable mature students with no previous
qualifications to access degree courses and
offer tailored support and guidance alongside
the academic requirements.
The University of Stirling offers a part-time
evening access programme, based on campus
and run by current University lecturers.
Students who complete this course with the
required grades are guaranteed a place at
the University. Further information on this
programme can be found on our website:
➲ http://stir.ac.uk/6m
The University is also an active member
of the Scottish Wider Access Programme
(SWAP), which offers dedicated access courses
for mature students run at local Further
Education Colleges.
We reserve a number of places for SWAP
students who complete their course with
the required grades. For more information
on programmes in your area, visit the
SWAP website:
➲ www.scottishwideraccess.org
If you already have some qualifications then
get in touch with Student Recruitment and
Admissions as these may be enough to get
you on to a degree course.
➲ Admissions
admissions@stir.ac.uk
+44 (0) 1786 467044
College students
The University of Stirling has a strong
history of students progressing from
college to a wide variety of our degree
courses. Students can access a range of
different entry levels, depending upon the
qualifications they hold, from Year 1 through
to Year 3. Dedicated information, advice and
guidance are available to students through
a variety of different means throughout the
application process.
➲ Further information can be found on our
website: http://stir.ac.uk/9v
Advanced entry
The University offers a range of advanced
entry options from HNC and HND courses
offered in colleges across a number of
our Academic Schools, including Stirling
Management School, the School of Sport and
the School of Applied Social Science. Details
can be found on our website.
If you want to apply for advanced entry simply
change the year of entry on your UCAS form.
If in doubt, get in touch with Admissions.
➲ Admissions
admissions@stir.ac.uk
+44 (0) 1786 467044
www.stir.ac.uk

Academic life
47
New courses and collaborations
Through the development of new courses and
modes of delivery, in partnership with other
education providers and industry leaders, we
are developing new approaches to educating
our students.
An example of this is the University’s
partnership with Forth Valley College, which
has resulted in the development of a number
of different courses. In the Creative Industries
sector, Forth Valley College offers two BA
degrees in Communications with Media, and
Art and Design. Both of these degrees are
validated by the University of Stirling and offer
students the opportunity to then come to the
University to complete their Honours year.
In addition to these, two innovative new
courses have been introduced using integrated
learning and skills courses to ensure students
have practical skills, business awareness, workbased
experience and academic qualifications.
• The Skills for Science course offers an
integrated learning and skills approach to
Biological and Environmental Sciences. It
makes full use of the academic expertise
and strong industry links maintained by both
institutions and includes direct industrial
experience and enhanced technical skills
• The Conservation and Heritage
Management course also involves Historic
Scotland and its new National Conservation
Centre, based in Stirling, and other
heritage and conservation organisations.
Students will work in areas including core
conservation and historical skills, heritage
management, interpretation, community
education, marketing and the broader
promotion, and the use and protection of
the historic environment
Students will be able to study full-time or
part-time and take advantage of multiple exit
routes; at each stage you could leave equipped
with academic qualifications, technical skills
and industry experience.
➲ To find out more about these and other
options, please visit: http://stir.ac.uk/9v
Support through the application process
• A dedicated team of support within
Student Recruitment and Admissions,
including the College Liaison Manager
who advises college students on a range
of matters and oversees all applications
from college students
• Subject-specific visits are available for HN
students from across the country, including
the chance to see the facilities on campus
and meet with University staff
• Work through local partnerships to support
students and advisers within colleges
with relevant information, advice and
guidance. This includes facilitating dedicated
articulation agreements where possible
Support when you arrive
We provide:
• Induction days for advanced entry students
• Support modules in Semester 1 tailored to
the needs of the degree/school
• General orientation sessions including
timetabling, using the library, and the
Students’ Union
Support during your degree
A team of advisors are available who can
help with:
• Tailored study skills sessions
– e.g. report writing, note taking,
managing workloads
• Finance
– e.g. eligibility for scholarships,
money matters, childcare
• Disability support
– Including additional support needs,
accessibility, learning support
• Health and wellbeing
– Counselling service, stress
management, homesickness
New courses and
collaborations
http://stir.ac.uk/9v
www.stir.ac.uk

48 Academic life
Your opportunity
to study abroad
The University of Stirling offers you
some great opportunities to study
abroad. From a semester to a year,
from Europe to the other side of the
world, here is what is possible.
International exchanges
International education and collaboration
have never been more essential than they
are now. As we look toward the future,
many professions and disciplines will require
a period of study abroad for student success.
Whether our graduates are in Stirling or
Beijing, they will be living and working in
a global environment. Global literacy is a
practical necessity for their success.
Study Abroad
http://stir.ac.uk/5t
As a Stirling student, you have the opportunity
to spend up to a year studying in a wide
range of countries as a full part of your degree
earning credit towards graduation.
This opportunity is open to most
Honours degree students.
You will be chosen on both academic and
personal merit, and the process involves
an interview.
You won’t be excluded on grounds of gender,
age, disability, nationality, sexuality, religion,
family or financial circumstances or other
similar factors.
When does it happen?
Students are selected in Semester 3 and spend
Year 3 or Semesters 5/6 abroad.
What about cost?
Studying Abroad as part of our organised
programme will not increase the cost of your
degree. Depending on what city you choose
to live in, living expenses may differ to living in
Stirling. For an institutional breakdown of cost
of living expense, visit:
➲ http://stir.ac.uk/6f
www.stir.ac.uk

Academic life
49
Some of our Study Abroad partners
USA
• University of Alaska
• University of Hawaii at Hilo
• University of Kansas
• Le Moyne College, New York State
• University of Massachusetts
• University of Miami
• University of Mississippi
• University of New Mexico
• University of North Carolina
• University of Northern Iowa
• San Diego State University
• Salisbury University, Maryland
• Washington State University
• University of Wisconsin
• University of Wyoming
Canada
• Carleton University, Ottawa
• Ryerson University, Toronto
• University of Toronto
• Simon Fraser University, Vancouver
• University of Victoria, British Columbia
Australia
• Flinders University, Adelaide
• University of Sydney
Hong Kong
• City University of Hong Kong
Japan
• Waseda University, Tokyo
• Rikkyo University, Tokyo
• Akita International University, Akita
Studying and living in Tokyo was
the most exciting time of my life!
I met so many wonderful people
from all over Asia and the world.
These friendships as well as the
invaluable experiences I made
during this year will stay for me for
the rest of my life.
Max Neumayer
Germany
Other exchanges
The Literature and Languages department in
the School of Arts and Humanities organises
periods of residence abroad in French- or
Spanish-speaking countries, including new
exchanges in Chile, Mexico and Morocco as
appropriate for its Honours students.
The School of Natural Sciences and
the School of Sport also offer specialised
subject exchanges.
In Europe
We have ERASMUS exchange agreements with
50 universities in Europe. Each year, around 65
of our students spend time in places such as
the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France,
Germany, Greece, Hungary, the Netherlands,
Norway, Spain and Sweden.
Several Academic Schools have established
ERASMUS exchanges with similar departments
in European universities. Each exchange has
an academic co-ordinator who organises
the selection and support of students. These
exchanges are School-specific, so not all
degree courses have them and you must be
on a suitable Honours degree course.
When does it happen?
Selection is usually during Semester 4 or 5 and
you spend Semester 6 abroad.
What about cost?
Currently, if you take part in this exchange
programme you are entitled to an additional
grant. This goes towards the cost of your
studies and varies depending on where you
are going and for how long.
Want to know more?
For more information and up-to-date listings
of exchange partners, contact the International
Affairs:
➲ +44 (0)1786 467042
studentexchange@stir.ac.uk
www.stir.ac.uk/exchange
www.stir.ac.uk

Our Academic
Schools

We have seven Academic Schools
and together we offer internationally
renowned, solution-based, interdisciplinary
teaching and research. ➲

52
Our Academic Schools
School of
Applied Social Science
Subject areas
Criminology; Social Policy; Sociology;
and Social Work.
Overview
The School of Applied Social Science (SASS)
is an integrated multi-disciplinary grouping
of over 50 academic staff. Within the School,
flexibility is key to undergraduate study.
Our undergraduate courses offer students
the chance to try a whole range of diverse
modules, not just within Applied Social Science.
We are a large inter-disciplinary unit,
combining teaching and research interests in
Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology, Social
Work, Dementia and Housing Studies, and a
number of specialist centres.
As well as achieving impressive results in the
most recent Research Assessment Exercise,
SASS was also given the highest possible
ratings for Sociology and Social Work in the
most recent teaching quality exercises.
We are an Economic and Social Research
Council-recognised postgraduate research
training centre, as part of the Scottish
Graduate School.
95 percent of the School’s
research is internationally
excellent, with the top 10
percent of that judged to
be ‘world leading’*
www.stir.ac.uk/
social-science
*Most recent Research Assessment Exercise.
www.stir.ac.uk

Our Academic Schools
53
School of
Arts and Humanities
Subject areas
Business Law; English Studies; Film and
Media; French; Global Cinema and Culture;
History; International Management Studies;
International Politics; Journalism Studies;
Law (BA and LLB), Philosophy; Politics; PPE;
Religion; Scottish History; and Spanish and
Latin American Studies.
Overview
The School offers a range of subjects for
students who wish to explore, to innovate
and to create.
Our teaching is regarded as innovative and the
levels of student satisfaction are consistently
above comparable schools and faculties. The
work of staff and postgraduates has a high
profile in national and international journals,
at academic conferences around the world and
in the media.
This vibrant, intellectual community is
constantly enriched and renewed by the
contribution of visiting scholars as well as the
world-class research of our own staff.
English Studies and Film
and Media achieved
over 90 percent student
satisfaction in the latest
National Student Survey,
and Philosophy has
registered an overall
satisfaction rating of
more than 98 percent
www.stir.ac.uk/
arts-humanities
www.stir.ac.uk

54
Our Academic Schools
School of Education
Subject areas
Primary Education (with specialisms);
Secondary Education; TQFE; and TQAE.
Overview
The School of Education is a research-led
centre for excellence recognised for innovation
and big ideas in its teaching.
We have research programmes in curriculum
and learning, educational theory and
professional education. Our courses are in
the areas of teacher education for schools
and colleges, English language teaching,
continuing professional development for
professional educators and the education of
new researchers.
We aim, through our research and teaching,
to enable people to be able to help shape the
future through education.
Through our research
and teaching courses
we are well placed to
support those who want
to make a difference
and become well
qualified professionals
www.stir.ac.uk/
education
www.stir.ac.uk

Our Academic Schools
55
Stirling Management School
Subject areas
Accountancy; Business Studies; Economics;
Finance; Human Resource Management;
Management; Management Science;
Marketing; and Retail Marketing.
Overview
Our passion is to find better ways for people to
manage social, economic and business activities.
We challenge students, citizens, entrepreneurs
and policy-makers to find improved ways of
doing things.
The School offers a comprehensive range
of courses at both undergraduate and
postgraduate level, and we complement a
critical focus on all core issues in management
and business with the development of
distinctive competencies in niche and specialist
areas, notably; Accounting and Finance;
Economics; Healthcare Management; Retail
Studies; Socio-Management; Social Marketing
and Consumers, Cultures and Society.
Whether in the classroom, researching
issues that matter to people or working with
governments and business organisations,
we work across cultures. In so doing, we
co-operate with a wide range of partner
organisations, domestically and internationally.
Research is the
foundation for our
curriculum design and
delivery. We educate
individuals in the use of
academic reasoning to
understand and interpret
core issues in business
and management
www.stir.ac.uk/
management
www.stir.ac.uk

56
Our Academic Schools
School of Natural Sciences
Subject areas
Animal Biology; Aquaculture; Biology; Business
Computing; Cell Biology; Computing Science;
Conservation Biology and Management;
Ecology; Environmental Geography;
Environmental Science; Environmental Science
and Outdoor Education; Information Systems;
Marine Biology; Mathematics; Psychology; and
Software Engineering.
Overview
The School offers a unique academic
environment where new ideas on the complex
and challenging relationships between human
behaviours and social, biological, environmental
and technological systems are explored.
Based on internationally renowned research,
our teaching courses focus on real life issues
and solutions that directly affect global, national
and local communities now and in the future.
Our courses offer strong theoretical frameworks
with rigorous training in field, laboratory and
numerical skills valued by employers.
Our students are curious about the world
and the relationships that exist in it; they are
comfortable with complex ideas and can
integrate and synthesise diverse data to create
and contribute new understandings of the
world in which we live.
Working with businesses
and public service
organisations, our
researchers contribute
tangible and practical
outcomes to a range of
issues from conserving
endangered species
through to improving
fish farm productivities
in developing countries
www.stir.ac.uk/
natural-sciences
www.stir.ac.uk

Our Academic Schools
57
School of Nursing,
Midwifery and Health
Subject areas
Adult Nursing; Mental Health Nursing; and
Health Professionals and Paramedical Practice.
Overview
The School of Nursing, Midwifery and
Health is one of the UK’s premier research
schools in nursing and midwifery. We provide
high quality, clinically relevant education,
research and service development in the UK
and internationally.
Our campuses in Inverness, Western Isles and
Stirling are home to over 1,200 students.
Excellence in learning, teaching and quality
enhancement is one of our primary objectives.
Fundamental to this is the value we place on
lifelong learning and education, research-led
teaching and an excellent student experience.
At undergraduate level, courses are designed
to produce independent, confident learners
who are capable of joining a responsive clinical
team on graduation.
Our health research is
recognised as world-class.
The School is leading
the way in key areas of
health and healthcare
research affecting
individuals and society
www.stir.ac.uk/
nmhealth
www.stir.ac.uk

58
Our Academic Schools
School of Sport
Subject areas
Sports Studies and Sport and Exercise Science.
Overview
Our mission is to be the first choice for
everyone with an interest in sport – step
onto our campus and you will discover it is
the perfect setting to study and to participate
in sport.
The University of Stirling is Scotland’s
University for Sporting Excellence and has an
international reputation for sport achieved
through excellence in research and innovative
teaching. The School of Sport is at the centre
of the University’s sporting life, with experts
in areas such as coaching, psychology,
management and science.
There are extensive sports science research
and teaching laboratories and one of the
best collections of sports facilities in the
country including a 50m swimming pool
and indoor tennis centre. Sports scholarships
support talented athletes and partnerships
with the sports industry ensure students have
every opportunity to prepare for careers of
their choice.
Winning students
Talented athletes may be entitled to support
from Winning Students, Scotland’s national
sports scholarship programme. Find out
more at:
➲ www.winningstudents-scotland.ac.uk
We are Scotland’s
University for
Sporting Excellence
1st in Scotland
for sports research*
www.stir.ac.uk/sport
*Most recent Research Assessment Exercise.
www.stir.ac.uk

www.stir.ac.uk

Course
list A-Z
Icon Key
Study abroad opportunities available.
Part-time study options available.
Complete your Honours degree in three
years, subject to suitable qualifications
and/or experience.
Our courses
http://stir.ac.uk/5e

60
MA
Accountancy
BAcc (Hons)
Many professional bodies offer our graduates
significant exemptions from their examinations
This course achieved 91% student satisfaction in the most
recent National Student Survey
UCAS code: N400
Minimum requirements
Four-year Honours degree
SQA Higher:
ABBB – one sitting.
AABB – two sittings.
GCE A-level:
BBC.
IB Diploma:
32.
Essential subjects:
Mathematics preferred.
Three-year Honours degree
SQA Adv. Higher:
ABB.
GCE A-level:
ABB.
IB Diploma:
35.
Essential subjects:
To include Accountancy and
Economics. Preference given to those
with Mathematics.
Other qualifications
HNC/HND
Minimum entry: Bs in graded unit.
Advanced entry: Please consult
website for details.
Access courses
See page 44.
Essential subjects:
As listed above or equivalent.
Keen to become an accountant? Our Bachelor of Accountancy (BAcc) course is designed
specifically for students planning a career in the Accountancy profession. You will learn
that accounting concerns the preparation, presentation and interpretation of financial
information to enable investors, lenders, management, employees, government and others
to make effective decisions.
Both our teaching and research have superb reputations for quality, with our
Accounting and Finance teaching rated joint first in Scotland in the most recent
Research Assessment Exercise.
Accountants are required to register and pass qualifications from a recognised professional
accountancy body. Having our degree behind you will take you some way to achieving this,
as you will gain significant exam exemptions from the professional body, allowing you to
work with clients from an earlier stage.
Course content
In Semesters 1-3 you study the following core modules: Accounting 1; Finance 1;
Accounting 2; as well as studying Economics, Business Management and Business Law.
In Semesters 4-8 you develop a critical understanding and analytical approach to subjects
directly relevant to accountancy.
Core advanced modules include: Taxation; Personal Financial Planning; and External
Reporting. Further advanced modules in Accountancy and Finance are chosen from
a list of electives.
The BAcc degree may be taken as a three-year specialist degree or a four-year Honours
degree. Students taking the latter write a dissertation on an accounting topic of their
choice. A BA Accountancy and Finance is also available, which provides scope to study
a variety of topics.
This course can be combined with:
Business Law (MN24); Business Studies (NNF4); Economics (LN14); Finance (NN43);
Marketing (NN45); Mathematics (GN14); Spanish (NR44); or Sports Studies (NC46).
Career opportunities
Accountancy offers a wide choice of careers – including financial and management
accounting, auditing, taxation, consultancy and financial services – with organisations in
every field, from healthcare and sport, to charities and local and national government.
Many professional bodies recognise the BAcc as a relevant degree and offer significant
exemptions from their examinations. These include: ICAS, ICAEW, ACCA and CIMA.
Additional information
General entry requirements apply
– see page 118.
Mathematics Standard Grade
(3), Intermediate 2, GCSE (C) or
equivalent required.
For more information about this course,
visit: http://stir.ac.uk/3r

61
Animal Biology
BSc (Hons)
MA
Study at Scotland’s academic hub for animal conservation
How do animals adapt to cope in hostile environments? Why do many female animals
exhibit mate choice? What is the best way to conserve rare and endangered species?
Study the enormous variety of animal life on Earth and discover the answers to these and
many other questions.
As the hub for animal conservation in Scotland we have close links with many animal
conservation organisations based on campus or in the local area, including: the Bumblebee
Conservation Trust, British Trust for Ornithology, Butterfly Conservation Trust, Wildfowl and
Wetlands Trust, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and Blair Drummond Safari Park.
You can focus on whole animal biology and conservation, or integrate that study with
those investigating more molecular and biochemical aspects of animal biology.
Fieldwork is an essential part of your training. In addition to fieldwork in Scotland, we
have a field site in the Cévennes in the South of France. This region, recognised as a
UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, is home to wild boar, otters, three vulture species and
grey wolves.
Our integrated courses in Biological and Environmental Sciences are taught and managed
within one Academic School – a flexible approach which has developed a wide range of
Combined Degree courses with the natural and social sciences, and the humanities.
Course content
Semesters 1-4 cover a range of core modules including: Cell Biology; Ecology; Biodiversity;
Practical Skills; plus additional modules in other disciplines.
Semesters 5-6 cover four core advanced modules: Animal Physiology; Animal Ecology;
The Animal Cell; Field and Laboratory Techniques; plus two optional modules from a
defined list.
In Semesters 7-8 you undertake an independent research project and go on the Cévennes
field course. You also take four advanced modules from nine options, for example:
Immunology and Disease (compulsory), The Evolution of Sex, Conservation Biology,
Conservation Management, and Cell Birth, Life and Death.
This course is not available as a Combined Degree.
Career opportunities
Animal biologists work in the agriculture, pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries,
and in conservation management and environmental agencies. Other career paths
include forensic sciences, teaching, the food industry, commercial analytical laboratories,
and, with further study, professions allied to medicine and in government and industrial
research laboratories.
UCAS code: C300
Minimum requirements
Four-year Honours degree
SQA Higher:
ABBB – one sitting.
AABB – two sittings.
GCE A-level:
BBC.
IB Diploma:
32.
Essential subjects:
To include one of Biology, Chemistry,
Mathematics or Physics.
Three-year Honours degree
SQA Adv. Higher:
ABB.
GCE A-level:
ABB.
IB Diploma:
35.
Essential subjects:
To include Biology and one of
Chemistry, Environmental Science,
Geography, Geology or Physics.
Other qualifications
HNC/HND
Minimum entry: Bs in graded unit.
Advanced entry: Please consult
website for details.
Access courses
See page 44.
Essential subjects:
As listed above or equivalent.
Additional information
For more information about this course,
visit: http://stir.ac.uk/3s
General entry requirements apply
– see page 118.
Mathematics Standard Grade
(2), Intermediate 2, GCSE (C) or
equivalent required.

62
MA
Aquaculture
BSc (Hons)
The Institute of Aquaculture is the leading international
centre in its field and the largest of its kind in the world
UCAS code: C164
Minimum requirements
Four-year Honours degree
SQA Higher:
ABBB – one sitting.
AABB – two sittings.
GCE A-level:
BBC.
IB Diploma:
32.
Essential subjects:
To include one of Biology, Chemistry,
Mathematics or Physics.
Three-year Honours degree
SQA Adv. Higher:
ABB.
GCE A-level:
ABB.
IB Diploma:
35.
Essential subjects:
To include Biology and one of
Environmental Science, Geography
or Geology.
Other qualifications
HNC/HND
Minimum entry: Bs in graded unit.
Advanced entry: Please consult
website for details.
Access courses
See page 44.
Essential subjects:
As listed above or equivalent.
Keeping our oceans healthy, protected and sustainable is vital for our planet and the
people living on it as the aquaculture industry already provides almost 50 percent of
all fish and seafood for human consumption.
However, Aquaculture – or aquatic agriculture – is more than just ‘fish farming’ and will
train you in all subjects relevant to global aquaculture. It includes the culture of many
species including crocodiles and turtles.
Our Institute of Aquaculture enjoys an international reputation in teaching, research,
contract research and consultancy. We provide disease and environmental management
services, project design and development expertise to organisations operating in one of
the most rapidly expanded food production sources in the world.
Year 3 students can benefit from an exchange programme with the Swedish universities
of Uppsala and Stockholm, as well as various USA institutions. In Semester 8, projects
frequently take place overseas, often in conjunction with our international research and
development activities.
Although not compulsory, SCUBA diving is available both through the University’s
Sub-Aqua Club as an option to gain an HSE Professional SCUBA diving qualification,
or a PADI sports diving qualification, through articulation affiliation with a professional
diving company.
Course content
Semesters 1-3 cover core modules like: Our Thirsty Planet; Principles of the Aquatic
Environment; and Ecology and Evolution.
During Semesters 4-8, Honours students take 11 core modules, including: Science
of Diving; Biodiversity; Animal Physiology, together with specialised modules in
Aquaculture (covering nutrition, disease, genetics and reproduction etc.) and an
Aquaculture Field Course.
Aquaculture is not available as a Combined Honours degree, however, it shares a common
foundation with the degree course in Marine Biology, so the option to take a degree in
Marine Biology is retained until the end of Semester 5.
Career opportunities
As a graduate you will be well equipped to enter the expanding field of Aquaculture or to
work with related fish farm, pharmaceutical and biotechnological companies.
Roles would include pollution control, environmental impact assessment, fisheries
management, governmental regulation and conservation. There are also opportunities
in more general employment areas, such as bioinformatics, health and clinical sciences,
forensic science, medical sales and marketing, science journalism and teaching.
Additional information
General entry requirements apply
– see page 118.
Mathematics Standard Grade
(2), Intermediate 2, GCSE (C) or
equivalent required.
For more information about this course,
visit: http://stir.ac.uk/9j

63
Biology
BSc (Hons)
MB
You have the opportunity to study abroad through our
well-established connection with several North American,
Australian and European universities
This flexible degree allows the broadest possible perspective for the first two years, then
enables you to specialise in Year 3.
The questions of biology are of great importance today. How can a pathogenic virus, such
as influenza, spread from pigs or birds be transmitted between humans? How can we
work out the evolutionary history of living organisms? How will different species respond
and adapt to global climate change?
As a Biology student you will study the huge variety of living organisms inhabiting the
planet around us. This degree course begins by keeping the broadest possible perspective
through the first two years. Then, towards the end of your degree, whether your interests
lie at the level of the biosphere, the whole organism, the cell, or the biomolecule, you can
specialise to reflect the strengths and interests you develop.
As you develop your practical skills and stimulate your curiosity with project work, you
will become involved with active research giving you the opportunity to contribute to the
biological discoveries of tomorrow.
As well as field work around Scotland, you can undertake a 10-day field course in Ecology
and Animal Biology in the Cévennes National Park (France) – a rugged mountain landscape
of huge biodiversity, which is recognised as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.
Course content
Semesters 1-4 cover core modules in: Cell Biology; Physiology; Genes and Evolution;
Ecology and Biodiversity, plus Practical Skills in the Natural Sciences and Quantitative
Techniques. You will take a field course in Ecology and Identification Skills, as well as
additional modules in other disciplines.
Semesters 5-6 cover core modules in: Plant Ecology and Physiology; Laboratory and Field
Techniques, plus three or four optional modules.
In Semesters 7-8 you undertake an independent research project and study between four
and six advanced modules from a range of module options from a defined list.
This course can be combined with:
Mathematics (CG11); Professional Education (CX11) or Psychology (CC18).
Related degrees: Professional Education (Primary) with Specialism in Environment,
and Sport and Exercise Science.
Career opportunities
Biology graduates progress to successful careers in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology
and agricultural industries. Many have employment in conservation management and
environmental agencies. Other career paths include the civil service, forensic science,
teaching, the food industry, hospital analytical laboratories, and government and industrial
research laboratories.
UCAS code: C100
Minimum requirements
Four-year Honours degree
SQA Higher:
ABBB – one sitting.
AABB – two sittings.
GCE A-level:
BBC.
IB Diploma:
32.
Essential subjects:
To include one of Biology, Chemistry,
Mathematics or Physics.
Three-year Honours degree
SQA Adv. Higher:
ABB.
GCE A-level:
ABB.
IB Diploma:
35.
Essential subjects:
To include Biology and one of
Chemistry, Environmental Science,
Geography, Geology or Physics.
Other qualifications
HNC/HND
Minimum entry: Bs in graded unit.
Advanced entry: Please consult
website for details.
Access courses
See page 44.
Essential subjects:
As listed above or equivalent.
Additional information
General entry requirements apply
– see page 118.
Mathematics Standard Grade
(2), Intermediate 2, GCSE (C) or
equivalent required.
For more information about this course,
visit: http://stir.ac.uk/3u

64
MB
Business Computing
BSc (Hons)
90% student satisfaction
(the most recent National Student Survey)
UCAS code: G510
Minimum requirements
Four-year Honours degree
SQA Higher:
BBBB.
GCE A-level:
BBC.
IB Diploma:
32.
Three-year Honours degree
SQA Adv. Higher:
ABB.
GCE A-level:
ABB.
IB Diploma:
35.
Essential subjects:
To include Computing and Business
Studies/Management and relevant
experience of Java or other
programming languages.
Other qualifications
HNC/HND
Minimum entry: Bs in graded unit.
Access courses
See page 44.
Essential subjects:
As listed above or equivalent.
Additional information
General entry requirements apply
– see page 118.
Mathematics Standard Grade
(3), Intermediate 2, GCSE (C) or
equivalent required.
Business in the 21st century is conducted in a way which was beyond imagining just
30 years ago. This is thanks partly to the constantly evolving internet, which has
revolutionised almost every aspect of our working and social lives – and coupled with the
new technologies and hardware that are now part of day-to-day life.
In this course the emphasis is on organisations and how computers are used within
them. You will gain a broad base of skills by combining theory and practice, and as you
study the basic skills of designing and building software systems, you will come to fully
recognise how critical computers are to every aspect of business, commerce, industry and
24/7 communications.
BSc (Hons) graduates are fully accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS) for the
educational requirements of being a Chartered Information Technology Professional (CITP),
which is the Society’s professional member level.
Course content
In Semesters 1-3, students from our four computing-related degrees take the same core
modules in Computing Science. Core modules include the study of: Computational
Thinking; Programming Using Java; Social and Professional Issues; Usability and Accessibility
of Interfaces; and Data Structures, Objects and Algorithms. There are also three core
Business modules. Additionally, you will take two further subjects.
Semesters 4-8 cover core computing modules including: Information Systems;
Database Principles and Applications; plus core Business modules including Management
and Information Technology; together with optional advanced modules like: Marketing
and Management Science.
Final-year Honours students undertake an independent project, which involves developing
a major piece of software from initial requirements to final delivery.
This course is not available as a Combined Degree.
Career opportunities
Our graduates have knowledge of both Business and Computing Science – a skills
combination highly valued by potential employers. You will be ideally placed to work
either in the software industry itself or in a more strategic role, developing the use of IT
in business.
Possible employers range from consulting firms to IT users, such as government, banks,
insurance and industry, and to software users and institutions in teaching and research.
For more information on this course,
visit: http://stir.ac.uk/3v

65
Business Studies
BA (Hons)
MB
This course helps you to develop skills essential for a career
in modern business and management
Can you envisage working in a business environment? This degree will provide you
with an essential understanding of the internal and external functions, and structures
of organisations.
Our focused, yet flexible, approach to learning means you can undertake one of a number
of Combined Degree courses, which include Business Studies and another subject. However,
those students intending to specialise in Business Studies are encouraged to take modules in
related subject areas, such as Accountancy, Business Law, Economics, Computing Science,
Psychology or Sociology.
Whichever route you choose, the knowledge, skills and competencies you will acquire offer
a firm foundation on which to continue developing your management expertise as your
chosen career develops.
Our teaching staff are active in various areas of current management research both within
the UK and internationally. This informs their teaching, making it relevant to current
debates within business.
Course content
Semesters 1-3 introduce the main areas of management and the ways in which the
behavioural sciences aid understanding of business behaviour and people at work.
Analytical techniques that underpin business activity and management are also introduced.
Semesters 4-8 cover advanced modules in Organisational Behaviour, International Business,
Information Technology, Management Strategy and Organisational Research.
In addition, students must choose at least one module from Human Resource
Management, Management Science, and Public Management and Administration. You
may then pursue one of these areas in more depth or choose from the broader range of
options available.
This course can be combined with:
Accountancy (NNF4); Computing Science (NG14); Economics (LN11); English Studies
(NQ13); Film and Media (NP13); Finance (NN13); French (NRF1); Human Resource
Management (NN16); Law (MN11); Marketing (NN25); Modern Languages (NT19);
Politics (LN21); Professional Education (NX11); Professional Education and Computing
Science (NX21); Psychology (CN81); Spanish (NRF4); or Sports Studies (NC16).
Related degrees: Management; Business Computing; International Management Studies
and Management Science.
Career opportunities
Business Studies graduates are well-placed for a variety of jobs covering many different
business sectors. Our graduates have gone on to work in communications, banking,
insurance, human resources, information management, advertising, retailing, international
trade and research, and development. Some of our graduates continue their education
with postgraduate study.
UCAS code: N100
Minimum requirements
Four-year Honours degree
SQA Higher:
BBBB – one sitting.
ABBB – two sittings.
GCE A-level:
BBC.
IB Diploma:
32.
Three-year Honours degree
SQA Adv. Higher:
ABB.
GCE A-level:
ABB.
IB Diploma:
35.
Other qualifications
HNC/HND
Minimum entry: Bs in graded unit.
Advanced entry: Please consult
website for details.
Access courses
See page 44.
Essential subjects:
As listed above or equivalent.
Additional information
General entry requirements apply
– see page 118.
Mathematics Standard Grade
(3), Intermediate 2, GCSE (C) or
equivalent required.
For more information about this course,
visit: http://stir.ac.uk/3w

66
MC
Cell Biology
BSc (Hons)
Unique interdisciplinary training in areas which underpin
modern biology
UCAS code: C130
Minimum requirements
Four-year Honours degree
SQA Higher:
ABBB – one sitting.
AABB – two sittings.
GCE A-level:
BBC.
IB Diploma:
32.
Essential subjects:
To include one of Biology, Chemistry,
Mathematics or Physics.
Three-year Honours degree
SQA Adv. Higher:
ABB.
GCE A-level:
ABB.
IB Diploma:
35.
Essential subjects:
To include Biology and one of
Chemistry, Environmental Science,
Geography, Geology or Physics.
Other qualifications
HNC/HND
Minimum entry: Bs in graded unit.
Advanced entry: Please consult
website for details.
Access courses
See page 44.
Essential subjects:
As listed above or equivalent.
The study of biological systems at the cellular – and subcellular – level is key to
understanding how organisms develop, how they respond to their environment
and how the diseased state differs from the healthy state. Recent advances in cell
biology are enabling cell biologists to:
• Detect, prevent and treat disease in both animal and plant systems
• Explore the processes associated with ageing
• Improve the quality and quantity of important food crops
• Develop novel and sustainable fuels
• Assess the impacts of environmental changes on biological systems
The Cell Biology degree at the University of Stirling offers a unique interdisciplinary training
in areas which underpin modern biology.
Course content
Semester 1-4 cover core modules in: Cell Biology, Physiology, Genes and Evolution, Ecology,
and Biodiversity; plus Practical Skills in the Biological and Environmental Sciences and
Quantitative Techniques. Students also take additional modules in other disciplines – usually
Environmental Sciences and Aquatic Sciences.
Semesters 5-6 covers modules in: Animal Physiology; Microbiology; Laboratory and Field
Techniques; and The Animal Cell. Students also take two modules from the following
options: Animal Ecology, Marine Biology, Plant Ecology, and Physiology.
In Semesters 7-8 students undertake an independent research project and a number of
advanced modules from a range of options which currently include: Immunology and
Disease; Molecular Techniques; and Cell Birth, Life and Death.
A research project is a major component of the final-year course and the project topics
offered to students reflect the active research interests of academic staff.
This course is not available as a Combined Degree.
Career opportunities
Graduates with this degree enter careers in the pharmaceutical, healthcare and
biomedical, biotechnology and agricultural industries. Other career paths may include the
civil service, forensic science, teaching, the food industry, and government and industrial
research laboratories.
Additional information
General entry requirements apply
– see page 118.
Mathematics Standard Grade
(2), Intermediate 2, GCSE (C) or
equivalent required.
For more information about this course,
visit: http://stir.ac.uk/3x

67
Computing Science
BSc (Hons)
MC
90% student satisfaction
(the most recent National Student Survey)
Whatever gadgets you use to carry out everyday functions like cooking, driving or watching
television, you are interacting with computers.
Our course teaches you the theory and practice of designing, building and analysing such
systems and your training will encompass how computers work – programming them to
follow our instructions and learning how they fit into their environment.
This degree will place you at the forefront of computing in a web-based world, giving
you a broad range of skills, including the internet and web technologies, and experience
in applications ranging from computer games, multimedia and internet telephony to
e-commerce and biologically-inspired computing.
BSc (Hons) graduates are fully accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS) for the
educational requirements of being a Chartered Information Technology Professional (CITP),
which is the Society’s professional member level.
We are an active research Institute, with funding from the European Community and
various major research councils, and in the most recent Research Assessment Exercise,
90 percent of our Institute’s research was graded as ‘Internationally Excellent’, with the
top five percent judged to be ‘World-leading’.
Course content
In Semesters 1-3, students from our four computing-related degrees take the same
core modules in Computing Science. Core modules include the study of: Computational
Thinking; Programming Using Java; Social and Professional Issues; Usability and
Accessibility of Interfaces; and Data Structures, Objects and Algorithms. You will
additionally take two further subjects. In Semester 1, Computing Science students
must take a Mathematics module.
Semesters 4-8 cover core compulsory modules including: Computer Systems, Software
Engineering plus optional advanced modules including: Technologies for E-commerce,
and Computing and the Brain.
Honours students undertake an independent project in their final year; usually the
development of a major piece of software from initial requirements to final delivery.
This course can be combined with:
Business Studies (NG14); French (GR41); Mathematics (G4G1); Philosophy (GV45);
Professional Education (GX41); Professional Education/Business Studies (NX21);
Professional Education/Mathematics (GX91); or Spanish (GR44).
Career opportunities
Graduates are well-equipped to enter either the software industry itself or one of the many
fields in which computer systems are extensively used and developed. Recent destinations
for our graduates include British Telecom, Agilent (Hewlett Packard Ltd), Scottish Power,
Adobe Systems Inc., and Silicon Graphics Inc.
UCAS code: G400
Minimum requirements
Four-year Honours degree
SQA Higher:
BBBB.
GCE A-level:
BBC.
IB Diploma:
32.
Three-year Honours degree
SQA Adv. Higher:
ABB.
GCE A-level:
ABB.
IB Diploma:
35.
Essential subjects:
To include Computing and relevant
experience of Java or other
programming languages.
Other qualifications
HNC/HND
Minimum entry: Bs in graded unit.
Advanced entry: Please consult
website for details.
Access courses
See page 44.
Essential subjects:
As listed above or equivalent.
Additional information
General entry requirements apply
– see page 118.
Mathematics Standard Grade
(3), Intermediate 2, GCSE (C) or
equivalent required.
For more information on this course,
visit: http://stir.ac.uk/3y

68
MC
Conservation Biology
and Management BSc (Hons)
Stirling is home to more environmental and conservation
organisations than any other UK city
UCAS code: CD14
Minimum requirements
Four-year Honours degree
SQA Higher:
ABBB – one sitting.
AABB – two sittings.
GCE A-level:
BBC.
IB Diploma:
32.
Essential subjects:
To include one of Biology, Chemistry,
Environmental Science, Geography,
Geology, Mathematics or Physics.
Three-year Honours degree
SQA Adv. Higher:
ABB.
GCE A-level:
ABB.
IB Diploma:
35.
Essential subjects:
To include Biology and one of
Environmental Science, Geography
or Geology.
Other qualifications
HNC/HND
Minimum entry: Bs in graded unit.
Advanced entry: Please consult
website for details.
Access courses
See page 44.
Essential subjects:
As listed above or equivalent.
The contemporary world is one of rapidly increasing human interference in
natural environments and of competition for space and resources. Some species are
endangered for example, because of the destruction of their habitats, introduced
species or climate change.
As a result, understanding the complex inter-relationships between environments and their
inhabitants is vital so that environmental conservation and sustainable management may
be undertaken for the benefit of future generations.
Stirling is a superb place to study this. The city is home to more environmental and
conservation organisations than any other UK city (for example, RSPB, Plantlife, Bat
Conservation Trust, SNH, SEPA). We have strong links with all these organisations and
some of them are based at the University.
Our research is at the interface between the environment and society, and includes
conservation biology, evolutionary ecology, ecosystem ecology, hydro-geomorphology and
remote sensing.
With this course, you will receive excellent practical training, hands-on experience and
preparation for a range of careers in conservation.
Course content
Semesters 1-4 cover core modules in foundation subjects including: Ecology, Biodiversity,
Cell Biology and Physiology, Environmental Sciences and Practical Skills modules.
Semesters 5-6 cover advanced modules in: Environmental Policy and Management, Field
and Laboratory Techniques, plus up to four modules from a defined list of options including
a field course to Spain.
Students doing Conservation Biology and Management have a four-week placement in the
summer break between Years 3 and 4, working with a conservation organisation.
In Semesters 7-8 you undertake a research project and can choose to go on a field course
to the Cévennes National Park in Southern France. You take up to six modules from a
range of options.
This course is not available as a Combined Degree.
Career opportunities
There is high demand for well-qualified conservation graduates and our graduates work
with a range of UK employers, including Scottish Natural Heritage, the RSPB and the
wildlife trusts, as well as environmental consultancies. Other students now work overseas
or are working towards a doctorate.
Additional information
General entry requirements apply
– see page 118.
Mathematics Standard Grade
(2), Intermediate 2, GCSE (C) or
equivalent required.
For more information about this course,
visit: http://stir.ac.uk/3z

69
Criminology and Sociology
MC
This course achieved 92% student satisfaction in the most
recent National Student Survey
This course reflects the latest developments in social
research, taught by recognised experts in their chosen fields
Why and how do people break the law? How can the criminal justice system define this
and how do we police, prosecute and punish people?
This course looks at the motivations and careers of law-breakers and also broader questions
of process and policy in criminal justice.
You will attain a strong training in criminology and the theory and methods of applied
social science. If you are considering a career in the police, prison service or human rights
agencies, it will provide a strong academic base.
Course content
In Semesters 1-4 you are required to take the following core modules: Social
Differentiation; Social Problems; Understanding Social Policy: Historical and Theoretical
Perspectives on Welfare; and The Development of Social Theory: An Introduction to
Classical and Contemporary Social Theory. You will also take Crime and Criminal Justice;
Scottish Society and two additional modules in any subject.
In Semesters 5-8 you are required to take two core modules: Research Process I, an
introduction to a range of research methods and a number of issues relating to the
exploration of the social world; and Research Process II, in which you will continue the
Year 3 core course on the research process and gain a deeper practical and theoretical
understanding of research methods in sociology and social policy.
You will also select four advanced option modules, which may include: Crime, Risk and
Modernity; Crimes of the Powerful; Punishment and Society; Criminological Theories in
Context; or Gender, Crime and Justice.
Criminology and Sociology is a Combined degree.
Criminology can be combined with:
Law (MM91); Philosophy (MV95); Politics (ML92); or Sociology (LM39).
Related degrees: Crime and Society – three-year degree (L390); Sociology – three-year
(L300); Social Policy – three-year degree (L400).
Career opportunities
Criminology provides a good academic base if you are considering careers in the police,
the prison service, probation, social work, community care and law, regulatory fields such
as the factory and tax inspectorates, human rights agencies, charitable foundations and
lobby groups.
As well as specific, subject-based knowledge, you will graduate with a wide range of
experience and skills, in particular communication skills, self management skills and
interpersonal skills. These give graduates a competitive edge with employers across the
private, public and voluntary sectors.
UCAS code: LM39
Minimum requirements
Four-year Honours degree
SQA Higher:
BBBB – one sitting.
ABBB – two sittings.
GCE A-level:
BBC.
IB Diploma:
32.
Three-year Honours degree
SQA Adv. Higher:
ABB.
GCE A-level:
ABB.
IB Diploma:
35.
Essential subjects:
To include Sociology.
Other qualifications
HNC/HND
Minimum entry: Bs in graded unit.
Advanced entry: Please consult
website for details.
Access courses
See page 44.
Essential subjects:
As listed above or equivalent.
Additional information
General entry requirements apply
– see page 118.
Mathematics Standard Grade
(3), Intermediate 2, GCSE (C) or
equivalent required.
Students with no Mathematics may
be considered although alternative
entry conditions may be applied.
For more information about this course,
visit: http://stir.ac.uk/5s

70
ME
Ecology
BSc (Hons)
Fieldwork opportunities in Scotland, France and Spain
Exchange programme available in Canada
UCAS code: C180
Minimum requirements
Four-year Honours degree
SQA Higher:
ABBB – one sitting.
AABB – two sittings.
GCE A-level:
BBC.
IB Diploma:
32.
Essential subjects:
To include one of Biology, Chemistry,
Mathematics or Physics.
Three-year Honours degree
SQA Adv. Higher:
ABB.
GCE A-level:
ABB.
IB Diploma:
35.
Essential subjects:
To include Biology and one of
Environmental Science, Geography
or Geology.
Other qualifications
HNC/HND
Minimum entry: Bs in graded unit.
Advanced entry: Please consult
website for details.
Access courses
See page 44.
Essential subjects:
As listed above or equivalent.
Additional information
General entry requirements apply
– see page 118.
Mathematics Standard Grade
(2), Intermediate 2, GCSE (C) or
equivalent required.
Gaining access to sufficient energy, water and food will become an increasing challenge for
tomorrow’s world, as human populations continue to grow and our demands intensify for
the essential products and services that ecosystems provide. If you want to help to mitigate
this scenario, the Ecology degree will equip you with some of the key knowledge and skills.
Ecology is the science of relationships amongst organisms – and between organisms and
their environments. As it underpins how best we can interact with, use and conserve the
planet’s natural resources, Ecology is a vital 21st century science.
As the basis of sustainable development, the subject is mainstream in policy development
and planning. So, as well as providing training in essential field and laboratory techniques,
our degree gives a robust introduction to the science of sustainability, making it relevant to
real-life situations and improving students’ employability prospects.
We have strong contacts with external conservation and environmental organisations
and many students benefit from taking part in research programmes, ensuring that they
recognise the transferable nature of a science degree and how their learning applies to the
real world.
Fieldwork – an essential part of training – takes place in Scotland; in the Cévennes of
France (10 days); and there is an optional trip in Almeria, Spain (seven days). We also have
an exchange programme with the Canadian University of Guelph, so students may spend
all or part of Year 3 studying abroad.
Course content
Semesters 1-4 cover core modules in: Biological Sciences; Environmental Sciences; and
Practical Skills in the Natural Sciences.
Semesters 5-6 cover the following advanced modules: Animal Ecology; Plant Ecology and
Physiology; Field and Laboratory Techniques, plus further optional modules, including the
Spanish field-course.
In Semesters 7-8 students undertake an independent research project and attend the
overseas field course in France. They also take four to six advanced modules from a defined
list of options.
The research project in the final year takes up around one third of the timetable and
is strongly linked with the active research interests of academic staff in Biological and
Environmental Sciences.
This course is not available as a Combined Degree.
Career opportunities
With this well respected degree, our graduates have entered a range of jobs in academic
and applied ecology – including roles as university and government researchers, nature
reserve managers, policy makers and consultants with environmental agencies and
conservation bodies, natural history filmmakers and journalists.
For more information about this course,
visit: http://stir.ac.uk/41

71
Economics
BA (Hons)
ME
A highly valued degree delivered by lecturers with
international reputations
What causes inflation? How can unemployment be reduced? Can tax ever be fair
and efficient? Big questions, looking for big answers – do you think you are up to
the challenge?
Almost every decision taken in our fast-moving social, commercial and technological world
is dictated by economic imperatives at regional, national and global levels.
In the current economic climate the role of the economist is becoming more crucial with
the welfare and prosperity of nations dependent upon their accurate interpretations and
responses to continually shifting economic realities.
Due to its structure and the way it is taught, Economics is recognised as a good source of
transferable skills. We offer a highly valued degree delivered by lecturers with international
reputations. Teaching provision in Economics has been assessed by the Quality Assurance
Agency for Higher Education and achieved the highest possible rating of ‘commendable’
in all aspects and we were ranked fourth in Scotland in the most recent Research
Assessment Exercise.
Course content
Economics may be studied either alone or combined with other subjects. In the early stages
of your degree you will cover the core modules (listed below) as well as two other subjects
of your choice.
Semesters 1-4 core modules covers the areas of: Introductory Microeconomics and
Introductory Macroeconomics.
Following on from these introductions, you study the Intermediate versions of both
subjects, plus, in Semester 4, an Introduction to Quantitative Techniques for Economics.
In Semesters 5-8, Honours students take core advanced modules which develop
knowledge and understanding of the central methods of economic analysis and major
policy issues, including: Using Economic Data, and Economic Policy in Britain and Europe.
In the final year, you write a dissertation on your chosen subject. The remainder of the
course consists of various options including: Modern Banking and Financial Economics.
Combined Honours students take the same core modules as Single Honours students but
replace some of the Economics options with modules in their other subject.
This course can be combined with:
Accountancy (LN14); Business Studies (LN11); Environmental Science (FL91);
Finance (LN13); Marketing (NL51); Mathematics (GL11); Politics (LL12); or
Politics/Philosophy (L0V0).
Career opportunities
Besides careers in business and government, there is a wide range of jobs in companies
that directly use economics and who seek holders of good degrees in the discipline.
Our recent graduates have gone onto careers in management, accountancy and banking,
as well as economics itself; and surveys have regularly found Economics to be one of the
top four subjects for graduate pay.
UCAS code: L100
Minimum requirements
Four-year Honours degree
SQA Higher:
BBBB – one sitting.
ABBB – two sittings.
GCE A-level:
BBC.
IB Diploma:
32.
Three-year Honours degree
SQA Adv. Higher:
ABB.
GCE A-level:
ABB.
IB Diploma:
35.
Essential subjects:
To include Economics.
Other qualifications
HNC/HND
Minimum entry: Bs in graded unit.
Access courses
See page 44.
Essential subjects:
As listed above or equivalent.
Additional information
General entry requirements apply
– see page 118.
Mathematics Standard Grade
(3), Intermediate 2, GCSE (C) or
equivalent required.
For more information about this course,
visit: http://stir.ac.uk/42

72
ME
Education (Primary)
BA (Hons)
1st in Scotland for Education
The Times Good University Guide and The Guardian
University Guide, 2012
UCAS code:
Early Years: XX13
Environment: XC11
Modern Languages: XR18
Minimum requirements
Four-year Honours degree
SQA Higher:
BBBB – one sitting.
ABBB – two sittings.
GCE A-level:
BBC.
IB Diploma:
32.
Essential subjects:
Higher English/ESOL (B) or GCSE
English Language and English
Literature (B) or Communications 4
and Literature 1.
There are additional requirements for
each specialism.
Other qualifications
HNC/HND
Minimum entry: Bs in graded unit.
Access courses
See page 44.
Essential subjects:
As listed above or equivalent.
Additional information
General entry requirements apply
– see page 118.
GTC requires all students to
have Mathematics Standard
Grade (2), Intermediate 2 (C),
GCSE (C) or equvalent.
Entry to these courses is subject
to a criminal record PVG check.
If you have a criminal record you
should contact the Admissions
Manager in confidence to discuss
entry to this course.
How do you provide an environment where children feel safe and secure, and
can develop their potential? What are the best methods of structuring learning and
teaching opportunities?
Our unique degrees in education, which focus on a specialism, combine the study
of pedagogy (the craft and practices of teaching) with either: Early Years;
the Environment; or Modern Languages.
Primary school teachers with such specialist knowledge and skills are highly sought after
– that is why a recent Scottish Government Report recommended that our distinctive
approach to teacher education should be adopted by other providers.
Several university guides currently rate us first in Scotland for Education and for the quality
of our research. This proves that, while we are small enough to develop close, personal
relationships with our individual students, we also punch above our weight academically.
Course content
You will take core modules in Education that cover a range of teaching skills and advanced
modules in your chosen specialism including: Environmental Science/Biology; Modern
Languages; or Psychology, Social Work, Social Sciences and Nursing.
Semesters 3/4 and 5/6 contain two five-week school placements. Semester 7 includes
a ten-week school placement and supplementary taught classes. You will also work with
groups of school pupils that will be brought on campus allowing you to have additional
pupil contact. Finally, you will undertake an educational research project on an aspect of
teaching Early Years, Environmental Science or Languages within a primary school setting.
Career opportunities
Most of our graduates enter the Scottish Government’s Probationary Teacher Scheme,
guaranteeing them one year’s employment as newly qualified teachers in a Scottish Local
Authority school. However, this degree and teaching qualification are suited to various
professional roles, from corporate training and development, to museum and leisure
education and other less teaching focused career options.
Additional required subjects
Early Years
To include an SQA Higher (B), A-level (C) or equivalent in Biology, Chemistry, Maths,
Physics or Psychology. Preference will be given to those with Psychology and Biology.
Environment
To include an SQA Higher (B), A-level (C) or equivalent in Biology, Chemistry, Maths
or Physics. Preference will be given to those with two Science subjects including
Environmental Science.
Modern Languages
To include a SQA Higher (B), A-level (C) or equivalent in one of
French or Spanish.
For more information about this course,
visit: http://stir.ac.uk/43

73
Education (Secondary)
BA/BSc (Hons)
ME
1st in Scotland for Education
The Times Good University Guide and The Guardian
University Guide, 2012
Our four-year degree course enables students to study both pedagogy (the craft and
practice of teaching) and their subject specialism(s) concurrently, rather than consecutively.
You will graduate with a research-informed degree in Professional Education and one
or more appropriate teaching subjects, making you well equipped to enter the world of
secondary education immediately.
Our imaginative study approach – recommended to other education providers by a
recent Scottish Government report into Teacher Education – and the excellent quality
of our research.
Course content
Taking eight semesters over four years leads to an Honours degree in your chosen teaching
subject(s) and Professional Education.
Semesters 1-2 cover core education modules, with further core and advanced Education
modules in Semesters 3-6, including a range of teaching skills in your chosen subjects.
There are two school placements of three to five weeks between Semesters 3/4 and 5/6;
and a further four-week placement for Physical Education students and those taking
second teaching subjects.
Semester 7 includes a school placement of 10 or 12 weeks’ duration and
supplementary taught classes. During optional Semester 8, secondary students
study their main teaching subject.
This course can be combined with:
Biology (CX11); Business Studies (NX11); Business Studies/Computing Science (NX21);
Computing Science (GX41); Computing Science/Mathematics (GX91); English Studies
(QX31); English Studies/History (QXHC); English Studies/Religion (QXJ1); Environmental
Geography (FX81); History (VX11); History/Politics (LX21); History/Sociology (VXD1);
Mathematics (GX11); Philosophy/Religion (VX53); Religion (VX61); Religion/History (VXC1);
or Sport Studies, Physical Education and Professional Education (CX61).
Career opportunities
Working in close partnership with the Local Authorities, schools, Education Scotland
and General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS), we ensure that our students become
effective professional educators, their qualifications recognised throughout the UK and
the world.
On graduating, you can provisionally register in the appropriate sector with the GTCS and
enter the Scottish probationary scheme. This guarantees one year’s employment as a newly
qualified teacher in a Scottish Local Authority school.
Your degree and teaching qualification will open the door to many other professional
roles, from corporate training and development, to museum and leisure
education, as well as more diverse career options.
For more information about this course,
visit: http://stir.ac.uk/44
Minimum requirements
Four-year Honours degree
Except Physical Education
SQA Higher:
BBBB – one sitting.
ABBB – two sittings.
GCE A-level: BBC.
IB Diploma: 32.
Essential subjects:
Higher English/ESOL (C) or GCSE
English Language and English
Literature (C) or Communications 4
and Literature 1.
Four-year Honours degree
Physical Education
SQA Higher:
ABBB – one sitting.
AABB – two sittings.
GCE A-level: BBC.
IB Diploma: 32.
Essential subjects:
Higher English/ESOL (C) or GCSE
English Language and English
Literature (C) or Communications 4
and Literature 1.
Other qualifications
HNC/HND
Minimum entry: Bs in graded unit.
Access courses
See page 44.
Essential subjects:
As listed above.
Additional information
General entry requirements apply
– see page 118.
Some subjects have additional
requirements. Please consult the
relevant subject page.
Entry to these courses is provisional
until the end of Year 1 and subject to
interview and a criminal record PVG
check. If you have a criminal record
you should contact the Admissions
Manager in confidence to discuss
entry to this course.

74
ME
English Studies
BA (Hons)
94% overall quality and satisfaction rating
(the most recent National Student Survey)
UCAS code: Q300
Minimum requirements
Four-year Honours degree
SQA Higher:
BBBB – one sitting.
ABBB – two sittings.
GCE A-level:
BBC.
IB Diploma:
32.
Three-year Honours degree
SQA Adv. Higher:
ABB.
GCE A-level:
ABB.
IB Diploma:
35.
Essential subjects:
To include English or English
Literature and Language.
Other qualifications
HNC/HND
Minimum entry: Bs in graded unit.
Access courses
See page 44.
Essential subjects:
As listed above or equivalent.
Additional information
General entry requirements apply
– see page 118.
Why study English? This course offers you the perfect chance to dedicate yourself to
reading and to enjoy some of the great poems, plays and novels from across the world.
Texts are all around us – from books and magazines to TV, email and the internet. As texts
of all kinds become more prominent and powerful in our lives, the ability to analyse them
and their often subtle meanings becomes ever more important. Your own creative writing
can form a part of this degree; we believe it aids your understanding of literary style and
technique – and develops your imagination. Alongside our teaching and research staff, we
have two Royal Literary Fund fellows who help students with both their creative and essay
writing. All of our assessments are through coursework essays and research.
In the most recent Research Assessment Exercise, over half our research was judged either
‘Internationally Excellent’ or ‘World Leading’. Staff in English Studies research and teach
in areas from the medieval period to the present day, as well as in linguistics and creative
writing. We received 94 percent overall quality and satisfaction rating in the most recent
National Student Survey. We are also lucky to have the macrobert arts centre on campus,
which runs an exciting theatre and film programme throughout the semesters.
Course content
In Semesters 1-2, students take the compulsory modules: Author, Reader, Text; and Texts
and Contexts, plus four other module options. These could include Language in Society
and Foundations of Language. In Semester 3 students study Meaning and Representation.
In Semester 4 there is a choice from core modules: Writing and History; Writing and
Identity; and Writing and Language. In Semester 5 students choose from several periodbased
modules, including Modernism and Modernity; British Romanticism; and Victorian
Literature and Culture.
In Semesters 6-7 there is a choice from a range of option modules which may include
Modern Gothic; Scottish Literature; Old English; Jane Austen; and Postcolonial Writing. The
final semester is spent writing your dissertation, supervised by your tutor.
This course can be combined with:
History and Professional Education (QXHC); Religion and Professional Education (QXJ1);
Film and Media (QP33); French (QR31); Global Cinema and Culture (QP3H); History (QV31);
Journalism Studies (QP35); Philosophy (QV35); Politics (QL32); Professional Education
(QX31 ); Psychology (QC38); Religion (QV36); or Spanish (QR34).
Career opportunities
The ability to think and write clearly is extremely valuable in many careers and professions.
Our English Studies graduates are well versed in these transferable skills and have an
excellent success rate in finding rewarding employment in many fields.
For more information about this course,
visit: http://stir.ac.uk/45

75
Environmental Science
BSc (Hons)
ME
A long-established and respected environmental
science course
This course achieved 96% student satisfaction in the most
recent National Student Survey
The environmental systems on which society depends are complex and fragile.
To understand these systems environmental scientists have to take an interdisciplinary
approach that combines knowledge of physical, chemical and biological processes across
different time and spatial scales.
Stirling was one of the first to introduce an environmental science degree. This means we
have a long-established and respected course providing you with the academic knowledge,
and laboratory and field skills necessary to allow you to work towards finding sustainable
solutions to critical environmental problems. These problems include: climate change,
sustainable energy production, clean water provision, maintenance of biodiversity, and
ensuring global food security.
We are committed to training graduates in the skills valued by employers, a specialist
skills module is included in each semester and regular careers sessions are embedded
into the core teaching. At the end of Year 3 we also offer a competitive summer bursary
programme to provide students with valuable work and research experience.
Field training is an important element of this degree, which includes field courses in
Scotland, Iceland and Spain. And our exchange programme with Canada’s University
of Guelph means students can spend one or two semesters there during Year 3.
Course content
Semesters 1-4 explore the science behind global physical, chemical and biological processes
and provide training in laboratory and field skills through a series of core and optional
modules – including a field trip to Aviemore, Scotland.
Semesters 5-6 core modules in environmental policy and management, advanced analytical
skills and a residential field trip are complemented by a choice of modules including:
Drainage Basins, Environmental Hazards, Soil Quality and Protection, and Remote Sensing.
Semesters 7-8 include a research project, an in-depth review essay and a wide choice of
advanced optional modules including: Geographical Information Systems, Sustainable
Energy Management, Restoration Ecology, and Palaeoecology.
This course can be combined with:
Economics (FL91); Mathematics (F9G1); Politics (FL92); or Professional Education (Primary)
with specialism in the Environment (XC11).
Career opportunities
The focus on providing technical field and laboratory training as well as scientific
knowledge means our graduates are highly employable. They go on to work with a wide
range of organisations including water authorities, research institutes, conservation bodies,
businesses, local authorities and government agencies, or take up postgraduate study in
education, environmental management, information technology and remote sensing.
For more information about this course,
visit: http://stir.ac.uk/46
UCAS code: F900
Minimum requirements
Four-year Honours degree
SQA Higher:
ABBB – one sitting.
AABB – two sittings.
GCE A-level:
BBC.
IB Diploma:
32.
Essential subjects:
To include one of Biology, Chemistry,
Environmental Science, Geography,
Geology, Mathematics or Physics.
Three-year Honours degree
SQA Adv. Higher:
ABB.
GCE A-level:
ABB.
IB Diploma:
35.
Essential subjects:
To include one of Biology,
Environmental Science, Geography
or Geology.
Other qualifications
HNC/HND
Minimum entry: Bs in graded unit.
Advanced entry: Please consult
website for details.
Access courses
See page 44.
Essential subjects:
As listed above or equivalent.
Additional information
General entry requirements apply
– see page 118.
Mathematics Standard Grade
(2), Intermediate 2, GCSE (C) or
equivalent required.

76
ME
Environmental Science and
Outdoor Education BSc (Hons)
Combining our Environmental Science degree and the
Mountain Leader Award, this unique course prepares you for a
wide range of environmental, ecological and outdoor careers
UCAS code: FX99
Minimum requirements
Four-year Honours degree
SQA Higher:
ABBB – one sitting.
AABB – two sittings.
GCE A-level:
BBC.
IB Diploma:
32.
Essential subjects:
To include one of Biology, Chemistry,
Environmental Science, Geography,
Geology, Mathematics or Physics.
Three-year Honours degree
Entry is possible subject to approval
of individual qualifications.
Other qualifications
HNC/HND
Minimum entry: Bs in graded unit.
Access courses
See page 44.
Essential subjects:
As listed above or equivalent.
Additional information
General entry requirements apply
– see page 118.
Mathematics Standard Grade
(2), Intermediate 2, GCSE (C) or
equivalent required.
In addition to academic
entrance requirements, prospective
students must be able to
demonstrate their enthusiasm
for and experience in outdoor
activities relevant to the course.
Through the exciting combination of science theory and hands-on practice, this course
allows you to develop an in-depth understanding of environmental and ecological issues,
including landscape evolution, human environmental impact and nature conservation.
This knowledge will be invaluable during your additional training in navigation, mountain
hazards and other skills required for outdoor leadership, as you work towards gaining an
additional qualification endorsed by Mountain Leader Training Scotland – the Mountain
Leader Award.
Lectures and tutorials are combined with practical, in-the-field learning – making this a
physically demanding course requiring a certain level of health, fitness and mobility. You
will be shown how to teach and guide others in outdoor exploration and you will learn
these skills from experts – including some of the UK’s top mountaineering instructors.
Opportunities exist to take advantage of exchange programmes with universities
including the University of Fairbanks, Alaska. On graduating, in addition to your gaining
your BSc (Hons) degree, you will be qualified to lead groups outdoors and to design and
deliver suitable educational programmes.
Course content
Semesters 1-4 cover core modules which may include: Building Planet Earth; Soil Sediments
and Landscape History; Sustainable Water Management; Navigation and Mountain Skills;
Landscape Evolution; and Mountain Leader Training.
Semesters 5-8 cover core modules including: Field and Laboratory Techniques;
Environmental Hazards; Remote Sensing; and a Residential Field Class (Iceland or
southern Spain).
For your Mountain Leader Award you must complete a minimum of 40 quality
mountain days – in your own time – consequently, this degree requires a very high
level of commitment to hill and mountain walking. You must be at least 18 at the
start of the course.
This course is not available as a Combined Degree.
Career opportunities
The creation of several Scottish national parks and outdoor adventure centres has increased
the demand for knowledgeable countryside rangers, guides and Environmental Science
educators. The challenge for companies and organisations raising public awareness of
environmental issues is the recruitment of well qualified staff.
In addition to careers more specific to Outdoor Education, you will be qualified to pursue
the same careers as our Environmental Science graduates. The degree in Environmental
Science and Outdoor Education, together with the Mountain Leader award, qualifies you
to pursue a wide range of careers with an environmental or ecological focus – making you
an attractive and viable proposition for prospective employers.
For more information about this course,
visit: http://stir.ac.uk/47

77
European Film and Media
BA (Hons)
ME
1st for Communications and Media in Scotland in
The Times Good University Guide, 2013
This degree course explores how the media functions in different European contexts while
giving you a grounding in classic and contemporary European cinema and an in-depth
knowledge of French or Spanish.
Our lecturers have particular strengths in a wide variety of areas, including transnational
cinema and media, new media, and postcolonial cinema. They also enjoy international
reputations and have close connections with researchers and practitioners in academia,
television and radio production, and film production and exhibition. Whilst gaining your
excellent degree you will also benefit from our on-campus cinema and theatre – macrobert.
Throughout the year macrobert hosts a variety of film and cultural festivals covering a
range of topics. In order to fully immerse yourself within your chosen language you will
also spend time studying at one of our partner universities so you can fully understand
the culture (as well as the language).
Course content
In Semesters 1-3 you will take a combination of modules from a selection including:
The Moving Image; French or Spanish; Classic European Cinema and Media Impacts; and
The British Media.
In Semesters 4-8 you will continue the study of French or Spanish and choose from a range
of modules. Options in Modern Languages and Film and Media may include: Quebec
Cinema; Screening the City; Video Drama Production; Advertising; and Sport and the
Media: and Popular Culture. All students take the module Transnational Identities which
looks at how issues such as migration, immigration, regional and national identity are
portrayed in film and media.
In Semester 6 you study at an approved French- or Spanish-speaking university to develop
your language skills.
This course is not available as a Combined Degree.
UCAS code: P3R1
Minimum requirements
Four-year Honours degree
SQA Higher:
BBBB – one sitting.
ABBB – two sittings.
GCE A-level:
BBC.
IB Diploma:
32.
Other qualifications
HNC/HND
Minimum entry: Bs in graded unit.
Access courses
See page 44.
Additional information
General entry requirements apply
– see page 118.
Career opportunities
The attractive combination of skills developed by this course is highly sought after by
employers, both in the UK and abroad. Further, you will gain a network of European
contacts that you can put to use in your future career.
This course is a gateway to a wide variety of careers in publishing, academia, journalism,
television, radio and film production, translating or law, administration and management,
advertising and public relations.
For more information about this course,
visit: http://stir.ac.uk/48

78
MF
Film and Media
BA (Hons)
This course achieved 91% student satisfaction in the most
recent National Student Survey
1st for Communications and Media in Scotland in
The Times Good University Guide, 2013
UCAS code: P300
Minimum requirements
Four-year Honours degree
SQA Higher:
ABBB – one sitting.
AABB – two sittings.
GCE A-level:
BBC.
IB Diploma:
32.
Other qualifications
HNC/HND
Minimum entry: Bs in graded unit.
Advanced entry: Please consult
website for details.
Access courses
See page 44.
Additional information
General entry requirements apply
– see page 118.
Our Film and Media department is one of the largest in the UK, as well as being the
longest established; we have been educators and researchers in this field since 1978.
We ranked first in Scotland in the most recent Research Assessment Exercise.
And we were voted in the top ten for student satisfaction in Journalism and
Media subjects.
Our teaching focuses on the critical and theoretical study of film, broadcasting, journalism
and the press, the internet and new media, sport, advertising and public relations.
Scriptwriting is a popular strand of our course, along with audio and video production
work, created in small groups.
As well as our excellent teaching and research you will also benefit from our on-campus
multi-screen cinema and theatre – macrobert arts centre. This is an excellent resource
which offers a variety of different opportunities throughout the year including different film
and cultural festivals.
Course content
Year 1 will focus on Film and Media, plus two other subjects.
Semesters 1-4 will cover five core Film and Media modules: Creative Industries;
Representation, Meaning and Identity; The Moving Image; Digital Media and Culture;
and Reading Film and Television.
Semesters 5-8 will cover selected modules from a range of 17, including with The Body in
Screen Culture, Terrorism in the Media and Experimental Cinema.
Your admission to the Production strand in Semester 5 will be on the basis of merit.
This course can be combined with:
Business Studies (NP13); English Studies (QP33); French (RP13); History (PV31);
Journalism Studies (PP35); Marketing (PN35); Philosophy (VP53); Politics (PL32);
Psychology (CP83); Religion (VP63); Sociology (LP33); Spanish (RP43);
or Sports Studies (CP63).
Career opportunities
Many Film and Media students have established successful careers in the media.
These include broadcast and print journalism; television, radio and film production;
media management; advertising and public relations; and education.
For more information about this course,
visit: http://stir.ac.uk/49

79
Finance
BA (Hons)
MF
90% student satisfaction in the most recent
National Student Survey
Studying finance involves the investigation of how company managers and investors make
financial decisions, how they manage risk and how financial markets function.
The course addresses issues such as: how do stock markets work? How can I make money
by trading futures and options? What would be the implications for the United Kingdom
of adopting the Euro? How can companies reduce foreign exchange risk? Do shareholders
benefit from corporate takeovers? Does corporate governance matter? Why do financial
crises occur? What types of securities should be included in an investment portfolio?
Finance teaching at Stirling is highly rated, with 90 percent of students satisfied with
their overall study experience (the most recent National Student Survey). You will gain a
thorough grounding in the theoretical and analytical skills needed for a career in corporate
finance, investment management or financial services.
Course content
Semesters 1-3 students will study the core modules in Finance, Accounting, plus one
Economics module, as well as two other subjects per semester.
Semesters 4-8 cover nine advanced modules, including: Mergers and Acquisitions;
International Finance; and Financial Analysis. Additional advanced modules may be selected
from any advanced semester Accountancy or Finance option, or from those required by the
particular degree course being followed.
This course can be combined with:
Accountancy (NN43); Business Studies (NN13); Economics (LN13); or Mathematics (GN13).
Career opportunities
Many significant decisions made by companies, individuals and financial institutions require
the analytical skills and professional judgment developed by studying finance. Accordingly,
a wide range of exciting and prestigious career opportunities are available to graduates in
this discipline.
These include working as financial analysts for fund management institutions as
dealers on the stock exchange, as financial planners, investment bankers or financial
market regulators.
The BA Finance degree may also be studied by those wishing to embark on a career in
accountancy. Students who study required Business Law and Economics modules may
be exempt from examinations of professional accounting bodies.
UCAS code: N300
Minimum requirements
Four-year Honours degree
SQA Higher:
ABBB – one sitting.
AABB – two sittings.
GCE A-level:
BBC.
IB Diploma:
32.
Essential subjects:
Mathematics preferred.
Three-year Honours degree
SQA Adv. Higher:
ABB.
GCE A-level:
ABB.
IB Diploma:
35.
Essential subjects:
To include Accountancy and
Economics. Preference given to
those with Mathematics.
Other qualifications
HNC/HND
Minimum entry: Bs in graded unit.
Advanced entry: Please consult
website for details.
Access courses
See page 44.
Essential subjects:
As listed above or equivalent.
Additional information
For more information about this course,
visit: http://stir.ac.uk/4a
General entry requirements apply
– see page 118.
Mathematics Standard Grade
(3), Intermediate 2, GCSE (C) or
equivalent required.

80
MF
French
BA (Hons)
This course provides students with an opportunity
to study and work abroad
UCAS code: R120
Minimum requirements
Four-year Honours degree
SQA Higher:
BBBB – one sitting.
ABBB – two sittings.
GCE A-level:
BBC.
IB Diploma:
32.
Essential subjects:
To include French or Spanish if
applying to joint Honours in French
and Spanish.
Three-year Honours degree
SQA Adv. Higher:
ABB.
GCE A-level:
ABB.
IB Diploma:
35.
Essential subjects:
To include French.
Other qualifications
HNC/HND
Minimum entry: Bs in graded unit.
Access courses
See page 44.
Essential subjects:
As listed above or equivalent.
Additional information
General entry requirements apply
– see page 118.
This course achieved 90% student satisfaction in the most
recent National Student Survey
You might want to study French because it is a beautiful language, because you
want to work in a French-speaking environment, or because you want to understand
French-speaking cultures and societies.
Whatever your reasons, this course offers a broad understanding of French language and
culture through various historical and geographical contexts. We explore ethnic diversity
in contemporary France and the ways in which encounters with other cultures transform
French language, culture and society. Above all, we recognise France’s importance on the
world stage and teach French as a global language.
You can visit, study, even live and work in France as students have the option of spending
up to a full year abroad including studying at a university or business school in France,
Quebec or Switzerland.
Course content
In Semesters 1-2, you take French plus two other subjects. Year 1 and Year 2 modules
concentrate on the development of France and the Francophone world from the French
Revolution until the present day, concentrating on the 20th and 21st centuries.
Semesters 1-4 encourage understanding of the evolution of contemporary French and
Francophone cultures and you begin French language study at introductory, intermediate
or advanced level.
The advanced class – for students with a Higher or A-level in French – combines language
learning with the study of French/Francophone culture and society using texts, films and
online material.
In Semesters 5-8 students take core language modules in spoken and written French, and
choose specialisms from a range of modules, including: French Detective Film and Fiction,
and Women Writers on Women.
This course can be combined with many subjects including:
Business Studies (NRF1); Computing Science (GR41); English Studies (QR31);
Film and Media (RP13); History (RV11); Human Resource Management (NRP1); Journalism
Studies (RP15); Law (RM11); Marketing (N5R1); Mathematics (GR11); Philosophy (RV15);
Politics (LR21); Professional Education (Primary) with Modern Languages (XR18); Religion
(RV16); or Spanish (RR14).
Career opportunities
Language graduates are confident communicators and growing European integration
offers increasing job opportunities. Many progress to careers in publishing, journalism,
television, advertising, translating or law, teaching in French or English as a foreign
language, administration and management.
Additionally, the Combined course with Professional Education (Primary) allows students to
train as a primary teacher with languages.
For more information about this course,
visit: http://stir.ac.uk/4b

81
Geography, Environmental
BSc (Hons)
MG
Explore the Earth, its landscape and our place within it
Geography is the integrated study of the world, its landscapes, places, people and their
relationship with the environment. It seeks to make sense of the world we live in and is
unique in bridging the environmental and social sciences.
While Physical Geography and Human Geography are disciplines in their own right,
Environmental Geography combines these subjects to provide a much-needed capability
to study and understand interactions between people, and between people and the
environments in which they live.
Environmental Geographers have expert knowledge and skills to research, analyse and
communicate how the changing environment affects our lives. Their ability to visualise
geographical issues at different spatial scales, from global to local, and to offer solutions
to some of our most pressing environmental problems, ensures that these graduates are
highly sought after by a wide range of employers.
Course content
Semesters 1-5 cover eight core modules including Ecology; People and the Environment;
and Statistical Techniques; plus additional modules from a defined range.
Semesters 6-8 offer increased specialisation. Students choose from advanced modules such
as: Environmental Hazards; Glaciers and Landscape; and a further element of the course
is a residential field class in Spain or Iceland. Honours students develop their research skills
through the completion of an Environmental Geography dissertation.
Environmental Geography and Education
This integrated four-year course provides training across the subject span. When combined
with Education, it provides graduates with a teaching qualification in Geography (and
Modern Studies) as recognised by the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS).
This qualification is achieved within four years (compared to the normal five-year
route) if you follow on from an Honours degree and complete a Postgraduate Diploma
in Education (PGDE).
In Semesters 1-5, in addition to the core modules for Environmental Geography, you
take a further seven core modules in Education, including: Introduction to Pedagogy and
The Nature and Goals of Teaching.
In Semesters 6-8, Education core modules cover Curriculum Studies; Core Issues in
Geography; Pupil Support and Curriculum Studies, plus further optional module choices
from a defined list.
This course can be combined with:
Professional Education (FX81)
Career opportunities
Geography provides a unique combination of subject-specific and generic skills equipping
geographers to enter a diverse range of careers, including education.
Geographers are attractive to employers due to their understanding of relationships
between environment and people, their spatial awareness and their skills in areas
such as field investigation, problem-solving, team working, communication and
information technology.
For more information about this course,
visit: http://stir.ac.uk/4c
UCAS code: FL97
Minimum requirements
Four-year Honours degree
SQA Higher:
ABBB – one sitting.
AABB – two sittings.
GCE A-level:
BBC.
IB Diploma:
32.
Essential subjects:
To include one of Biology, Chemistry,
Environmental Science, Geography,
Geology, Mathematics or Physics.
Three-year Honours degree
SQA Adv. Higher:
ABB.
GCE A-level:
ABB.
IB Diploma:
35.
Essential subjects:
To include one of Environmental
Science, Geography or Geology
AND one of Biology, Chemistry,
Economics, Mathematics, Physics,
Politics or Sociology.
Other qualifications
HNC/HND
Minimum entry: Bs in graded unit.
Advanced entry: Please consult
website for details.
Access courses
See page 44.
Essential subjects:
As listed above or equivalent.
Additional information
General entry requirements apply
– see page 118.
Mathematics Standard Grade
(2), Intermediate 2, GCSE (C) or
equivalent required.

82
MG
Global Cinema and Culture
BA (Hons)
Cutting-edge research and high-quality teaching.
An innovative, Combined Degree course highly sought
after by employers
UCAS code: P390; QP3H
Minimum requirements
Four-year Honours degree
SQA Higher:
BBBB – one sitting.
ABBB – two sittings.
GCE A-level:
BBC.
IB Diploma:
32.
Other qualifications
HNC/HND
Minimum entry: Bs in graded unit.
Access courses
See page 44.
Additional information
General entry requirements apply
– see page 118.
What can films and other types of artistic representation tell us about our globalised
world? What impact has our increasing interconnectedness across nations had on our
cultural forms and practices, and in the way we perceive and depict the realities of others
and our own?
This innovative Combined Degree course is unique in that it combines the study
of cultural theory with the study of cinema and other visual media. Cutting across
traditional disciplinary boundaries, it draws on several areas of expertise in visual culture
across the humanities.
You will learn how to interpret cultural texts and practices from throughout the world,
gaining a solid grounding in film and textual analysis, cultural studies and area studies. And
you will study under the guidance of a vibrant and friendly team, with close international
ties and a reputation for cutting-edge research and high-quality teaching.
Course content
When studying this degree you will choose to study in one of two areas, either English
Studies with Global Cinema and Culture or Film and Media with Global Cinema and
Culture (Global Cinema). These different routes offer you a variety of benefits including
an integrated course covering a wide range of modules from Languages, Cultures and
Religions and Communications, Media and Culture allowing you the scope to specialise.
In Semesters 1-3 you will take core modules in: Global Cinema, Post-war European Cinema
and Classic European Cinema.
In Semesters 4-8 you will develop a critical understanding and analytical approach to global
cinema and culture, including analysis of various non-European cultures.
Core advanced modules include Global Cinema and Culture Theory and Dissertation
Preparation. Advanced option modules include Transnational Identities; African Literature
and Cinema; The Cinema of the Fantastic; Sexuality and Gender in Film; Postcolonial
France; and Latin American Cinema and Culture.
This course can be combined with:
English (QP3H) or Film and Media (P390).*
Career opportunities
The attractive combination of skills developed by this course is highly sought after by
employers, both in the UK and abroad. Graduates are prepared for a wide variety of careers
in publishing, journalism, television, radio and film production, academia, administration
and management, advertising and public relations.
* this combined course is entitled ‘BA (Hons) Global Cinema’.
For more information about this course,
visit: http://stir.ac.uk/4d

83
History
BA (Hons)
MH
Intellectual challenges, fostering skills recognised and
valued by employers
If you really want to get a handle on the modern world, it is essential to understand
the past. Here at Stirling we have developed different ways to help you do that.
In Semester 3, one of our core modules – Reputations in History – offers a riveting
insight into famous Scottish and international, male and female historical characters
from a thousand years of history, including William Wallace and Nelson Mandela.
At advanced level in your final year, you have a choice of special subjects for a year-long
intensive module, which will run alongside your dissertation. However, you will be helped
along by the enthusiasm, encouragement – and, of course, the most recent research – of
staff members interested in your subject.
In addition, our exchange scheme with a wide range of American universities and colleges,
means you can also apply to study in the US.
Course content
In Semesters 1-3, students take History plus two other subjects. Then, in each of
Semesters 4-6 you will choose one, two or three modules from a varied list of options on
topics such as African, European, American, British, Scottish environmental, computing,
social and political history.
In Semesters 7-8, Honours students take a ‘special subject’ from a choice of five or six such
as Revolutionary Europe or Immigration to Britain, 1800-1971, which involves the use of
printed documentary collections and other source material.
Single Honours History students also write a supervised dissertation of between 14,000
and 16,000 words on a research topic they choose themselves.
This course can be combined with:
English Studies (QV31); English Studies/Education (QXHC); Film and Media (PV31);
French (RV11); Journalism Studies (VP15); Law (MV11); Philosophy (VV15); Politics (LV21);
Politics/Professional Education (LX21); Professional Education (VX11); Religion (VV16);
Religion/Professional Education (VXC1); Sociology (LV31); Sociology/Professional Education
(VDX1); Spanish (RV41); or Sports Studies (VC16).
Careers opportunities
A History degree sets the kind of intellectual challenges and fosters particular skills,
which employers have always recognised and valued. These include the ability to argue
a persuasive case, a capacity for independent work and effective time management, an
ability to organise and solve problems, and a capacity to communicate clearly, both in
writing and speech.
This is why our History graduates have been successful in obtaining a wide variety of posts
– some in history-related areas, such as teaching or work in museums and libraries, others
in fields such as administration, commerce, the civil service, banking and insurance.
UCAS code: V100
Minimum requirements
Four-year Honours degree
SQA Higher:
BBBB – one sitting.
ABBB – two sittings.
GCE A-level:
BBC.
IB Diploma:
32.
Three-year Honours degree
SQA Adv. Higher:
ABB.
GCE A-level:
ABB.
IB Diploma:
35.
Essential subjects:
To include History.
Other qualifications
HNC/HND
Minimum entry: Bs in graded unit.
Advanced entry: Please consult
website for details.
Access courses
See page 44.
Essential subjects:
As listed above or equivalent.
Additional information
General entry requirements apply
– see page 118.
For more information about this course,
visit: http://stir.ac.uk/4e

84
MH
Human Resource
Management BA (Hons)
A unique learning environment that stimulates
creativity and critical thinking
UCAS code: N600
Minimum requirements
Four-year Honours degree
SQA Higher:
BBBB – one sitting.
ABBB – two sittings.
GCE A-level:
BBC.
IB Diploma:
32.
Three-year Honours degree
SQA Adv. Higher:
ABB.
GCE A-level:
ABB.
IB Diploma:
35.
Essential subjects:
To include Business
Studies/Management.
Other qualifications
HNC/HND
Minimum entry: Bs in graded unit.
Advanced entry: Please consult
website for details.
Access courses
See page 44.
Essential subjects:
As listed above or equivalent.
Additional information
General entry requirements apply
– see page 118.
Mathematics Standard Grade
(3), Intermediate 2, GCSE (C) or
equivalent required.
For businesses today, managing people is crucial. Human Resource Management (HRM) deals
with the management of an organisation’s workforce, from the most junior member of staff
to the chief executive.
Organisational success depends upon developing appropriate methods of recruitment
and selection, motivation, reward, training and development, grievance and discipline,
performance management and career progression.
HR specialists work closely with operational managers to manage the employment
relationship, enhance individual and team performance, and ensure that workers are
fairly treated. HRM also attempts to increase the organisation’s ability to adapt within its
environment through broadening the skills of the workforce. As such, HR specialists also need
to have a good understanding of the labour market and their organisation’s wider social,
economic and political environments.
The Stirling Institute for Socio-Management, which houses the degree, has a focus that
goes beyond traditional businesses to include the public and non-profit sectors, community
and employee-owned organisations. In this way, Human Resource Management ‘best
practice’ across organisations is scrutinised throughout this course.
Course content
Semesters 1-3 cover three general modules in Business and Management – The Firm;
The Business Environment; and Business in the 21st Century – (which form a foundation
for the course). Additional modules are taken from related subject areas such as: Business
Law, Economics, Psychology and Sociology.
Semesters 4-8 focus on nine core modules encompassing the broad field of Human
Resource Management. These include: Employment Relations; Learning and Development;
and Contemporary Personnel Policy.
In addition, three optional modules are chosen from Business Studies, Management
Science or Public Management and Administration, or from one of the other subjects for
which you are qualified.
This course can be combined with
Business Studies (NN16); French (NRP1); Law (MN16); Marketing (NN65);
Psychology (NC68); or Spanish (NR64).
Career opportunities:
Students completing this degree are well qualified for specialist careers both in HRM and
general management. In fact, the increasing importance of individual performance to
organisational success suggests that all managers should possess HRM skills.
Focused on understanding employment in the widest sense, this degree enables graduates
to take up roles in trade unions, employment-related charities, government departments,
non-governmental organisations and employment research bodies.
For more information about this course,
visit: http://stir.ac.uk/4f

85
Information Systems
BSc (Hons)
MI
90% student satisfaction in the most recent
National Student Survey
Whether they are operating at the macro level – in industry, commerce and politics – or
at the micro level – as in, how best to travel from A to B – decision making is a constant
process in people’s lives.
These decisions are based on knowledge; knowledge requires access to information
and information emanates from data. Ours is a data-driven society with information
systems at its heart. So, those of us who can use and develop these systems are highly
valued and rewarded.
With its combination of theory and practice ensuring a broad skills base, this course gives a
superb grounding in the subject; introducing you to the application of computer systems in
an organisational context much welcomed by potential employers. You will study the role
of computers in commercial environments and their adopted technologies and techniques;
information systems design and analysis; decision making; and the role of information in a
data-driven society.
BSc (Hons) graduates are fully accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS) for the
educational requirements of being a Chartered Information Technology Professional (CITP),
which is the Society’s professional member level.
Course content
We offer four computing-related degrees and during the first three semesters all students
take the same Computing Science core modules. Additionally, you will take two further
subjects during this time.
Semesters 1-3 include core modules that cover Computational Thinking; Programming
Using Java; Social and Professional Issues; Usabililty and Accessibility of Interfaces; Data
Structures, Objects and Algorithms, plus three core Business modules.
Semesters 4-8 cover core modules including: Communications and Networks; Information
Systems; and Managing Information. Optional modules include: Artificial Intelligence and
Computer Game Technologies. The final-year project is a core element of the course and
involves independently developing a major piece of software from initial requirements to
final delivery.
This course is not available as a Combined Degree.
Career opportunities
Our graduates offer a unique blend of skills to potential employers. As well as a good
grounding in the technical aspects of computing offered by more traditional computer
science degrees, you will have a bank of additional business awareness skills.
You will be equipped to design and develop information technology infrastructures and
to use such tools to contribute to the strategic planning and decision making performed
within organisations.
UCAS code: G500
Minimum requirements
Four-year Honours degree
SQA Higher:
BBBB.
GCE A-level:
BBC.
IB Diploma:
32.
Three-year Honours degree
SQA Adv. Higher:
ABB.
GCE A-level:
ABB.
IB Diploma:
35.
Essential subjects:
To include Computing and Business
Studies/Management and relevant
experience of Java or other
programming languages.
Other qualifications
HNC/HND
Minimum entry: Bs in graded unit.
Access courses
See page 44.
Essential subjects:
As listed above or equivalent.
Additional information
General entry requirements apply
– see page 118.
Mathematics Standard Grade
(3), Intermediate 2, GCSE (C) or
equivalent required.
For more information about this course,
visit: http://stir.ac.uk/4g

86
MI
International Management
Studies and Intercultural
Studies (IMIS) BA (Hons)
This course achieved 94% student satisfaction in the most
recent National Student Survey
UCAS code: NLR0
Minimum requirements
Five-year Honours degree
SQA Higher:
BBBB – one sitting.
ABBB – two sittings.
GCE A-level:
BBC.
IB Diploma:
32.
Other qualifications
HNC/HND
Minimum entry: Bs in graded unit.
Access courses
See page 44.
Additional information
General entry requirements apply
– see page 118.
Career opportunities
Graduates will be ideally equipped
for a career in international business
or marketing. Not only will they have
command of a language, but their
study of the management subjects
will have been deliberately orientated
towards the international context.
Our graduates have progressed to
a wide variety of roles, including
advertising, marketing, banking and
management. They have secured
positions with leading manufacturers
and retailers, communications
companies and financial institutions,
as well as with a variety of small- and
medium-sized businesses.
Do you envisage a future working in the EU? And would you like to develop your language
skills and knowledge of business contexts to help your career plans along?
Europe’s growing integration and increased mobility provides ever increasing opportunities
for graduates with business and marketing skills, and with knowledge of foreign languages
and cultures.
Students taking two languages can take a year out at the end of Year 2 to work as
language assistants in France (or another Francophone location), Spain or Latin America.
They then spend Semester 6 in the country of their second chosen language. Therefore,
two lengthy periods spent abroad are an integral element of this course.
Course content
The IMIS double degree is a unique course available in conjunction either with the Ecole de
Management in Strasbourg, France, or the University of Passau in Bavaria, Germany – the
latter is open to native German speakers only.
It involves the study of three subjects. For the Strasbourg course these are: French with
Business Studies or Marketing, plus a third subject from Spanish, Economics or Politics.
For the Passau course these are: French or Spanish with Business and History or Politics.
In either case, course completion leads to the award of a degree from Stirling and also a
degree from the partner institution.
The five-year EM Strasbourg double degree course modules are as Semesters 1-4 below
– after which there are two variants.
Students taking French only spend Semester 6 at another French business school, returning
to EM Strasbourg for Semesters 9-10. Students taking French and Spanish spend Semester
6 in Spain, Semesters 7-8 in Stirling and Semesters 9-10 at EM Strasbourg.
The double degree with Passau offers variants A and B.
A is for native German speakers whose study begins at Stirling for five semesters,
followed by one semester studying in France or Spain, then one year studying at Passau.
Students return to Stirling to complete their degrees and graduate from both universities
on completion.
B is for students whose study begins in Germany and involves six semesters of study at
Passau (or another German university), then two semesters at Passau, and finally two
semesters at Stirling.
Semesters 1-4 cover either French or Spanish and Business or Marketing. In addition, one
of the following: a second language, Politics, Finance, Business Law, and Economics.
In Semesters 5-8, students follow the same pathways but have an increasing choice of
options within those pathways.
For more information about this course,
visit: http://stir.ac.uk/5b

87
International Management
Studies with European
Languages and Society BA (Hons)
MI
This course achieved 94% student satisfaction in the most
recent National Student Survey
Recent economic and political developments across Europe clearly illustrate that, while
growing integration may present challenges, it also provides great opportunities.
Graduates with business and marketing skills, combined with knowledge of European
languages and society, are highly sought after. So choosing this degree course could be
your first step to an international career.
You will combine aspects of international business and marketing with the study of either
French or Spanish – together with the economic, political, social and cultural environment
in which international business is conducted. There is also the option to study a second
language or alternative modules.
All students spend Semester 6 studying at a Spanish university or French business school.
Students taking two languages may take a year out at the end of Year 2 to work as
language assistants in France (or another Francophone location), Spain or Latin America.
They then spend Semester 6 in the country of the second language, ensuring that two
lengthy periods are spent in French- and Spanish-speaking countries.
Course content
All degree students study three subjects. There are two compulsory pathways, namely a
language (either French or Spanish) and a Business/Marketing pathway. A third pathway
comprises various module options, all with an international or European content.
Semesters 1-4 cover: French or Spanish; Business or Marketing; plus one of: a second
language; Politics; Finance; Business Law; and Economics.
Semesters 5-8 follow the same pathways but with further module options.
Semester 6 is a compulsory Study Abroad semester which, for students with French
as their main language, is usually spent as an Erasmus student at either the Ecole de
Management de Strasbourg or ESSEC in Cergy-Pontoise, France, subject to the agreement
of the Course Director. Students whose main language is Spanish spend Semester 6 at a
Spanish university.
UCAS code: N2R9
Minimum requirements
Four-year Honours degree
SQA Higher:
BBBB – one sitting.
ABBB – two sittings.
GCE A-level:
BBC.
IB Diploma:
32.
Other qualifications
HNC/HND
Minimum entry: Bs in graded unit.
Access courses
See page 44.
Additional information
General entry requirements apply
– see page 118.
Career opportunities
Our graduates will have command of one or more languages and they will have studied
management subjects within an international context, with a particular focus on the EU.
Therefore, they are ideally equipped for international business or marketing careers.
Recent graduates have progressed to positions in advertising, marketing, banking and
management, securing positions with leading manufacturers and retailers, financial
institutions and communications companies.
For more information about this course,
visit: http://stir.ac.uk/5c

88
MJ
Journalism Studies
BA (Hons)
1st for Communications and Media in Scotland in
The Times Good University Guide, 2013
UCAS code: P500
Minimum requirements
Four-year Honours degree
SQA Higher:
ABBB – one sitting.
AABB – two sittings.
GCE A-level:
BBC.
IB Diploma:
32.
Other qualifications
HNC/HND
Minimum entry: Bs in graded unit.
Advanced entry: Please consult
website for details.
Access courses
See page 44.
Additional information
General entry requirements apply
– see page 118.
With over 30 years’ experience in research and teaching in journalism studies, Stirling has
established itself as one of Scotland’s top institutions in the field.
Jon Snow, the successful and widely respected broadcaster and journalist, described us as
“…a breed apart”.
The course covers both theoretical and practical aspects of journalism studies and offers
students in-depth, critical understanding of the practice. As part of your modules, you will
work individually and in groups to write articles and prepare portfolios, create pages for
print and online news, create and edit visuals, do presentations in class, contribute to class
blogs, produce material for broadcast media, as well as write essays and exams.
Course content
Semesters 1-2 require you to take one introductory module in Media Studies per semester
and to choose two other modules of your preference from a range of subjects offered by
the University. Your media modules in these semesters cover the Creative Industries, and
Representation, Meaning and Identity.
In Semester 3 you will take an introductory module in Journalism Studies and two modules
of your choice.
In Semester 4 you will study Writing and Research for Journalists, Journalism Research and
Analysis, plus a choice of either Digital Media and Culture or Reading Film and Television.
Semesters 5-8 offer a choice of advanced journalism studies modules, such as Journalism
and Society, Print and Photo Journalism, Advanced Reporting, Issues in Journalism,
Introduction to Law and Government for Journalists, while you can also choose among a
selection of Film and Media modules such as Public Relations, Terrorism in the Media or
Gender and Representation.
This course can be combined with:
English Studies (QP35); Film and Media (PP35); French (RP15); History (VP15);
Politics (PL52); Spanish (PR54); or Sports Studies (PC56).
Career opportunities
We have extensive links with the media industries and many of our graduates have
pursued successful careers in print, broadcast and online journalism.
The BA Journalism Studies degree also offers a foundation for vocational postgraduate
study in journalism and related fields such as public relations and media management.
For more information about this course,
visit: http://stir.ac.uk/5z

89
Law
BA (Hons)
ML
This challenging degree will equip you with the analytical,
problem solving and communication skills highly valued
by employers
You are spoilt for choice here, with two BA (Hons) degrees – one in Business Law, the
other in Law – both of them set against a wider social or business context, which clearly
demonstrates Law’s importance across the board.
While the BA Business Law gives you a thorough understanding of how law and
regulation shape and influence business, the BA Law course teaches you how law
interacts with society.
In addition, you can take advantage of our unique system, which allows students to take
second and third subjects in Years 1 and 2. Single Honours students then specialise entirely
in Law or Business Law, while those on Combined Degrees develop both Law and their
second chosen specialism together.
This means that even Single Honours students will also study other subjects from a range
including languages, management, economics, criminology, psychology, politics, the
environment and much more.
Course content
Tailored for students who want a business career, Semesters 1-3 of the Business Law
degree introduce the building blocks of business law, with core modules including coverage
of contract law, company law and corporate insolvency.
In Semesters 4-8, you choose advanced modules from nine specialist legal topics, including
Financial Regulation, Sports Law, Intellectual Property and Competition Law.
The Law degree provides broad understanding of a wide range of areas such as crime, the
family and government, and Semesters 1-3 introduce the subject through core modules,
which include Criminal Law, Family Law, and Law and Government.
In Semesters 4-8 you will select advanced modules from a range of specialist legal topics.
Shared with the BA Business Law, these include: Environmental Law; Sports Law; Prejudice,
Discrimination and the Law.
This course can be combined with:
Accountancy (with Business Law) (MN24); Business Studies (MN11); Criminology (MM91);
French (RM11); History (MV11); Human Resource Management (MN16); Marketing
(MN15); Politics (ML12); or Spanish (MR14).
Related degrees: Business Law BA (Hons).
UCAS codes:
Law BA (Hons): M110
Business Law BA (Hons):
M221
Minimum requirements
Four-year Honours degree
SQA Higher:
ABBB – one sitting.
AABB – two sittings.
GCE A-level:
BBC.
IB Diploma:
32.
Other qualifications
HNC/HND
Minimum entry: Bs in graded unit.
Advanced entry: Please consult
website for details.
Access courses
See page 44.
Additional information
General entry requirements apply
– see page 118.
Career opportunities
The advantage of studying law as a BA is that this demanding subject requires your
intellectual skills – including determination, intellectual curiosity and concise expression
– to become particularly developed. All are highly valuable, whatever profession
you pursue.
Our graduates go on to successful careers in management, banking and financial
services and accounting, with some of the most high-profile and prestigious organisations
in these industries.
For more information about this course,
visit: http://stir.ac.uk/4i

90
ML
Law
LLB
A prestigious degree and your first step in becoming a Scots
lawyer or highly sought after by a range of professions
UCAS code: M114
Minimum requirements
Four-year Honours degree
SQA Higher:
AABB – one sitting.
AAAB – two sittings.
GCE A-level:
ABB.
IB Diploma:
36.
Other qualifications
HNC/HND
Minimum entry: Bs in graded unit.
Access courses
See page 44.
Additional information
General entry requirements apply
– see page 118.
LLB (Accelerated Graduate
Programme).
Entry requirements – an honours
degree in any subject/discipline.
Good general degrees are
also considered.
The Stirling LLB is accredited by the Law Society of Scotland and the Faculty of Advocates,
which are the professional bodies for Scots lawyers. It is a specialist degree, covering all
aspects of law, and is intellectually challenging and rewarding.
The aim of the Stirling LLB is to provide in-depth knowledge and understanding of legal
principles, theory, institutions and rules; and the wider social and political context in which
law operates.
Available as an undergraduate degree and as a two-year accelerated graduate degree, the
Stirling LLB is a well-rounded qualification which can be your first step towards becoming a
Scots lawyer or entering other prestigious professions.
Course content
There are eight semesters in total. Semesters 1-5 cover 10 core modules which introduce
the fundamental areas of law, including: Criminal Law; Family Law; and Commercial Law.
From Semester 5 onwards, you select advanced modules from a range of specialist
legal topics, including: Child Law; Environmental Law; Discrimination Law; and Financial
Services Regulation.
This course is not available as a Combined Degree.
Career opportunities
Graduation with the Stirling LLB will enable those who wish to become Scots lawyers to
apply for entry to the Diploma in Professional Legal Practice, which is offered by a number
of universities: this is the next stage in qualifying as a lawyer in Scotland.
Those wishing to practise law in England and Wales will have to complete a postgraduate
conversion course. The LLB is also recognised as a rigorous degree that develops important
intellectual and personal skills, which makes graduates attractive to employers in a wide
range of other professions. Many LLB graduates, therefore, choose to pursue careers in
areas such as banking, insurance, accounting, management, the civil service and education.
Accelerated Degree
Graduate entrants can obtain the LLB after two years of study, concentrating on the core
modules. For further information, please contact the Admissions.
For more information about this course,
visit: http://stir.ac.uk/4j
For information on the LLB (Accelerated Graduate
Course), visit: http://stir.ac.uk/4k

91
Management
BSc (Hons)
M
Develop essential skills and knowledge to prepare you
for a career in management
You enjoy teamwork but you are a natural leader; you are targeted, disciplined and
welcome challenges. You are ambitious, yet see the merit in long-term goals. You like
what you see in the world of commerce – its pace, unpredictability, risks and rewards.
But what part might you play in the business world? The answer could be management.
Essentially the combination of Business Studies and Management Science – the study of
Management equips you with two things. The first is a broad understanding of business
today. The second is a set of practical management skills with which to become an
effective manager.
You will gain an understanding of the internal functions and structures of organisations
and the contexts within which business operates. You will develop the analytical skills
needed both to solve a range of management problems and to competently use a number
of management software packages.
You will also develop your individual skills of critical thinking, teamwork and leadership
be competent in analysing quantitative data and have the communication skills vital for
translating good ideas into action.
Course content
In Semesters 1-3 you will take the core Management modules plus two other
subjects. In all of the semesters, elective optional modules are studied alongside
the core modules stated.
Semesters 1-3 cover three general management modules, together with Business Studies
Human Resource Management and Marketing.
In Semesters 4-8, compulsory core modules provide theory and applications of
management planning and decision making.
Semester 5 covers the core modules of International Business and Modelling for
Management. In Semester 6, all students take Management Information Systems
and Project Management modules.
In Semester 7, students take Strategic Management and a case studies module
in Management Science, and in Semester 8, they work on an Honours project
and dissertation.
This course is not available as a Combined Degree.
Career opportunities
This course develops the skills and analytical approach required by business systems in a
range of environments: industrial, commercial, service and public sector. Amongst these
skills is the ability to assess project risk (financial, technical and commercial), take an overall
systems view and make decisions that optimise desired objectives.
Our Management graduates have progressed to a variety of responsible, well-paid careers.
Some have taken up general line management, planning or business analysis roles, while
others have joined consultancies offering specialist skills.
UCAS code: N200
Minimum requirements
Four-year Honours degree
SQA Higher:
BBBB – one sitting.
ABBB – two sittings.
GCE A-level:
BBC.
IB Diploma:
32.
Three-year Honours degree
SQA Adv. Higher:
ABB.
GCE A-level:
ABB.
IB Diploma:
35.
Essential subjects:
To include Business
Studies/Management.
Other qualifications
HNC/HND
Minimum entry: Bs in graded unit.
Access courses
See page 44.
Essential subjects:
As listed above or equivalent.
Additional information
General entry requirements apply
– see page 118.
Mathematics Standard Grade
(3), Intermediate 2, GCSE (C) or
equivalent required.
For more information about this course,
visit: http://stir.ac.uk/4l

92
M
Management Science
BSc (Hons)
An expanding and sought after area of expertise
UCAS code: N206
Minimum requirements
Four-year Honours degree
SQA Higher:
BBBB – one sitting.
ABBB – two sittings.
GCE A-level:
BBC.
IB Diploma:
32.
Three-year Honours degree
SQA Adv. Higher:
ABB.
GCE A-level:
ABB.
IB Diploma:
35.
Essential subjects:
To include Business
Studies/Management.
Other qualifications
HNC/HND
Minimum entry: Bs in graded unit.
Access courses
See page 44.
Essential subjects:
As listed above or equivalent.
Additional information
General entry requirements apply
– see page 118.
Mathematics Standard Grade
(3), Intermediate 2, GCSE (C) or
equivalent required.
Are you lateral thinking and creative, yet capable of objective analysis and persuasive,
rational argument? If so, read on – in Management Science, you may have found
your niche.
There are many clichés in management: ‘We know all about quality’, ‘We must invest
in the latest technology’. Management Science challenges these clichés; asks questions,
collects evidence, provides a rational analysis and proposes effective solutions.
Management Science applies advanced analytical methods to business problems to help
managers make better decisions. It achieves this through the application of a process which
involves collecting information (both words and numbers); understanding important interrelationships
(the model); testing the model; and using the model to explore alternative
futures. This science uses various tools. Some are quantitative others qualitative, but all are
important to the process.
The scientist must not only identify the best solution to an issue but must sell this proposal
in an engaging yet scientific and credible way. Whether determining the location of a
retail outlet or improving NHS patient flows to promote a more user-friendly service,
Management Science is an expanding and sought after area of expertise.
Course content
In Semesters 1-3 you take Business and Management, plus two other subjects. In each
semester, optional modules are required in addition to the core modules outlined here.
These modules cover three general management modules, along with Business Studies,
Human Resource Management and Marketing. These establish the foundation required
in all management-related subjects.
Semesters 4-8 cover core modules which provide theory and applications of management
planning and decision making. Semester 4 includes the study of Operations Management.
Semester 5 focuses on the core module, Modelling for Management. In Semester 6,
all students take Project Management.
In Semester 7, students undertake a case studies module in Management Science and in
Semester 8, students focus on an Honours project and dissertation.
This course can be combined with:
Mathematics (NG21).
Career opportunities
Our Management Science graduates enjoy an excellent employment track record.
Organisations highly value the combination of business knowledge, problem-solving ability
and technical business software skills that you will gain from this course. Recent graduates
have found work as business analysts with major High Street banks and retail stores,
as well as roles within the National Health Service.
For more information about this course,
visit: http://stir.ac.uk/4m

93
Marine Biology
BSc (Hons)
M
Our Institute is the leading international centre in its field
and the largest of its kind in the world
Fascinated by our oceans? Then study the unique problems – and solutions – of the
specialised plants and animals existing in this amazing physical and chemical environment.
Our multi-disciplinary course, delivered by the Institute of Aquaculture, draws on other
biology disciplines, like ecology and the physical and environmental sciences, to understand
an element which covers around 71 percent of the earth’s surface.
Our Institute of Aquaculture, which runs this course, is the leading international centre in
its field and the largest of its kind in the world, with an excellent international reputation
in teaching, research, contract research and consultancy.
We collaborate with academic research institutions throughout Europe and beyond,
including India, Thailand, Mexico and Japan, and provide design, development and
management services to organisations involved in this field.
Although not compulsory, SCUBA diving is available both through the University’s
Sub-Aqua Club as an option to gain an HSE Professional SCUBA diving qualification, or
a PADI sports diving qualification, through affiliation with a professional diving company.
The final study year involves an independent research project, often carried out with
external organisations. Overseas projects in Semester 8 are encouraged and past ones have
been located throughout Europe, North and South America, the Indian subcontinent, Asia,
Oceania and Australasia.
Some of our students have successfully applied to spend all or part of Year 3 studying
abroad, for example, in the USA (including Hawaii) or Australia (including Sydney).
Course content
Semesters 1-3 cover core modules like: Our Thirsty Planet; Principles of the Aquatic
Environment; and Ecology and Evolution. During Semesters 4-8, Honours students take
11 core modules, including Science of Diving; Biodiversity; Animal Physiology, together
with specialised modules in Marine Mammal and Turtle Biology (field course) and Marine
Systematics and Taxonomy.
Marine Biology is not available as a Combined Honours degree, however, it shares a
common foundation with the degree course in Aquaculture, so the option to take a
degree in Aquaculture is retained until the end of Semester 5.
Career opportunities
Our graduates work in government and private laboratories, including Environmental
Protection Agencies and consultancy organisations. Many pursue second degrees (MSc or
PhD) which are often required for more senior research posts.
Alternatively, a wide range of more general biological posts is available, including those
in the aquaculture and fisheries industries, ecotoxicology and environmental impact
assessment. This degree is also an excellent passport to careers outside of science.
UCAS code: C160
Minimum requirements
Four-year Honours degree
SQA Higher:
ABBB – one sitting.
AABB – two sittings.
GCE A-level:
BBC.
IB Diploma:
32.
Essential subjects:
To include one of Biology, Chemistry,
Mathematics or Physics.
Three-year Honours degree
SQA Adv. Higher:
ABB.
GCE A-level:
ABB.
IB Diploma:
35.
Essential subjects:
To include Biology and one of
Environmental Science, Geography
or Geology.
Other qualifications
HNC/HND
Minimum entry: Bs in graded unit.
Advanced entry: Please consult
website for details.
Access courses
See page 44.
Essential subjects:
As listed above or equivalent.
Additional information
General entry requirements apply
– see page 118.
Mathematics Standard Grade
(2), Intermediate 2, GCSE (C) or
equivalent required.
For more information about this course,
visit: http://stir.ac.uk/4n

94
M
Marketing
BA (Hons)
A degree with a contemporary, international perspective
UCAS code: N500
Minimum requirements
Four-year Honours degree
SQA Higher:
BBBB – one sitting.
ABBB – two sittings.
GCE A-level:
BBC.
IB Diploma:
32.
Three-year Honours degree
SQA Adv. Higher:
ABB.
GCE A-level:
ABB.
IB Diploma:
35.
Essential subjects:
To include Business
Studies/Management.
Other qualifications
HNC/HND
Minimum entry: Bs in graded unit.
Advanced entry: Please consult
website for details.
Access courses
See page 44.
Essential subjects:
As listed above or equivalent.
Every business has end users – or customers – and every successful business correctly
identifies its customers and strives to deliver what they want, in order to keep them. If you
combine logical assessment and analysis with creative intuition, then Marketing may be the
right degree for you.
Marketing is at the centre of what businesses do. It helps organisations work out how they
can identify and satisfy customer needs using strategic thinking, business acumen and
carefully designed communications.
The teaching options available reflect the specialist expertise of staff who have an
active interest in particular topic areas, such as Social Marketing and Consumers,
Cultures and Society, which contribute to the contemporary, international perspective
of the degree courses.
Course content
In Semesters 1-3 you will take the core Marketing modules plus modules in two
other subjects. You will cover three modules in Business and Management, taken
alongside students from other Management courses. These modules are designed
to familiarise you with the general principles of industry, management, marketing,
human resources and organisation.
Semesters 4-8 cover core modules, including Marketing Research and Marketing Strategy,
along with optional specialisms drawn from current marketing activities.
This course can be combined with:
Accountancy (NN45); Business Studies (NN25); Economics (NL51); Film and Media (PN35);
French (N5R1); Human Resource Management (NN65); Law (MN15); Psychology (CN85);
Sociology (LN35); Spanish (N5R4); or Sports Studies (NC56).
Related degrees: International Management Studies.
Career opportunities
Marketing students acquire a comprehensive range of analytical, problem-solving and
professional skills, which are increasingly valued in industry, commerce, education,
government and non-profit making organisations.
As your acquired skills have applications in most walks of life, a Marketing degree can
become your entry to a specialised marketing career or to a more general management
career in a wide range of sectors.
Additional information
General entry requirements apply –
see page 118.
Mathematics Standard Grade
(3), Intermediate 2, GCSE (C) or
equivalent required.
For more information about this course,
visit: http://stir.ac.uk/4o

95
Mathematics and
its Applications BSc (Hons)
M
This course achieved 95% student satisfaction in the most
recent National Student Survey
2nd in Scotland in The Guardian University Guide, 2013
Do you enjoy numbers the way others enjoy music, poetry or art? While most of us can
appreciate the complexity, beauty and power of the latter, some of us can also recognise
these qualities in numbers and mathematics. Are you one of these people?
Mathematical training develops both specific skills and broad analytical expertise, which are
valued across all professions; and there is a particular demand for graduates who not only
have quantitative skills, but also know how to use them.
Our course delivers that sought after combination – both through our teaching style and
our focus on real-world applications of both mathematical and statistical techniques. For
instance, you will use the mathematics computing laboratories as an integral part of your
learning process, making your study as much experimental as theoretical.
Our Mathematics and Statistics department provides a stimulating and supportive
learning environment and we have a strong and active research group. Its major interest
is the application of mathematics to biology, economics and life sciences and we offer
Combined Honours degrees in the relevant disciplines.
Course content
In Semesters 1-3, you take Mathematics plus two other subjects. Material covered at
secondary level is reviewed and applied before being developed further ensuring a smooth
transition from a school teaching approach to a university one.
You take core modules in: Discrete Mathematics; Calculus of One and Several Variables;
Vectors, Matrices, Complex Numbers and their Application in Geometry and Systems
Theory; and Statistics and Probability.
In Semesters 4-8 the Mathematics Honours course covers a broad range of skills. Advanced
modules cover the following key areas: mathematical techniques for solving a wide range
of problems; the theory underlying these mathematical techniques; and model-building,
i.e. converting real-world problems into mathematical form.
This course can be combined with:
Accountancy (GN14); Biology (CG11); Computing Science (G4G1); Economics (GL11);
Environmental Science (F9G1); Finance (GN13); French (GR11); Management Science
(NG21); Professional Education (GX11); Professional Education/Computing Science (GX91);
or Psychology (CG81).
Related degrees: Mathematics (G100) (three-year degree).
Career opportunities
There is a growing need for graduates with mathematical skills in business, research and
the sciences and this degree provides both the theoretical background and the quantitative
skills required for the solution of real-world problems.
Our graduates have gone on to careers in the telecommunications, financial and
biotechnology sectors; as statisticians and teachers in the public sector and as managers
and modellers in business and consultancy.
UCAS code: G120
Minimum requirements
Four-year Honours degree
SQA Higher:
BBBB.
GCE A-level:
BBC.
IB Diploma:
32.
Essential subjects:
To include Mathematics.
Three-year Honours degree
SQA Adv. Higher:
ABB.
GCE A-level:
ABB.
IB Diploma:
35.
Essential subjects:
To include Mathematics.
Other qualifications
HNC/HND
Minimum entry: Bs in graded unit.
Access courses
See page 44.
Essential subjects:
As listed above or equivalent.
Additional information
General entry requirements apply
– see page 118.
For more information about this course,
visit: http://stir.ac.uk/4p

96
M
Modern Languages
BA (Hons)
Opportunities to combine your study with living and
working in France, Spain and beyond
UCAS codes: NT19;
N2R9; NLR0; XR18;
RL92; P3R1; CR89
Minimum requirements
Four-year Honours degree
SQA Higher:
BBBB – one sitting.
ABBB – two sittings.
GCE A-level:
BBC.
IB Diploma:
32.
Other qualifications
HNC/HND
Minimum entry: Bs in graded unit.
Access courses
See page 44.
Additional information
General entry requirements apply
– see page 118.
Career opportunities
Language graduates are confident
communicators and growing
European integration offers
increasing job opportunities. The
combinations of subjects available
with either French or Spanish, or in
some cases both, allow students to
take up a wide variety of careers in
publishing, journalism, television,
advertising, translating or law,
teaching in French or English as a
foreign language, administration
and management.
While English may be an international language, it is far from being the only one. As a
powerful player within the European Union, and with long-established relationships in
other parts of the globe, France and Spain are truly international forces, and French and
Spanish are languages spoken all over the world.
This is why we study them from a global perspective at Stirling, exploring various
perspectives and opportunities on offer to study, live and work in other countries.
In Semester 6, Honours students must spend a period of residence abroad, studying at
a university or business school in France, Spain, Morocco, Switzerland, Quebec or Latin
America. Additionally, all students have the option of spending a year abroad between
Semesters 4 and 5 and, with certain degrees, the whole of Semesters 5 and 6 can be
spent abroad.
We also offer several innovative, integrated degree courses, including a double degree with
Ecole de Management, Strasbourg in International Management and Intercultural Studies
and a degree in International Management Studies with European Languages and Society.
Course content
Since we recognise that you may not have studied a language before, we enable you to
start your study of French or Spanish from beginners, as well as advanced level. During
Year 2, both streams merge and students can graduate at the end of their degree with
full language skills. In addition, we also offer four modules in Global Cinema and Culture,
which can be taken by any student as stand-alone modules or as a sequence to form a
second subject.
Modern Languages and Business (NT19) combines the study of French or Spanish with
management. At the end of Year 2 you continue to specialise in Business Studies, as well as
continuing the study of two languages.
International Management Studies with European Languages and Society (N2R9)
follows two pathways, namely French or Spanish and either Business or Marketing. The
third strand is chosen from one of Economics, Finance, Business Law, Politics or a second
language. You will study modules with international or European content.
International Management and Intercultural Studies (NLR0) leads to the award of a
double degree with either the Ecole de Management in Strasbourg, France (EMS) or the
University of Passau in Germany (the latter for native speakers of German only).
European Languages and Psychology (CR89) allows the study of French or Spanish
with Psychology. Teaching is supported by our renowned Psychology department.
French/Spanish and Education (XR18) is a Combined Honours degree which allows
graduates to teach at primary education level.
International Politics and Languages (RL92) builds on the importance of European
politics. Graduating students, having also studied either French or Spanish, are well placed
for jobs in the UK and in an international context.
European Film and Media (P3R1) combines film and media, placing it in a European
context, with the mastery of either French or Spanish.
For more information about this course,
visit: http://stir.ac.uk/4q

97
Nursing
BSc
MN
This course gives you the skills and confidence to fulfil
this key role in the healthcare teams of tomorrow
If you care about people and you want to make a positive difference to them often in
difficult circumstances, nursing may be the career for you. Nursing at Stirling offers a
challenging and stimulating course, as well as one of the most rewarding careers available.
Today’s nurses are required to assess patients’ needs, care for them and support both the
patients and their families, while playing a crucial role in the wider healthcare team.
Careers in nursing are dynamic. This is partly because the healthcare sector is responding
to developments in health and emerging health priorities, and partly because of rising
expectations among users and carers, as well as changing attitudes within society.
Our nursing courses are designed to give you the skills and confidence necessary to fulfill
this role in the healthcare teams of tomorrow. Through the use of clinical scenarios and
extensive skills training, we will prepare you for working in this ever-changing healthcare
environment – in a career which has never been more exciting or rewarding.
Course content
BSc Nursing
On this course, you spend 50 percent of your time gaining practice experience in a clinical
setting, underpinned by blocks of theory to support your development. Your clinical
learning will be developed in a range of health and social care settings, from acute to
community, rural to urban.
The three-year course is delivered to both Adult and Mental Health fields of practice
and, as you progress through it, there will be an increasing focus on your chosen field of
practice (i.e. Adult or Mental Health Nursing).
Adult Field of Nursing
This course develops your clinical skills and knowledge to work within the full spectrum
of health and social care settings. A wide range of clinical skills are embedded throughout
the course to help you acquire key skills in assessment, diagnosis and decision making, and
your clinical experience will focus patient care pathways in a number of different settings
ranging from community day hospitals to intensive care.
Mental Health Field of Nursing
Focusing on the promotion of mental health, the prevention of mental illness, and the
care of people experiencing mental health problems, mental health nurses work as part of
multi-disciplinary and multi-agency teams that involve service users and their carers in all
aspects of their care and treatment.
As a mental health nurse, you will establish relationships with service users and carers helping
them learn to cope with their experience and maximising their potential for recovery.
UCAS code:
Adult: B740
Mental Health: B760
Minimum requirements
Three-year degree
SQA Higher:
BBC.
GCE A-level:
CC.
IB Diploma:
28.
Other qualifications
HNC/HND
Minimum entry: Bs in graded unit.
Access courses
See page 44.
Additional information
General entry requirements apply
– see page 118.
Mathematics Standard Grade
(3), Intermediate 2, GCSE (C) or
equivalent required.
Please see overleaf for
details on studying Nursing at
each of our three campuses.
For more information about this course,
visit: http://stir.ac.uk/4r

98
N
Nursing: our campuses
You can study nursing at any of our three campuses: Stirling,
Highland and Western Isles. The content of the course and
your final qualification are the same regardless of where
you study but each of our campuses offers you a unique
student experience
Highland
With more than 300 students and purpose-built accommodation in the Centre for Health
Science (adjacent to Raigmore Hospital), our Highland Campus offers the full three-year
course for both the Adult Nursing field and the Mental Health field. You will have access
to state-of-the-art clinical skills facilities on campus and the full range of placement
opportunities across the Highland region. You may also be able to undertake some
placements in the Western Isles. Students can live in hospital accommodation or private
accommodation in the city.
There is a strong sense of community on campus, with staff and student participation in
walking and running clubs, and an evening film club. And if you have still got the energy,
there is the increasingly cosmopolitan city of Inverness and the amazing scenery of the
Highlands to explore.
Western Isles
Located within the Western Isles Hospital in Stornoway, our campus is truly at the centre of
the community and is home to around 60 undergraduate and postgraduate students. The
campus has access to excellent clinical skills facilities and also has its own library, PC suite
and common room.
You can complete the full three years of the Adult Nursing field in the Western Isles
and you may have the opportunity to undertake placements in the Highland region.
If you choose the Mental Health field, you can start your studies in Western Isles and
then transfer to Highland in Year 2 to finish the course. The size of the campus and its
relationship with the hospital means it won’t be long before you feel part of the nursing
family as well as the wider community.
Stirling
The campus in Stirling is home to over 10,000 students studying a variety of disciplines
and, as Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence, it has excellent sporting facilities. We
admit around 180 students a year to the nursing courses based at the Stirling campus.
You can complete either the Adult Nursing field or the Mental Health field in Stirling
where our recently-opened Health Skills Centre provides start-of-the-art clinical skills
facilities. You will also have access to the full range of facilities you would expect from
a modern campus-based university. Placements are predominantly in the Forth Valley
region, but can extend further afield to Perth, Fife and Argyll; opportunities to undertake
placements in the Highland region or in Western Isles may also be available.
Career opportunities
Graduates are eligible for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council in either the
Adult or Mental Health field.
Most of our graduates find roles within the NHS. Others take up roles in other areas of
the public sector, as well as with private healthcare providers and the voluntary sector. In
addition, internships may be available through the Scottish Government’s One-year Job
Guarantee Scheme.

99
Philosophy
BA (Hons)
P
Develop useful transferable skills and open up a wide
range of career paths
This course achieved 98% student satisfaction in the most
recent National Student Survey
How are our minds related to our bodies? Do we really have free will? What is knowledge
(as distinct from merely true belief) and what can we really know – about the world around
us, about other people, or about ourselves? How can we be confident we know what is
right and wrong, just and unjust? And what would it take to live a morally good life?
You have just been posed some typical philosophical questions and if you seriously want to
search for the answers then this is the course for you. Our degree course will challenge you
to develop a strong set of critical, imaginative and informed reasoning skills, and deepen
your understanding of the nature of the human mind, of language, of morality and politics,
of art, of science, and of logic.
Your study will be guided by our highly rated department. The quality of our research
earned us the ranking of second in Scotland and sixth equal in the UK in the most recent
Research Assessment Exercise; and we achieved 98 percent student satisfaction
(the most recent National Student Survey).
Course content
In Semesters 1-3 you take courses in Philosophy and two other subjects. Semester 1-3
courses in Philosophy comprise the following three core modules which introduce central
philosophical problems and issues:
• Philosophy: What is it all about? – An introduction to central philosophical problems
concerning, for instance, knowledge, mind and body, freedom and determinism,
morality and justice
• Mind, Value and Reality – An introduction to key metaphysical and ethical issues.
What is it to be a person? Are we responsible for what we do? Can we be motivated
by anything other than our own self interest? These and other topics will be
considered and some ethical implications explored
• From Plato to Existentialism – A philosophical examination of the relationship between the
individual and society, looking at works by Plato, Hobbes, Mill and Sartre
In Semesters 5-8 you will take optional modules from a broad list, including Knowledge
and Reality; Environmental Ethics; Philosophy of Language; Philosophy of Biology; Political
Philosophy; and Aesthetics.
In Year 4 there are opportunities for directed independent study, including dissertation
projects and supervised independent study of a particular topic, theme or book. You
are eligible to participate in either the University’s exchange programme or the Erasmus
exchange programme.
This course can be combined with:
Computing Science (GV45); Criminology (MV95); English Studies (QV35);
Film and Media (VP53); French (RV15); History (VV15); Politics (LV25); Politics
and Economics (L0V0); Professional Education/Religion (VX53); Psychology (CV85);
or Religion (VV56).
UCAS code: V500
Minimum requirements
Four-year Honours degree
SQA Higher:
ABBB – one sitting.
AABB – two sittings.
GCE A-level:
BBC.
IB Diploma:
32.
Other qualifications
HNC/HND
Minimum entry: Bs in graded unit.
Access courses
See page 44.
Additional information
General entry requirements apply
– see page 118.
Career opportunities
The study of Philosophy develops
useful transferable skills and opens
up a wide range of career paths.
Equipped with an Honours degree in
Philosophy, a graduate can bring to
subsequent employment a sharp and
analytical mind that can be applied
directly to the job itself, or to any
further specialist training required.
Our Philosophy students have entered
careers in the civil service, business,
law, the social services, environmental
management and the media.
For more information about this course,
visit: http://stir.ac.uk/4s

100
MP
Politics
BA (Hons)
Develop your communication, analytical and intellectual
skills which are invaluable to employers
This course achieved 91% student satisfaction in the most
recent National Student Survey
UCAS code: L200
Minimum requirements
Four-year Honours degree
SQA Higher:
BBBB – one sitting.
ABBB – two sittings.
GCE A-level:
BBC.
IB Diploma:
32.
Three-year Honours degree
SQA Adv. Higher:
ABB.
GCE A-level:
ABB.
IB Diploma:
35.
Essential subjects:
To include Politics/Government and
Politics or Modern Studies.
Other qualifications
HNC/HND
Minimum entry: Bs in graded unit.
Advanced entry: Please consult
website for details.
Access courses
See page 44.
Essential subjects:
As listed above or equivalent.
Additional information
General entry requirements apply
– see page 118.
Politics permeates every aspect of people’s lives: shaping their opinions, informing their
decisions, guiding their alliances and enabling their understanding of others’ beliefs and
motivations at individual, organisational and cultural levels.
Studying this subject will increase your awareness of the different political systems,
ideologies and policies, which impact people’s lives at regional, national and global levels.
Our Politics department is highly regarded and students benefit from a strong, research-led
approach to teaching.
If you would like to conduct part of your study abroad our exchange programme with
Sweden’s University of Gothenburg allows you to spend Semester 6 there – on the
condition that you meet the grade requirements and pass the interview.
Course content
You will take Politics plus two other subjects in Semester 1-3.
Semesters 1-3 cover the study of three core modules: The Politics of the British Isles;
Political Concepts and Ideas; and Introduction to International Politics.
Semester 4 modules are: Great Political Thinkers, and Comparative Politics – Power and
Representation in Western Europe.
In Semesters 5-8 you can choose from a wide range of module options, such as: British
Territorial Politics; Regionalism in Europe; and Political Communications. In addition, Single
Honours Politics students complete the Semester 6 module, Research Methods, and a final
year Politics dissertation.
This course can be combined with
Business Studies (LN21); Criminology (ML92); Economics (LL12); English Studies (QL32);
Environmental Science (FL92); Film and Media (PL32); French (LR21); History (LV21);
History/Professional Education (LX21); Journalism Studies (PL52); Law (ML12); Philosophy
(LV25); Philosophy and Economics (L0V0); Psychology (LC28); Social Policy (LL24); or
Sociology (LL23).
Career opportunities
Degree courses in Politics encourage you to develop intellectual, communication and
analytical skills, which are invaluable to many employers. These include the ability to:
critically evaluate data and information; work independently; develop effective time
management skills; organise and solve problems; and communicate clearly, both in
writing and speech.
Our graduates have developed these transferable skills; which is why they become
successful in commerce and industry, as well as the civil service, journalism, law and
teaching – and in politics, of course, in both research and representative capacities.
For more information about this course,
visit: http://stir.ac.uk/4t

101
Politics (International)
BA (Hons)
M
P
This course achieved 91% student satisfaction in the most
recent National Student Survey
If you are contemplating a future in the world of politics, then you need to understand
issues of power, alliances, conflict and peace, the workings of influential organisations and
the processes surrounding international decision making.
Don’t worry if this sounds daunting because we can help you. Our Politics department is
highly regarded and students benefit from a strong research-led approach to teaching.
In addition to participating in a range of University-wide study abroad options, our
exchange programme with the Politics department in the University of Gothenburg, offers
you the opportunity to study in Sweden in Semester 6 (students are required to pass an
interview and meet the grade requirements).
Course content
In Semester 1-3, you will take Politics plus two other subjects. In Semesters 1-4
you will have five core modules including The Politics of the British Isles, Introduction
to International Politics and Comparative Politics – Power and Representation in
Western Europe.
In Semesters 5-8 you will study at least five International Politics modules, including
Authoritarianism and After; Issues in International Politics and Stability; and Disintegration
of States. In addition, you must complete the Semester 6 module, Research Methods, and
the final year International Politics dissertation.
This course can be combined with:
Languages (French or Spanish) (RL92).
Career opportunities
The study of International Politics equips you with the kinds of intellectual and analytical
skills that are attractive to many employers. These include the ability to: critically evaluate
data and information; work independently; develop effective time management skills;
organise and solve problems; and communicate clearly, both in writing and speech.
Developing these transferable skills, Stirling Politics graduates are to be found in
commerce and industry, as well as the civil service, journalism, law and teaching,
and in politics, of course, in both research and representative capacities.
UCAS code: L240
Minimum requirements
Four-year Honours degree
SQA Higher:
BBBB – one sitting.
ABBB – two sittings.
GCE A-level:
BBC.
IB Diploma:
32.
Three-year Honours degree
SQA Adv. Higher:
ABB.
GCE A-level:
ABB.
IB Diploma:
35.
Essential subjects:
To include Politics/Government and
Politics or Modern Studies.
Other qualifications
HNC/HND
Minimum entry: Bs in graded unit.
Advanced entry: Please consult
website for details.
Access courses
See page 44.
Essential subjects:
As listed above or equivalent.
Additional information
General entry requirements apply
– see page 118.
For more information about this course,
visit: http://stir.ac.uk/5y

102
MP
Politics, Philosophy
and Economics: PPE BA (Hons)
This exciting degree is the first of its kind in Scotland
UCAS code: L0V0
Minimum requirements
Four-year Honours degree
SQA Higher:
ABBB – one sitting.
AABB – two sittings.
GCE A-level:
BBC.
IB Diploma:
32.
Other qualifications
HNC/HND
Minimum entry: Bs in graded unit.
Access courses
See page 44.
Additional information
General entry requirements apply
– see page 118.
Mathematics Standard Grade
(3), Intermediate 2, GCSE (C) or
equivalent required.
Whether you are aiming for a political, civil service or journalistic career, background
knowledge in the humanities and social sciences would be of great value. In which case
this degree course – the first of its kind in Scotland – is the one for you.
Rooted in three separate disciplines, it combines intellectual stimulation with a
down-to-earth understanding of how things work in the real world.
In the most recent Research Assessment Exercise, Economics at Stirling was ranked fourth
in Scotland, while Philosophy was ranked second in Scotland and top ten in the UK.
Course content
You will study nine modules in Semesters 1-3, including: Politics of the British Isles;
Introductory Microeconomics; and Philosophy – What is it all about?
In Semesters 4-8 you will study the following core modules: Politics: Great Political Thinkers;
Philosophy: Moral Theory; and Economics: Intermediate Macroeconomics.
You will take modules in each of the three disciplines in Semester 5 and in Semester 6, you
can either continue to study in each of the three subjects or choose from only two of them.
Semesters 7-8 have further specialisation (see entries on Economics, Philosophy and Politics
respectively). In your final year, you will bring together the different skills you have acquired
in a dissertation, which covers at least two of the subject areas.
Career opportunities
You will graduate with in-depth knowledge of how private and public enterprises function
and how resources are allocated. You will be skilled in argument evaluation, whilst enjoying
the ability to effectively express your own viewpoints. You will also have developed valuable
insight into the cultural, intellectual and moral pressures on decision makers.
This broad ranging ability and understanding will ensure that you are effective, whether
you choose to work with the public sector, private companies, voluntary organisations or
the media.
For more information about this course,
visit: http://stir.ac.uk/4v

103
Psychology
BA (Hons)/BSc (Hons)
MP
This course achieved 100% student satisfaction in the most
recent National Student Survey
If you are interested in the mind and human behaviour then Psychology could be for you.
We enjoy an international research reputation; our links with North American, Australian
and European universities allow us to offer exchange opportunities for Year 3 students.
We also collaborate at local level, with schools, social services and regional health boards,
which provides hands-on teaching and research opportunities.
In the most recent National Student Survey results, 100 percent of Stirling students were
satisfied with the quality of our course.
Course content
In Semesters 1-3, you will take your core modules in Psychology and two other
subjects. The core modules cover topics such as Child Development, Social Psychology,
and Animal Behaviour.
In Semesters 4-8 you will be able to study core areas of psychology at an advanced level.
You will cover modules in Research Methodology, Biological Psychology, Cognition and
Neuroscience, Developmental Psychology, Individual Differences, Social Psychology, Clinical
and Health Psychology and Animal Behaviour.
In your final year, as a Single Honours student, you will conduct your own research project,
and take special options from topic areas related to the research interests of staff.
Entrance to Honours depends upon your satisfactory progress in Years 1 and 2. Other
degree options are the Bachelor’s degree (BA or BSc Psychology) and the General degree
of BSc, which can be completed in three years.
This course can be combined with:
Biology (CC18); Business Studies (CN81); English Studies (QC38); a European Language
(French or Spanish) (CR89); Film and Media (CP83); Human Resource Management (NC68);
Marketing (CN85); Mathematics (CG81); Philosophy (CV85); Politics (LC28); Sociology
(CL83); or Sports Studies (CC68).
Career opportunities
Psychology is a subject with many applications. Focusing on behaviour at individual,
group and cultural levels, it is relevant in any field where people are an important feature.
It complements many workplace-valued subjects, such as marketing, teaching, business
studies, occupational therapy, social work, nursing, personnel management, the police and
the media.
An expanding discipline with increasing numbers of specialisms, the study of Psychology
develops transferable skills – including interpersonal and communication skills, numeracy
and logical thinking – that are highly valued by employers.
UCAS codes:
BSc (Hons), C800
BA (Hons), C801
Minimum requirements
Four-year Honours degree
SQA Higher:
BBBB – one sitting.
ABBB – two sittings.
GCE A-level:
BBC.
IB Diploma:
32.
Three-year Honours degree
SQA Adv. Higher:
ABB.
GCE A-level:
ABB.
IB Diploma:
35.
Essential subjects:
To include Psychology.
Other qualifications
HNC/HND
Minimum entry: Bs in graded unit.
Advanced entry: Please consult
website for details.
Access courses
See page 44.
Essential subjects:
As listed above or equivalent.
Additional information
General entry requirements apply
– see page 118.
Mathematics Standard Grade
(3), Intermediate 2, GCSE (C) or
equivalent required.
For more information about this course,
visit: http://stir.ac.uk/57

104
MR
Religion
BA (Hons)
Develop key transferable skills in critical thinking, research,
communication, organisation and self motivation
This course can only
be taken as part of
a combined degree
Minimum requirements
Four-year Honours degree
SQA Higher:
BBBB – one sitting.
ABBB – two sittings.
GCE A-level:
BBC.
IB Diploma:
32.
Other qualifications
HNC/HND
Minimum entry: Bs in graded unit.
Access courses
See page 44.
Additional information
General entry requirements apply
– see page 118.
Religion at Stirling is distinguished by its critical approach. It is critical because it questions
the fundamental category of `religion’.
It is critical because we aim to understand the problem behind the very idea of religion,
and we engage in our work with a view to showing how we might reconsider the term
`religion’ in light of other social and cultural spheres. So not only do we find engagement
with the idea of `religion’ in the contexts of religious institutions and conventional
educational spaces such as `religion’ classes and lectures, we also aim to engage with it
in the fields of hermeneutics, visual art, literature, history, gender studies, anthropology,
politics, philosophy, business studies and so on. Students can also apply to spend a year
of their studies at a US university.
We expect a lot from our students, since our critical approach demands a grasp of
many different subjects, methods and discourses. The course is, therefore, rigorous
and intellectually challenging. But it is also deeply rewarding on numerous levels.
Course content
Religion is studied as a Combined degree and is taken with two other subjects in Year
1. Semesters 1-4 cover four core modules, examining issues such as colonialism and
nationalism, representation, and historical methods of studying religion.
In Semesters 5-8 advanced core modules are taken in Religion and Postcolonialism; Religion
and Theory; and Dissertation Presentation. Students may also choose advanced modules,
such as Religion and Literature, Gender and Religion, Political Islam, Culture and Religion.
In Semester 8, Honours students in their final semester will write a dissertation on a topic
chosen with an individual supervisor.
This course can be combined with:
English Studies (QV36); Film and Media (VP63); French (RV16); History (VV16);
Philosophy (VV56); Philosophy/Professional Education (VX53); Professional Education
(VX61); Professional Education/English Studies (QXJ1); Professional Education/History
(VXC1); or Sociology (LV36).
Career opportunities
On one level, our graduates develop key transferable skills in critical thinking, research,
communication, organisation and self motivation.
On a deeper level, they become aware that they constantly balance different values,
commitments and priorities.
These combined elements make our graduates an invaluable resource in their chosen
careers. Recent graduates have gone on to work in the civil service, social work, hospital
and prison management, banking and insurance, music production, commerce including
commercial research, the police, armed services, publishing and the media, as well as the
perhaps more traditional career pathway of teaching and academic research.
For more information about this course,
visit: http://stir.ac.uk/4w

105
Retail Marketing
BA (Hons)
MR
The Institute for Retail Studies (IRS) is recognised by the
Department of Trade and Industry’s Retail and Consumer
Services Panel as a ‘Centre of Excellence’ for its contribution
to retail education and training
The retail industry is huge, diverse, innovative and competitive. As a consumer, many
aspects of your everyday life are directly and indirectly affected by this industry – which is
why some of its business methods can attract attention from governments, the media and
consumer groups.
In recent years retailers have had to deal with increased levels of competition from various
sources: the growth of the Internet; new forms of technology; consumers searching
for better value and higher quality service. As a result, retailers need managers with the
necessary skills to tackle and meet these challenges.
This degree course, delivered by the Institute for Retail Studies, gives you a solid grounding
in the general principles of industry, management, marketing, human resources and
organisations. You will also develop extensive knowledge and skills in consumer behaviour,
marketing, international business, logistics and related subjects.
Our lecturers are high profile academics with excellent international reputations and
our teaching reflects current thinking and research. Students benefit from our extensive
contacts with leading UK retailers, in terms of guest lectures and field trips.
Course content
Semesters 1-4 cover three modules in Business and Management alongside students from
Marketing, Business Studies, Human Resource Management and Management Science.
These modules are designed to give you a solid grounding in the general principles of
industry, management, marketing, human resources and organisations.
The Retail Marketing course is structured to ensure that through Semesters 5-8, ten core
advanced modules in retailing and marketing are studied alongside an option module each
semester. These core modules may include: Retail Operations; Brands and Branding; Retail
Buying and Marketing Strategy.
Career opportunities
Retail Marketing students acquire a comprehensive range of analytical, problem-solving
and professional skills. These are not only valued in the retail industry, but increasingly
in other areas of commerce, education, and government and non-profit making
organisations.
A Retail Marketing degree can prove key to pursuing either a specialised retail career or a
more general management career, and many of our Retail Marketing graduates are now in
senior industry positions.
UCAS code: N550
Minimum requirements
Four-year Honours degree
SQA Higher:
BBBB – one sitting.
ABBB – two sittings.
GCE A-level:
BBC.
IB Diploma:
32.
Three-year Honours degree
SQA Adv. Higher:
ABB.
GCE A-level:
ABB.
IB Diploma:
35.
Essential subjects:
To include Business
Studies/Management.
Other qualifications
HNC/HND
Minimum entry: Bs in graded unit.
Advanced entry: Please consult
website for details.
Access courses
See page 44.
Essential subjects:
As listed above or equivalent.
Additional information
General entry requirements apply
– see page 118.
Mathematics Standard Grade
(3), Intermediate 2, GCSE (C) or
equivalent required.
For more information about this course,
visit: http://stir.ac.uk/4x

106
MS
Scottish History
BA (Hons)
This course achieved 91% student satisfaction in the most
recent National Student Survey
UCAS code: V211
Minimum requirements
Four-year Honours degree
SQA Higher:
BBBB – one sitting.
ABBB – two sittings.
GCE A-level:
BBC.
IB Diploma:
32.
Three-year Honours degree
SQA Adv. Higher:
ABB.
GCE A-level:
ABB.
IB Diploma:
35.
Essential subjects:
To include History.
Other qualifications
HNC/HND
Minimum entry: Bs in graded unit.
Advanced entry: Please consult
website for details.
Access courses
See page 44.
Essential subjects:
As listed above or equivalent.
Additional information
General entry requirements apply
– see page 118
Scottish History isn’t so much dry and dusty, as dramatic and diverting. Here, we bring it to
life for you in unique ways not found in other universities.
For instance, one of our core modules, ‘Reputations in History’, offers a riveting insight into
famous Scottish and international, male and female historical characters from a thousand
years of history, including William Wallace and Nelson Mandela.
At advanced level in your final year you have a choice of special subjects for a year-long
intensive study module (which will run alongside the dissertation) which must be taken by
all Scottish History Honours degree students.
However, you will be helped along by the enthusiasm, encouragement – and, of course,
the most recent research – of staff members with special interest in your subject.
Course content
Scottish History can either be taken as a Single Honours degree or in a number of
Combined Degrees in a Scottish History stream of the History degree.
In Semesters 1-3, students study Scottish History plus two other subjects. In Semesters 4-6
you will take at least five Scottish History modules from a choice which includes Scotland in
the Age of Wallace and Bruce; The Birth of Modern Europe, 1500-1700 (with Scotland at
the centre); and 19th Century Scotland.
Additionally, Single Honours students must take the Semester 6 module, Approaches and
Methods, which prepares students for their final year dissertation.
In Semesters 7-8, Honours students take a ‘special subject’ from a choice of five or six. This
module involves using printed documentary collections and other source material. Single
Honours students also write a supervised dissertation of between 14,000 and 16,000
words on research topic they choose themselves.
Scottish History topics, as part of the History degree,
can be combined with:
English Studies (QV31); English Studies/Education (QXHC); Film and Media (PV31); French
(RV11); Journalism Studies (VP15); Law (MV11); Philosophy (VV15); Politics (LV21); Politics/
Professional Education (LX21); Professional Education (VX11); Religion (VV16); Religion/
Professional Education (VXC1); Sociology (LV31); Sociology/Professional Education (VXD1);
Spanish (RV41); or Sports Studies (VC16).
Career opportunities
Graduates in Scottish History will find opportunities for a wide variety of posts within
and outside of Scotland. Some will be in history-related areas, such as teaching and
work in museums and libraries; others in administration, commerce, the civil service,
banking and insurance.
For more information about this course,
visit: http://stir.ac.uk/4y

107
Social Work
BA (Hons)
MS
On completing your degree, you are eligible to register
as a qualified social worker throughout the UK
2nd in Scotland in The Times Good University Guide and
The Complete University Guide, 2013
Do you dream of a future working in a variety of different settings, making a difference to
individuals, families, groups and communities? If so, consider joining this stimulating and
challenging course.
Our staff members are qualified social workers and members of various national and
international social work organisations. Additionally, our partnerships with local agencies
promote knowledge exchange between academia and practice.
We use various assessment methods, including DVD-recorded assessment of practice skills,
an oral examination, class presentations, placements and essays.
Our Social Work degree requires students to undertake a piece of empirical research
as part of their Honours dissertation, as we believe students should have experience of
undertaking research to fully understand its relevance to practice.
On completing their degrees, students are eligible for registration as qualified social
workers by the Scottish Social Services Council. Scotland, England, Wales and Northern
Ireland each have their own registration body and all accept this degree.
Course content
During Semesters 1-3 you will follow an introductory course in Sociology and Social Policy.
Two core modules introduce social work knowledge and skills, and you will choose a
further three modules.
In Semesters 4-8, undergraduate students benefit from working alongside postgraduate
students, studying social work at MSc level. You will undertake six University-based
modules focusing on the application of knowledge, theory and research to practice the
development of specific skills required for social work.
There are two professional practice learning placements in Semester 5 (70 days) and in
the summer period between Semesters 6 and 7 (100 days). During these, students work
directly with people who use services, receiving supervision from qualified social workers
and other professionals, before having their practice assessed.
Career opportunities
This degree will equip you for social work jobs throughout the UK, in a variety of settings
including: local authorities, prisons, hospitals and voluntary organisations. The nature of
the work is extremely varied and there is the capacity to move between different work
settings throughout your career. Currently, most students find social work jobs within six
months of graduating.
UCAS Code: L500
Minimum requirements
Four-year Honours degree
SQA Higher:
BBBB – one sitting.
ABBB – two sittings.
GCE A-level:
BBC.
IB Diploma:
32.
Other qualifications
HNC/HND
Minimum entry: Bs in graded unit.
Advanced entry: Please consult
website for details.
Access courses
See page 44.
Additional information
General entry requirements apply
– see page 118.
Personal, voluntary or paid
experience of Social Work or
related activity is essential.
Mathematics Standard Grade
(2), Intermediate 2, GCSE (C) or
equivalent required.
Mathematics Standard Grade (3)
considered on an individual basis.
For more information about this course,
visit: http://stir.ac.uk/4z

108
MS
Sociology and Social Policy
BA (Hons)
This course achieved 92% student satisfaction in the most
recent National Student Survey
2nd in Scotland in Social Policy in The Complete University
Guide, 2013
UCAS code: L431
Minimum requirements
Four-year Honours degree
SQA Higher:
BBBB – one sitting.
ABBB – two sittings.
GCE A-level:
BBC.
IB Diploma:
32.
Three-year Honours degree
SQA Adv. Higher:
ABB.
GCE A-level:
ABB.
IB Diploma:
35.
Essential subjects:
To include Sociology.
Other qualifications
HNC/HND
Minimum entry: Bs in graded unit.
Advanced entry: Please consult
website for details.
Access courses
See page 44.
Essential subjects:
As listed above or equivalent.
Additional information
General entry requirements apply
– see page 118.
Mathematics Standard Grade
(3), Intermediate 2, GCSE (C) or
equivalent required.
Students with no Mathematics may
be considered although alternative
entry conditions may be applied.
Do you want to understand better how society works? Are you keen to know more about
the purpose, processes and outcomes of social welfare, both here and abroad?
Its international and comparative approach offers topics that analyse society and welfare
issues in various countries.
We have particular expertise covering Scotland, the UK, the European Union, Western and
Central Europe, Australasia, North America and Latin America.
Our course modules reflect the latest developments in social research, taught by
recognised experts in their chosen fields, who raise real-world issues in a critical, informed
and engaging manner.
Students benefit from our strong links between teaching and research – the latter in
conjunction with the on-campus organisations Scottish Centre for Crime Justice Research;
the Scottish Addiction Studies Research Group and the Dementia Centre.
The first two years of our degree structure are flexible, allowing students to experiment
with new subjects and you can apply to spend Semester 6 at another university in Europe,
Australia, Canada or the USA. For Year 3 students entering Honours, a mentoring system
is in place.
Course content
In Semesters 1-3, you take core modules in Social Differentiation; Social Problems; and
Understanding Social Policy as well as two other subjects per semester.
In Semesters 4-8, you must take core advanced modules in Development of Social
Theory and The Research Process. Additionally, you take optional models from a list of
18, including Housing Policy; Ageing, Society and Social Policy; Scottish Society; and
Urban Society.
Final-year Honours students are also required to undertake a dissertation and
Honours seminar.
Social Policy can be combined with:
Politics (LL24).
Sociology can be combined with:
Criminology (LM39); Film and Media (LP33); History (LV31); Marketing (LN35);
Politics (LL23); Psychology (CL83); Religion (LV36); Spanish (LR34); or Sports Studies (CL63).
Related degrees: Sociology – three-year degree (L300), and Social Policy
– three-year degree (L400).
Career opportunities
Our Sociology and Social Policy graduates have a high rate of UK employment rate in
degree relevant careers. They go on to work in the private, public and voluntary sectors.
For more information about this course,
visit: http://stir.ac.uk/50

109
Software Engineering
BSc (Hons)
MS
This course achieved 90% student satisfaction in the most
recent National Student Survey
Fascinated by technology and software, and keen to work with colleagues in the creative
process? Well, teamwork is the secret of the Software Engineering industry because the
complex systems which software engineers design and build are often too large for a single
person to develop alone.
On this course you will study practice and techniques for real-world software design and
associated programming technologies – proving the theory with practical experience in
software development and teamwork.
You will learn how to reason logically, analyse problems and resolve them by building
effective computer systems – the course’s large practical element, ensuring you are well
prepared for an IT career.
Our active computing research receives research funding from the European Community as
well as the major UK research councils. In the most recent Research Assessment Exercise,
90 percent of our research was graded as ‘Internationally Excellent’, with the top five
percent judged to be ‘World-leading’.
BSc (Hons) graduates are fully accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS) for the
educational requirements of being a Chartered Information Technology Professional (CITP),
which is the Society’s professional member level.
Course content
During Semesters 1-3, students from all four of our computing-related degrees take the
same core modules in Computing Science, plus two other subjects. Core modules include
study of: Computational Thinking; Programming Using Java; Social and Professional Issues;
Usability and Accessibility of Interfaces; and Data Structures, Objects and Algorithms. In
Semester 1, Software Engineering students must take a Mathematics module.
Semesters 4-8 cover compulsory core modules including: Software Engineering and,
Computer Systems; plus optional advanced modules including – Computer Game
Technologies; Web Services; and Computing and the Brain. In their final year, Honours
students undertake an independent project involving the development of a major piece
of software from initial requirements to delivery.
Career opportunities
Graduating with a wide range of IT skills and knowledge of software engineering as a
coherent discipline, you will be well equipped to enter either the software industry itself,
or any of the fields in which computer systems are extensively used and developed.
Typical career paths include: software engineering, analyst programming and IT
consultancy. Recent destinations for our graduates include DERA, Marconi Systems,
Adobe Systems Inc. and Xerox.
UCAS code: G600
Minimum requirements
Four-year Honours degree
SQA Higher:
BBBB.
GCE A-level:
BBC.
IB Diploma:
32.
Three-year Honours degree
SQA Adv. Higher:
ABB.
GCE A-level:
ABB.
IB Diploma:
35.
Essential subjects:
To include Computing and relevant
experience of Java or other
programming languages.
Other qualifications
HNC/HND
Minimum entry: Bs in graded unit.
Advanced entry: Please consult
website for details.
Access courses
See page 44.
Essential subjects:
As listed above or equivalent.
Additional information
General entry requirements apply
– see page 118.
Mathematics Standard Grade
(3), Intermediate 2, GCSE (C) or
equivalent required.
For more information on this course,
visit: http://stir.ac.uk/51

110
MS
Spanish and Latin
American Studies BA (Hons)
Language skills developed on this course are highly
sought after by employers and open up a wide range of
career opportunities
UCAS code: R410
Minimum requirements
Four-year Honours degree
SQA Higher:
BBBB – one sitting.
ABBB – two sittings.
GCE A-level:
BBC.
IB Diploma:
32.
Essential subjects:
To include French or Spanish if
applying to joint honours in French
and Spanish.
Three-year Honours degree
SQA Adv. Higher:
ABB.
GCE A-level:
ABB.
IB Diploma:
35.
Essential subjects:
To include Spanish.
Other qualifications
HNC/HND
Minimum entry: Bs in graded unit.
Access courses
See page 44.
Essential subjects:
As listed above or equivalent.
Additional information
General entry requirements apply
– see page 118.
You would love to be fluent in another language, but are inhibited by the fact that you
don’t know much more than ‘holà’? This course understands your problem and truly offers
Spanish for all – from complete beginners to fluent speakers.
Combining the studies of language and culture, the course encourages students to develop
a critical awareness of the Spanish and Latin American worlds, whilst acquiring the ability
to transmit their knowledge to other fields of study and practical work, for instance, by
combining languages and education.
The very strong connection between our lecturers’ individual research interests and
the diversity of disciplines makes this degree course a unique experience – offering
language with stimulating combinations of film studies, literature, history, social
sciences and anthropology.
Course content
In Year 1, Semesters 1-4, students take Spanish at advanced level or as a beginner, plus
two other subjects.
The advanced course comprises tuition in written and spoken Spanish, plus an introduction
to modern Spanish and Latin American cultures. Meanwhile beginners learn Spanish in the
first two semesters with a dedicated language course.
In Semesters 3 and 4, beginners continue with learning the language while studying
Spanish and Latin American cultures. Their Spanish and other skills are now sufficient to
enable cultural studies alongside their fellow advanced course students.
Semesters 5-8 continue the study of language in written and spoken form. Students
also choose from a variety of specialised option modules including; the Culture of the
Andes; the Representations of War in Spanish Culture; the Depiction of Gender and
Politics in Argentina.
You can visit, study, even live and work in a Spanish-speaking country as students have the
option of spending up to a full year abroad as part of their degree.
In your final study year you may write a dissertation on your chosen subject, in place of
taught modules. If you are taking Single Honours in Spanish and Latin American Studies,
writing a dissertation is mandatory.
This course can be combined with:
Accountancy (NR44); Business Studies (NRF4); Computing Science (GR44); English
Studies (QR34); Film and Media (RP43); French (RR14); History (RV41); Human Resource
Management (NR64); Journalism Studies (PR54); Law (MR14); Marketing (N5R4);
Professional Education (Primary) with Modern Languages (XR18) or Sociology (LR34).
Career opportunities
Language skills are highly sought after by employers and open up a wide range of
career opportunities. Graduates have secured jobs in teaching both in Spanish and English
as a foreign language abroad, in translating and interpreting, finance, the civil service,
industry and commerce, marketing, administration, publishing and public relations, as well
as academia.
For more information about this course,
visit: http://stir.ac.uk/52

111
Sport and Exercise Science
BSc (Hons)
MS
1st in Scotland for Sport and Education The Times Good
University Guide and The Complete University Guide, 2012
This course achieved 91% student satisfaction in the most
recent National Student Survey
How do our body systems respond to acute exercise and adapt to training? What
influences our participation in physical activity and the ability to benefit from it?
How can physical activity affect our health and wellbeing?
Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence brings together the School of Sport and
the School of Natural Sciences to jointly deliver this degree course. Studying biological
sciences teaches you the disciplines underpinning Sport and Exercise Science, develops
your knowledge of scientific methods and explains the role of exercise and training in
improving health and athletic performance.
Course content
Teaching is delivered in eight semesters, with an extensive research project conducted in
the final year.
Year 1 provides a foundation in biological science, the study of sport and exercise, cell
biology, physiology and Sports Studies, and introduces field and laboratory skills.
Year 2 considers issues and concepts of sports studies and the psychology of sport,
examining the relationship between stress and performance in sport. You will further
develop your knowledge and skills in biological science and sport and exercise. Subjects
such as evolution, genetics and human anatomy and physiology are studied. Statistical
techniques are taught, learning how to analyse scientific data sets.
Year 3 covers advanced level modules on sport and exercise physiology. Medical issues
affecting physical activity, the relevance of diet and exercise to healthy lifestyles and
psychological influences on exercise decisions are all explored.
In your Honours year, the techniques and methodology underpinning sport and exercise
science are explored in detail.
Career opportunities
Careers in the sport sector account for around three percent of all jobs in Scotland. Exciting
career opportunities for graduates will increase, as major sporting events – like the Glasgow
2014 Commonwealth Games and the Ryder Cup 2014 – raise sport’s profile higher still.
Our graduates progress to postgraduate study and research various roles in the sport and
leisure sector, sports science support of athletes, health and fitness monitoring, physical
activity promotion and coaching – as well as into the teaching profession, physiotherapy
and other disciplines.
UCAS code: CC61
Minimum requirements
Four-year Honours degree
SQA Higher:
ABBB – one sitting.
AABB – two sittings.
GCE A-level:
BBC.
IB Diploma:
32.
Essential subjects:
To include one of Biology, Chemistry,
Mathematics or Physics.
Other qualifications
HNC/HND
Minimum entry: Bs in graded unit.
Advanced entry: Please consult
website for details.
Access courses
See page 44.
Essential subjects:
As listed above or equivalent.
Additional information
General entry requirements apply
– see page 118.
Mathematics Standard Grade
(2), Intermediate 2, GCSE (C) or
equivalent required.
For more information about this course,
visit: http://stir.ac.uk/53

112
MS
Sports Studies
BA (Hons)
1st in Scotland for Sport and Education The Times Good
University Guide and The Complete University Guide, 2012
This course achieved 92% student satisfaction in the most
recent National Student Survey
UCAS code: C600
Minimum requirements
Four-year Honours degree
SQA Higher:
BBBB – one sitting.
ABBB – two sittings.
GCE A-level:
BBC.
IB Diploma:
32.
Other qualifications
HNC/HND
Minimum entry: Bs in graded unit.
Advanced entry: Please consult
website for details.
Access courses
See page 44.
Additional information
General entry requirements apply
– see page 118.
Mathematics Standard Grade
(2), Intermediate 2, GCSE (C) or
equivalent required.
Preference will be given to those
who have studied Physical Education
Standard Grade (3), GCSE (C) Higher
or A-level or equivalent.
Here at Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence, we have integrated our academic
courses with our world-class sports facilities and services. The result is a unique studying
and sporting environment.
Our Sports Studies course is flexible, with a wide variety of module options. It can form
part of a Combined Honours course alongside a range of subjects from Journalism and
Marketing to Psychology and Sociology.
You can choose from three core subject areas – Sports Policy and Management; Sport,
Exercise and Health; and Sport, Culture and Society – which provides students with a breadth
of knowledge applicable to many sport-related careers.
Volunteering internships – like the Coach Development Programme in partnership
with Active Stirling – enable students to earn qualifications and gain valuable event
management experience alongside their academic degree. Meanwhile, our exchange
programmes allow students to spend time at an American, Canadian or Swedish university.
We enjoy strong partnerships with many national governing bodies of sport, several of
which are based on campus, so our students benefit from seminars with guest speakers
who are key sports sector players and experts, willing to share their first-hand knowledge.
Course content
Sports Studies is delivered across eight semesters. Year 1 introduces core Sports Studies
modules, plus four subjects from options across the University. Year 2 reflects on the
historical development and psychology of sport – with the option to study further subjects
outside of sport.
Year 3 students specialise in their preferred subject area, selecting detailed modules.
Students progressing to Honours complete a research module and a dissertation, as well as
study of operational management and readings in sport.
This course can be combined with:
Accountancy (NC46); Business Studies (NC16); Film and Media (CP63); History (VC16);
Journalism Studies (PC56); Marketing (NC56); Psychology CC68); Sociology (CL63); or
Professional Education and Physical Education (CX61).
Career opportunities
Major sporting events – including the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and
the Ryder Cup 2014 – will increase sport’s profile and with it, the level of sporting
career opportunities.
Our graduates are equipped to fulfil various roles and many work as sports coaches,
teachers, consultants, managers and administrators, for employers including local
authorities, commercial and voluntary sport organisations and governing bodies of sport.
For more information about this course,
visit: http://stir.ac.uk/54

113
Teaching Qualification
in Adult Education (TQAE)
BA
MT
1st in Scotland for Education The Times Good University
Guide and The Guardian University Guide, 2012
We are one of the few universities in the UK with the expertise to have designed and
developed the Teaching Qualification in Adult Education (TQAE), a professional level
qualification for teaching young people and adults in the post-16 sector. The course, which
is looking to gain General Teaching Council Scotland (GTCS) verification, is aimed at staff
delivering learning across the post compulsory sector from adult literacy and numeracy to
work-based learning.
As one of only three universities endorsed by the Scottish Government to offer the TQFE
course, which is the premier award for teachers in Scotland’s further education sector, we
have established a reputation for quality courses focused on enhancing workplace practice.
The course has been informed by the international adult education field and thanks to our
links with North American and European universities, you will also have an opportunity to
study abroad.
Course content
Course applicants must hold an HND or equivalent and will graduate with a BA Tertiary
Education with Teaching Qualification in Adult Education.
Taken part-time over the academic year, the course comprises three modules: The Principles
and Practice of Adult Education; Teaching and Assessment; and Workplace Practice in
Adult Education at SCQF Level 10 worth 132 points.
The first two are offered in June, through a ten-day summer school on campus, while the
third focuses on work-based practice, which students carry out in their own workplace.
Therefore, applicants applying for this course must be in paid or unpaid work in the
post-16 education sector and have notched up at least 120 hours of teaching, tutoring
or training practice in the twelve months prior to their entry to the course.
Minimum requirements
Applicants will normally hold an HND
or equivalent qualification and be
working in a paid or unpaid capacity
in the post–16 education sector.
Applicants must also have amassed
at least 120 hours in a teaching,
training or tutoring role prior to
undertaking the course.
All TQAE candidates must have a
core skills profile of SCQF Level 6.
Additional information
Please contact the university
directly for an application form
admissions@stir.ac.uk.
Career opportunities
Throughout this course, you will be encouraged to draw on your existing knowledge
and acquired skills and, via a process of discussion, analysis and access to current theory,
develop and enhance your teaching practice in Adult Education.
Specifically tailored to the needs of the post compulsory sector, this teaching qualification
will help you to advance professionally, by contributing to the development and quality of
adult provision generally.
For more information about this course,
visit: http://stir.ac.uk/55

114
MT
Minimum requirements
University Diploma
Students must have a relevant
Higher National Certificate (HNC)
at Level 7 on the Scottish Credit
Qualification Framework (SCQF)
or equivalent. This pathway is for
students where an HNC is the highest
qualification available in the UK in
that subject area.
BA Degree
Students must have a relevant Higher
National Diploma (HND) at Level 8
on the Scottish Credit Qualification
Framework (SCQF) or equivalent.
Equivalent Qualifications which are
recognised are:
• A Part III, full
technological certificate
• Licentiateship
• Senior Award from the City &
Guilds of London Institute
• In certain areas, other
qualifications which are of
equivalent standard to those
listed above
Candidates for both qualifications
must also have both literacy and
numeracy skills which meets the
demands of the course. The normal
entry requirement will be:
• A National Qualification Course
award in English at level 6 on the
SCQF (or suitable evidence of
being able to attain this standard)
or SQA communication level III
• A National Qualification
Course award in numeracy or
Mathematics at level 4 on the
SCQF (or suitable evidence
of being able to attain this
standard) Candidates should have
Information and Communication
Technology (ICT) skills equivalent to
Intermediate 2 (i.e. level 5 on the
SCQF). This level of skill in the use
of ICT is required partly in order to
be able to fully participate on the
TQFE course and partly in order to
be able to function effectively in
the working environment
Additional information
Please contact the university
directly for an application form
admissions@stir.ac.uk.
Teaching Qualification in
Further Education (TQFE)
BA
1st in Scotland for Education The Times Good University
Guide and The Guardian University Guide, 2012
Whether you are currently a lecturer in Further Education or you want to pursue a career in
the sector, you will need this teaching qualification – and we are one of only three Scottish
universities endorsed to offer it.
Recognised across the UK and abroad, our course is unique for several reasons. One: all
undergraduates who arrive with an HND, will graduate with a BA in Tertiary Education with
Teaching Qualification in Further Education (TQFE). Two: we are the only provider offering
pre-entry courses to those who want eventually to teach in colleges. Three: our ‘blended
learning’ approach combines face-to-face and online learning with teaching.
As our students arrive with extensive knowledge and well developed skills, much of our
teaching is based on critical reflection of their practice and we focus heavily on peer
learning and assessment. What is more, our students like it and feedback on our teaching
approach is unfailingly positive.
Course content
Taken over the course of the academic year, the TQFE comprises three modules
(Learner Identity and Diversity; Teaching and Assessment; and Professional Practice)
at SCQF Level 10 worth 132 points and it leads to a BA degree or a UG Diploma.
The TQFE award is validated by General Teaching Council of Scotland (GTCS) and
graduates can gain GTC registration.
Most applicants working in the post-compulsory sector undertake the award on a
part-time basis – their workplace teaching forming an important part of course study.
Full-time study is offered to applicants not currently teaching in post compulsory education.
However, you must have five years’ experience of your subject area and at least two years’
training, teaching or coaching experience at an appropriate level.
Career opportunities
We enjoy strong links with the college sector, thanks to the Pre-Service strand of
our course, which requires students to undertake 120 hours of teaching practice in
a partner college.
These placements give students the opportunity to develop and enhance their teaching
practice in the further education environment and many go on to work in the Scottish
Further Education sector.
However, many become adult learning tutors or trainers in the police, fire and ambulance
services, as well as training providers with charities and other adult learning organisations.
For more information about this course,
visit: http://stir.ac.uk/56

Entry
requirements
and costs
www.stir.ac.uk/
undergraduate-study

118
Entry requirements and costs
General entrance
requirements
Although each degree course has
specific requirements, there are some
general requirements you will need
to meet in order to study at Stirling.
General requirements
The requirements below are the minimum
we accept for entry to the University. Please
see specific subject pages for the current
asking grades.
• One of SQA Standard Grade English (at Credit
Level, bands 1–2), Intermediate 2 English
(C pass), GCSE English Literature or Language
(C pass) or SQA Communications 3
• A minimum of four passes at SQA Higher
Grade; or
• A minimum of three A-levels
• An acceptable pass in approved subjects in
any of IB Diploma, HNC/D, BTEC National
Diploma, Advanced Diploma; or
• A pass in an approved Access Course
School leavers’ qualifications from the European
Union (EU) or a degree from a university in
the United Kingdom or European Union are
recognised as satisfying the general entrance
requirements. Many other international school
qualifications are also recognised as satisfying
the general entrance requirements.
Specific subject requirements
Some degree courses require passes in specific
subjects at SQA Higher, GCE A-level or SQA
Standard Grade/GCSE (or equivalent) in addition
to required grades. Where this is the case, it is
mentioned in the subject entries.
Entrance
requirements
http://stir.ac.uk/5n
Variations to published grade requirements
The grades we currently ask for are listed on
subject pages but these are for guidance only
and you should check with the University
for the most up to date minimum grades
we require before applying.
For some subjects, you may be asked for a
higher grade if you are re-sitting or upgrading
some examinations.
We do accept students who sit Scottish Highers
over two sittings but we may ask for a higher
grade if you are doing this.
Subjects approved for entry
All approved, SQA, GCE and GCSE examination
subjects are acceptable for entry.
Please note that passes in subjects that contain
a high proportion of common material will not
be counted separately (e.g. Biology/Human
Biology, Geography/Environmental Science).
Please ask us about such ‘overlaps’. Further, if
there is a large profile of practical/vocationallybased
Highers/A-levels, the offer levels may be
adjusted accordingly.
Terms and conditions
Any student being offered a place will be
subject to the University’s Terms and Conditions.
You should refer to the following website
for details:
➲ http://stir.ac.uk/a2
Award of credit for prior qualifications
We award credit on admission for certain
qualifications gained before coming to Stirling
which means you may be able to shorten the
length of time at University to get a degree.
Credit is awarded automatically if we deem
it suitable on application. However, if you
wish to request credit for other professional
qualifications, please contact us prior to entry.
Credit cannot be awarded retrospectively once
you have started your course.
www.stir.ac.uk

Entry requirements and costs
119
Advanced entry –
school leavers
Studying for a degree at the
University of Stirling normally takes
four years (typical for an Honours
degree across Scotland). However, if
you have the relevant qualifications
you may be able to graduate earlier
than this.
Flexible degree structure
One of the founding principles of our
University is to offer a highly flexible degree
structure to provide students as much choice
as possible – it is considered one of the most
flexible degree structures in the country. With
our degrees you can study a variety of subjects
within the first two years providing you with
a breadth of knowledge across a number of
different areas. In Year 3 and Year 4 you go
on to specialise in your chosen field.
If you have the relevant qualifications,
however, you can gain entry into Year 2
straight from school. This would mean that
you could graduate within three years. Typically
we would look for three good Advanced
Highers/A Levels (or equivalent). For further
information please see the relevant course
pages for specific grades and courses.
Fees – England, Northern Ireland
and Wales
With the introduction of variable tuition fees
across Scotland, advanced entry could offer
a significant saving, both in tuition fees and
living expenses. Each university in Scotland has
developed their own particular policy; as the
University of Stirling has a flat fee structure the
savings are both immediate and obvious.
For 2013/14 the annual fee level is £6,750.
Applying
If you would like to apply for advanced entry
it couldn’t be easier – just like all full-time
undergraduate degrees you will apply through
UCAS. When you are completing your course
details section of the form all you need to do
is insert ‘2’ into the ‘point of entry’ field, thus
indicating you would like to be considered for
Year 2 entry.
Student life
Even if you start with advanced entry you
can still take part in all aspects of University
life; you will still be prioritised for a place in
University accommodation (providing your
accommodation online application is received
by advertised deadline dates); you can still
attend and enjoy all that Freshers’ Week has
to offer; join any one of the extensive clubs
and societies we have on offer, as well as fully
utilising all the other facilities we have.
In order to help you make the most of your
time at Stirling you will find there is always
someone on hand to give you any help and
support you need; everything from health
and wellbeing through to academic and
learning support. So you can rest assured
that any concerns you may have about
missing Year 1 will soon be laid to rest.
College students
Those who have the relevant qualifications
from College may also be eligible for advanced
entry, for more details turn to pages 44-45.
Indicative expenses for an Honours course
Year 1 entry Year 2 entry Savings
Tuition fees £6,750 x four years = £27,000 £6,750 x three years = £20,250 £6,750
Living expenses * £6,000 x four years = £24,000 £6,000 x three years = £18,000 £6,000
Total £12,750
*average amount.
All figures are correct at time of printing
www.stir.ac.uk

120 Entry requirements and costs
Entrance with EU and
international qualifications
With students from over 100
different nationalities, we are used to
welcoming applications from across
the world. Each student is considered
on an individual basis.
English language
If English is not your first language, you
will need to demonstrate a level of English
language proficiency by having a pass in
certain recognised tests and examinations.
Most commonly this is the IELTS exam with an
overall grade of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in
all categories. However, we also accept TOEFL,
the SQA ESOL qualification and many others.
➲ http://stir.ac.uk/3f
European qualifications
We accept any European school-leaving
qualification and are familiar with them all.
Check our website to see the general grades
required from your country.
If your qualification is not listed, or
you require further information, please
contact Admissions.
➲ http://stir.ac.uk/2x
Other overseas qualifications
We accept most school-leaving qualifications
(for example, Vitnemal, ACT/SAT, ISC grade
XII examinations) without further study, with
varying grades depending on the course
applied for. All school qualifications and
degrees will, however, be carefully considered
from all overseas institutions. If some
school-leaving qualifications require further
post-school study we are happy to accept
study undertaken in your home country or an
academic-based foundation course in the UK.
➲ http://stir.ac.uk/2x
Entrance with UK qualifications
Scottish qualifications
Year 1 entry Highers
We make offers on the basis of Highers,
though Advanced Highers can be a way of
meeting entry requirements. A grade C or
above in Advanced Highers will translate as an
upgrade to the Higher grade achieved.
If you have an Advanced Higher without the
relevant Higher, you will normally be asked for
grade B in the Advanced Higher.
We accept Highers taken over two sittings,
although you may be asked for a higher grade
if you have repeat or upgrade examinations.
Scottish Baccalaureate
We welcome the Baccalaureate in Science
and Languages.
Entry to Year 2 of a degree course may be
possible but will be dependent on the subjects
taken within the Interdisciplinary Project and
the grades achieved.
Other UK qualifications
Year 1 entry A-levels/VCE
We make offers on the basis of A-level grades.
Offers will normally be made on a basis equal
to three A-levels.
If you are re-sitting or upgrading some
A-levels we may increase our normal
grade requirements.
Advanced Diplomas
We welcome Advanced Diplomas and the
University is accepting these as suitable entry
requirements. We are asking for specific
grades in the Diploma and Additional Specialist
Learning (ASL) component. Certain subject
restrictions occur for some subjects. For more
details you should refer to the UCAS Course
Search facility for our University.
➲ www.ucas.com/students/coursesearch
www.stir.ac.uk

Entry requirements and costs
121
Key skills
Key skills are encouraged but not normally
listed as a separate entrance qualification in
any offer.
For details about gaining advanced entry for
school leavers please go to page 119.
BTEC
BTEC Level 3 Extended Diplomas
are considered.
Successful applicants will require a grade
of DDM in their final Diploma. National
Certificates will not be accepted.
Stirling is a fantastic place to
be. You will find your studies are
interesting, you will make friends
and live in a beautiful place.
It will definitely be a precious
experience and one of the best
times of your life.
Miroslaw Czubaszek
Poland
College Students
We will consider applications from a range
of college courses including, access, HNC
and HND, for further information turn to
page 44-45.
➲ http://stir.ac.uk/9v
Other United Kingdom Qualifications
Other UK qualifications, for example,
degrees from UK universities, including
the Open University and some professional
qualifications, are recognised as satisfying
entrance requirements.
Please contact us:
➲ Admissions
admissions@stir.ac.uk
+44 (0)1786 467044
International
entrance
http://stir.ac.uk/3f
www.stir.ac.uk

122 Entry requirements and costs
Application procedures
How to apply depends on when
you are coming to study at Stirling
– September or February – and
whether you are studying full-time or
part-time.
Applying for full-time study,
September entry
You must apply through UCAS. This applies to
both home and overseas students, and even if
you are applying for transfer or credited entry.
How to apply
You will need to complete an online 2014
UCAS application form. For an up-to-date list
of courses available visit the UCAS website:
➲ www.ucas.com
For further help and information, visit:
➲ www.ucas.com/students/apply
There is also a version of the application for
students with overseas addresses:
➲ www.ucas.com/students/nonukstudents/
howtoapply
Our overseas representatives (agents) can help
you apply to the University.
When to apply
UCAS can start receiving applications
for entry in autumn 2014 from
1 September 2013 onwards.
You should apply as soon as you have made
a careful and considered choice. Universities
are obliged to consider all applications if they
are sent to UCAS by 15 January. It is in your
best interest to apply before this date. If any
application is received after this date there is
no guarantee that it will be given the same
level of consideration as applications received
before it.
You should contact Admissions if you are
applying after this date to check we are still
accepting applications in your requested
subjects.
International applicants have until 30 June
to apply. However, all applicants should
apply as early as possible and not leave it to
the final date.
Course choices
You may apply for five institutions/courses on
the UCAS form.
Don’t feel obliged to use all five choices.
If you wish to apply to the University of Stirling
for more than one degree course, you will
normally have to make separate entries on
your application form for each choice.
Application fee
There is a fee to apply to UCAS of £23
(£12 for a single application). You should
refer to UCAS instructions regarding methods
of payment.
Applying for full-time study,
February entry
Applications for entry in February are currently
made direct to the University (not UCAS).
Not all courses offer February entry so please
check availability with the University and for an
application form.
Applying for part-time study
For both February entry and September
entry to part-time degree study, you
should apply directly to the University.
➲ www.stir.ac.uk/flexible/who-can-apply
Deferred entry
We are happy to consider applications from
students who wish to defer their entry for a
year. Such applicants should apply in the normal
way in the autumn of 2013 for admission in
September 2015. There is a box on the UCAS
form for applicants to indicate this.
www.stir.ac.uk

Entry requirements and costs
123
How your application
will be considered
All applications – full-time, part-time,
and for all subjects – are individually
considered to ensure fair admissions.
We are committed to making all
offers in a fair and equal manner,
though the grades required may
vary according to the applicant
and subject.
Equal opportunities: fair admissions
In accordance with its Charter, the University’s
applications for admission to all courses are
assessed in accordance with the University’s
equality and diversity commitments and
obligations as set out in its Single Equality
Scheme and in line with the latest professional
guidance. Disability/special needs are not
usually a bar to entry on courses, but
applicants are encouraged to fully declare
these at an early stage so that any special
arrangements are made before you join us.
For students joining the nursing profession
you should read the guidance on:
➲ www.nmc-uk.org
Past criminal convictions should also be
declared. This is particularly relevant for
those applying to Nursing, Social Work and
Teacher Training.
All applications received by UCAS before
15 January will be considered on an equal
basis. Applications submitted after this date
will only be considered where possible.
What criteria are considered?
Academic qualifications are of crucial
importance as we are looking for strong
academic potential. However, the Personal
Statement is also important. You should
explain why you are choosing a specific
course. This is essential for vocational courses.
Also describe any relevant experience and
transferable skills you may have and how this
has helped you in your choice of course.
References are also considered carefully.
Give an academic reference if possible,
but failing this, an employer’s reference
may be acceptable.
Will there be an interview?
Not normally. But interviews may be
required for particular subjects.
How are offers made?
Offers are made by experienced members of
our Admissions team, according set criteria laid
down by academic members of staff. If your
application doesn’t fit into the set criteria it will
be referred to an Academic Selector and / or
the Head of Admissions.
What happens with examination results?
If you apply through UCAS and are sitting
Highers or A-levels/VCE qualifications or the
IB Diploma we usually receive your grades
automatically. However, if your UCAS TRACK
page does not show a change in decision a
week after you have your results published
then you should contact Admissions as we
may not have received your results.
If you are sitting qualifications other than
those mentioned above, please send a copy
of your results to Admissions as soon as you
receive them.
Please note that the University is under no
obligation to accept you if we do not receive
your results by 31 August and it is your
responsibility to ensure we have your results.
Applying
http://stir.ac.uk/5p
www.stir.ac.uk

Finance
http://stir.ac.uk/5u

Entry requirements and costs
125
How much does it cost?
Fees vary depending on your
permanent place of residence;
so does the funding you can get.
Here is a quick guide for full-time
students. Don’t forget you will
also have living costs – we have
included advice on those too.
Tuition fees for full-time BA/BSc/BAcc
(Hons) courses (excluding Nursing)
Scottish/EU domiciled students
You won’t have to pay tuition fees. The
Scottish Government pays these on your
behalf, through the Student Awards Agency
for Scotland (SAAS). You must apply for this
funding every year.
If you have had financial support from
SAAS before you may have to contribute.
Please contact SAAS for advice (see contact
information right).
UK students (domiciled outside Scotland)
You will be required to pay tuition fees of
£6,750 for each year of your course. All
students who are required to pay fees are
eligible for a tuition fee loan to cover these
costs and is repaid once you graduate. These
are available through your relevant funding
body. For more information, visit:
➲ http://stir.ac.uk/5u
International students
(domiciled outside the EU)
You will be required to pay tuition fees at the
‘overseas’ rate for each year of your course.
The overseas rates vary according to the
degree course studied. The annual fee level
for new students entering the current
academic year, 2013, is £10,750 for classroombased
courses, and £12,900 for laboratorybased
courses.
Part-time students
You will be required to pay tuition fees. Fee
waivers are available if you’re on benefits or a
low income – please contact Enrolment and
Records team in Student Administration for
further information. Part-time students may
also be eligible for financial support from SAAS
and should contact them directly to discuss
their individual circumstances.
➲ records.office@stir.ac.uk
+44 (0)1786 466654
Financial support to cover
the cost of living
Scottish domiciled students
If you live in Scotland you can get financial
support for living costs through SAAS. This
can include student loans, bursaries (Young
Students’, Independent Students, etc), and
additional grants including the Lone Parents’
Grant and the Disabled Students’ Allowance.
For full details of the support available to you,
and how to apply, please contact SAAS.
➲ www.saas.gov.uk
UK students (domiciled outside Scotland)
As well as being able to access a tuition fee
loan you can apply for support to help with
living costs and, depending on your personal
circumstances, other grants may also be
available. The total support package for living
costs depends upon your household income.
You apply to your relevant funding body for
support; applications can be made online via
the official websites on the following page.
The University of Stirling was voted
in the Top 10 in the UK Best Value
For Money Universities
The Telegraph, 2012
www.stir.ac.uk

126 Entry requirements and costs
Funding Bodies
Scotland:
➲ www.saas.gov.uk
England:
➲ www.studentfinanceengland.co.uk
Wales:
➲ www.studentfinancewales.co.uk
Northern Ireland:
➲ www.studentfinanceni.co.uk
EU and international students
EU nationals and international students
are typically not able to claim support for
living costs through SAAS or from other
UK public funds.
How much does it cost?
A number of countries offer financial
support to those citizens who choose to
travel abroad for university study. If you
are from outside the UK we advise you to
contact the relevant authority in your own
country to find out what is available.
Nursing students
Tuition fees are paid for all UK students on
Pre-registration courses by SAAS. In addition,
there is a non-means tested bursary of £6,578
paid and placement travel expenses can be
claimed for (in 2013/14). In addition, meanstested
allowances may also be available.
Bursaries are not normally available to EU
students although their fees are paid by the
Scottish Government.
Non-EU students pay their own fees and are
not eligible for bursaries.
➲ www.saas.gov.uk
Scholarships and awards
Carnegie Trust
The Carnegie Trust scholarship fund,
which is available to students at Scottish
universities, is designed to promote and
reward academic excellence.
➲ Carnegie Trust for the Universities of Scotland
www.carnegie-trust.org
+44 (0)1383 724990
Stirlingshire Educational Trust
This Trust provides assistance to local students
in financial need.
Grants are available to both full-time and parttime
students and are designed to help with
the cost of fees, books and equipment, travel
and general living costs.
Other sources of funding
➲ Stirlingshire Educational Trust
www.stirlingeducationaltrust.org.uk
+44 (0)1786 474956
For further information on other possible
sources of funding, please contact the
Educational Grants Advisory Service (EGAS):
➲ www.egas-online.org.uk
or the Association of Charitable Foundations:
➲ www.acf.org.uk
International Scholarships
For information on our range of scholarships
for 2013/14 please contact Student
Recruitment and Admissions.
International students should note that there
is also a number of organisations including the
British Council, Foreign and Commonwealth
Office and Department for International
Development that offer scholarships to certain
overseas applicants.
➲ Student Recruitment, Admissions &
International Affairs
www.stir.ac.uk/international
international@stir.ac.uk
Cost of living
Opposite is a typical breakdown for a student
living away from home:
The amount you will spend depends on your
lifestyle. The cost of living in Stirling is one of
the lowest in the UK.
www.stir.ac.uk

Entry requirements and costs
127
Discretionary and childcare funds
These are discretionary funds designed for
UK students who are finding it difficult to
make ends meet. These funds, which are
administered by the University, are nonrepayable
and are in addition to any other
forms of student support.
➲ +44 (0)1786 467080
Student Development and Support Services
Please note
All this information is correct at time of print.
For updates and more detailed information
visit our website: http://stir.ac.uk/5u
Scholarships
You want to continue your education at the
highest level as an investment in your future –
but how are you going to fund it? We realise
that finance is top of most student’s priorities.
The University of Stirling values ability
not background. We are committed to
ensuring that high achieving students will
be able to study for an undergraduate
degree at the University irrespective of
their financial background.
A wide range of scholarships are available
to encourage and support well qualified,
ambitious students to study here.
We offer bursaries based on financial need
in the form of grants which do not have to
be repaid.
In addition, you can apply for a range of
funding provided by UK and international
government bodies, the European
Commission, funding trusts, industry
and employers.
For advice and further information on
scholarship and bursary opportunities visit:
➲ http://stir.ac.uk/5u
or contact
➲ Student Money Advice
+44 (0) 1786 467080
Cost of living
Monthly Two semesters
Rent £294-£466 £2,648-£4,192*
Food/household goods £200 £1,900
Leisure/entertainment/gym £90 £810
Travel into town £14 £126
Clothing £30 £270
Books/stationery £38 £350
Telephone £20 £180
TV licence £16 £145
On-campus total £702-£874 £6,429-£7,973
Plus… travel £30 £270
Plus… bills (gas/electric) £40 £360
Off-campus total £772-£944 £7,059-£8,603
*2012/2013 costs
www.stir.ac.uk

International
students
International students
www.stir.ac.uk/international-students

130 International students
Your questions answered
Coming to Stirling from overseas,
you will probably have many
questions. Where are other students
from? How will I make friends?
What is the weather like? How do
I get to the University from the
airport? We can answer all these
questions and more…
Where are most students from?
We have one of the most diverse communities
of any UK university.
23 percent of our students come from
overseas and over 100 nationalities are
represented on campus. As well as meeting
others from your country, you will have a
unique chance to make lasting contacts
with people from a range of cultures,
backgrounds and countries.
Wherever you are from, you will be
welcomed by local students and the local
community alike.
How will I meet people?
We appreciate that being so far from home
can seem daunting. But thankfully, it is really
easy to settle in at Stirling:
• Most new undergraduates live on campus,
so you will be surrounded by other people
within the ready-made community of a hall
of residence or similar
• Clubs and societies will give you things to
do, as well as ways to meet people
• Our teaching methods are structured
around interaction and involvement
What is the weather like?
The Scottish weather is varied, but the climate
is usually temperate – there are few extremes.
In summer, temperatures may vary between
18-22ºC, in autumn 8-11ºC, winter 0-10ºC
(although may dip below 0ºC at times) and
spring 4-10ºC.
What is it likely to cost?
You will need to consider both tuition fees (see
p125-126) and the cost of living. This depends
on your lifestyle, but the UK Border Agency
expect you to have £7,200 available for living
expenses in Year 1 (not including tuition fees).
Does the University ever visit my country?
It helps to talk things through before you
decide to study in another country. That is why
we try to be as available to you as possible:
• We have appointed representatives in many
countries. To see a list of our representatives
around the world, visit:
➲ http://stir.ac.uk/68
• You can check our International Travel
Schedule to find out the countries our
International Recruitment staff will be
visiting. To find out when we are visiting
your country, email: international@stir.ac.uk
• If we are not scheduled to visit your country
you can join our virtual events which offer
you the opportunity to talk with a member
of staff about studying in Stirling. Visit:
➲ http://stir.ac.uk/5w
• International students can take advantage
of our Skype service to talk with a member
of the Recruitment team. Please contact
us at international@stir.ac.uk to schedule
an appointment with a member of staff
– please add us on Skype at:
ustir_international
➲ +44 (0)1786 467046
www.stir.ac.uk/international
international@stir.ac.uk
http://stir.ac.uk/5w
Can I work in the UK after I graduate?
Some overseas students stay in the UK to work
after graduation.
The immigration rules for workers change
frequently, so it is best to consult with the
following websites for up-to-date information.
➲ www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk or
➲ www.ukcisa.org.uk
www.stir.ac.uk

International students
131
Our International Student Adviser and Career
Development Centre can help you with
immigration advice and in job search skills.
➲ Admissions
www.stir.ac.uk/international
international@stir.ac.uk
➲ Career Development Centre
www.careers.stir.ac.uk
careers@stir.ac.uk
+ 44 (0)1786 467070
How close is Stirling to an airport?
Less than one hour to either Edinburgh or
Glasgow International airports. Most students
fly to these airports either direct or via a
European hub. Special transfer services are
available from Edinburgh and Glasgow airports
at the start of each semester. For further
details, visit:
➲ http://stir.ac.uk/69
What if English isn’t my first language?
If English is not your first language, you
will need to demonstrate a level of English
language proficiency by having appropriate
results in certain recognised tests and
examinations which must be no more than
two years old.
A minimum level is set by the University and
for undergraduate study we accept IELTS, with
an overall grade of 6.0 (with no area lower
than 5.5), or a TOEFL test result with minimum
area scores of Listening 21, Reading 22,
Speaking 23, Writing 21.
If you have other qualifications in English we
may be able to accept these. You can check
the English Language Qualifications List to
review the current approved list, visit:
➲ http://stir.ac.uk/9t
If you will require a Tier 4 visa to study in
the UK, the UKBA (United Kingdom Border
Agency) has set out minimum English band
levels for Tier 4 visa applicants. Our minimum
requirements are above these levels.
Please contact the Admissions team for
further guidance if required.
What can I study?
All our full degree courses are open to you.
We accept a wide range of qualifications from
around the world.
If you are thinking of coming from abroad for
short-term, non-graduating study at Stirling,
our modular semester system gives you flexible
options. You can study for any course for
which you have the appropriate academic
background, regardless of the semester level
or Academic School involved. Our International
Summer School is also available to you. You
will be eligible for University accommodation
and will have full access to facilities.
How do I apply?
For full-time degree courses commencing in
September, you should apply through the
UCAS system – see p122 for details.
For degree courses commencing in February
you should apply directly to the University.
Please contact the Admissions team for
more details.
If you need assistance with your application
you may wish to speak to a University
Representative in your own country. Details of
our official representatives can be found on
our website:
➲ www.stir.ac.uk/international
What help and advice will I get?
Before you arrive, we will send you a copy
of our International Student Handbook.
This gives practical advice on arriving and living
in Scotland.
As well as offering advice before your arrival,
our advisers can help with any academic or
personal issue while you are here.
➲ international@stir.ac.uk
+44 (0)1786 467046
International
students
www.stir.ac.uk/
international
www.stir.ac.uk

132 International students
Improving your English
If you need help to meet the
entry requirements of your
chosen course, there is a number
of options available to you.
Pre-sessional courses 2013
CELT offers three pre-sessional routes for
students preparing to enter degree courses:
a 12-week pre-sessional course from June to
August for those who need to increase their
overall IELTS score by 1.0; an eight-week presessional
course in July and August for those
who need to raise their overall IELTS score by
0.5, and a four-week pre-sessional course in
August for those with an unconditional offer.
Our courses are tailored to the needs of
international students and will help you
develop your academic English and study skills
to the level required for your degree studies.
Please note: If you undertake a 12-week or
eight-week pre-sessional course, you must
pass this course before you can enrol on your
main course of study. Should you have any
doubts regarding the appropriate course of
study for you, please contact the Admissions
team for advice.
Accommodation: On-campus accommodation
should be booked along with your course. This
comprises a single study bedroom with shared
use of bathrooms and kitchens.
The 12-week pre-sessional course
10 June to 30 August 2013
This course is for students with conditional
offers from the University of Stirling who wish
to increase their overall IELTS score by 1.0
overall and in some skills without retaking the
IELTS test.
In the first four weeks, classes take place all
day from Monday to Friday. In week five,
students will enter the eight-week Presessional
course and are expected to have
increased their IELTS score by 1.0 by the end
of the course.
Tuition fee: £5,325
Deadline for application:
visit, http://stir.ac.uk/6e
Application form will be available from
1 February 2013
➲ Admissions Office
graduate.admissions@stir.ac.uk
+44 (0)1786 466655
The eight-week pre-sessional course
8 July to 30 August 2013
This course is for students with conditional
offers from the University of Stirling who wish
to increase their overall IELTS score by 0.5
overall and in some skills without retaking the
IELTS test.
www.stir.ac.uk

International students
133
The course aims at improving your English
language proficiency and academic study
skills before you embark on your degree
studies. You will practise: understanding
and taking notes from lectures; seminar and
discussion skills; giving presentations; writing
academic essays; academic referencing; and
compiling bibliographies.
You will be assessed in the following skills
at the end of the course: listening, reading,
writing and speaking.
Timetable: You will attend class from
9am-1pm, Monday to Friday, and from
2pm-3.30pm on Mondays and Wednesdays.
Visits to Edinburgh, Glasgow, and St Andrews,
as well as an end-of-course ceilidh are also
part of your course.
Tuition Fee: £2,960
Deadline for application:
visit, http://stir.ac.uk/6e
Application form will be available from
1 February 2013.
➲ Admissions Office
graduate.admissions@stir.ac.uk
+44 (0)1786 466655
The four-week pre-sessional course
5 August to 30 August 2013
This course is for students who have an
unconditional offer from University of Stirling
and the aim is to develop and enhance
English language and academic study skills
before embarking on a degree course.
You will practise: understanding and
taking notes from lectures; seminar and
discussion skills; giving presentations; writing
academic essays; academic referencing; and
compiling bibliographies.
Timetable: You will attend class from
9am-1pm, and from 2pm-3.30pm on
Mondays and Wednesdays. Visits to
Edinburgh, Glasgow, and St Andrews as well
as an end-of-course ceilidh are also part of
your course.
Tuition fee: £1,480
Deadline for application:
visit, http://stir.ac.uk/6e
Application form will be available from
1 February 2013.
Contact us
➲ Admissions Office
University of Stirling
Stirling
FK9 4LA
Scotland
UK
Tel: +44 (0)1786 466655
Email: graduate.admissions@stir.ac.uk
www.stir.ac.uk

Our Stirling
campus
Take the tour
www.stir.ac.uk/tour

136 Our Campus
Why not see for yourself?
Nothing beats visiting our campuses
to get an idea of what your life here
will be like. We’re proud of the fact
that almost everyone who visits
immediately falls in love with our
University. Here are the different
visiting options open to you.
Stirling Campus Open Days
• Saturday 21 September 10am – 3.30pm
• Saturday 2 November 10am – 3.30pm
Book your place now
Open to all, these are days when school pupils,
college students, parents and supporters,
teachers, careers advisers and anyone else
interested in studying at the University of
Stirling are welcome to come and visit.
We hold tours of the campus, offer
presentations, talks, displays and
demonstrations. A range of information
desks are also available where you can speak
to University staff (including academics) and
current students.
Information on arranging a visit to our
Highland or Western Isles campuses can be
found on the following web page:
➲ http://stir.ac.uk/5q
Details are normally available on the University
website a month or so in advance.
Applicant Days
Once we receive your application from
UCAS, you will be invited to attend an
Applicant Day, when you and your parents/
supporters will hear more about the subject(s)
for which you have applied. In addition,
Student Ambassadors will conduct tours of
the campus and you will be offered a range
of general presentations about study and life
at the University. We strongly recommend
you attend.
Details of how to book will be included
in the applicant information, which will
be sent to you once we receive your details
from UCAS.
Our Applicant Days are held in March and
April each year. We will send invites and you
will need to book your place.
www.stir.ac.uk

Our Campus
137
Visit Afternoons
Booking required.
If you are unable to attend an Open Day
or Applicant Day but would like to visit the
University, we offer an afternoon visit that
consists of a general talk by a member of the
Student Recruitment team and a tour of the
campus. Where possible we will also try
to arrange a visit to an academic member
of staff.
For further details, and to book a place, visit:
➲ http://stir.ac.uk/5q
(Places are limited, so a minimum 14 working
days’ notice is required for booking.)
Talk and Tours
During semester the main University buildings
are generally open to the public. We offer
guided campus tours during the week with
our Student Ambassadors. We are also happy
to arrange a chat with one of our Student
Recruitment team members. You may also
take a self-guided tour of the campus.
For further details and to book a place, visit:
➲ http://stir.ac.uk/5q
Virtual tour
Our website offers a wealth of information for
prospective students including a virtual campus
tour. This shows what it is like to study and
live on the University’s main campus in Stirling.
To access this, visit:
➲ www.stir.ac.uk/tour
Contacting us
For further information about any of
these opportunities, please contact
Student Recruitment:
➲ Student Recruitment
www.stir.ac.uk
recruitment@stir.ac.uk
+44 (0)1786 467046
Visit
http://stir.ac.uk/5q
www.stir.ac.uk

138
Index
Index
Access Programmes 44
Accommodation12-13
Accountancy60
Admission to the University
122-123
Advanced entry 05, 44, 119
Aerial view of campus 134-135
Alumni 16
Animal Biology 61
Applicant days 136
Applications procedures
45, 122-123
Aquaculture62
Assessment methods 38
Bars and venues 21-24
Biology63
Business Computing 64
Business Studies 65
Campus 08, 98
Campus and location maps 140
Campus facilities 08, 11
Campus visits
Inside front, 136-137
Career Development Centre 03, 32
Catering15
Cell Biology 66
Chaplaincy32
Child Care 32, 127
Club Performance Programme 28
Clubs and societies 24, 28
Computing Science 67
Computer services 36-37
Conservation Biology
and Management 68
College entry 41, 44-45
Costs125-127
Cost of living 127
Courses of study 59-114
Culture21-23
Criminology and Sociology 69
Deferred entry 122
Degree structure 38
Dental practice 32
Doctor’s practice 32
Directions140
Disability Service 31-32, 42
Ecology 70
Economics 71, 102
Education (Primary) 72
Education (Secondary) 73
English language courses
132-133
English language requirements
131
English Language Teaching
(Centre for) 132-133
English Studies 74
Entrance requirements 118
Entrance with EU and international
qualifications120-121
Environmental
Geography81
Environmental Science 75
Environmental Science
and Outdoor Education 76
Employability32-33
Enterprise33
ERASMUS47
Equal opportunities 123
European Film and Media 77
Exchange programmes 46-47
Facilities (on campus) 08, 11, 15
February entry 41, 122
Fees125-126
Film and Media 78
Finance79
Flats12-13
Flexible access 44-45
Flexibility 38, 41
French80
Geography81
Global Cinema and Culture 82
Halls of residence 12-13
Highland campus 08, 98
History83
History (Scottish) 106
Human Resource
Management84
Information Services 36-37
Information Systems 85
International Management
Studies and Intercultural
Studies86
International Management
Studies and European
Languages and Society 87
International Politics 101
International students 128-133
Inverness campus 08, 36, 98
IT and learning support 36-37
Journalism Studies 88
Languages 96
Law 89, 90
Libraries 11, 36-37
LLB90
Location140
macrobert arts centre 23
Management91
Management Science 92
Maps, campus and location 140
Marine Biology 93
Marketing94
Mathematics and its
Applications95
Mature students 44
Media Studies
(see Film and Media) 78
Medical practice 32
Modern Languages 96
Modular study 38
Nursing97-98
Open Days Inside front, 136
Overseas students 128-133
Part-time study 41, 44, 125
Personal development 42
Philosophy 99, 102
Physical Education 73
Politics 100, 102
Politics
(International Politics) 101
Politics, Philosophy
and Economics: PPE 102
Psychology103
Religion104
Religion at Stirling 32
www.stir.ac.uk

Index
139
Retail Marketing 105
Scholarships 07, 28, 127
Schools, Academic
Applied Social Science 50
Arts and Humanities 51
Education52
Management53
Natural Sciences 54
Nursing, Midwifery
and Health 55
Sport56
Scottish History 106
Semester dates 38
Semester system 38
Social Work 107
Sociology and
Social Policy 108
Software Engineering 109
Spanish and Latin
American Studies 110
Sports clubs 28
Sport at Stirling 26-29
Sport and Exercise
Science111
Sports scholarships 28
Sports Studies 112
Subject areas 59-114
Stirling, Scotland 21-23
Stirling campus 08-15
Stornoway campus 08, 98
Student support 31-33, 42
Student Learning Services 42
Student Recruitment, Admissions
and International Affairs
inside cover
Students’ Union 24
Study abroad 46-47
Study methods 42
Support, academic 42-45
Support, advice and services 31
SUREstart33
Talks and Tours 137
Teaching Qualification in
Adult Education (TQAE)113
Teaching Qualification in
Further Education (TQFE)
114
Travel 21, 140
Tuition fees 125-126
UCAS 119, 122-123
Virtual tour 137
Visit Afternoons 137
Visits to the University
inside front, 32, 136-137
Western Isles campus 08, 98
Why choose Stirling? 02-03
This prospectus can be made available in
different formats. Please contact Student
Recruitment, Admissions & International
Affairs for further information:
➲ recruitment@stir.ac.uk
Editor
Helen Tabel
Editorial support
Development and External Affairs
Design and production
www.sterlingsolutions.co.uk
Photography
For a full list of photographers
used by the University visit:
www.marketingtools.stir.ac.uk/
photography/list.php
Prospectus production
This prospectus is
printed on Chromolux
and UPM Fine Offset.
These papers are
environmentally
friendly having
come from
sustainable forests.
DISCLAIMER: The publisher
acknowledges the right of all copyright
holders. Every effort has been made to ensure
the accuracy of the information given in this
publication, but the University can accept no
responsibility for any errors or omissions.
University courses, services and procedures are
continually reviewed and revised, and there
may be some changes between the time of
publication and the date when the student
enters the University.
The University reserves the right to make
changes to its courses, services and procedures
whenever it sees fit.
National Student Survey results are taken from
the last two years’ surveys, 2011/12.
Accreditations provided against course
information are correct at time of print.
Accreditations are reviewed on a regular basis
and can be subject to change. Please check
with the relevant Academic School for current
course accreditations.
The University of Stirling is a charity registered in
Scotland, number SC 011159.
www.stir.ac.uk

140 Campus location
Stirling campus location
Stirling is well connected to
the UK road and rail networks,
and is within one hour of both
Edinburgh and Glasgow. The
campus also benefits from
proximity to airports in Edinburgh
and Glasgow, which offer a wide
range of domestic and international
flights. For more information on
travelling to Stirling, visit:
➲ http://stir.ac.uk/6a
Flights to Scotland
You can fly to either Edinburgh Airport or
Glasgow International Airport from a wide
range of international and domestic airports.
Frequent coach transfers are available from
each of the two airports to their respective
city centres. From there, visitors can access the
frequent and reliable train services which run
to Stirling from both Edinburgh and Glasgow.
If you are an international student flying in to
Edinburgh or Glasgow International Airport,
then you may want to take advantage of the
University’s Airport Pick-up service. For more
information on how to use this service, visit:
➲ http://stir.ac.uk/a1
If you are planning to drive, Glasgow
International Airport is approximately a one
hour 20-minute drive to the University campus
while Edinburgh Airport is a 45-minute drive.
It may be the case that if you are flying in from
a country that does not go direct to either of
these airports that your journey will have to go
via one of the London airports. There are very
regular shuttle flights to both Glasgow and
Edinburgh from London.
Bus links to the campus
As part of the University’s commitment to
developing a Green Travel Plan, all students,
staff and visitors to the University are
encouraged to make use of Stirling’s excellent
public transport links, or other sustainable
modes of travel, to access the campus.
The Unilink runs a bus service from city
centre directly to campus. For more
information telephone the 24-hour Traveline:
➲ 0871 200 22 33.
First buses 53, 54, 58, 62 and 63 run
regularly between the University and
Stirling city centre (3km).
For further information on First bus
services, telephone:
➲ 08708 727 271 (open Monday–Friday,
8am–6pm) or visit:
www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/scotland_east
Travelling to campus by car
Students and staff driving to campus are
required to pay for parking, either by
purchasing a travel permit or by using the Pay
and Display machines on site. Please note that
parking on campus can prove difficult during
teaching hours, so please leave a little extra
time for this if travelling by car.
Please note, Year 1 students resident on
campus are not permitted to bring a car
on campus.
Other useful websites
➲ www.flybybus.com
(coach transfer from
Edinburgh Airport to
Edinburgh city centre.)
➲ www.firstgroup.com/
ukbus/glasgow/journey_
planning/glasgow_
shuttle
(coach transfer
from Glasgow
International
Airport to Glasgow
city centre).
Stornoway
Scotland
Belfast
Dublin
Glasgow
Birmingham
Cardiff
Inverness
Stirling
Edinburgh
Newcastle
Manchester
London
Amsterdam
Brussels
Paris
www.stir.ac.uk

www.stir.ac.uk
University of Stirling
Stirling, Scotland, UK, FK9 4LA