Building a better world…

Which engineering course is right for you?

For over two hundred years, engineers have solved the world’s problems. They have found better ways to do things, and created the structures, machines and technology that we often take for granted.

If you have a technical or scientific interest, you’ll find a wide range of career options as an engineer. And, there is a global shortage of qualified engineers. Driven by the demands of new technologies, new consumer needs, and new problems, over the next ten years this demand for qualified engineers will continue to increase.

In fact, a recent report by the Confederation of British Industry predicts that the UK will need to double the proportion of science and engineering graduates leaving university by 2014, or see those skilled jobs go overseas.

So, what type of engineering course should you study? Civil or chemical? Mechanical or electronic? In this article, we’ll explore the latest trends in engineering study.

Stand out from the crowd with an MSc at Derby

The School of Technology at the University of Derby offers two MSc courses, MSc Control and Instrumentation and MSc Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering.

These courses allow you to study a specialist area and will give you the underpinning knowledge you need to register as a Chartered Engineer (CEng).

You’ll be taught by experienced and supportive tutors, who will help you reach your full potential and we’ve got close links with local businesses – including Rolls-Royce, Toyota, Balfour Beatty, Bombardier, Coors breweries, Novartis, Pektron, and Vinci – sector skills councils, professional bodies and the Regional Development Agency, EMDA - so we can keep up to date with the current developments in the industry and pass them on to you in our teaching.

Top 10 tips to choosing the right course for you

“Education is not the filling of a bucket, but the lighting of a fire.” W.B. Yeats

This guide is all about passion. Your passion for your course, and for your future career. Because the secret to happiness is being able to love whatever it is you do in life.

And what does this all have to do with choosing the right course for you? It all starts here. Find the right course, at the right university or college, and you will be inspired to succeed.

So how do you make the right choice? Check our Top 10 tips on choosing your course for the lowdown on getting where you want to be – faster.

Top tip #1: What are you really interested in?

This is not necessarily what are you good at, but what do you love doing? You might be great at maths, but you spend your weekends fixing up bits of old computers. So don’t study maths, focus on IT or computer engineering instead. Specialise in your passion, and learn more about it from the world’s best teachers.

Learn a language, take on the world

For many international students, studying abroad means also having to learn, or at least improve their skills in, a new language. And this is an opportunity you shouldn’t miss – it will open up your world to new work, study and travel opportunities, let you truly understand new cultures and make new long-lasting friendships.

In this article, we talk to leading English language provider Navitas about what you should look for in a language course, and offer our top five tips on getting the most from your language study. Whether you decide on English, Japanese or Finnish is up to you. Just take a deep breath and have the confidence to speak it. Practice makes perfect!

All about English

English is the international language of business and diplomacy, spoken in over 100 countries by over 1.5 billion people. And almost another billion people are studying it right now. So no matter where you want to study, work or live; understanding and speaking English will be very useful.

English is also a language rich in culture, history and literature. But it can seem challenging – with over half a million words to learn, where do you begin? We asked Richard Arkell, the General Manager of the ELICOS and TESOL programs at Navitas, for his advice.
Navitas run English language pathway programs at their ACL and Hawthorn-Melbourne colleges, and general English language/travel programs at their ACE colleges.

Eight great reasons to study in Perth, Western Australia

Western Australia (WA) is truly the authentic Australian experience. The State is famous for its long days of sunshine, spotless blue skies and brilliant white beaches. It has also gained global recognition for its record low unemployment rate, booming economy and advanced developments in science and technology.

Perth, the capital city of WA, is ranked the world’s fourth “most liveable city” by The Economist (2008) and was recently voted as one of the world’s “top ten future cities” (Lonely Planet 2006).

The city has a long tradition of welcoming international students. In any given year, Perth attracts over 42,000 student enrolments from over 140 countries.

Perth offers a unique learning environment that nurtures creativity and provides access to unrivalled academic resources. You will find everything you need to achieve your potential… all in a city famed for its friendliness!

Here are eight great reasons to choose Perth as your study destination:

UK: Tailor-made business study for your lifestyle

Not everyone can, or wants to, study full-time. You may want to continue working, or fit study around your family responsibilities. Luckily, Westminster Business School (WBS) has a long tradition of offering part-time study that suits your life needs.

“We’ve been offering management-related courses in central London for around 80 years,” says the School’s Dean, Len Shackleton. “Almost 800 of our post-graduate students are part-time, and we offer thirteen programs on a part-time basis, from our MBA to specialist programs such as human resource management, marketing and finance.

Shorter skills-based programs are also available, such as the Postgraduate Certificate in Business Coaching and Mentoring, which runs over nine weekends. “More students want programs which involve day release, weekend delivery, or intensive blocks of teaching at times they can schedule around their work,” says Len.

US: Fast-track your English at ELS

ELS Centers are operated by global language specialists Berlitz, and can be found in over 50 locations throughout the US. Many are on university campuses.

They offer three distinct types of programs:

Academic English: If you want to go on to study at a US university or college, they can get you there,

Vacation learning: Shorter English language courses combine great American experiences with part-time or full-time English study,

Business Executive Programs: when you need to improve your English for your career

There are many different choices within each program, so you can choose the exact course that suits your needs. Explore the Big Apple with a vacation program at the famous Juilliard School, or learn to surf in Malibu while you practice your English language skills. Or choose around-the-clock training and intensive programs.

Ask Anna

Question:

"How do I find out which institutes offer courses that I’minterested in?”

Answer:

“You can use the StudyLink website for information on all registered institutions and courses available to international students in various destinations. There are links to universities and many other institutions offering courses to international students with the complete course details with entry requirements and course fee. A brief overview of Institution will help you to give an introduction, location and recognition of the institution. Why not look at the following pages to get started:

• Find your course using our advanced search: http://studylink.com/search/search.html
• Get the latest news, tips and advice on our blog: http://studylink.blogs.com/student_adventures/
• Join a discussion on a wide range of study abroad topics on our forums: http://bulletin.studylink.com/index.php
• Join online events and meet students and universities worldwide: http://events.studylink.com/index.html
• Download MBA Guides and get into top MBA Schools: http://studylink.com/guides/index.html

If you are looking for further help, please complete the Ask A Counsellor form which will help us to give you more detailed advice. It only takes a minute and I’ll contact you to discuss your course options.

Do you have a question for Anna? Write your question in the comments box below and one of our team will get back to you shortly.

Application Deadlines

Don’t miss out on your course of choice: Important deadlines for your application

Australia and New Zealand –Apply now to start in July/August 2009. Application deadlines are approaching, especially if you live in visa level 3 and 4 countries like India and China.

We recommend you submit your application and supporting documents to us by the end of February to give yourself enough time. You do not need to scan and attach your documents; a counsellor can do this for you. Contact a counsellor for assistance with selecting a course, completing your applications, and confirming your enrolment.

Applications are now opening for 2010 scholarship programs.

USA and Canada –You can still submit your application to start in September 2009, but you should contact your counsellor immediately. We encourage you to apply well in advance to secure a place and to allow time to apply for your visa.

Contact a counsellor for assistance with selecting a course or completing your applications.

UK –Submit your application to StudyLink now to start in September 2009, the UK's main term. It is best to get your application in early, as popular courses will start to fill up soon. The application deadline is June 2009.

We recommend you submit your application and supporting documents to us as soon as possible, even with your latest results. You do not need to scan and attach your documents, a counsellor can do this for you. Contact a counsellor for assistance with selecting a course, completing your applications, and confirming your enrolment.