International students
Vice Chancellor's Scholarship winner Ajala Ayotomiwa Taiwo, from Nigeria, describes why she chose BU and her experiences of studying MSc Tourism and Hospitality Management.
BCIA organised a fair in which prospective students could come and meet different international school representatives, discuss, and decide if they would like to attend the school. The fair lasted for two days. On the second day, you could apply and get an instant admission. I went to the one organised in Abuja, where I lived at the time. Not a lot of schools offered my course but the few that did included Bournemouth University.
One thing that made the school outstanding to me was first, the charisma of its representative. She was so friendly, enthusiastic about the school she represents and she gave me some useful advice. I didn't get this type of treatment from any other school representatives I met with. I also had to choose a school that will enhance my career prospects with today's global employers.
The application process was quite relaxing and easy. There was no stress about it at all. I applied to other schools and got admission to all of them, BU inclusive. My personal research drew me to accepting BU's offer. It ranked among the top Universities in respect to my course. It was rated the Number one New University and the school is located in a Tourism friendly town.
After I had accepted the offer, I applied for 3 different scholarships and was extremely delighted when I was granted 2 scholarships one of which is the BU's Vice Chancellor's Scholarship that is 50% of the total school fees. However, I had to accept only one and naturally, I went with the one with the bigger value. Not only did the scholarship give a form of financial relief, it also made me more determined to succeed academically and prove that I am indeed deserving of the award, and even more.
My stay in BU and in the Bournemouth area generally has been fun and exciting. The staff and students have been welcoming and friendly. We are being taught by highly qualified lecturers and Phd holders who are ready and willing to assist any time. The facilities and structures in BU are modern. As an international student, I was assisted in a number of ways by offered directions and advices and also told where to get the best possible deals. And did I mention the beach? It is so beautiful!
My advice to prospective students desiring to study in the UK is to do a background investigation on the school you are considering for study. Make sure they have a good reputation especially in the global employment market just like BU. Choose the best. Do not settle for less. Also consider their readiness in helping you realise your dreams. And if you choose BU, it will be one of the best decisions you will ever make.
Bournemouth is a modern, lively and cosmopolitan town, situated on the south coast of England, about 2 hours from London. As a centre for international education and one of the leading centres of English language teaching in the UK, Bournemouth is a popular place for students from all over the world and provides many services and activities for you to enjoy. Bournemouth also benefits from some of the best weather in the UK, with its 12 km of beaches, makes it one of the UK's most popular seaside resorts.
Here at BU we have more than 1,600 international students from over 130 countries studying with us.
Staff at BU make many overseas visits to promote our courses and meet both with prospective students and alumni who have since returned to their home country. You can see if we are going to be in your part of the world by looking on our website. You can also find details on our website of our International Representatives who are contracted by the University and can advise you about our courses, facilities and how to apply. Our International Admissions Team are familiar with overseas qualifications and can assist you with entry (can this be hyperlinked to ‘intl students entry requirements tab) to the University.
BU offers its own range of preparatory English, study skills and academic foundation courses. If you need further preparation in any of these areas, please visit our Preparatory courses page for further details.
We have dedicated staff who offer advice and support to international students during their time at BU. We organise an Orientation Programme for international students starting in October which is a vital introduction to the academic, cultural and social aspects of life at Bournemouth, and in the UK. The programme will give you the opportunity to make friends, learn about the academic system at Bournemouth and our expectations of you, learn about the University services and facilities and organise your practical affairs before term begins. We include lots of useful information sessions, workshops, social events, sports and excursions to places of interest. An induction programme is also available for January starters.
The University has a very active International Students' Association (ISA) which organises social activities for international students. The University's Students' Union which runs independently from the University is there to help, represent and provide facilities for all BU students.
