Do you want to join us as an undergraduate student at the University of Stirling? We know you’re going to love it here.

But before we can offer you a place at Stirling, you’ll need to submit an application to our team. We know the undergraduate application process can be a little bit stressful, but try not to worry. All you’ve got to do is take your time, do your research and make sure to reach out with any questions you may have.

To help you get started, we’ve asked our team to round up five top tips that are bound to maximise your chances of securing a place on your dream course here at Stirling.

1. Visit Stirling (in-person or virtually)

We know it can be daunting trying to decide where to study. Heading off to uni is a big deal, and you’ve got to make sure the place you’re selecting is the right fit for you. That’s why we recommend visiting the University of Stirling before you apply.

You can visit campus in-person and take a tour led by current students.

Campus tours take place every Monday, Wednesday and Friday (subject to availability). Trained Student Ambassadors lead our socially distanced tours, and they last for around 90 minutes.  

The tours allow you to see our fantastic facilities and beautiful campus for yourself, giving you a sense of what it’ll be like to live and study at Stirling. All tours follow Scottish Government COVID-19 guidelines.

You can book an in-person campus tour here.

We also offer several Virtual Undergraduate Open Days throughout the year which enable you to check out our facilities, chat with student support staff and ask questions to current academics and students about what it’s really like to live and study here at Stirling.

You can find out when our next virtual open day is and register here.

2. Do your research

It doesn’t matter how passionate you are about a particular subject or career trajectory: before signing up for a three or four-year university course, you’ve got to do your research.

Visit our website and explore each course that appeals to you. Read up on the course content, how long it is, when it starts and everything in between. Most of our online course pages also feature student testimonials. You should always check these out, because they enable you to learn about the course from a student’s perspective.

You’ll also be able to find out more about course combinations and different routes of study. Here at the University of Stirling, we offer more than 220 degree combinations. 

You can try out all sorts of new subjects in Years 1 and 2, and then combine the ones you like or switch courses completely – and the process is incredibly simple.

You can find out more about our flexible degree structure on our site.

3. Understand the entry requirements

To make sure you’re maximising your chances of landing a place on your dream course, it’s critical that you read through and understand the undergraduate entry requirements for that particular course.

For example, you might need particular SQA or A-Level grades to meet the eligibility criteria for a course. Likewise, you may be expected to have taken several essential subjects like maths, English or biology.

There can be a few different pathways into each course, so it’s advisable to check out all your options before signing on the dotted line. More important still, make sure to get in touch with us so that we can chat you through the requirements for your chosen course if you’re unsure of anything.

Our team members are happy to break down what each requirement means, international equivalents, and different eligibility criteria for Widening Access students.

You’ll find the entry requirements for all of our courses on our website.

4. Invest time in your UCAS application

If you’re ready to take the next step, we’re now accepting applications for September 2022 – and we’d love to see your application. The deadline for submitting a UCAS application for September 2022 entry is 26 January 2022 if you’re applying from the UK. We’ll accept applications from overseas and EU students until 30 June 2022.

For all of our courses starting in September, you’ll need to apply via UCAS. If you’re applying for a transfer, deferring your entry for a year, or applying for advanced entry you’ll also apply via UCAS.

Using the handy UCAS system, you can apply for up to five courses at the same time using one application. These can be five courses at the same uni, or five courses at five different institutions.

On your UCAS application, you’ll need to enter personal details, information about your education or existing qualifications, and one reference. But one of the most important aspects of your personal statement.

Your personal statement is the only place on your UCAS application in which you’ll be able to tell us your story, and most of our courses don’t include an interview stage, so it’s hugely important. It generally takes the form of a short, reflective piece outlining why you’ve applied for your chosen course, and why you believe we should offer you a place to study on that course.

There are no rules about structure or style, but you’ve only got 4,000 characters to work with. That’s why you should think hard about what you’d like to include and take your time.

Need some advice on how to craft your personal statement? We’ve got you covered.

5. Ask questions!

We understand the UCAS undergraduate application process can be a little bit confusing and daunting at first. Just remember that you aren’t alone, and support is always available to you.

If you have any questions whatsoever, you can always contact the University of Stirling. Our team is always standing by to help you out and answer any application questions you might have.

So, what are you waiting for? Start your application now, and don’t hesitate to get in touch if you need a helping hand.