Heriot-Watt University is the eighth oldest higher education institution in the UK and originated as the School of Arts of Edinburgh, the world’s first mechanics institute, in 1821. In 1966 it became a university by Royal Charter. More than a third of Heriot-Watt’s 7,000 Edinburgh campus students are from outside the UK and this international focus is also demonstrated by the 10,000 students from 150 different countries worldwide studying on its international programmes.

The University boasts multiple campuses, with three in Scotland, and one each in Malaysia and Dubai. Heriot-Watt won an award from the Scottish Council of Development and Industry because of its international focus and it also performs well in physical sciences, mathematics, business and management, engineering and the built environment. It won the ‘International University of the Year’ 2018 award from Times Higher Education.

Griffith College is Ireland’s largest independent third level institution with locations in Dublin, Cork and Limerick. The College offer internationally recognised postgraduate and undergraduate degree programmes, complemented by a wide range of professional, short term and corporate training educational solutions.

Over the past 40 years, Griffith College has developed an enviable reputation for producing successful, prize-winning students, many of whom have gone on to prominent careers both nationally and internationally. The major faculties are business, journalism & media, computing, counselling and psychotherapy, languages, law, music & multimedia, pharmaceutical science and teaching and learning.

Goldsmiths, University of London is a famous arts and social sciences university based in south-east London. Founded in 1891, it became part of the University of London in 1904 and currently has around 8,000 students from over 100 countries enrolled.

The department of Anthropology is often cited as one of the best in Europe and the Art department is recognised as one of Britain’s most prestigious. Goldsmiths University of London often ranks in the top five in the UK across all Art categories. An award-winning building housing IT, library and language-learning resources, and a state-of-the-art fitness centre is also on campus.

Seven former students have won the prestigious Turner Prize and the University was the starting point of the Young British Artist movement of artists in the 1990s. Other alumni can be found in all aspects of media and arts, from music to writing, such as Blur and Damien Hirst.

Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) was formally awarded university status in 1993, but can trace its history back to 1875. Glasgow Caledonian University is one of the largest universities in Scotland, with almost 20,000 students from over 100 different countries enrolled, and is considered one of the top 10 modern universities in the UK.

Glasgow Caledonian University is known for its excellent links with industry and many courses have accreditation from professional bodies and offer work placements. The University is the largest provider of NHS healthcare graduates in Scotland and is the only university in the country to offer optometry degrees. Glasgow Caledonian is also known for pioneering specialist degrees such as consumer protection, tourism management and fashion marketing.

GCU has the first and only business school in the world to offer triple-accredited degrees in financial services backed by three of the world’s most influential banking and finance professional bodies: the Chartered Banker Institute (the world’s oldest banking institute); the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment, and the Institute of Operational Risk.

Falmouth University is an incredible place to study. It’s a place where collaboration, ideas, innovation and change makers are celebrated. With a focus on the future, we’re exploring the potential of new technology and entrepreneurship, we’re pushing boundaries and capitalising on the power of creativity.

Our approach means that students are doing it for real from the moment they arrive on campus; getting the skills they need in order to be a part of the creative economy after graduation. All of our courses are closely aligned with industry, so students tackle live briefs, work in professional-standard facilities and are taught by academics who are experts in their field.

Of course, university is more than just an academic experience. It’s also where you meet friends for life, find new passions and grow as an individual. Our vibrant, inclusive community is the foundation of student life.

Edinburgh Napier University gained full university status in June 1992 and currently has around 12,500 students enrolled. The University is largely located in Edinburgh’s east end, in buildings ranging from castles to old schools. It is one of Scotland’s top universities for graduate employability, offering work placements with many courses. Edinburgh Napier has a strong reputation for film education in partnership with the Edinburgh College of Art.

The University has around 3,000 students studying degrees in Hong Kong, Singapore and India through international partnerships, while duel-degree courses are also available with New York State University – enabling students to complete a four year degree course at both institutions.

Edinburgh Napier is ranked eighth in the UK for ‘value added’, which measures students’ entry qualifications against the degree results they go on to achieve. The University also runs ‘Confident Futures’, a programme which develops employability skills.