How I help people study in the UK – Nancy Cooke

I am Nancy Cooke, International Recruitment Manager for Liverpool Hope University. My job is to help students who want to come and study in the UK fulfill their dream. I promote Liverpool Hope University, talk about the courses and facilities we offer, and interview students when they apply. It is a big decision choosing your next course of study, and an even bigger decision to decide to go and study abroad. •Nancy Cooke

I aim to give students the best information possible so they are able to make an informed decision on their next step.
The purpose of the visit to Nigeria is to do just this. I have been giving presentations to help students find out about the UK and Liverpool Hope. Many students come and they know that they want to continue with their studies, however, they do not know what is available and how they can benefit from a UK education.

It is my job to help them find out this information.
Liverpool Hope University is a small institution. Many students may have heard of Liverpool, we have two of the most famous football teams in the world. But most students do not realise that the city is a major student destination. Liverpool has three universities, and Liverpool Hope is the smallest. We like to say we are 'small and beautiful', like a small family. And because of this, all the professors and lecturers get to know the students really well. It is a really supportive environment which is vital for international students. We are proud that we can offer that support to our students.

Courses offered and requirements
Liverpool Hope has a wide range of courses at undergraduate and postgraduate level. Courses that are popular with students from Nigeria are MA Business Management and International MBA. Both are great business programmes. The International MBA helps prepare students to become a CEO of the future. The entry requirements are a good second class honours degree, two years work experience, and to be over 25 years of age.

For students without work experience we have the MA Business Management. This programme helps to develop a broad range of business skills.

MSc Computer Science is also popular. I find that many Nigerians are interested in developing the communications of Nigeria, and this programme helps them to develop those skills. Entry requirements are a good second class honours degree in science, computing, maths or engineering.

MA Theology and Religious Studies is an excellent course. Because of our history, Liverpool Hope has an excellent Theology department. In fact, at the last Research Assessment Exercise (RAE - this is when the UK government makes an assessment of the research produced by the University's academics and how they are contributing to the stubject of a international scale) Liverpool Hope scored four out of five. It is one of the best Theology departments in the UK.

Other postgraduate programmes include MSc Health, Exercise and Nutrition, MA Education. MA Criminal Justice and MSc Environmental Management.

For undergraduates, student need to have at least six passes in WAEC, plus either one year Higher Education in Nigeria, or a recognized foundation programme. The reason for this is that the British and Nigerian education systems don’t match exactly. Nigerian students need an extra year higher education before they can start on a Bachelors (BA or BSc programme). There are many different programmes on offer. Students can study Business, Marketing, Law, Tourism, Education, Computing, the list is endless!

Admission procedure
If a students wants to come to study at Liverpool Hope University, the first thing they must do is to look at the courses available. Students should read through the information and check that they have the right entry requirements. Students should also consider the cost of the course. Remember it is not just tuition fees that the student must pay. It is also living costs (accommodation, feeding, travel etc). All this adds up.

Once the student has chosen a course, and know he/she has the financial means, it is application time. Liverpool Hope University works with Global Education Study Centres in Nigeria. This means that students have expert staff who can advise on courses, have copies of application forms available.
With regards to letters of recommendation it is important that your referee is someone who can comment on the applicant’s academic ability.This is usually your professor or teacher. References should not be members of your family.

My advice to students is to first complete the application form and get it to the university as quickly as possible. Whilst the university is processing the application form, the student can be arranging references (letters of recommendation) and certified copies of transcripts.

The most important part of the application form is the personal statement. This is where the student has to write why they want to do the course, and what experience they have that will help them. It is also the chance for the student to say what he/she will do after they graduated.
It is tough getting a student visa for the UK. The UK visa authority look at many things but the two main reasons while visas are rejected has to do with fradulent documents, and financial reasons.
Under no circumstances should students with fraudulent documents apply. You will be rejected and you may not have the opportunity to apply again.

Why is the fees for students outside UK higher than UK students?
Basically all students, whether international or UK are charged the same fee. The difference is that the UK government subsidises the price for UK and EU students, so UK and EU students pay less. So, it is the same price, but the government pays part of the UK/EU students fees.
I know fees can be a problem for students. Liverpool Hope offers a range of international scholarships available for students. These include a number of £1000 scholarships for students who have achieved the equivalent of a first class degree. A small number of scholarships which pay 50per cent of tuition fees are also available.