Working with Students

Agency work with students and UK higher education

Doctoral College assists with the student complete application process and also plays an important role with UK higher education institutions.

Studying abroad is a massive investment for students and their families. They look for advice and guidance from friends, family and teachers, but also seek expert help from professional education advisers and counsellors. Doctoral College as an agent guides students through the application process and into the institution that will best suit their specific needs. The demand for our services is student-led, and we will typically offer advice and guidance with regards to the following services: education counselling, arranging language tests, preparing applications to institutions, pre-departure briefings, visa and immigration advice, and recommendations with flights and accommodation.

Doctoral College seeks to look after the interests of both the students and the universities. We endeavour to shine a positive light on UK culture and enable the recruitment of suitable applicants. We also help universities promote their brand and ethos, and provide access to students in countries that are otherwise difficult to recruit from.

We know that this may be a student’s first time away from home, and parents understandably have concerns. Therefore we reassure them about UK universities student support mechanisms, and provide advice on life in the UK, accommodation for arrival, and accurate course and application information, so that students are well prepared for when they take up their studies. A student’s relationship with Doctoral College does not end after they arrive in the UK. Students will contact Doctoral College if they want to switch course or have complaints.

Advice and guidance on University applications

What to do if they have missed the international deadline.
How to use international qualifications to study in the UK.
How to use English Language qualifications and the need to take an English language test.
How to add their previous qualifications.
How to write a personal statement.
How to verify their results of previous qualifications.

Advice and guidance on applying for visas

How to verify their English language skills, and you will need a visa.
How to arrange a visa.
How to evidence your level English language skills.
How to confirm your financial situation and your ability to fund your fees and living expenses.

Advice and guidance on financial situation

How to pay tuition fees to study in the UK.
Discussing how to apply for financial help for tuition fees.
Recommending where to apply for a scholarship or partial scholarship.

Additional help and support

Information for parents of international students (application and travel checklist).
Information about before they start their course.
Information about support during their course and a booklet on universities support policies and processes.

Assistance with how to choose a UK university and higher education institution

With over 160 universities and colleges and limitless courses and study options on offer, students can make their UK higher education experience as unique as they are.

There are specialist universities and colleges, world-renowned historic institutions, modern innovative facilities and pioneering and progressive research centres in locations all over the country, offering the chance for students to tailor their learning to their aspirations and career goals.

Specialist universities

Many UK universities are world renowned for their subjects, courses, professors and tutors. There are also universities and colleges that have a very strong focus upon a specific subject area, such as business, art and design, music or engineering.

These institutions offer highly specialised education in a chosen field and students will be surrounded by like-minded learners which is ideal for focused development, future contacts as well as making friends.

How to research which university and what course

There is a lot of information available to help students decide which course, location and UK university or college is right for them. A good place to start is the UCAS website the official website for comparing UK higher education course data. On this website students can select and compare subjects, modes of study, teaching outcomes and location to help them learn more about the courses on offer. For each course there is a ‘Key Information Set’ which tells students about professional accreditation, student satisfaction and provides employment statistics. Students and parents can also look at the University’s own website and there are a number of university league tables (or rankings) that provide more information.

Some organisations publish rankings at institutional and/or subject level include QS World Universities, Times Higher Education and The Guardian. UCAS also has a wealth of support on how to choose a course and how to apply to study in the UK. The Association of Colleges site also offers a map of colleges in the UK alongside links and vital information.

University and college websites and prospectuses have full listings of courses on offer, details of course content and modules, and success stories of previous graduates. Many have student blogs and promotional films, and there is also lots of material created by current students about their UK experience.

Things to consider

Does the university offer the right course options and flexibility for you?
How does it rank for student satisfaction and care?
What are your career prospects?
What percentages of its students go straight into employment or further study after graduating?
What are the teaching standards like?
How does it perform in terms of research activity?
What facilities are on offer; consider things such as libraries, lecture halls and study spaces?
Are there extra-curricular opportunities such as student unions, societies and sports teams?
Is the university based on campus or spread out over a city?
Where in the UK; studying in a city centre London University will be a different experience to a smaller university that is close to the countryside.
What are the course fees and accommodation costs and standards like?
Is the institution recognised by UK authorities as having UK degree awarding powers?