Why the UK Education?◦ UK Vs Australia / NZ◦ UK Vs USA◦ UK Vs Local Private College / University◦ UK Vs Overseas Universities Malaysian Campus

Why Swansea University (University of Wales)?

Why ICWS ?(International College of Wales Swansea)

World Class Education and Qualification Value for Money An International Tradition The Language of Business Part Time Work Opportunities Post Study Career Opportunities Multicultural and Multinational

Environment Gateway to Europe Character Development

Play Video

Academic Excellence◦ The quality and standard of UK higher education are guaranteed

through the work of various official bodies.

◦ The quality of a university's teaching and its general facilities are assessed by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA).

◦ Research standards are examined by the Research Assessment Exercise (RAE), which publishes its findings every five years.

Value for Money◦ The quality of UK degrees is one reason why so many people

come to the UK to study.

◦ Another is value for money.

◦ Unlike the equivalent programmes in the United States or Australia, most UK undergraduate courses can be completed in 3 years instead of 4 and Masters programmes can be completed in one year instead of 2.

An International Tradition◦ The UK has always welcomed students from all over the world.

◦ In 2007/8, there were 125,200 students from outside the EEA studying at postgraduate level at UK institutions.

◦ The UKHE combines the best elements of tradition and modernity.

◦ Courses have a strong vocational foundation and enjoy good

links with business and professional organizations.

The Language of Business◦ A major advantage of studying in the UK is the opportunity to

perfect your knowledge of the English – one of the most important skills in the international business world.

◦ If you are from outside the EU you may well appreciate the opportunity to observe at first hand the operation of the European market.

◦ The UK is a member of the EU, and living and studying here can provide a useful insight into how this major trading bloc functions.

Part Time Work Opportunities◦ An international student in the UK is typically allowed to work

up to 20 hours a week during school term, and up to full-time when school is out of term.

◦ This allows students to interact socially, understand the British culture and partially cover their living costs whilst studying.

Post Study Career Opportunities◦ UK at present allows students graduating with either an highly

skilled Undergraduate or Post Graduate Degree to stay back and work in the UK for 2 years.

◦ Further which, students can transfer their visa status to a work permit for qualified individual.

◦ For further details on Post Study Work visa scheme under Tier 1, please refer to the following official link of the UK Border Agency

◦ http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk/tier1

Multicultural and Multinational Environment◦ The multicultural environment of education allows students to

learn beyond the classrooms.

◦ Students get an opportunity to study various cultures and network with other students and professionals from across the world to further help them during their professional lives.

Gateway to Europe◦ Traveling Europe as an enriching life learning experience: the

source of Greek and Roman Civilization, The Church, Renaissance, Reformation, Scientific Revolution, Age of Discovery, Industrial Revolution, French Revolution, Age of Enlightenment, World War.

◦ Affordable access to most areas of Europe from the UK within a few hours by train or direct flight.

◦ Opportunity of a lifetime as millions flock thousand of miles everyday just to visit Europe.

Character Development◦ The UK's approach to teaching endeavors to encourage

independent thinkers and develop confident people.

◦ The combination of learning, working, traveling, living independently in a multicultural and multinational environment helps build character to succeed in life.

Criteria for Comparisono Priceo Qualificationo Duration

Case Study between equivalent standard universities across UK (Nottingham), Australia (Monash), N. Zealand (Canterbury) for Engineering related degree and Business related degree.

Nottingham University, UK Monash University, Australia

£ exchange rate 4.86 (3rd Sept 2010) A$ exchange rate 2.89 (3rd Sept 2010)

Qualification from http://biz.thestar.com.my/ from http://biz.thestar.com.my/

/ Living Cost Duration Per Year Per Year Tuition Total Duration Per Year Per Year Tuition Total

Years £ RM Cost Cost Years A$ RM Cost CostBEng (Hons) Engineering 3 14260 69304 207911 309971 4 31000 89590 358360 647360

BA Business N/A 10880 52877 N/A N/A 3 31130 89966 269897 486647

BA (Hons) 3 10880 52877 158630 260690 4 31130 89966 359863 648863

Living Cost 3 7000 34020 102060 3 25000 72250 216750

4 289000

Nottingham University, UK University of Canterbury, N. Zealand

£ exchange rate 4.86 (3rd Sept 2010) A$ exchange rate 2.28 (3rd Sept 2010)

Qualification from http://biz.thestar.com.my/ from http://biz.thestar.com.my/

/ Living Cost Duration Per Year Per Year Tuition Total Duration Per Year Per Year Tuition Total

Years £ RM Cost Cost Years A$ RM Cost CostBEng (Hons) Engineering 3 14260 69304 207911 309971 4 28300 64524 258096 385776

BA Business N/A 10880 52877 N/A N/A 3 20300 46284 138852 234612

BA (Hons) 3 10880 52877 158630 260690 4 20300 46284 185136 312816

Living Cost 3 7000 34020 102060 3 14000 31920 95760

4 127680

Conclusiono Australia and N. Zealand Engineering Related B.Eng (Hons)

are more expensive and 1 year longer than UK.

o Contrary to popular belief, Australia is in fact more expensive to study, mostly due to strength of Aussie Dollar, inflation and longer course duration.

o Whilst Business related degree in N. Zealand appears to be cheaper than UK, the Bachelors degree is without Honors i.e. an inferior qualification. Equivalence with UK would be more costly and longer.

o UK qualification has more depth in content and higher standard as it is spread over 40 weeks compared to 34 in OZ / NZ for a year study.

Criteria for Comparisono Focused and Professional Orientated Vs Broad

Based Curriculum (US Liberal Arts Education)o Independent Learning Vs Interactive Learningo Qualificationo Duration

No price comparison carried out because of the huge variance of US tuition fees ($5000-$30000 per year) and the cost of living ( e.g. Columbia Vs New York) across the large country.

o For students who have a clear idea of what they want to study, a British degree is ideal as you are allowed to specialize in your subject area from the start unlike US degree.

o British Degrees leave the learning much more up to you, with the emphasis on large group lectures backed up by small group tutorials rather than a more interactive teaching environment.

o In another words, British system encourages the student to take responsibility / ownership of learning around their subject whereas the US system the students are dependent and reliant upon teachers and characterized by rigorous intensive assignments on a daily basis throughout entire university life, many of which are out the scope of intended specific study.

o British university calendar invites extra-intensive work in patches, separated by periods of lulls, thus creating large tracts of downtime between assignments.

o It is during this period, British Degrees Undergraduates have the freedom and flexibility to develop other areas apart from specialized subject area whether is it academic, social life, sports, recreation, interest area, part-time work etc.

o This characterizes the University Student Lifestyle / Experience.

o From structural differences between British and US system, there is less depth of a US qualification of chosen course subject compared to UK.

o Due to the breadth of other areas aside chosen subject, US undergraduate and postgraduate take 1 year longer and hence more costly in the long run.

Criteria for Comparisono Priceo Quality / Qualificationo Duration

Example of reputable Local Operated Private College / University: UCSI (University College Sedaya International), TUC (Taylors University College), HELP Institute.

o There is no price comparison between UK and Local Operated Private College / University as local option will always be cheaper with local lecturers, local education ethos, local standard and local recognition.

o Hence, the real comparison is quality of qualification of which only twinning / credit transfer of local operated private education institutions offer a measure of overseas experience and qualification.

o However, only certain local colleges have partnership with reputable UK universities. In addition, these partnerships are course dependent, i.e. college X might be strong in Engineering but weak in Law.

o More concerning is how equipped our these colleges in preparing the students for remaining overseas studies?

o Having the license / partnership to offer credit subjects does not equate to having the same quality to deliver education as overseas counterpart.

o Many students struggle to adapt when they go to UK partnered universities because of education quality differences between local colleges and partnered universities. This can ultimately be detrimental to their learning and university experience.

o Apart from lower standard of local colleges, there are structural differences which contribute to adaptability issues. E.g. College Y runs a 4 year Engineering Programme based on Australian syllabus incorporating Malaysian compulsory subjects (Bahasa Kebangsaan, Moral Studies & Malaysian Studies) which allows 1st year graduates to continue their 2nd and 3rd Year in the UK even though the 1st year local syllabus only covers half of the required 1st Year UK subjects.

o These colleges take advantage of UK’s university system whereby only the 2nd and 3rd year examination results count towards the final award classification.

o Hence, often the quality of 1st year UK education carried out in local colleges is compromised.

Criteria for Comparisono Priceo Quality / Qualificationo Duration

Comparison between UK (Nottingham University) Vs Curtin University of Technology (Sarawak Malaysia), Monash University (Sunway Malaysia) and Nottingham University (Semenyih Malaysia).

o The Overseas University Malaysian Campus partially solves the quality issue raised concerning Local Private Operated Colleges / Universities offering twinning / credit transfer programmes.

o Whilst it is cheaper to complete entire undergraduate at Overseas University Malaysian Campus compared to the UK, students pursuing this option will NOT have:

the actual immersion of overseas experience and its interaction.

opportunities to post graduate career opportunities overseas.

learning, working, traveling, living independently in a multicultural and multinational environment beyond Malaysia.

o Fair comparison of closest equivalence in terms of number of years of exposure and “Honors” qualification is a 2+2 for both Curtin and Monash compared to 1+2 Nottingham with regards to tuition fees excluding cost of living.

Nottingham University (1+2) Monash University (2+2)

£ exchange rate 4.86 (3rd Sept 2010) A$ exchange rate 2.89 (3rd Sept 2010)

Qualification from http://biz.thestar.com.my/ from http://biz.thestar.com.my/

Duration Per Year Per Year Twinning Cost Duration Per Year Per Year Twinning Cost

Years £ RM Ratio RM Years A$ RM Ratio RMBEng (Hons) Engineering 3 14260 34000 1+2 172607 4 31000 37000 2+2 253180

BA (Hons) 3 10880 28000 1+2 133754 4 31130 30500 2+2 240931

o UK 1+2 option with Nottingham University still more cost efficient and shorter compared to Curtin or Monash.

o However, 1+2 compromises from the full benefit of a complete 3 year UK education experience! Any alternatives for similar cost & quality ?????

Nottingham University (1+2) Curtin University (2+2)

£ exchange rate 4.86 (3rd Sept 2010) A$ exchange rate 2.89 (3rd Sept 2010)

Qualification from http://biz.thestar.com.my/ from http://biz.thestar.com.my/

Duration Per Year Per Year Twinning Cost Duration Per Year Per Year Twinning Cost

Years £ RM Ratio RM Years A$ RM Ratio RMBEng (Hons) Engineering 3 14260 34000 1+2 172607 4 29100 22200 2+2 212598

BA (Hons) 3 10880 28000 1+2 133754 4 24267 16200 2+2 172661

Play Video

Ideal Environment for Studies & Quality of Life◦ Campus Style University since 1920

Student Experience (Times Higher Education) ◦ Top 10 of 101 UK Universities

Research Power (The Times Higher Supplement)◦ TOP 36 Out of 132 UK UNIVERSITIES

Safe Place to Study (Complete University Guide)◦ TOP 6th in the UK

University League Table (www.push.co.uk)◦ TOP 19 Out of 136 in the UK

Ideal Environment for Studies & Quality of Life◦ Campus Style University since 1920

Stunning Beachfront LocationCosmopolitan City by the Sea

Ideal Environment for Studies & Quality of Life◦ Campus Style University since 1920

Within Environment of UK Natural Outstanding Beauty

Fact File◦ Wales’s 2nd City, modern & cosmopolitan.◦ 3 hours drive / train from London.◦ 45 minutes from Cardiff.◦ Situated between beautiful coast of Gower

Peninsular (UK Natural Outstanding Beauty)and countryside of stunning green hills tothe North at Brecon Beacons National Park.

◦ Marina City with shops, cinemas, restaurants pubs, clubs, leisure & sports centres, theatres.

◦ Multicultural and multinational city.◦ Temperate weather due to its seaside location.

Student Experience (Times Higher Education) ◦ Top 10 of 101 UK Universities

Excellence in Teaching• Recent surveys and league tables have consistently placed Swansea among

the top 20 Universities in the UK for teaching quality and student satisfaction

High Employability of Swansea Graduates• 95% of Swansea graduates find employment or are in further study six

months after graduating. (HESA 2004 data - full time education undergraduates)

Student Experience (Times Higher Education) ◦ Top 10 of 101 UK Universities

Serious about Sports• A true sporting university, Swansea provides superb facilities and opportunities

whatever your level.• The Sports Village caters for many different users and includes some impressive

facilities including a Sports Centre, Gymnasium, Sports Hall, Outdoor and Indoor Athletics Facilities, Sports Fields and Olympic sized Wales National Swimming Pool Centre.

• Home to Championship side Swansea City Football Club and Osprey Rugby Club

Student Experience (Times Higher Education) ◦ Top 10 of 101 UK Universities

Variety of Recreation, Social and Interest Activities• Recreation activities from swimming, sailing, water skiing, surfing, sea angling,

canoeing, rowing, hiking… and many more• Social and Interest activities from 80 various university clubs and societies to

choose from.

Research Power (The Times Higher Supplement)◦ TOP 36 Out of 132 UK UNIVERSITIES

Swansea is a research-led university An exceptionally high proportion (90%) of Swansea’s academic staff was

deemed to be research-active and submitted to the Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) 2008

Home to Research Institutes such as Institute of Life Sciences, Multidisciplinary Nanotechnology Centre, Institute of Environmental Sustainability, Centre for Complex Fluids Processing, Centre for Sustainable Aquaculture Research, Civil and Computational Engineering Centre, Electronics System Design Centre, Institute of Advanced Telecommunications, Institute of Mass Spectrometry, Materials Research Centre, Wales Institute for Mathematics and Computational Science, Welsh Centre for Printing and Coating.

 

Course StrengthActuarial Studies with AccountingChemical & Biological Process EngineeringMaterial Science & EngineeringCivil EngineeringElectrical & Electronic EngineeringElectronics with Computer ScienceMedical EngineeringMechanical EngineeringLaw Specializing in Maritime

Play Video

3 Year Swansea (UK) Vs 1+2 Year Nottingham (M’sia+UK)

Swansea University, UK Nottingham University (1+2)

£ exchange rate 4.86 (3rd Sept 2010) £ exchange rate 4.86 (3rd Sept 2010)

Qualification from http://biz.thestar.com.my/ from http://biz.thestar.com.my/

/ Living Cost Duration Per Year Per Year Sub Cost Total Duration Per Year Per Year Sub Cost Total

Years £ RM RM Cost Years £ RM RM Cost1st Year Dipl. Engineering 1 9500 46170 46170 1 None 34000 34000

B.Eng (Hons) 2 12200 59292 118584 2 14260 69304 138607 Living Cost

(M’sia) None None None None 1 None 12000 12000

Living Cost (UK) 3 6500 31590 94770 2 7000 34020 68040

259524 252647

(2010 / 11 data taken from respective university’s website)

Swansea University is able to offer 3 years UK experience at comparable prices to 1+2 Nottingham through their ICWS 1st Year Degree Programme (Diploma).

ICWS (International College of Wales Swansea) which shares Swansea University’s resources and within the university itself is a direct pathway to Swansea University with guaranteed entry to relevant degree programmes upon successful completion of ICWS programme.

Accessibility◦ ICWS’ flexible entry system of September, January, May and July intakes, enables you to start

your studies at the time best suited to you, and allows you to join the degree programme of your choice ahead of students who have opted for the traditional UK academic entry system.

Accommodation◦ Our expert staff can help you to find the ideal accommodation for you. Swansea is a great place

to live, and accommodation prices are among the least expensive in the UK.

Value for Money◦ ICWS tuition fees are competitively priced among UK institutions, providing an affordable,

quality education that enables you to get the maximum return on your investment. In addition, the cost of living in Swansea is relatively low compared with other UK cities, so your money will go even further.

Study in a Smaller Class with Personalized Attention◦ ICWS promotes a personalized and supportive educational philosophy that encourages students

to reach their maximum academic potential. Academic classes contain no more than around 35 students and English language classes are restricted to a maximum class size of 20. Lecturers are also available for private consultation after class.

Dedicated Student Support Service◦ ICWS offers a wide range of support services for its students with a dedicated team of

professionals offering advice and help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. ◦ The team provide an airport pick-up service as well as accommodation allocation and

referral services. ◦ All students are provided with a full orientation programme to familiarize them with the

College, the University and the city of Swansea. ◦ All ICWS students have immediate access to Swansea University’s student online portal

which houses all ICWS timetable and academic information as well as extra-curricular information from the Students’ Union and the ICWS support services and academic teams (for your learning needs).

Superb Student Lifestyle◦ Swansea has one of the best student lifestyles of any university in the UK, and ICWS

students will find a superb range of social activities within and outside the University. ◦ Through these activities, ICWS students can immerse themselves in the history, culture

and society of the local area – improving their English language skills and further enhancing their career prospects.

Student’s Union◦ As an ICWS student you will become a member of the Swansea University Students’

Union and have access to all of their services, including the sports and other clubs, student bar, entertainment events and societies. from the Students’ Union and the ICWS support services and academic teams.

Careers Centre◦ This well resourced centre houses a Job Shop which assists students to find part time

work, and a careers centre offering advice on post-graduation career options.

Campus Security◦ Facilities are comprehensive and include a 24/7 student emergency hotline to ICWS

staff. 24-hour security is provided on the Swansea University campus to answer enquiries and provide assistance and support to students.

Play Video

ICWS Academic Programmes

ICWS academic programmes have been designed so that students cover all the necessary academic content in core subject areas relevant to their chosen degree programmes at Swansea University. Programmes are available at International Foundation, 1st year Degree equivalent, and Pre-Masters level. On successful completion of the relevant ICWS programme, you will go on to complete your chosen degree studies at the University.

ICWS Academic Requirements (for Malaysians)International Foundation 1St Year Degree Pre-Masters

IELTS 5.5 6.0 6.0

Business / Economics

-GCSE: 5 passes – English at grade C-SPM:3 passes min. grade D-UEC: Pass

-120 UCAS Tariff Point (UK)-STPM / UEC: 2 passes with minimum grade D

Bachelors degree successful completion - BA/ BSc/ BEng/ LLB (Hons)GPA of 2.3 on the 4.0 scale

Engineering

-GCSE: 5 passes – English , Mathematics/Physical Science at grade C-SPM / UEC:4 passes minimum grade C including Mathematics/Physical Science

-220 UCAS tariff points at A/AS level including Mathematics/Physical Science-STPM/UEC: 3 passes with minimum grade C including Mathematics/Physical Science

Not Applicable

Computer Science

-GCSE: 5 passes – English , Mathematics at grade C-SPM / UEC:4 passes minimum grade C including Mathematics

-220 UCAS tariff points at A/AS level and a minimum Grade C Mathematics at GCSE level-STPM/UEC: 3 passes with minimum grade C including Mathematics

Not Applicable

Actuarial Studies

-GCSE: 5 passes – English , Mathematics at grade C-SPM / UEC:4 passes minimum grade C including Mathematics

Not Applicable Not Applicable

Investment◦ Timing◦ Money

Return of Investment dependent on “Timing”

How to be a Smart Investors who knows 1) Which education product to put your money?2) When to invest for maximum return of investment?3) When to reap maximum return of investment?

How to be a Smart Investors who knows 1) Which education product to put your money?

ICWS – Swansea University2) When to invest for maximum return of investment?

Right after Form 5, January Intake using SPM Forecast 3) When to reap maximum return of investment?

Graduate 3.5 years after SPM instead of 5 years without compromising education quality giving you a competitive edge in the career world!

South East Asia Representative for ICWS and Swansea University:

Mr. Sebastian ChongFuture Excellent Educational Placement ServicesUnit 1.88, 1st Floor Kompleks Asia City,Jalan Asia City, Asia City 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, MalaysiaTel: (+6) 0149556328Email: sebastian.chong.fexcellent@gmail.com

Disclaimer: The content of this presentation is the opinion of the author only.