Scottish Universities

[KB]

Don't suppose anyone has any experience/info re a student with A levels going straight into 2nd year of U/G course at a major Scottish University?

[Looking for help]

Sorry KB, can't help myself. I went to Glasgow University in the '80s - any English students came into first year same as all the rest. My son applied last year, but only for normal entry, mind you didn't really want to go there as he felt too old. I would be interested to know why anyone would go straight into second year, if you don't mind me asking?

[BB248]

KB

My brother did this but that was in the 1980's! He had brill A levels in sciences (4 straight As, quite something, I seem to remember, back then) and so went straight into 2nd yr of his science course. Worked out for him.

[KB]

Because of the Scottish system of Highers v A levels the standard of entry is generally lower so the degree course lasts 4 years rather than 3. Top A level students (min 3 A grades) can be allowed direct entry to the 2nd year rather than 'waste' a year.
Just wondered if anyone had recent knowledge of any pitfalls - can imagine various issues.

[zee]

Missing out all the friendship groups that form in the first year is one obvious pitfall, but isn't there also a financial one? I thought that Scottish students in Scottish unis don't pay tuition fees and nor do those from other EU countries, but those from England do (not sure about Wales and Ireland). Is that correct?

[KB]

Yes think so but would pay fees at an English one anyway.
Wouldn't consider 1st year entry to Scottish course as waste of time.
Can ask questions at Open Day -just interested in any first hand experience of the fitting in as 2nd year issues, which might also raise questions we haven't yet thought of.

[BB248]

KB
My brother had no such friendship issues on his course, but science courses do tend to have a lot of time in labs etc so lots of opportunities to be with course mates & get to know them. May be more difficult if studying a subject like English with less formal class time.

Also as each year before honours (ie yr 1 & Yr 2) have various options, there's an element each year of getting to know a new group anyway, those who have selected the same subjects. Many Scottish Unis have v good student house set ups or small college-type housing options and my brother met up with vets, lawyers, arts students etc in his first week in his student house, and they are still mates all these years on. The other thing is, there are still quite a lot of Scottish students who live at home, so friendships are forged in a greater variety of ways than may be typical at an English Uni.

Good luck with your decision. I loved visiting my brother at Uni - if your DC travels north of the border I hope you get to enjoy the odd visit too!

[another mother]

I can't see why you would want to miss a year. The degree structure is so different and the fact that you do several subjects (certainly in arts - more hazy on science) over the first two years before specialising in honours is a HUGE advantage. I wish the English system was similar.

These days many Scots students have done advanced Highers so I don't think the disparity is as great as you think. There are also advantages to having a slightly easier time in the first academic year - gives you time to get involved in other things.

Which uni are you thinking of? there is a high 'home living' student body at many but not all. And it can be hard being an English student on some courses sadly.

It's also very hard getting into Edinburgh certainly, from England at the moment. Indeed from anywhere. 29 applicants for every English Lit place this year and that number is rising. It seems to be similar for most of the popular arts subjects. I have heard, though haven't checked, that English students pay the first three years but the fourth year's tuition is free.

[KB]

Thanks for your thoughts.
DC has offer to enter 2nd year of science course at Edinburgh & for various reasons would not consider 1st year entry.
Obviously direct entry to 2nd year has potential to throw up problems re friendship groups/ accommodation so we need to investigate further by various means- as well as making decision re academic standards - so was just wondering if anyone on here has experience of similar situation. Long-shot but worth asking!

[fruit salad]

My sister went to Edinburgh and read English (also in 1980s). She did 4 years and came out with an MA (hence 4 years: there was no hope of joining in the 2nd year with A levels, A grades or otherwise). It was a good course.