Edinburgh College

Stevenson College Edinburgh (SCE) is one of the largest colleges in Scotland, welcoming around 18,000 students each year, including 1000 International students. In 2009/10 we welcomed over 10 Japanese students to courses such as English Language, Foundation studies and HND courses. If you come and study with us you will meet students from many places throughout the world including China, India, Nigeria, France and South America.

With 40 years of experience, the College offers a range of qualifications which are nationally and internationally recognised, and the College is the largest provider of English language programmes in Scotland. Our International University Foundation Programmes and career-based courses provide a route into many degree programmes offered at UK universities such as the University of Edinburgh, and are accredited by the Scottish Qualifications Authority.

SCE was founded in 1970, and the facilities we have here in the College reflect our modern outlook. Our courses are tailored to meet the demands of the employer and prepare students for either further study or employment.

Facilities

Library

A peaceful place to study or browse the Internet between classes. As an enrolled student you can borrow from our collection of over 20,000 books, DVDs, CDs, magazines and newspapers. There are photocopying and computing facilities, and separate work rooms where you can receive extra English language help.

Learning and Self-Access Centres

The College has a large Learning Centre with computers and Internet/email access where you can complete assignments and study. In the Self-Access Centre you can use our audio-visual facilities and satellite TV to watch news from your home country and movies in English or other languages. Our computer-aided language software can help to improve your English grammar and vocabulary, and a member of staff is always available to assist you.

Computer access

Computers are available across College and Internet facilities within the College are free to enrolled SCE students. There are also dedicated WiFi points

Refectory

In the refectory you can buy hot and cold food, drinks or just relax with your friends. Vegetarian and halal options are available. SCE also has a shop selling drinks, snacks and newspapers and a coffee bar where you can buy freshlybrewed lattes and cappuccinos.

Prayer Room

For students of all religions there is a prayer room in College for quiet prayer and meditation.

Sports

SCE has an on-campus sports hall with high quality fitness equipment. Exercise classes and membership of sports teams are available to students.

The Music Box

State-of-the art facility with rehearsal rooms, recording studios, musical ensembles you can join and a regular programme of concerts and events.

At SCE we are always happy to help our students. Our priority is ensuring that your time at College is enjoyable and successful. We have a dedicated International Team who are experienced, friendly and supportive. They are available to help from your first point of enquiry through to your graduation from College. In addition, you will be assigned a personal Tutor who can provide advice about your academic progress during your course at SCE. We are proud of the support we offer our students and in 2008 we were awarded the prestigious Association of Colleges Beacon Award, the British Council Award for International Student Support.

We provide:

• Help to make your application to SCE
• Accommodation placement
• Pre-departure advice before you travel to the UK
• Airport welcome and taxi service
• Help to complete your application to university
• Information on activities in Edinburgh and Scotland
• Visa application and renewal guidance
• Free induction programme when you arrive
• Help with enrolment, police registration and opening a bank account
• Social events
• Careers workshops and advice
• Study skills support

Finding a place to stay is very important when you are preparing to study overseas. At SCE we have a dedicated Accommodation Office which can help you to find accommodation before you leave your home country.

You can choose to stay in one of the following types of accommodation:

• Homestay
• Hall of residence
• Private rented accommodation

Most of our international students select homestay accommodation, where you live in a Scottish household near to College. Living in a local home provides international students with the opportunity to experience Scottish culture in a welcoming and friendly environment. We do our best to ensure that students from the same country are not placed in the same household.

Homestay accommodation gives you an ideal opportunity to practise your English in a safe environment. All our homestay hosts are experienced in having international students staying with them, and will be able to assist you in finding your way around Edinburgh, and to settle in to College and Scottish life. All homestay accommodation is visited by the Accommodation Office and is inspected in accordance with the Accreditation UK inspection criteria. Stevenson College Edinburgh does not have its own halls of residence, however students can apply to stay in halls throughout the city.