exciting and culturally diverse

study in The North West of England

Are you interested in studying in the north west region? Then read on…

Last year nearly fifty per cent of students studying in the North West came from the region. This is not surprising when you consider that the region’s reputation as one of the most exciting and culturally diverse in the UK, is matched by the diversity and quality of the higher educations institutions (HEIs) here.

The North West has over 200,000 students, the largest number anywhere outside of London and the South East, and student numbers are still growing, up nearly seven per cent in 2003/4. With fifteen HEIs to choose from, the region offers you a vast range of different courses and experiences, from the large civic universities to the smaller specialist institutions, there is bound to be degree course that you can feel passionate about.

Whatever you choose to study, you can be sure that you will receive an excellent education. The North West’s universities are ranked amongst the best in the UK for teaching quality and research. In the most recent research assessment they achieved scores of 4 or more (signifying national or internationally recognised research) in 62 of the 68 assessed subjects and scores of 5* (the highest award) in one third of all assessed subjects. North West institutions are at the cutting edge of research across many fields.

Don’t let new higher tuition fees put you off studying for a degree. Higher education is a major investment, but it is an investment in your future. On average graduates earn significantly more than those without degrees. The DfES estimate that graduates earn on average 35 per cent more than the average wage, that’s £400,000 more over a lifetime than somebody on average earnings. Graduates are more likely to find work too; graduate unemployment has been half the national average for decades. All of the NW HEIs offer bursaries, with many offering additional scholarships to help you through your course.

Still worried about running up debts? Studying in the North West could save you a lot of money. Students in the region enjoy some of the lowest living costs in the UK for example in 2002, average rents in the Northwest were £195.88, in comparison with £261 in London. The cost of a weekly travelcard in the capital is £36.90, in the Northwest you would pay less than half of this sum. Going out is cheaper too, in London the average pint costs £2.24, but in the Northwest you can enjoy a pint for £1.79!

Having gained a degree from a North West institution you will be well placed to find employment. The region is continuing to experience strong economic growth, well in excess of the national average. North West graduates can expect to enjoy fantastic employment prospects in a wide range of blossoming industries. The Northwest constitutes the centre of the UK’s chemical, aerospace manufacturing and production industries and the home of the second biggest digital industry cluster in Europe. It also has a significant media and creative industries sector, soon to be boosted by the relocation of many BBC departments to the area, as well as a thriving financial and professional services sector.

North West HEIs place importance on making their graduates employable. They work closely with major employers to develop courses that provide graduates with the key-skills they need to succeed in the workplace. Your course might include an industrial placement giving you real experience in your chosen field, or you might be part of a graduate business start up. Whatever you choose to do, you can expect to be supported by dedicated professionals in the many excellent careers services run by the institutions, and regional schemes such as North West Students and Graduates Online, which provides help and advice as well as advertising jobs in the region.

But being a student is about more than just studying and getting a good job. Living here you will have access to all that the North West has to offer. It is one of the most culturally vibrant regions in Europe and the region's cities are famous for their very individual cultures, amazing architecture and great facilities for shopping, dining and entertainment, and, of course, their incredible nightlife.

Liverpool is undergoing a transformation in preparation for its tenure as European Capital of Culture in 2008, and Manchester has recently witnessed a remarkable and ambitious rebuilding scheme, including the 2002 Commonwealth Games' facilities and innovative millennium design projects. The games cemented the North West’s reputation as an area of sporting excellence, with its collection of world-class stadia and facilities including the new Manchester aquatics centre and City of Manchester stadium. The region has close links with football and is home to the National Football Museum in Preston, fitting for a region with the greatest concentration of football teams in England, including seven Premiership clubs.

So, if the prospect of studying in a dynamic area with exciting metropolitan areas and stunning scenery interests you, find out what the North West’s higher education institutions can offer, follow the link below and explore their websites.

http://www.nwua.ac.uk/members.html

For more information about living and working in the North West see

http://www.livehereNW.co.uk