Sponsored by the University of Glasgow

If you’re considering studying in the UK, then Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city, should be on your shortlist. The city’s unique blend of warmth, affordability, and culture, make it an ideal destination for prospective students, so it’s no surprise it’s been ranked as the fourth best city for students in the UK.

A safe, friendly, affordable city

Glasgow is renowned for its safe, friendly atmosphere and was named the friendliest city in the world by Time Out in 2022.

Glaswegians are often praised for their helpfulness and genuine hospitality, which can be incredibly reassuring for international students adjusting to a new environment. Whether you need directions or recommendations, locals are always eager to assist, ensuring that you feel at home from the moment you arrive.

Compared to other major UK cities, Glasgow also offers a relatively affordable cost of living. Housing, food, and entertainment are more budget-friendly, which is a significant advantage for students.

Many universities, including the University of Glasgow, provide various accommodation options that cater to different budgets. The University of Glasgow ranked 78th in the world in the latest edition of the QS World University Rankings.

Additionally, the city has an extensive public transport network, including buses and a subway system, making it easy and cost-effective to get around. The city's well-connected transportation network also allows easy access to stunning destinations such as the Scottish Highlands, Edinburgh, and other parts of the UK.

For students who love to travel, Glasgow's proximity to Glasgow Airport offers affordable options for trips across Europe and beyond.

Cultural and culinary highlights

The West End of Glasgow is a cultural hub that boasts an eclectic mix of attractions. This area is home to the University of Glasgow, one of the city's most iconic landmarks with its stunning Gothic architecture.

The West End is vibrant with museums, art galleries, and theatres, such as the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and the Hunterian Museum. The lively Byres Road is packed with charming cafes, vintage shops, and bookstores, perfect for a leisurely afternoon.

Finnieston, known as Glasgow's foodie quarter, is a must-visit for those occasions where home-cooked food in your student accommodation won’t quite cut it. This trendy district is packed with an array of restaurants, bars, and cafes offering diverse cuisines.

From gourmet burgers to authentic Italian dishes, there’s something to satisfy every palate. The Finnieston area is also home to numerous craft beer pubs and cocktail bars, providing a great place to unwind and socialise with friends after a day of studies.

If you’re looking for your favourite foods from home, Glasgow also has several foreign supermarkets and authentic Asian restaurants close to campus.

Green spaces galore

True to its nickname, Glasgow is filled with lush green spaces. The city boasts numerous parks and gardens, offering peaceful retreats from the hustle and bustle of urban life.

Kelvingrove Park, located in the West End, is a popular spot for students. It features walking trails, sports facilities, and picturesque landscapes. Glasgow Green, one of the oldest public parks in the city, hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, enhancing the city's lively atmosphere.

Shop and dance until you drop

For those who enjoy shopping, Glasgow will not disappoint. The city centre is a shopping paradise, with Buchanan Street and the Buchanan Galleries offering a range of high street and designer stores. The St. Enoch Centre and Princes Square are also popular shopping destinations, catering to all tastes and budgets.

Glasgow is also famed for its vibrant music scene. The city has produced numerous famous bands and musicians, and its live music venues are legendary. The SSE Hydro, Barrowland Ballroom, and King Tut's Wah Wah Hut are just a few venues where you can catch live performances from both local and international artists.

The city’s nightlife is equally vibrant, with a plethora of student-friendly clubs and bars that cater to diverse musical tastes.

Why choose Glasgow?

Studying in Glasgow is not just about academic growth; it’s about embracing a new culture, making lifelong friends, and experiencing a city that thrives on diversity and creativity.

With its friendly locals, affordable living, cultural richness, and dynamic food scene, Glasgow offers a well-rounded and fulfilling university experience for students from all around the world.

So, if you’re considering studying abroad, let Glasgow be your gateway to a world of opportunities and unforgettable experiences.

The QS Higher Ed Summit: Asia Pacific 2024 is back! Hosted by Macau University of Science and Technology (M.U.S.T), this year’s theme is: ‘Shifting landscapes, Collaborative Solutions: Pioneering innovation in Asia Pacific higher education’, which will look at the upcoming trends for universities in the Asia Pacific region, the sector’s needs and wants, and where the greatest opportunities lie. 

“By organising this conference in Macau in alignment with the visionary goals of the Macao SAR government, QS aims to showcase the remarkable strength and potential of Macao higher education,” Chair Professor, Joseph Hun-wei Lee, President and Vice Chancellor at M.U.S.T said.  

Professor Lee continued, “Through this event, we invite the world to witness the recent achievements of our institutions and engage in meaningful exchanges provided by the excellent networking opportunities.” 

Book your in person or virtual ticket here

What can we expect at the QS Higher Ed Summit: Asia Pacific 2024? 

Here is a summary of some of the most interesting moments at the Summit:  

Tuesday 

Grading the System: Assessing the state of higher education in APAC 

The Asia-Pacific region is experiencing a golden age in higher education, with a growing number of world-class universities, increasing access for students and innovation in teaching and learning methodologies.  

This panel discussion will assess the state of higher ed systems across the region, explore how effective institutions are in collaborative practices and pioneering innovation, as well as the challenges and opportunities the region faces. 

Open Doors, Open Minds: Embracing collaboration with external partners and society 

While universities traditionally focus on internal research and education, fostering deeper collaboration with external partners and society at large can lead to more impactful innovation, a stronger talent pipeline and a more equitable learning environment.  

This panel will feature Charles Jeffery Sun, Founder and Managing Director, China Education International – discussing the potential of breaking down traditional silos between academia and the external world, delving into the challenges and opportunities that arise from collaborating with industry partners, non-profit organisations and the broader community. 

Wednesday 

Micro-Mastery: Equipping learners with bite-sized skills for a changing job market  

Lengthy degree programmes offered by universities may not adequately prepare learners for the current dynamic job market. This panel explores the concept of "micro-mastery", focusing on equipping learners with targeted, in-demand skills that can be quickly acquired and applied.  

Discussions will investigate strategies for integrating micro-courses into the higher education curriculum and how such courses can be designed to be relevant and valuable to employers. 

The Virtual Exchange: Collaborative research without borders 

Virtual exchange platforms can revolutionise collaborative research in higher education by encouraging international partnerships and overcoming geographical barriers, leading to richer research experiences and more impactful outcomes. This panel will explore the growing potential of borderless exchange platforms to transform how academics in Asia Pacific conduct research. 

Thursday 

Diversifying Minds in Higher Ed 

Universities in Asia Pacific often struggle to translate its rich cultural diversity into truly inclusive sustainability practices, which is essential in nurturing innovation, tackling complex challenges and creating a future-ready workforce.  

This panel discusses the unique challenges and opportunities presented by the region's diverse populations, strategies for inclusive learning environments that empower students from all backgrounds, as well as best practices for incorporating diverse perspectives into curriculum development. 

AI Architects: Designing the future of learning with AI 

While AI holds immense potential to personalise and enhance learning, it should aim to also integrate into higher education effectively without sacrificing the human element or exacerbating existing educational inequalities. This panel explores the possibilities and challenges of using AI to transform higher education. Discussions will also touch on ensuring transparency in AI-driven experiences and the ethics of using such technology. 

Join us in person for our pre-summit on 1 November in Al-Farabi, Kazakhstan, and the main event from 5-7 November in Macau SAR, China. Also, don’t miss the post-summit on 8 November at Lingnan University, Hong Kong. Virtual livestream access is available for all event days! 

UK universities that outsource admissions and conversion services to QS Quacquarelli Symonds have seen a 40% increase in Chinese applications for the upcoming intakes compared to the previous year, as universities aim to offset a 48% decline from other markets. Australian universities have experienced a 66% increase in Chinese applications alongside a 6% decline from other international markets.

QS supports all ranked universities in attracting Chinese students. In 2024, QS is enhancing its efforts to support universities engaging with the Chinese market. To this end, QS announces the acquisition of Global Study China, a premier study-abroad counselling business based in Chengdu and Shenzhen. Global Study China develops articulation agreements between Chinese and foreign universities and guides local students in achieving their study abroad and career objectives. Founded in 2013 by William Li, a University of Cambridge graduate, Global Study China brings a wealth of expertise to QS.

“Adding considerable capacity and expertise”

QS is the leading reference point for individuals in China seeking information on overseas universities. The QS World University Rankings received three times more press and online mentions in China than any other international university rankings (Source: Meltwater) and garnered over 100 million readers on Weibo and WeChat in 2023. 

In addition to the recent QS China Summit, held in Shanghai on 17-18 April and attended by over 400 university leaders from 150 universities, which showcased QS’s convening power and market influence, QS is investing in new opportunities in China. 

Nunzio Quacquarelli, President of QS, said: “I’m delighted that William Li and his current team of 33 staff will be joining QS, adding considerable capacity and expertise to our ability to serve students in China and connect western universities with China-based partners.” 

China is a major source of international students, with around 700,000 outbound students annually, the vast majority of whom utilise the services of a study abroad agency. With over 3,000 colleges and universities and a domestic university student population of over 40 million, China has become one of the world’s leading higher education markets.

Sponsored by ESSEC Business School

Vivienne Ma studied an MBA at ESSEC Business School in France, having been attracted to the school’s academic reputation and proximity to global technology employers.

We spoke with Vivienne to learn more about her MBA journey and how the programme at ESSEC complemented the skills she had developed as a mechanical engineer to help her progress towards achieving her career goals.

What were your motivations for studying an MBA?

My motivations for pursuing an MBA stemmed from a desire to enhance my management skills and broaden my understanding of business operations. Coming from a technical background in mechanical engineering, I sought a comprehensive education that would enable me to transition into leadership roles and navigate the complexities of the business world effectively.
 

What impact did you expect the MBA would have on progressing towards your long-term career objectives?

I anticipated that an MBA would provide me with a holistic perspective on business strategy, leadership and decision-making. I aimed to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in managerial positions, particularly within the rapidly evolving landscape of the technology industry. 

Additionally, I saw the MBA as a platform to expand my professional network and open doors to new opportunities.
 

What qualities were you looking for in an MBA programme, and what attracted you to studying at ESSEC?

I was seeking a business school with a strong reputation for academic excellence, a global perspective, and a robust network of industry connections. ESSEC stood out for its top-ranking status, particularly in Europe, and its focus on technology. 
The school's location, being a hub for tech companies, aligned well with my aspirations to work in the new tech industry. The diverse and dynamic learning environment at ESSEC was also appealing.
 

How did your background in mechanical engineering inform your approach to the MBA?

My background in mechanical engineering instilled in me a strong analytical and problem-solving mindset. During the MBA, I leveraged these skills to approach business challenges systematically. 

My engineering background also provided a unique perspective in discussions and group projects, fostering a multidisciplinary approach to problem-solving.

What were the greatest surprises from your MBA experience, compared to your expectations?

The most significant surprise was the depth of personal and professional growth I experienced. The MBA not only expanded my business knowledge but also honed my leadership and communication skills. 

I was pleasantly surprised by the diverse perspectives of my classmates, contributing to a rich and collaborative learning environment.
 

What were the most valuable insights or connections you made during your time at ESSEC?

The most valuable insights came from interactions with a diverse group of classmates, professors and industry professionals. These connections provided me with a global perspective on business challenges and opportunities. 

Collaborative projects and networking events facilitated meaningful relationships that continue to influence my career positively.
 

Can you give any examples of how you’ve been able to apply learnings from the MBA to your current job role at Capgemini?

The MBA equipped me with advanced strategic thinking and negotiation skills, which have been invaluable in my role at Capgemini. I've successfully applied frameworks learned during the MBA to analyse market trends, identify business opportunities, and develop effective sales strategies. 

The programme's emphasis on real-world case studies enhanced my ability to navigate complex client requirements and propose innovative solutions.

Looking back, what advice would you give to yourself at the start of the MBA programme?

I would advise my past self to embrace every opportunity for networking and collaboration. Building strong relationships with peers, professors, and industry professionals is as crucial as the academic curriculum. 

Additionally, I would encourage myself to remain open-minded, exploring diverse areas of business to gain a well-rounded perspective that goes beyond initial career goals.

How can other students make the most of their time as an MBA student at ESSEC?

Other students can make the most of their time at ESSEC by actively participating in class discussions, engaging with diverse peers, and taking advantage of networking events. Exploring extracurricular activities, internships, and industry seminars can provide valuable practical insights. 

Being proactive in seeking mentorship from professors and industry experts can further enrich the learning experience and open doors to future opportunities.