Released today, the QS EECA Rankings 2020 provide insight into the top universities within emerging Europe and central Asia.

While this isn’t a global region that’s spoken about very often, the academic institutions in these countries are often some of the most innovative, teaching highly specialised curriculum to their students and developing strong ties with global employers.

One country dominates the EECA Rankings above all others - Russia. Over 100 of the universities in this year’s ranking are based here, including all of the top three.

To get more information about what Russian universities have to offer international students, we spoke to faculty and staff from St Petersburg Mining University, which was ranked among the world’s top 20 universities for mining engineering in the QS World University Rankings by Subject earlier this year.

An extensive and thorough curriculum

Universities outside of the traditional top study destinations in North America and western Europe know they have to offer something special to attract the brightest minds.

So, it’s no surprise that universities like St Petersburg Mining University take great pride in offering an academic program that’s rigorous, challenging and fully adapted to match the needs of today’s students.

Professor Vladimir Litvinenko, rector of the university, described the teaching at St Petersburg Mining University as extremely comprehensive: “We are a classical university with a focus on training in mining engineering, covering all the disciplines which might be necessary (e.g. rare metals, oil & gas).

“We have eight research centers and some of the most advanced equipment possible. We also have a state license to dig and explore, and to the north we have our own plots where students can actually apply their knowledge in real life.”

“St Petersburg Mining University covers every specialisation you can think of which might be required while you work with mineral resources. Not just mining, but oil and gas and geology. It’s not just engineers, we produce managers and heads of production too.”

A degree which actually prepares you for the working world

A complaint frequently levelled at the world’s top universities is that their degrees have increasingly failed to prepare students for graduate life, with important soft skills required by employers not touched upon.

The most innovative academic programs are the ones which bring employers into the classroom and allow students to develop the skills they’ll actually require as an employee rather than just getting bogged down in theory.

St Petersburg Mining University are proud of their industry connections, with Professor Litvinenko highlighting the consulting work done by the university for global companies as one example of this.

“In particular, we have a longstanding relationship with BP, and they support our students, offering them internships and providing about US$1m per year to the university which is quite unique. “From their second year, students can become involved in actual company projects and many of them will be offered a job for when they graduate. The high demand from the market means companies are actually competing for students and each student is able to predict where they will be working in the future.”

In addition, the university tailors its teaching to the demands of the outside world, with its international faculty training students according to requests made by major employers in the field. The university is even expanding its range of German-taught degrees to help the German government tackle a shortage of skilled workers in this area.

A surprisingly diverse student body

Russia is unlikely to be the first place you think of when considering where you should study abroad, but the country is unfairly maligned for a lack of international diversity. Universities here regularly attract students from around the world, and although the language barrier is more significant here than in other countries there are plenty of English-taught degree programs.

Professor Litvinenko told us: “One of the key challenges is the requirement for all faculty members to be fluent in English. This is something we’re working on. However, after four years all students graduate with professional fluency in English and nearly half of all courses are taught in English. We also teach several courses in French due to the high number of African students we have.

“We have lots of European students which is unusual for a Russian university. We even have full-time students from as far as Canada and Latin America.

“We also have a big focus on exchange students, who come from other European institutions. The curriculum is synchronised with their home university and they come here for six months to continue their studies. Excluding summer schools, we have about 1,000 international students a year.”

A university degree that won’t leave you in debt

Going to university - particularly if you have one eye on a postgraduate degree and/or doctorate - isn’t cheap. Especially if you’re only considering universities in established study destinations like the US and the UK.

One advantage Russia and other locations in emerging Europe and central Asia have is that degrees are often cheaper in order to be more attractive to students.

Professor Litvinenko explained: “Mining engineering is quite a particular market. Continental Europe provides lots of grants and scholarships for mining engineering students and at our university all international students are given scholarships and provided with accommodation. If you study really well, on top of your scholarship you can receive further financial support.”

This lack of financial burden is even more important when you consider the high figures earned by mining engineering graduates - up to US$119,828 in the US and £75,000 in the UK.

The chance to make a difference in the world

There are so many university students around the world today that it’s easy to feel lost in the shuffle, especially when you’re one of a large crowd in every lecture and you feel disconnected from your fellow academics.

This inability to connect with your studies and properly make a change in the world is easily dealt with when you choose to apply to universities which can offer a more intimate and transformative student experience.

St Petersburg Mining University has a relatively small student body of just over 10,000 full-time students. You’re unlikely to feel like just another face in the crowd here!

Plus, what better way to have an impact on the world than study mineral and mining engineering? We spoke to Alexey, a PhD student at the university, who was motivated to study the subject because of dreams of helping his home town: “My hometown is in the south of Russia and some 50km away from where I grew up there are floods that happen repeatedly every two to three years. It’s a problem I’d like to deal with.”

As part of his studies, Alexey has gone on to present an idea on how to tackle this issue to industry figures from some of the world’s top companies in this field.

Released today, the QS EECA University Rankings 2020 feature 354 of the top universities in the emerging Europe and Central Asia (EECA) region.

The EECA rankings are based on 10 indicators: academic reputation, employer reputation, faculty/student ratio, papers per faculty, international research network, web impact, staff with a PhD, citations per paper, international faculty and international students. You can find out more about the methodology here.

Read on as we count down this year’s top 10.

10. Masaryk University

Flickr: theconductingworkship  

Location: Czech Republic

Starting off our countdown we have Masaryk University, in Brno. The second largest university in the Czech Republic, Masaryk University rises one place this year and makes its way into the top 10; in 10^th place in the EECC ranking and 551-560^th in the QS World University Rankings® 2020.

Masaryk University earns a perfect score in the web impact indicator – which reflects the level of an institution’s presence online, demonstrating its dedication to engaging internationally.

9. Czech Technical University in Prague

Location: Czech Republic

Located in the stunning historical city of Prague, Czech Technical University (CNU) remains in ninth place in the EECA ranking. CNU ranks in joint 498^th place in the world rankings and earns its top scores in the papers per faculty and employer reputation indicators – an insight into the university’s top reputation amongst both employers and other academic institutions.

The university also scores well in the web impact indicator, in seventh place, showing it has a strong online presence. Founded in 1701, the university has several courses available in English and Russian.

8. Tomsk State University

Location: Russia

In eighth place we have Tomsk State University (TSU), in joint 268^th place in the world rankings and new to the top ten this year (rising five places in the EECA rankings). TSU is the largest classical university in the Asian part of Russia, and an acknowledged center of science, education and innovation.

TSU scores particularly well in the faculty/student ratio and international students’ indicators, where it ranks fifth and eighth respectively, reflecting the university’s strong international outlook. There are around 2,000 international students studying in TSU.

7. University of Warsaw

Location: Poland

Dropping one place this year is the University of Warsaw in seventh place. The largest university in Poland, with around 48,500 students, it places joint 349^th in the 2020 world university rankings. The university earns a perfect score in the web impact indicator, as well as a near perfect score for the international research network, academic reputation and employer reputation indicators, ranking ninth, third and seventh respectively.

The university also offers a broad range of courses, in 37 languages – as well as having 26 programs available in English.

6. Jagiellonian University

Location: Poland

One of Poland’s best institutions for higher education, Jagiellonian University, ranks sixth in the EECA rankings, rising one place this year and narrowly missing out on the top five.

Established in 1364 as the University of Kraków, Jagiellonian University is one of the oldest universities in the world.

The university earns its best scores for international research network (12^th) and its academic reputation (achieving an impressive second place). Courses are offered in a variety of different languages, and the university collaborates with academic institutions all around the world, attracting many international students.

5. Charles University

Location: Czech Republic

Dropping two places this year, Charles University places fifth in the EECA rankings and joint 291^st in the world. Despite this fall, the university remains the highest ranked university in the Czech Republic.

Charles University is the oldest university in Central Europe, as well as the largest institution in the Czech Republic, with over 49,000 students (with 7,000 of these being international).

It is unsurprising then that Charles University earns a near-perfect score in the international students indicator, ranking eighth.

4. University of Tartu

Location: Estonia

Up one place this year is the University of Tartu, stealing fourth place in the EECA rankings and coming in at 301^st in the world rankings. The University of Tartu is the oldest, largest and highest placing university in Estonia – having been founded in 1632 by King Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden.

Although the official language of the university is Estonian, 23 courses are taught in English (although these are mainly at master’s level).

The university has a strong international outlook; attracting international students from over 88 countries. Consequently, it gains its highest rank in the international research network indicator, placing seventh.

3. Novosibirsk State University

Location: Russia

Moving into the top three now we have Novosibirsk State University in third, placing 231^st in the world rankings this year (the second highest-ranked university in Russia).

Known for its strong reputation, particularly in the sciences, the university places seventh in the academic reputation indicator. The university offers 17 English taught programs available for international students, as well as 28 research internship opportunities.

2. Saint Petersburg State University

Location: Russia

Up two places this year to rank second in the EECA Rankings is Saint Petersburg State University (SPbSU). The university was founded in 1724 by Peter the Great and is the oldest university in Russia.

SPbSU is famous for producing several notable alumni. Including the current president of Russia, Vladimir Putin as well as several Nobel Prize winners. SPbSU also collaborates with 230 higher education institutions, giving it excellent international connections around the world.

1. Lomonosov Moscow State University

Location: Russia

As well as topping the EECA Rankings, Lomonosov Moscow State University achieves first place for three indicators: academic reputation, employer reputation and web.

The university was founded in 1755 and counts 13 Nobel Prize winners among its alumni, along with many other successful mathematicians, writers, politicians and physicists.

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Sponsored by Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Discussions and debates surrounding sustainability are a big topic in the world right now – especially with younger generations.

Last month, Swedish teenager and climate change activist Greta Thunberg delivered a speech at the UN Climate Change Summit, condemning world leaders for their failed attempts at taking action against the climate crisis.

At an education level it’s important to consider how higher education institutions implement a curriculum that teaches aspiring businesspeople about the importance of sustainability within business. For instance, the circular economy is gaining momentum and attention within every industry and sector. 

By eliminating the traditional linear economy, the circular economy ultimately works to limit waste and maximize resources by implementing a closed-loop production process that’s both restorative and regenerative. But why is this important for business and business education?

We spoke with Professor Joseph Sarkis at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) to find out more.

Learning about the circular economy isn’t just for engineering and environmental students

“There are many possible ideas for developing new industries and business models in this environment,” said Sarkis.

With huge opportunities for business students to increase their awareness of sustainability within a business setting and become forward thinkers in what is a very critical time for the environment, it’s becoming more important than ever that business schools continue to adapt and refresh their curricula.

In fact, the circular economy is a focal point of Professor Sarkis’ research as well as the MS in Supply Chain Management and MS in Operation Analytics Management at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. In his research, Professor Sarkis stressed the importance of studying the circular economy:

“Circular economy practices have been very important for industry. Some of these practices are required by regulatory policy; some by community and customer pressures. 

“It can also be important as one of the only ways for some industries to do business in the future as resource scarcity becomes a serious problem. There are also competitive pressures – where others can benefit greatly and become more competitive if businesses fail to keep up with some of these latest practices.”

MS in Supply Chain Management and MS in Operation Analytics Management students are able to learn about the various circular economy practices from a variety of perspectives, including general management, marketing, and operations. This is in addition to developing an in-depth understanding of more traditional business elements such as finance, marketing, managing, and operations.

“It’s imperative that we do this because it is a very important topic not only theoretically, but practically,” said Sarkis.

“There are many new cases where brand-name companies have made the circular economy part of their operations and strategies,” he explained.

Businesses have the power to protect resources and support the environment

“The interesting thing about all this work, and a mantra throughout my career, is that companies, entrepreneurs, and communities can do well financially by doing good by saving resources and limiting environmental pollution and waste,” said Sarkis.

One simple yet effective example of the circular economy, which can be easily implemented into practically any business is ‘servicitization’.

Sarkis explains: “What if, instead of buying goods, consuming them, and then disposing of them, all goods were leased? That we only lease a service. Instead of buying a computer, we lease it instead, and at the end of its life it’s taken back (circular) by the company it’s leased it from.”

With renting replacing purchasing products and services, businesses are encouraging closed-loop recycling where they’re able to increasingly lengthen and widen the use of such products and services. New business models like this can be particularly lucrative as the cost of materials decline overtime.

“What if we do this for our clothes? The system has to be set up where we not only buy, but return – circularity – back to the manufacturer or retailer. The material source for future products can be managed easily. The model would not be about trying to sell products that can be used quickly, but products which can be taken back and updated,” explained Sarkis.

Reaping the benefits on both a financial and social scale

Many argue that there is no simple or quick-fix solution to sustainability issues, yet the circular economy is a model that’s used frequently within manufacturing and construction, as well as business.

Despite a report by McKinsey & Company in 2015 outlining the circular economy could generate a net economic benefit of $1.8 trillion by 2030, the uptake for implementing circular economy business models remains slow.

However, momentum is gathering, particularly in the mindset of consumers determined to make more ethical and sustainable choices. As a result, businesses need to act fast if they are to stay relevant and up-to-date in a world that’s increasingly aware of sustainability issues on both a local and global scale.

England and the British Isles has been endowed with a rich tapestry of history that spans thousands of years and is often the envy of the world. From pre-historic man, Roman invasion, Saxon Kings and Norman conquests to Medival family feuds, the industrial revolution and the largest global empire the world has ever known.

This history leaves a palpable mark all over the country, from the Scottish border in the north to the English channel along the south coast. We have comprised a list of a few must-see historical sites for anyone with an interest in English history.

Sutton Hoo

Sutton Hoo, located at Sutton in Woodbridge, Suffolk, is the site of vast Anglo-Saxon burials from the 6th and early 7th century. This site shed new light onto an era of English history known as the Dark Ages and opened up a world that was once clouded in myth and legend. Found within a barrow were the remains of a huge 27-metre-long ship, and a burial chamber thought to be the final resting place of a great Anglo-Saxon king. The chamber itself was filled with Byzantine silverware, sumptuous gold jewellery, a lavish feasting set, and most famously, an ornate iron ceremonial helmet. This site seems to jump right from the pages of Beowulf. Today, this National Trust site offers visitors the chance to view the ancient mounds and many of the treasures that were found within the chamber. Sutton Hoo is truly England’s Valley of the Kings.

Bodmin Jail

Bodmin Jail lies on the edge of Bodmin Moor in Cornwall, situated in south-west England. Constructed in 1779, this jail was operational for 150 years, conducted fifty public hangings, and was the first jail in Britain to hold prisoners in individual cells. During the First World War, Bodmin Jail was used to keep some of Britain’s most beloved national treasures, including the doomsday book and the crown jewels. Today this once working prison has opened its doors to the public, and through fantastic exhibitions, the grim history of England's penal system is told. Over six levels of the jail can be explored and visitors can experience the sights, sounds and smells of this unique historical attraction.

Stonehenge

Stonehenge, located on Salisbury Plain, Wiltshire, is arguably one of England’s most famous landmarks and historical sites. Thought to have been constructed between 3000 BCE and 2000 BCE, this prehistoric arrangement of stones has astonished and mystified visitors and historians since time immemorial. Proposed functions for the site include usage as an astronomical observatory, a place to bury the dead, or as a pagan religious site. This English Heritage run site offers the full Stonehenge experience, providing knowledge and direction as you soak up the majestic atmosphere of the monument. A comprehensive visitors center welcomes over eight hundred thousand visitors a year.

Warwick Castle

Built by William The Conqueror in 1068, Warwick Castle embodies the quintessential image of England and its royal lineage. Located on the River Avon in the county of Warwickshire, this medieval castle has stood the test of time for nearly a thousand years. Originally a wooden structure built by conquering Normans in the 11th century, it now stands as unchanging stone. Over the past hundred and fifty years it has gained prominence as a tourist attraction and visitors can now view the perfectly preserved castle walls, a working portcullis, and room after room of historical artefacts. The collection of armour on display at Warwick Castle is regarded as second only to that of the Tower of London. During the summer months, Warwick Castle provides outdoor shows, one of which deploys a full working siege engine known as a trebuchet. The trebuchet fires flaming projectiles 100s of meters, to the awe of a watching crowd.

Hadrian’s Wall

Hadrian’s Wall is the perfect example of England’s Roman past, and the country’s role at the edge of an empire. The wall runs westward from Wallsend on the north-east coast, via Carlisle and Kirkandrews-on-Eden, finally finishing at Bowness-on-Solway at the north-west coast. The wall was constructed in the year AD 122 under the orders of Roman Emporer Hadrian. The wall itself was interwoven with forts along every mile, designed to keep the ‘barbarian tribes’ of Scotland - known as the Picts – from attacking Britanina’s frontier. Although the wall stretches a total of 84 miles, a visit to Housesteads Roman Fort offers the most dramatic site. This fort on the Hexham portion of the wall is the best-preserved Roman fort in all of England.      

Iron Bridge

The Iron Bridge lies in the heart of England’s historic industrial heartland in Shropshire, an area often seen as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. Constructed in 1779, this cast-iron bridge traverses the River Severn and Ironbridge gorge, and in doing so the first cast-iron bridge in the world was opened. Today, this UNESCO world heritage site is set in some of the most picturesque English countryside, offering visitors the perfect balance of Industrial history and idyllic green surroundings. A local museum provides a plethora of information on the construction of the bridge, and the local area itself has a long connection with the many aspects of England’s industrial revolution.

Your personal statement is a great way to show your passion for your chosen subject and let the institution you’re applying to know you are the perfect match for their course. You can show off what’s great about you, and the skills and experience you have that you will bring to the course and the university.

However, it can be hard to know where to start, and how to frame your skills and experience so you don’t sound arrogant, but while also ensuring you stand out from other applicants!

We know this sounds like a lot for a maximum 4000 characters, but don’t worry! As well as the eight tips below to help make your personal statement stand out, you can also use QS Leap to make writing your personal statement a whole lot easier!

QS Leap application builder provides a 15-page personalized report which outlines your personal and transferrable skills, and provides you with content and recommendations that inform you how to present this information effectively to make your application shine and increase your chances of getting selected.

Without further ado, read on for eight things you can do to make your personal statement stand out! 

1. Plan before you write

We know you’re eager to jump in and start writing, but as the old phrase goes; ‘failing to plan is planning to fail’. Before you start, briefly outline the points you want to make in your personal statement, and make sure you’re answering the questions; what, why and how. What do you want to study? Why do you want to study it? How do your skills and past experiences prove this?

A good way to do this is to come up with several key skills you have that you think will be relevant to studying your chosen subject and come up with examples of how you demonstrated these skills.

If you’re struggling to decide, try using QS Leap application builder. It will suggest key skills based on your personality type and suggest ways to embed these into your personal statement.

2. Format correctly

Careful formatting will make your personal statement appear neat and professional. To do this, separate it into paragraphs, making sure to include an introduction and conclusion. Each paragraph should discuss a different topic, so that, as a whole, your personal statement reads in a clear and fluid way.

For example:

Paragraph 1: Introduction

Paragraph 2: Academics

Paragraph 3: Why you’re interested and how you’ve demonstrated this

Paragraph 4: Hobbies and interests (including relevant work experience)

Paragraph 5: Conclusion

It’s important that each paragraph flows nicely into the next. QS Leap application builder will tailor personal advice as to what you should include in each paragraph of your personal statement to make each section sharp  and unforgettable to admissions officers.

3. Make your introduction clear and direct

Grab the attention of your reader from the start, with a strong opening sentence highlighting your main skills, as well as outlining why you are applying to this course.

It’s imperative that you are specific and get to the point quickly. Don’t spend time thinking up a catchy gimmick for your first line, and definitely don’t use the cliché ‘this is what I’ve wanted to do since I was little’. These things won’t impress admissions officers and are often extremely overused. But if you’re really struggling on how to start off an admissions application, QS Leap application builder gives excellent advice on how to go about it.

Lots of people find it easier to write the other paragraphs first and write the introduction and conclusion at the end. One trick to make your personal statement flow better is to link the introduction to the conclusion.

4. Include examples (but make sure they’re relevant)

Of course, it’s great if you’ve done lots of extracurricular activities, but remember to relate them back to the course – if they aren’t relevant, don’t include them.

For every statement you make, follow it up with a ‘so what?’. Ok, so you were on your school debating team. So what? Admission tutors reactions to this are likely to echo the lyrics of Shania Twain’s “that don’t impress me much.”

Follow up this statement by talking about the skills you therefore developed, as well as what you learnt from this experience. Perhaps this taught you how to develop a structured argument, which will be useful in an essay-based subject where you will need to approach a question critically and argue your point.

It can be tempting to try and jam in everything you’ve ever done but being selective is much more effective. You can always talk about all these other things in an interview, or when you’re applying for a job in the future. They will come in handy, just not right now!

5. Put the ‘personal’ in ‘personal statement’

Making your application personal, ensuring it doesn’t sound insincere or generic, is the winning ticket for your personal statement. What makes you unique? Don’t be afraid to think a little outside of the box. Admissions tutors read hundreds of personal statements, so saying something a little different will see your application dazzle from the masses.

Avoid including quotes from other people – admissions tutors want to hear what you have to say, not what Bill Gates once said.

6. If you’ve done your research – brag about it!

This sounds obvious but when writing a personal statement, it’s important to show your passion for the subject. If you’ve read any related books, talk briefly about what you learnt from them, and why they have developed your interest in the subject. If you’ve taken the time to read up on the subject, it shows admissions tutors you’re eager to expand your knowledge.

Although you should demonstrate your knowledge of the course – and how you’ve already started relevant research and reading – there’s no need for you to talk about everything you’ve ever read that may be slightly relatable. As ever, selectiveness is key. 4000 characters really isn’t very much, and it’s important not to waste them by rambling (or by showing off). 

7. Make your conclusion brief but informative

The conclusion is your final chance to make an impression on the admissions tutor. Use it to sum up and explore themes you have mentioned previously and apply them in a wider context. Decide what your main message is in your personal statement and reaffirm this in your conclusion.

As mentioned before, it’s quite nice to link your conclusion to your introduction paragraph. Refer back to something you said in your first paragraph and demonstrate how you’ve shown this throughout your personal statement.

Remember – the conclusion doesn’t need to be long – a sentence or two will be fine.

8. Proofread when you’re done

We can’t stress this enough. Check through your personal statement, then send it to a friend or family member to check through. It’s extremely easy to miss out mistakes in your own work, which is why it’s vital to have someone else read through it before you send it off.

The worst thing you can have in a personal statement is spelling mistakes. This is what will remain in the forefront of the reader’s mind while reading your personal statement, so don’t rely solely on spell check!

Sponsored by Duke-NUS Medical School

Although it may be small, Singapore has a big reputation for world-class medical education and research. From learning with innovative teaching methodologies, to being trained under an experienced clinical and research faculty, medicine is one of Singapore’s top academic disciplines.

Singapore’s rapid development over the span of just a generation has turned it into a thriving hub for education excellence that offers a quality of life that’s hard to rival.

Read on to find out why else you should study medicine in Singapore. 

Best of East meets West in medical education

Singapore has exceptional standards of education and is a leader in higher education in Asia and around the world, as demonstrated by its position in the QS Higher Education System Strength Rankings 2018.

So much so, that other top global institutions have looked to Singapore as the ideal location for setting up their own international campuses. Take Duke-NUS Medical School, for example. Situated in downtown Singapore, Duke-NUS Medical School is an international collaboration with the National University of Singapore and Duke University in Durham, North Carolina which are both ranked in the world’s top 25 universities according to the latest QS World University Rankings.

You’ll train under an experienced clinical and research faculty and be mentored at world-leading hospitals

Image credit: SingHealth

Duke-NUS Medical School has an established partnership with the largest public healthcare group in the country – Singapore Health Services (SingHealth), which is a huge benefit to medical students at Duke-NUS.

Students are mentored by distinguished and experienced research and clinical faculty, who develop their broader capabilities such as critical thinking, problem-solving and an entrepreneurial mindset.

“To be a successful medical educational institution of the future, we must also be able to help shape policies that affect Singaporeans and their healthcare needs. Our graduates will face ever expanding clinical and leadership challenges and they will need to be able to adapt to these emerging challenges,” sums up Professor Ian Curran, Duke-NUS’ Vice-Dean of Education.

You’ll be exposed to innovative teaching methodologies

Duke-NUS Medical School’s Doctor of Medicine program attracts a wide range of students from all over the world, and offers a rigorous medical curriculum to complement its fresh and innovative teaching methodology, TeamLEAD, which allows students to learn and think beyond rote memorization.

Tomasz Merta, who is currently studying in the Doctor of Medicine program, considers TeamLEAD to be a positive learning experience, saying: “The first thing we go through is a short quiz which we do individually first and then as a team, which is the most fun part as we get to really discuss and attack the questions as team.

“You feel the support from everyone, and it complements our knowledge within our teams. You learn better and consolidate your knowledge better,” Tomasz adds.

“The curriculum is rigorous and there’s a lot of self-learning involved, but you also discuss the content with your classmates – that’s the beauty of the program. Working as a group is an enjoyable experience,” says Samantha Toh, a second year Doctor of Medicine student at Duke-NUS Medical School.

You’ll have an education experience that that goes beyond the classroom

Although studying medicine can be incredibly challenging, it’s also very rewarding. The skills and experience you gain during your studies are highly transferable, allowing you to volunteer and work in new sectors and industries.

For example, Samantha is part of the logistics team at Camp Simba, which is a children’s camp for those with a family member or close loved one who has been diagnosed with cancer. The initiative has been run by students at Duke-NUS Medical School and Yong Loo Lin Medical School since 2009.

“It may not be clinically relevant, but I feel like during the journey you pick up skills along the way, and I believe the skills I’ve learnt and the experience I have volunteering for Camp Simba will really benefit me in my career,” says Samantha.

Duke-NUS Medical School students are also offered additional learning platforms, including working on community health screening projects where they can put theory into practice, as they interact with the local population and learn about their real-life healthcare challenges.

You’ll work and learn alongside peers from diverse backgrounds

Duke-NUS students come from diverse, academic and mid-career backgrounds. Han Tianzhuo, a second year, Doctor of Medicine student at Duke-NUS Medical School, is a good reflection of such diversity at Duke-NUS. Having completed his undergraduate degree in finance, Tianzhuo started a career in the banking sector, and after several years, being inspired by his father, decided to pursue medicine.

“Both my parents are doctors, so deep down inside, I have always wanted to be one too. And after studying and working in Singapore for many years, I have grown accustomed to the developed systems and efficient way of life here and feel that Duke-NUS is the best place to continue my studies,” says Tianzhuo.

Like Tianzhuo, many other students with varied and successful former careers in accountancy, psychology, journalism, nursing, engineering and law come to Duke-NUS to pursue a new academic path.

Singapore is a world leader in research

Ranked first in IMD’s 2019 World Competitiveness Rankings, second in the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Report for 2018 and fifth in the Global Innovation Index 2018, global reports continue to recognize Singapore as a world leader in research and innovation.

Whether you decide to specialize in cancer and stem cell biology, or neuroscience and behavioral disorders, or make radiological sciences your area of expertise, Singapore’s strong corporate reputation makes for even stronger industry links, leaving you with potentially prosperous career opportunities worldwide after graduating.

Singapore boasts a high quality of life

Singapore offers a quality of life that’s hard to rival, making it very worthy of its place as the 20^th best student city in the world according to the QS Best Student Cities 2019 rankings. Renowned for its inclusive nature and cosmopolitan experience – characterized by its cultural heritage of the east, and lifestyle of the west – Singapore is a melting pot of culture, religion and history.

Lead image credit: Duke-NUS Medical School

Sponsored by Newcastle University Business School

The world of work may seem a long way off for many university students, but the reality is that, within the next few years, you’ll be graduating with a degree in the hope of stepping into the world of work.

As much as university is about earning a degree, it’s becoming increasingly apparent that soon-to-be-graduates should also possess a bank of soft skills – all of which are critical to the modern workplace. So, what are universities doing to ensure their students are prepared?  

We spoke to Newcastle University Business School and prospective employers, including Lynn Bassett, who is the HR Director from Nike to find out more.

Today’s students are tomorrow’s workforce

Employers are recruiting candidates who are well-rounded and can demonstrate competence in soft skills, such as the ability to communicate well with others, show initiative and responsibility, as well as being able to work well in teams. What’s unfortunate in these circumstances, however, is that many fresh graduates who are actively applying for a job may not be successful due to their lack of soft skills. 

For example, those who wish to pursue a career in business will not only need to have an in-depth understanding of business systems, financial management and be able to analyze big data. They’ll also need to possess soft-skill competencies too, such as being able to communicate and negotiate complex information, as well as lead and motivate a team.

Soft skills are as vital as hard skills

If you can’t project manage a team where team morale and motivation needs to stay high, or effectively communicate a problem or solution with a client, you’re going to struggle.

“A productive and healthy work environment depends on soft skills,” says Lynn Bassett.

“The workplace is an interpersonal space where relationships must be built and fostered, perspectives must be exchanged, and occasionally conflicts must be resolved – all of which rely on someone with soft skills to enable them to function and thrive in teams and in organizations as a whole.”

Soft skills are essentially character traits, and are sometimes referred to as transferable skills, whereas hard skills are easier to define and evaluate, for example, data analysis, or financial management.

The ability to demonstrate a good work ethic, compassion, understanding diversity, emotional intelligence, as well as being able to value and appreciate differences are just some examples of soft skills which employers actively seek in potential hires.

“These softer skills and dispositions are critical for a talent to be naturally inclined to grow themselves and the business.

“They are also critical in helping to create an environment of inclusivity and empathy, in which we expect people to work together as one team; supporting each other in doing meaningful work,” adds Lynn.

So, re-designing the university curriculum by integrating the teaching of employability skills is hugely beneficial for students.

How and why you need to develop your soft skills

Job advertisements make it very clear what they want in an ideal candidate. But what about soft skills? What are employers expecting there? According to the Workplace Learning Report, there is significant evidence in the rise of soft skills in leadership and the value in this trend for the future of work.

Dr. Fiona Robson, Director of Education Enhancement and Employability at Newcastle University Business School believes that the development of soft skills is “essential in equipping students for the future of work and preparing them for their graduate careers.

“It’s essential for business schools to meet the needs of employers, particularly at a time when there is much debate about what jobs in the future will look like.”

Consequently, higher education institutions are taking it upon themselves to teach ‘employability’ alongside traditional degrees in order to prepare students for the world of work after they graduate – which is of great benefit to not just graduates, but potential employers too as Lynn explains:

“If a student has gained an understanding of these skills and hopefully put some of them in to practice whilst studying at university, it helps them differentiate themselves in the recruitment process.

“When asked competency questions, they can call on specific examples of where they have understood these core skills and put them into practice. In addition, it also provides a head start when they transition into the workplace.”

 At Newcastle University Business School, for example, students can develop their leadership skills, employability, confidence, and network as well as their organizational resilience. These graduate attributes are developed throughout their high quality academic degrees, with input from industry and professional accrediting bodies.  Students can develop these skills by getting involved with ‘added value’ activity such as the Common Purpose Future Leader Experience, and events such as the Employability Program or Gain a Global Advantage Conference.

Current BSc in Marketing and Management student, Kristyna Kröblová took part in the Future Leader Experience and told us how she felt about the experience: 

“I have definitely become more aware of the true and vastly varied meaning(s) of the term ‘leader’. It was eye-opening to work in such multi-cultural teams and it really taught me to think about how to work in such an environment.

“I made valuable connections, some friendly and some potentially beneficial for my professional career and I have gained an incredible access to a wider worldwide alumni network of Common Purpose.”

The ease of blending leadership development and soft skills alongside degree learning encompasses the entire concept of ‘whole student development’ – something which Naomi Oosman-Watts, Assistant Director for the Careers Service at Newcastle University, considers essential.

“Employers are likely to look for graduates who already display a good range of well developed ‘soft skills’ and are able to integrate quickly into the workplace.

“A key part of the university experience for students should be engaging with the whole experience in order to develop a range of graduate attributes in different contexts curricular and extracurricular – this will allow them to demonstrate to employers that they have a well-rounded profile and are able to quickly adapt and apply their skills to different situations.” 

Along with the UK, the US contains the largest number of student cities featured in the QS Best Student Cities ranking in 2019, with both countries claiming 14 top student cities (one more than in 2018).

Despite the large number of student cities featured, the US cities’ poor performance in the affordability indicator means there are currently no US cities featuring in the top 10 of the best student cities ranking in 2019.

Nevertheless, the US performs remarkably well in other rankings; particularly the QS World University Rankings® 2020, where the US claims half of the top 10 universities in the world.

The Best Student City rankings are based on six indicators; university rankings, student mix, desirability, employer activity, affordability and student view. You can find out more about these indicators in the methodology here. Read on to find out about the 10 highest ranked student cities in the US in 2019.

10. San Diego

Up four places this year, San Diego is ranked 76^th in the Best Student Cities ranking 2019. With perfect sunny weather and sunsets to die for, as well as a relaxing laid-back surf vibe, it’s unsurprising San Diego earns one of its highest scores (49^th) is in the desirability indicator.

The city’s highest ranked university is the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), placing 45^th in the world university rankings.

San Diego is also home to the world-famous San Diego Zoo, plenty of gorgeous beaches and the 1,200 Balboa Park – so there’s always something to entertain students.

9. Pittsburg

In 9^th place we have Pittsburg, ranking 67^th this year. Pittsburg contains two excellent universities; Carnegie Mellon University and University of Pittsburgh, which place 48^th and joint 140^th respectively, and consequently earns an impressive 28^th place in the university ranking indicator.

The city is very picturesque, with a beautiful skyline, and plenty of museums and theatres to choose from. In the student survey, one student remarked that they enjoyed “the city’s culture and environment” and also its “diversity”. 

8. Washington DC

The capital of the US, and named after the nation’s first president and founding father George Washington, Washington DC is stooped in history. Coming in at eighth on our list of top student cities, Washington DC places 63^rd overall in the QS Best Student Cities ranking 2019. 

This famous city contains five universities featured in the QS World University Rankings® 2020, including the University of Maryland, College Park (ranking 136^th) and Georgetown University (226^th).

The city earns its highest score in the desirability indicator; with its collection of monuments and landmarks, acclaimed theatres and historic towns, this is hardly a surprise. If you’re looking for something to do in your free time, take a trip to the White House, go and see the Washington Monument or pay a visit to the impressive Lincoln memorial – the possibilities are endless.

7. Philadelphia

Next is Philadelphia, which placed 62^nd in the QS Best Student Cities ranking this year. The city contains three universities featuring in the rankings – including the University of Pennsylvania in 15^th place. Philadelphia’s highest score is in the university rankings indicator, in 21^st place.

Philadelphia has a great deal of history behind it – where the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776 and also where the Liberty Bell is housed.

6. Atlanta

The capital and most populated city in the state of Georgia, Atlanta, is home to over five million people, including 63,000 students. Atlanta rose five places this year to place 57^th in the Best Student Cities ranking.

It’s home to lots of successful companies, including the Coca Cola Company, United Parcel Service (UPS) and Holiday Inn. There are, therefore, plenty of employment prospects for students at Atlanta’s universities. Consequently, the city scores well in the employer activity ranking.

However, the city’s top score is earned in the university ranking indicator, where the city rises two places this year to 30^th, due to its three universities that feature in this year’s world university ranking. The highest placing university in Atlanta is the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) in 44^th place, followed by Emory University (joint 156^th) and Georgia State University (701-750^th).

5. Chicago

Reaching the top five now, we have Chicago, coming in at 41^st. Known as ‘The Windy City’, Chicago scores strongly across several indicators, placing in 26^th place in the employer activity indicator, reflecting the city’s outstanding reputation with graduate employers.  

In our student survey, students said they admired the city’s “culture and friendliness” and the abundance of “tourist spots and restaurants”.

Chicago is also home to an impressive five universities, including the University of Chicago (10^th) and Northwestern University (31^st).

4. San Francisco

In fourth place is San Francisco, rising three places to rank 35^th in the Best Student Cities ranking.

The city is home to three world-ranked universities, including two that are part of the prestigious Ivy League group;  Stanford University (ranking second) and University of California, Berkeley (UCB, 28^th). Its high caliber of institutions means that San Francisco’s highest score is earned in the employer activity indicator, rising four places this year to rank 11^th.

San Francisco is also home to a multitude of successful companies, including Apple, Facebook and IBM, so this too, may have a part to play in the city’s high score for employment activity.

3. Los Angeles

Rising ten places this year to 25^th is LA. Known affectionately as ‘The City of Angels’ and the ‘Creative Capital of the World’, Los Angeles is also the home of Hollywood. The city contains three ranked universities, including California Institute of Technology (Caltech, ranked fifth) and University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA, joint 35^th).

Los Angeles’ most improved score this year is in the student rank indicator, where it rises 32 places to place 19^th. A respondent of the student survey said “there is such a broad spectrum of things to do, especially with the city being in such close proximity to the beach and mountains.”

2. New York

New York is ranked 19^th in the Best Student Cities ranking this year. NY has the largest overall population of all the featured US cities this year, with 20,321,000 people. 1.5 percent of these (or 51,300) are students – meaning that the city scores well in the diversity indicator.

The city also scores well in the student view indicator and the ranking indicator. New York boasts no fewer than 10 universities featured in the world rankings, including two Ivy League universities; Columbia University and New York University, which rank joint 18^th and 39^th respectively.

1. Boston

The number one student city this year is, once again, Boston, in 12^th place! The city is home to eight universities in total, including two of the top three universities in the world; Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard University, ranking first and third respectively in the QS World University Rankings® 2020.

The city performs well in all the indicators, especially the employer activity indicator, where it comes second. It also scores well in the university rankings rank, where it ranks sixth – indicating that Boston’s graduates are highly sought after by employers.