Student from Moscow about the master's degree at De Montfort University

EI: hi, Cyril! Tell us a little about yourself. How is it that you were in England?

My name is Cyril, I'm 24 years old and I am from Moscow. I graduated from an ordinary secondary school in Moscow, after which he enrolled In the MSTU. Bauman. Study at the faculty of "Engineering Business and Management", I learned about the possibility of the program of "double diplomas" in the framework of implementation of joint international research projects and educational programs. This means that during the period of study in MGTU im. Bauman, you can obtain two diplomas, one of which a diploma of bachelor or master of De Montfort University. Moreover, the period of training in England to obtain a bachelor's degree in this program is one year, as well as for the master. No contest for participation in the program is not carried out, and it is available to everyone and at his own expense. In the end, I decided to go to England for a program to obtain a master's degree.

EI: In what year were you admitted to the De Montfort University? Was it your first choice University or have you served somewhere else? Why De Montfort University? What attracted you to this University?

In April 2014, as every year, in the MSTU. Bauman came to the representatives of De Montfort University to talk with students about studying in England and take exam, wanting to do (DATE-test: De Montfort University Academic Test of English). This exam is structurally very similar to the IELTS test and its successful completion guarantees admission to De Montfort. A necessary condition to obtain at least 6.5 points for the test (by the way, the results of test DATE canceling the need for the IELTS test, and when applying for a visa you can use a certificate with the results of the test DATE). Those who got less than 6.5 points the test result are encouraged to be preselective English language courses in the De Monfort University. Courses start in August and last month. I would recommend them to those who passed the test of 6.5 and above because one of the main objectives of the courses prepare students for upcoming learning, namely, writing of reports, papers, essays in an academic style, group work and presentations. It is very important for international students because, for example, the educational process in Russia is different from English.

Since I came to study in De Montfort on the proposal from MGTU im. Bauman, I didn't applied to other universities in the UK. However, considering the other British institutions of higher education, De Montfort University, I was attracted by the fact that it provides quality education at comparable universities in England low price. The University has an excellent web site, where available described not only the curriculum but also all the questions concerning both educational process and preparation for it.

EI: How did you enter University? Tell us about your experience.

After the date DATE-test was also needed to fill in the application form to which to attach the translation of a high school diploma, higher education diploma (for incoming master's degree students in DMU), reference and cover letter. Having received a positive response from De Montfort (unconditional letter), I had all the documents to apply for a visa.

EI: if you are Faced with any difficulties when entering University as a foreign student? If so, tell us about it in more detail.

The difficulties and problems that may arise when applying to University in England – it's mostly issues with time. My advice to all applicants is to do everything in a timely manner and in advance. The course for which I received started in September (In De Montfort also has a master's program, beginning with January), but I had to go prednestrovye courses starting in August. Due to the fact that the Tier 4 visa made last month, I had serious concerns that I will not have time to obtain a visa and to get on the course, without which I cannot be admitted to the master's program. I decided to do two. The first thing to catch presemester courses, I applied for multi entry visa (multivisa, you can apply urgently, but it is not suitable for study at master). The visa I received in less than two weeks and went to school. After presemester courses in early September, I had less than twenty days prior to the start of basic training to master. I immediately applied for your Tier 4 visa. Sorry, I'm a little late (10 days) to the beginning of the school year, but, nevertheless, all ended well. It should be noted that the De Montfort University supported a visa, for example, gave me a letter for the visa officers that I will take to the course despite the potential delay in receiving visa.

EI: does the De Montfort University scholarships for international students? Do you know of students that have received scholarships?

The University offers scholarships for bachelor graduates in continuing their education for master's degree and for international students depending on their academic performance at their previous place of study. Sorry, I'm not familiar with the students who received scholarships. But on the University website in detail painted how to get a scholarship, and what are the necessary requirements for this.

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EI: what program are you studying? What are your impressions of the program? If you have a favorite subject, teacher?

I am studying on the masters programme in international business and Finance - International Business And Finance MSc. Experience program a positive one: despite the fact that the learning process lasts only one academic year, it is built in such a way that upon graduation students possess the necessary knowledge and practices of contemporary business. For me especially valuable were the skills to generate and analyze financial statements of enterprises, I believe that this is a key and necessary knowledge for those who plan to work in the field of Finance in international organizations. Can't single out a favorite subject and teacher are all good in their own way, each teacher's individual approach to the subject, and all this is very different from the teaching style in Russia. For example, in the first semester of the course Accounting For Managers conducted a simulation of business management as close as possible to the actual conditions (Business Simulation Game). In fact it was managing a large manufacturing enterprise with the solution of tactical, strategic and operational tasks, i.e. all that which confronted the management of any large Corporation.

EI: Who is learning with you in your program? A lot of foreigners, Russian-speaking students? Were you able to have close friends, and who they are – Russian-speaking foreigners, the British? With whom it is easier to find a common language?

The program International Business And Finance MSc is very popular among foreign students. It may seem that the majority of students here - it's the Chinese, the Indians and the British. However, you can also find a large number of students from Europe, Africa and even America. Russian students in my program, unfortunately, was not. It is worth noting that circle of friends is not limited to students studying with you in one program. Many things learning occurs with students from other programs such as: Global MBA, International Business And HR, Accounting And Finance, and others.

The University has a lot of group work, when you work together with other students, and you receive an overall grade. Working on a common task, it is not difficult to find a common language and make friends no matter where they are.

EI: What do you do in your free time at University? Are you in any student clubs? Tell us a little about it.

Unfortunately, the duration of the masters programme is only one year, and in order to get the most from education in the UK, most of the time I dedicated to studying. In this regard, I have not had time to appreciate more than 120 student community that provides the University student Council DSU (De Montfort Student Union). However, many of my classmates are actively participating in events organized by the student Council, attend sports clubs and sections, the University has an excellent sports centre. In the framework of Explore UK the University offers a variety of tours to attractions in the UK and even Europe.

EI: Tell us a little bit about Leicester. What are the pros and cons you see for yourself? Easy to find housing, jobs, convenient transportation, and how rich night life of Leicester?

Leicester is situated almost in the middle of England, road to London takes less than two hours by train and just over two on the bus. Transport runs regularly. If You are arriving before the course starts in January or September, a free bus takes You from the London airport to the University.

Public transport use was not necessary, since the University is a ten minute walk from the town centre, main sights and shops. Aside from DMU is a University of Leicester. Due to the fact that the city has two big universities, the problems with housing there, especially if you book accommodation in advance, before the beginning of the school year. DMU offers nine dormitories with different accommodation conditions. It so happened that during my studies I managed to live in three different places. The first was the dormitory of the University of New Wharf Hall. I lived there during the preparatory courses prior to the study. The campuses of the University a great place to stay: the way will not take more than five minutes. For the academic year I had booked a Studio room through one of the many agencies in the city offering accommodation to students. Because my Studio was not ready by the beginning of the school year, the Agency offered me temporary accommodation in another hostel in the city centre on Belvoir street. This is one of those streets in Leicester which is full of clubs and bars and at night which block the movement of vehicles for the convenience of the nightlife lovers. Then, I finally moved into the Studio in one of the townhouses in a quiet area. All places that managed to stay was memorable and good in their own way.

Not to mention the dignity of Leicester that the eponymous football team plays in the Premier League, and it will be a plus for sports fans, when 15 minutes from the University of the matches are one of the most popular football tournaments.

EI: Tell us where you are working, in what capacity? Do you think your education at the De Montfort University helped you obtain this job?

A limit on the number of working hours for students under the Tier 4 visa is not more than 10 hours in school hours, and not more than 20 in extracurricular. At the moment I can't fully work as yet graduated. However, I believe that higher education in England will help to get a job in Russia, especially in international companies and abroad. The De Montfort University helps students in finding employment: each semester hosts events such as Employability Week (job fair, seminars on preparing for interviews and resume writing, etc.) and Frontrunners Internships (an opportunity to work within the University and to get initial practice and experience for future employment).

EI: Thank you so much for this interview! What would you like to say in closing to our readers?

Finally I would like to say that even the most prestigious University in the UK can't give anything if not to be able to take what you need.

So, if You want to go to study in England, you must imagine what You want to get in the end from higher education abroad, and why it is impossible to obtain in Russia. Having experience of teaching in one of the best universities of Russia, I can't downplay the importance of the quality of Russian education, which more thoroughly in terms of theory and coverage of basic disciplines, while the education in England is more aimed at self-development of students. That is, the quality of education received in the UK will largely depend on You.

In any case, education in England is a priceless new experience in life, it is everyday language practice with native speakers, it is new useful and interesting acquaintances. In the end, it is an opportunity to become a specialist on the international level. Training at the De Montfort University fully met my expectations from education in the UK. Here everyone will find what he needs.

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