Postgraduate Admissions – all of your questions answered

This episode focusses on the Postgraduate Admissions process and answers lots of questions prospective students may have, important dates and documents required.

What is Ask Aberdeen?

Thinking about applying to university? Want to hear from current students at the University of Aberdeen? Join our hosts as they interview students and staff alike, asking the questions you want to hear answers to, and find out more about the University of Aberdeen.

Speaker 1: [00:00:02] Hi, everyone. I'm Emily. I'm the regional manager for sub-Saharan Africa. [00:00:05][3.6]

Speaker 2: [00:00:07] Hi, everyone. My name is Ron Peter, and I'm the international officer for the sub-Saharan region. [00:00:11][4.0]

Speaker 3: [00:00:12] Hi, everyone. I'm blessing. I'm the country manager for the University of Aberdeen and I'm based in Nigeria. [00:00:17][5.2]

Speaker 1: [00:00:18] Welcome to our University of Aberdeen West Africa podcast series. We're going to talk about lots of relevant and interesting topics which we hope you find useful. Join us for this week's episode. Hi everyone and welcome to this week's episode of our podcast. We are really lucky to be joined by Aishat today, who works in the postgraduate admissions team. Welcome. [00:00:46][27.3]

Speaker 4: [00:00:48] Hi everyone and welcome to today's podcast. [00:00:50][1.6]

Speaker 2: [00:00:51] Hi everyone. Welcome to our next series of podcast. [00:00:54][2.6]

Speaker 3: [00:00:55] Hello everyone. Thank you for joining our West Africa series today. [00:00:58][3.0]

Speaker 1: [00:01:00] Okay, great. We are off to a fun start. So, Aishat, why don't you start by telling us a little bit about yourself, please? [00:01:07][6.8]

Speaker 4: [00:01:12] Okay. Thanks. Thanks again. Hi, everyone. My name is Aishat. I am one of the Post-Graduate admissions officers here at the University of Aberdeen. And as you can tell from my name and my accent, I am from Nigeria and I grew up in Nigeria and moved here to the UK in 2012. When I came in to do my master's here in Aberdeen as well, but that from Robert Gordon University and I've been in Aberdeen ever since and previously worked at the bank and here in Aberdeen in one of the banks on the Union Street. From there I moved to RGU within the international office and now I'm working with the University of Aberdeen within the admissions team. And it's lovely to be here, lovely to be able to support you guys on your journey to studying in the UK and I look forward to doing a lot more of these in the future. [00:02:06][54.3]

Speaker 1: [00:02:07] Amazing. Thank you. So where abouts in Nigeria are you from? [00:02:10][3.0]

Speaker 4: [00:02:13] So I'm mixed actually. So I'm, I'm half Hausa and half over Igbo. So my dad's from Borno State and my mum's from Igbo State, so I speak both. So two out of the three languages in Nigeria. That's how I knew about. Well, but I mean. But I grew up in Lagos. [00:02:28][15.2]

Speaker 3: [00:02:30] That's interesting. I cannot speak any and I mean you both. So that's really nice to know. So was there any form of culture shock for a Nigerian who, you know, had arrived in Aberdeen for the first time? [00:02:41][11.5]

Speaker 4: [00:02:43] For me, it wasn't really because my sister had previously studied here at the University of Aberdeen, so I used to visit her a lot when she was studying here. My world was my fiancee then, but my husband and I also studied at the University of Aberdeen and again I used to visit both of them, not my fiancee and I used to visit Aberdeen a lot before actually moving here. So I would see maybe really not much of a culture shock because I'd been, you know, interacting with people from here and before my family came here to study at university in Aberdeen, but in the UK previously. So it wasn't really, it wasn't a it wasn't so much of a shock for me, but it was definitely new, especially with the weather because most times when I was visiting it was during the summer obviously. So I didn't really experience the cold weather, but when I moved here it was I think that's one thing I would say was something I had to struggle with. But apart from that, I think everything else was. It just went by so smoothly for me. So maybe I was just lucky. [00:03:51][67.9]

Speaker 3: [00:03:53] Okay. So had just that adjust on to the weather. [00:03:55][2.3]

Speaker 4: [00:03:56] Oh, yes, yes. I mean, I don't think I could live anywhere else like I am. So I don't like heat at all. Like I'm literally dreading the summer coming in. I mean, it's maybe the weirdest thing to see. That's not why I don't like heat. That's all. [00:04:08][12.0]

Speaker 3: [00:04:09] I. [00:04:09][0.0]

Speaker 4: [00:04:09] Do prefer. I think April-May is usually my best time of the spring when it's not too warm and not extremely cold, and we have adjusted to it so far. And I mean, it's almost ten,. Yeah. [00:04:21][11.4]

Speaker 3: [00:04:21] So yeah, I say you've. [00:04:24][2.7]

Speaker 1: [00:04:25] Lived in Aberdeen longer than I have, so you are more you are more Aberdonian than me. [00:04:29][4.5]

Speaker 4: [00:04:33] That's great. Yeah. [00:04:34][0.8]

Speaker 1: [00:04:35] Okay, well, why don't we delve into some admissions queries? Because I'm sure that our postgraduate audience is listening and are keen to know and lots of the things that we're going to grill you about Aishat. So do you want to start by telling us the deadlines for postgraduate admissions, just like I would? Please. [00:04:52][17.7]

Speaker 4: [00:04:54] Yes. So I would just give me 2 seconds. I'll just pick that up quickly. And so at the moment, I take it most people who really want to come and study must have applied already. So applied already. I hope so. So if you intend to study in Aberdeen come September, then we expect that you've applied already. So at the moment, the deadline to accept your offers if you have got your offers already is the 26th of August. But all the deadlines will be to to apply itself. Application deadline is 11th of July. So if you haven't applied, please make sure you get your applications in as soon as possible. And we aim to have all of us out before the end of before the end of the month of July. And with regards to accepting your offers, firstly, yeah, except you are offer by the 26th of August if you've got your offer already and as well as any other outstanding documents that we've requested from yourself. And so that includes the financial guarantee form and your acceptance forms as well. We expect fingers crossed. We're hoping to have all formal decisions emailed to all applicants by the 19th of August. So that's why we're saying when we have all the offers out to you, please make sure you respond by the 26th of August so that we can get everything all done that you guys cleared and in time for starting your course in September. Yeah that's it for the of key dates for September 2022. [00:06:28][94.3]
Speaker 1: [00:06:29] Great. And maybe we could also emphasise, just as you did at the beginning there, that it's really important that students try to do this as soon as possible because the turnaround for Atas getting your TB results and also applying for Visa in Nigeria is quite tight. So the sooner that you can get this in, the better. [00:06:50][20.5]

Speaker 4: [00:06:51] Yeah, absolutely. [00:06:52][0.8]

Speaker 2: [00:06:54] Aishat how an applicant can apply for postgraduate studies at University of Aberdeen. [00:06:58][4.5]

Speaker 4: [00:06:58] I mean, online and online, we try as much as possible to encourage that. You use the online application form. I mean, I'd like to think that it's really, really user friendly, even though the interface is user friendly and it only takes a couple of pages for you to complete your application, and it's really easy for you to upload your documents as well. So online is the easiest way for you to apply, if for any reason at all. You cannot access the online form, which I doubt ever happens. Then please reach out to the admissions team and, you know, get your application in some other way. [00:07:33][34.6]

Speaker 1: [00:07:35] I also just want to hop in and add if students don't want to apply themselves, they can apply through one of our very trusted agents in Nigeria or in Ghana. They're all listed on our website and Blessing is also our in-country manager. So she's on hand any time to answer queries and point you in the right direction. Aishat, what kind of documents do students need to have in place if they want to make an application with us? [00:08:03][28.2]

Speaker 4: [00:08:04] So the most important ones would be, of course, the academic credentials. So your degree certificates and the transcripts as much as possible, we don't want we won't be able to accept notification of results or statement of results. We need the final degree certificates and as much as possible. transcripts are also very important because we will want making the decision to offer applications. We want to see what kind of subjects that you've studied in the past, and particularly for master's programmes. We want to see what you've studied in your previous degree, where your strengths are and, you know, based on a decision on that. So your academic transcripts, your final degree certificates, your proof of English language depending on where you're applying from, I take it, you know, of course, West Africa, you'd need to prove your English language proficiency. And at the moment we accept secure English language test. Well, we also accept and WAEC from Ghana and Nigeria as well. And please note that with English language requirements, we only take into consideration the most recent English language test. So I wouldn't say more than that, but make sure you're submitting the most recent tests where you have passed and met the requirements and don't submit more than one document if possible, because it can just complicate things again. I won't say that I know blessing those. Well, what I mean by that, you know, I mean, I know students tend to send a lot of documents not knowing which one would would would be acceptable. Please always just send us the most recent one where you have met the entry requirements. [00:09:41][97.6]

Speaker 3: [00:09:43] Yeah, I agree. Yes. Okay. So yeah, back to the applications for our students who are looking to defer maybe because of financial constraints. How many times are they are allowed to defer the admission with us? [00:09:57][14.8]

Speaker 4: [00:09:59] At the moment, I don't think there's a limit to how many times they can defer. And so I'm not aware of any any any limit to the number of times I can defer. And to defer is really easy. Sometimes when you're accepting the offer, there's a link with which says that you can defer your your offer as well if you feel you're not able to make it in time for that and for that intake. Well, again, we always recommend that if you should be sure that you're absolutely able to join us as by term. But again, it reduces the workload for us and helps us to serve you better if you're sending us loads of applications. No, just send it in without any sort of guarantees at all. Things happen, you know, things way beyond people's control and you know, do you have to defer for what it needs to be a very, very genuine reason that it's making you do for your your your your offer within those defer offers for the sake of it and make it different every single year. It affects you know, it causes backlog and it doesn't let us, you know, help those students who are looking to come and study. [00:11:06][67.2]

Speaker 3: [00:11:07] Okay. Thank you. So I have another question for you. I know this may not be you may not give like an accurate answer. I spent the time for which students should expect feedback on the applications as well. Could you give us like an estimate that saying would it take three weeks or a month? What is applicable for students who are waiting to get the are in to get decisions on the applications? How long do they have to wait for? [00:11:29][22.5]

Speaker 4: [00:11:30] Right. So again, I like what they said they were no accurate I for this because it takes atleat month it's taking I mean at least a month I've being honest and that's because of the backlog of applications. There's so many applications you have to go through and ideally it should be only a couple of weeks. In the very normal circumstances. But like I said, the volume of applications you've received this year for September 2022 and January 23 have been, you know, very, very it's it's I don't know. It's I can't even say the numbers. It's really, really overwhelming. But I. [00:12:06][36.2]

Speaker 3: [00:12:07] Think there should be a good. [00:12:07][0.7]

Speaker 4: [00:12:08] We can see that. We can see how. [00:12:10][1.9]

Speaker 3: [00:12:12] But the volume of applications you've seen, I think that should be a good thing. Right. So that's you know, I think before. [00:12:16][4.8]

Speaker 4: [00:12:18] We love the applications, keep them coming in, the application is coming in. But it's just to kind of, you know, set expectations and let people know that, you know, we're not just. Sitting around sipping coffee all the time. We are doing with time for people to get us out as much as we can, and we're doing everything we can to make sure that it's time we know that, you know, it's especially international students. Time is very important and some people have to apply for scholarships. So we'll have to start getting that funding ready. And all of that visa application is taking ages as well. So we know all of this and we're working really hard to ensure that we are not, you know, impacted by and, you know, the processing of applications as well. [00:12:58][40.5]

Speaker 3: [00:12:59] All right. Thank you. [00:12:59][0.6]

Speaker 1: [00:13:02] I would also like to add that I think it's really great that even although the amount of workload is ginormous for our admissions team, it is amazing to see the amount of interest from Nigeria and Ghana in coming to study at Aberdeen, which also means that you will have lots of people in your class. Hopefully that will also be from West Africa, which is also really nice and leading on from kind of the number of applications we've received. Are students are allowed to apply for multiple courses. Yes. When they make an application, absolutely. [00:13:38][35.8]

Speaker 4: [00:13:39] There's no limit to the number of programmes you want you can apply for. And and we will, you know, where possible issue offers for all our programmes that you've applied for as long as you're eligible and to requirements. The only thing we would say is not accept an offer for if you're not ultimately sure that that's the one that you want to go for. So if you have five offers, for example, please make sure that you are very sure the way you want to go for and accept that offer. You can accept more than one of them, but you can apply to as many programmes as you want to. [00:14:09][30.1]

Speaker 1: [00:14:11] And so can applicants get an unconditional offer once they meet all of their conditions. [00:14:15][4.1]

Speaker 4: [00:14:17] And yes, so I mean, again, right from application, if you've submitted all the right documents, you've met all the entry requirements, you've met the academic entry requirements and English language requirements, you get an unconditional offer straight away, but it doesn't mean that that's you ready to start your course. There's still additional checks that we need to do and during clearing to make sure that everything is right before we can issue the CAS. So in some cases, we might be glad to see your financial evidence, proof that you have the funds to pay the fees and to support yourself while you're studying here. And we might also we would also need to, you know, confirm that you have done your TB test and received a satisfactory result as well. So unconditional offer you get that's as long as you've met the academic entry requirements and English language requirements. But it doesn't mean that that's you straight in. There's still some additional things that we need to check with you before you can and will register. [00:15:10][53.3]

Speaker 2: [00:15:13] So to make it clear if the applicant met all the conditions stated in the offer, whether our admissions team will let them know that that offer has turned unconditional. [00:15:22][9.0]
Speaker 4: [00:15:23] Yes, so and so usually when when an applicant submits their application, if they've not met all the requirements that I mentioned earlier, the academic and English ones, they get a conditional offer, but then when they upload certain documents, you meet their conditions, then we get notified and so we will send a new offer letter. Most times we just send an email to, you know, to let them know that you've made the document that you've submitted. It has met the condition, you know, your your offers now conditional. So they just move them on straight to the clearing, your clearance stage. [00:15:57][33.9]

Speaker 3: [00:15:57] You mention the CAS shots. I'm sure most of our listeners, if not all, would like to know what that means and how it is relevant to the admissions at Aberdeen. Could you please draw more light on that? [00:16:08][10.3]

Speaker 4: [00:16:09] Of course, yeah. So, I mean, pass is like the golden ticket and everything, you know, all of this is, you know, for you to get across. So and the full form of CAS is confirmation of acceptance of studies and it comes in like a statement form and it has a unique number and for every single, you know, applicant so you get your CAS once you've met all the requirements, we're confident that you're able to fund your study, support yourself by studying here. Well, yeah, that's I said it's a good it's a good that's like a golden ticket. That's the email everybody wants to receive at the end of all of this. Yes. [00:16:45][36.8]

Speaker 1: [00:16:46] How many times can CAS be updated so students have access info to be put onto that? Is there a limit? [00:16:52][5.7]

Speaker 4: [00:16:53] No. But again, as much as possible, I think it only depends on what you're trying to change. So things like maybe your passport number has changed if the passport you applied with to the university, the passport we hold them on file for you has, you know, maybe is no longer valid at the time that you've received your car or I'm trying to apply for your visa. We can amend the CAS if circumstances have changed. Name change, for example. There's a few things where, you know, we would readily change the CAS for students, but. And we wouldn't just change the CAS because, you know, something is sort of has decided to change the course, for example, at the very last minute. It has to be a very genuine reason. That's the the number of times that you can change the CAS. I want to see I would see this no limit because it will have genuine reasons for requesting these changes. Sometimes a student has gotten to the CAS staged, if you see that course. And for some reason, I mean, we saw a lot of this during the movie. People kind of, you know, make it. You can't even apply for a visa. Of course, something has happened. We will reissue the CAS. We'll just cancel the CAS, move, defer further offer to whenever they're ready to come back. And we will read what is issued in the CAS at that point as well. [00:18:02][68.1]

Speaker 1: [00:18:03] Great. And they cannot do anything with the class if it has been used for the visa, is that correct? [00:18:08][5.1]

Speaker 4: [00:18:08] No. You cannot do anything because so as long as the course has not been used, the number has not been touched. We are we can we can always amend it or, you know, constantly move it forward to the next intake. So then. [00:18:19][11.0]

Speaker 1: [00:18:20] Okay, great. And should an applicant wait 24 hours to use the course when it's issued, or can it be used immediately? [00:18:27][6.8]

Speaker 4: [00:18:29] CAS can be used immediately. So once the numbers generated under the system I have been issued to do to the student. It's already life and we can apply for a visa immediately. [00:18:38][8.9]

Speaker 1: [00:18:39] Okay, great. And I do know that there are some subjects that require excess, things like atas. And can you explain a little bit about atas and why it is required for some of the postgraduate programmes? Please. [00:18:52][13.1]

Speaker 4: [00:18:54] Yeah, of course. So. Atas. Its good for those who don't know is the academic technology approval scheme and this only so not all students would require atas certificates and if you do require one, it will be stated and it will be mentioned in your offer letter when you apply for those. No, you know something? Students who would need it, it's for those subjects who are subject to immigration control. And so and a number of the engineering courses required and a few other courses as well. And of course, if you're coming to the UK to study like sensitive subjects, you will need to apply for an atas certificate. So and lots of information on the website and all it takes. If you just go on a Aberdeen website at abdn.ac.uk and you'll find all the information you need on there. [00:19:42][47.8]

Speaker 1: [00:19:43] Wonderful. Thank you. I have a question. [00:19:45][2.3]

Speaker 4: [00:19:46] Okay. [00:19:46][0.0]

Speaker 1: [00:19:47] I have a question. So I often get asked by students who already have a masters degree and they might have studied in the UK doing a masters I'm aware that that are due to visa regulations. The academic progression is really important. So can a student who who has already studied a master's degree, whether that be in Nigeria and Ghana or elsewhere in the world, come to study another master's degree at Aberdeen. [00:20:12][25.3]

Speaker 4: [00:20:14] Of course. Yeah, they can apply. They consistently apply to study and it doesn't guarantee. I mean, each application is treated on a case by case basis. And as long as, you know, we can become evidence in their personal statements, you know, how the course of studying this, this masters degree after studying another master's degree can help the long term, you know, gov rules and things like that? We don't we don't stop them from applying. So if you have a masters degree either from the UK or previously from the home country, you're more than welcome to apply. We accept which application every application on a case by case basis. [00:20:49][35.8]

Speaker 1: [00:20:50] That's great. Thank you for clarifying that. And I also know that some students might look at our website and think, oh, that's that's different. We offer MSc taught degrees and master of research degrees. Could you please like tell us a little bit about the difference and maybe if the requirements for applying to those degrees are different as well? [00:21:12][21.7]

Speaker 4: [00:21:13] Of course. And so with the taught master's and usually. So I think the main difference between to put myself in a, you know, taught masters, which is massive of research degrees and number of credits that are attached to the courses, the programmes. So the taught master's actually have 120 credits of prescribed taught subjects modules and then they have a 60 credit dissertation at the end of the programme. And so it could be, you know, a research project or like a, you know, consultancy project or something like that and depending on the course of the study. So that's a total of 180 credits. But for the research, usually involved involves the larger, you know, of obviously research elements. So an example of that would be looking at the nine credits. It's usually lower credit unions because again, it's more research done courses. So it's 90 credits for the taught courses and then 90 credits for research. So that's the difference. With regards to the documentation, it's still the same your academic transcripts and your degree certificates and English language requirements as well and, and, and the rest of it. So there's no nothing really major with regards to like documents that you need to submit. And that's different between the taught masters and the research masters, which just the way it's been delivered and the content, that's a major difference here. [00:22:47][93.9]

Speaker 1: [00:22:48] Perfect. Thank you for clearing that up. I have another question. Sorry, guys, jump in yet again. I just forgot what I was going to say. [00:22:58][10.0]

Speaker 4: [00:22:59] Well, just before we go to Emily, maybe just to touch on the last question again, I know that I mean, I know I mentioned that there's not really any major difference with your past regards to documentation, but sometimes they get it. Depending on the research course, you may require more documentation, and sometimes it might be that you need to write a proposal. [00:23:15][16.8]

Speaker 1: [00:23:16] Okay, great. Full. [00:23:17][0.7]

Speaker 4: [00:23:18] Yes. So again, when you're applying to the course, check those requirements, check what is required. I always say to students, don't just rely on what you've been told. We're all human beings. Sometimes we don't have everything in our brains. Always refer to the website. It is updated. I'd like to think every day if possible. So every information on the website is what is currently being considered. So always check the course and entry requirements before applying. [00:23:44][25.8]
Speaker 1: [00:23:45] Okay, great. I've never remembered what I was going to ask and it was important. So students, when they're making the application to Aberdeen, obviously they're in. West Africa. And they're quite a distance away from us. And so they'll be keen to know what point through the journey they can expect to have contact from us. So can you maybe give them like a brief on when they should be hearing from us so they can set their expectations? No. [00:24:11][26.0]

Speaker 4: [00:24:12] So again, it's the university has a lot of different departments, you know, that are you know, you know, all have their own, you know, kind of a point of view of applicants and which is which makes it a really, you know, well-rounded package that, you know, becomes like getting here, the university. And so, again, everything they need is on the website's website is you should be the first point of contact and we meet for all the information that you're looking for. But again, the admission team, you know, they're lovely. We have people on hand every Monday to Friday, 9 to 5 waiting to respond to your Any enquiry. So we're there to support you. Any questions about applying? Send it to us. If you're still not sure about the course that you've applied yet, you're not. You're still kind of, you know, window shopping or just some general questions. The Enquiries team at study at Aberdeen, UK are super helpful. Okay, so we talk to them, they will respond to you if it's anything to do with application that you've submitted already or things like entry requirements. Again, PG admissions team are on hand to always support you. But like I said, websites, everything is on the website. Emails we're happy to respond to emails and as much as we can. And of course, international office That’s Us.. Yeah. Your like I used to say. Exactly. I used to do oh like you know they like to pamper the applicants so you have your blessing, you have Ron, you have Emily. I mean, what more can you ask for the to support you throughout? Anything you want, any questions you have not sure of the right team to contact, just reach out to them on the way up to support you. But every single time you once you've applied, you get an email to see if you've received your application. I think that's kind of, you know, best that you have your application is in the system when we've reviewed your application or if we feel that it's taking a bit longer than the standards SLEs, we will contact you to see if we're still, you know, how the application was delivered, but we're going to review it. It's just taking notes and it must be longer. And also application has been reviewed, will communicate again by email to see you. You know, if you've been offered this should have been made on your application. And again, it goes on like that. And this is, you know, just on the site because I know international offices will always keep in touch with applicants, agents. They keep us up to date with any changes within the university and all of that. But we will contact you at every point and stage of the application. Up until clearance and even enrolment stage. [00:26:54][162.0]

Speaker 1: [00:26:54] Great thank you. And I know that if a student is given, say, for instance, a conditional offer, first they'll be sent a letter, an email to say you have a conditional offer. They are not necessarily given the same letter, the will when they meet the conditions. So I'm right in saying that if a student goes unconditional and they wish to have a letter, they need to ask for that letter. Is that correct? [00:27:20][25.6]

Speaker 4: [00:27:21] Yes. Yes. So we wouldn't normally just send out an unconditional offer. Once you've even met the conditions, we'll just contact to see documents submitted we've received. It admits the conditions. We've taken out the condition. And, you know, you no longer have any conditions to meet. But if you do request it due to some students who applying for scholarships, for example, some of them require a lot of the sponsor is required to see an unconditional offer. And so you can request that for most, I would be more than happy to issue one. [00:27:50][29.0]

Speaker 3: [00:27:51] All right. I have a question for you. So in processing applications from West Africa, have you taken note of some of the popular programmes that you know, students then to apply for? [00:28:02][11.0]

Speaker 4: [00:28:03] Oh, that's a good question. And yes, I mean, if I'm being honest, students from West Africa, they form a huge you know, so if I put, you know, percentage of number of applications that we receive and most years, I'm sure these will surprise to you guys. And so it's really difficult to pinpoint a particular programme. I, it's easier for me to see the programmes. I mean you never find the West African applicants, you know, appliances. I think that's all easier for me to see, but I think it's quite nicely spread across all the schools, I would say engineering, geosciences, business, um, and health, health sciences, you know, health related courses might seem yeah, it's difficult to see. I can't really see, to be honest. I can't really see which, which courses are. The most popular. Again, it's also quite difficult because I only do with such a number of schools. Um, so yeah, so we, the way we work is we have, you know, like a little number of schools that we go up with just to make the process a lot quicker for, for us and everything. So I can see for a fact that there's loads of applications for engineering, geosciences, biological sciences, um, and of course business, which I think is pretty much the same for almost every region. [00:29:22][79.6]

Speaker 3: [00:29:24] I think that's helpful enough to, to know, just to have an idea, you know. [00:29:27][3.2]

Speaker 4: [00:29:28] And you know why I don't know why I don't really like talking about most popular courses is because I know that I mean, I'm from West Africa. I know how I used to think before. And most students are like always wanting to follow the crowd when, you know, most people are applying to this course. So sometimes you find it difficult to, you know, let students understand that you should go for a course you're passionate about, a course that you're interested in, what everybody's studied because it's like, Oh, no, I think this is like the raining costs or this is like what's in vogue letters. And I always say, just go for go with your gut, go with what you know that you're going to excel at, not what everybody study. And it's not all of them just throwing them in there. [00:30:12][44.6]

Speaker 3: [00:30:14] That was a good one,. Okay. I have one last question. So as an Nigerian and an African? Why do you think prospective students would choose to study at the University of Aberdeen? You've mentioned how you have your husband studied with us, so I'm sure you should have some idea. Why did you choose us? You want to see? [00:30:34][19.5]

Speaker 4: [00:30:35] Yeah. I mean, yeah. So again, like coming from Nigeria, coming from Ghana, you know that, you know, the education system is not as good as we want it to be. So you definitely want to study, you know, not in a university where you're you're guaranteed to gain some respect. I mean, when you go out and see I have a master's degree from University of Aberdeen and, you know, people will look at me twice. Oh, that's good. Okay, let me let me listen to what you have to say to things like that. So I I'll see the university. It's I mean, it's very diverse culture from the staff to the students, you know, alumni, it's very diverse. So you meet lots of people. You get to interact with people from all backgrounds and everything. It's also one of the top like top 200 universities, you know. So it's, it's again very well globally recognised. Aberdeen itself is a lovely city of nearly ten years now and I'm not going anywhere else in the UK so I can't really, I mean we got the best person to compare, but I've heard people talk about other places and I don't think I can see anywhere else. I for one, like Aberdeen, people are really friendly, it's safe, it's, you know, affordable to an extent. I mean, what more can you be looking for? I know students from West Africa are looking for cost they're thinking about costs, thinking about, you know, you know how they can easily sort of blend in in the society they're looking for where there's lots of Nigerians and Gambia and it's really kind of have their old associations and things like that where they can get their local food, you know. So there's so many things that are taking into consideration and I think Aberdeen University and Aberdeen City provides all, all of that. So why not. [00:32:22][106.8]

Speaker 3: [00:32:23] Ask? [00:32:23][0.0]

Speaker 4: [00:32:23] Thank you. [00:32:24][1.0]

Speaker 1: [00:32:25] Thank you. I think that was a really nice round of today's session. I just want to thank Aishat on behalf of all of us for taking part in today's podcast. It was super informative and I'm sure that we've really helped some and West African students make a decision and also inform them. So thank you very much. [00:32:43][18.6]

Speaker 4: [00:32:44] Thank you for having me. [00:32:45][0.7]

Speaker 2: [00:32:46] Thanks Aishat for coming to this podcast and it's good to hear that our West African students are keeping our admissions team really busy. [00:32:52][5.7]

Speaker 1: [00:32:52] Very busy. [00:32:53][0.3]

Speaker 4: [00:32:53] Yeah, they are. They are. Yeah. I mean, we love we love seeing applications from from West Africa like, you know, really good. You know, you see students that, you know, on your happy when you're doing the application and you're smiling, then that tells you a lot because it's like, you know, you're seeing really quality students apply and you'll see people that are passionate about, you know, studying about research. They know what they want in life. And yeah, just just brings a smile on my face. I feel really, really fulfilled, you know, doing that and helping and helping them as well. [00:33:25][31.7]

Speaker 1: [00:33:26] Good stuff. Well, that showed off today's session. Thanks, guys. [00:33:29][2.8]

Speaker 3: [00:33:30] Thank you. [00:33:30][0.5]

Speaker 1: [00:33:30] See you next time. [00:33:31][0.5]

Speaker 4: [00:33:32] Thank you. [00:33:32][0.3]

Speaker 1: [00:33:32] Bye. [00:33:32][0.0]

[1908.1]