Greetings! My name is Fang Zhao. I’ve recently started my new post as Associate Dean – Research and Enterprise at Staffordshire Business School, Staffordshire University. I look forward to getting connected and work with you in the areas of digital transformation strategy.
Prior to joining Staffs, I was a team member in Yellagonga Wetlands Smart Monitoring Project awarded under Australian Government Smart Cities and Suburbs Program in 2018 (Total Project funding: AU$ 2.05 million). My current research focuses on digital strategy in entrepreneurship and Smart Cities strategy and community engagement. I have led and completed a large number of research projects funded by governments, industry/business and universities, including Australian Research Council (ARC) Linkage Grant and Australian Federal Government grant.
Being a global citizen and a strong advocate for international mobility and education, I have extensive MBA and other management education and teaching experience in Australia, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, Fiji, and the United Kingdom.
In this blog you can find links to all of our courses and social media pages
Updated august 2023
The Catalyst Building – Leek Road houses the Business School
In the School of Justice, Security and Sustainability, we offer a range of undergraduate, postgraduate and professional business courses, delivered either full-time, part-time or via distance learning. More information on each individual subject and course can be found below:
Prof. Jon Fairburn, Prof. Carola Boehm and Prof. Jess Power work togther on interdisciplinary issues including creative cultures, innovation and new business models. If you are interested in these issues the three professors are running an ERASMUS Staff international week 20-24th January 2020 to discuss linking creative cultures to business. Details on the link
They have recently submitted a large (several million euros) bid to examine the re-use of heritage buildings by creative and innovative industries in four second order cities across Europe.
Jess Power has a particular interest in the new materials and techniques that are being used in the textiles industry. Here she provides a report in what she found in one of our partner cities on the bid.
Prof Jess Power
Re-purposing space is something that Municipio de Guimaraes (District Council of Guimaraes, Portugal) does with sensitivity and grace. Guimaraes, the 13th largest city in Portugal, is a story of success – it has transformed into a modern contemporary city whilst retaining its cultural heritage and identity.
The area in the Northern region of Portugal remained largely untouched with only natural evolution occurring within the city’s architecture until the 1970s. This is clearly evident in the adaption and modification of buildings throughout the ages. This rich tapestry of period evolution is demonstrated beautifully in the building of Largo de Sao Francisco (once a convert/monastery) now used as a hospital. Some parts of this building date back to 1255 (Figure 1)
Figure 1 – Guimaraes
Historically Portugal had one of the strongest textile industries in Europe. The Guimaraes region was known specifically for its high-quality produce and craftmanship within Textiles and Leather. Whilst the leather trade has diminished in this region, the textile industry continues to be significant to Portuguese economy. It boasts to be the largest non-food manufacturing area in terms of export, accounting for about 9% of the country’s output.
The textile cluster (CITEVE) of the northern region of Guimaraes is known as the “cradle of the nation” providing a rich cultural heritage particularly in the trade of leather. Whilst the region moved on from leather production with the advent of industrialization, evidence of the importance of this trade and the value to its identity and “place” is evident throughout the city. Historic water baths (Figure 2) are woven into the landscape of the area and wooden tanning drums (originally used in leather processing) provide historical features and a sense of identity within modern repurposed spaces.
Figure 2 Water baths
Guimaraes, like many other industrialised European regions, has witnessed a steady decline in manufacturing, primarily due to cheaper imports from elsewhere. Like other locations around the globe, this decline has resulted in the abandonment of buildings rich in cultural heritage. Often these sites historically provided a sense of place and culture and the loss has impacted on the region’s identity. These abandoned buildings, if left for significant periods, fall into disrepair and in the worst cases local councils have no alternative but to demolish them to enable new regeneration to occur, resulting in buildings of historical relevance being lost and the region losing strong threads of its cultural identity. Guimaraes has been ahead of the game in-terms-of capturing the cultural wealth of its textile heritage, to bring a new lease of life to the area. During the 1970s the district council began projects, which sensitively brought to life abandoned buildings and unused space around the city.
The repurposing began at the heart of the city with the re-design of the main square (Praca de Sao Tiago). Nowadays, specific areas are clearly defined for transport, domestic living and enterprises and community gatherings. This has brought a new lease of life to the heart of the city, with a vibrant café culture housing a strong sense of belonging to locals and visitors alike. Domestic accommodation is scattered around the square, fenced between small enterprises.
Figure 3 – Praca de Sao Tiago Main Square
A key focus of the re-generation was to encapsulate local culture without stifling innovation. One incentive employed was to offer the domestic properties free cable connection to eliminate unsightly TV aerials and satellite dishes enabling the square to retain the historical features. Guimaraes was one of the first European cities to offer free Wi-Fi in a large central outdoor space. This resulted in the medieval square retaining its authentic identity, even today homes have laundry flapping on balconies.
Further to
this the district council in partnership with the local community developed
walkways which followed the natural flow of water throughout the city. Slabs of
granite and stone cover the waterways making paths which flow into the river “Ave”
which splits the area right in two.
Figure 4 – Beneath water flows to the Ave
Many of the repurposed sites are unused tanneries (linked to the historical leather trade), the features of each site have been lovingly restored to their original state. Below (Figure 5) is the local Science Innovation Building where young people can engage with the latest technology including: artificial intelligence, robotics and 3D printing. Inside innovation is brimming, the exterior in contrast, would not misplaced in a period Western movie.
Figure 5 Science centre
The University has re-purposed other decarded buildings, the Design Innovation Centre takes the heritage of the building and transforms them into modern learning spaces.
Figure 6 – Innovation centre
This is what makes Guimaraes attractive to young and old alike and earned it the title of European City of Culture in 2012, following on from its earlier listing (2001) as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The youth hostel (Figure 7) provides an authentic example of re-purposing at its best and is a model that can and should be used across other towns and cities throughout Europe.
Figure 7 – Youth Hostel
Working with international partners we aim to change historic sites of mass employment and mass production into new sites of co-created, co-managed production and consumption, it is the intension that the consortium will be leading on embedding new types of co-ownership, co-implementation and co-production via new technologies and business models and applying these to deep historic heritage-rich creative clusters and networks in order to innovate and increase productivity of specifically SMEs, bringing new economic activities to these historic areas and create economic resilience.
Figure 8 – Prof Jess Power (4th from left) with local partners in Guimaraes
If you are interested in these issues the three professors are running an ERASMUS Staff international week 20-24th January 2020 to discuss linking creative cultures to business. Details on the link
There’s always lots going on in the region, music,opera, ballet, comedy, food and drink festivals. Here’s my personal pick for the next few months, Jon Fairburn.
Carol Southall, Senior Lecturer at Staffordshire Business School
Kerry Edge, Administrative Assistant Recruitment
For many people, a new year starts in January, but in the academic world we are fast approaching a new ‘academic’ year. It is that time of year when, often following a summer break, people take time to reflect on what is important to them, with family, life and career often being the subject of that reflection. Going back to work post- summer break; receiving summer examination results; or looking for an alternative career path, this is the time when the opportunity to pursue a University education is often considered.
Clearing is an opportunity to make a new choice. Essentially, clearing matches applicants to university places that are yet to be filled. There are many reasons why courses are still available through clearing. It is an opportunity for those who may have changed their mind about where or what they want to study, it’s an opportunity for those who have missed their conditions and it’s also an opportunity for those who, on reflection, realise that the path to their chosen career lies in higher education.
The key message is that it is never too late to apply for university.
At Staffordshire Business School we understand the importance of making the right decision. We work hard to inspire you to be creative in your thinking, international in your outlook and innovative and entrepreneurial in your actions. Connecting with business, the creative and cultural sector and communities to address challenges in a time of change, we encourage our students to make a difference through innovative and transformational ideas.
For more information on the courses at Staffordshire Business School click here:
Mohamed Adesola Adjaou, MSc Digital Marketing Management Student
Are you going to Erasmus in England and would you like to find a student job? Or do you just want to go there for a summer to work? You are in the right place, because throughout this blog, we will cover some good tips for finding a job in England… a unique opportunity to practice English, travel and discover a new way of life!
Have you been wondering since the announcement of Brexit? No worries for now, since the UK’s exit process from the European Union will take a few more years again. Students from the European Union can continue to do their Erasmus year in England and find a student job without the need for a work permit or visa.
No need to remind you that if you want to work in England, you will have to do some of your research from your home country first. The sooner you start, the more likely you are to find something you like! Of course, if you have not found anything before leaving your country, it is also possible to apply for a job directly on the spot.
How to apply?
Remember to write and present your CV so that it is suitable for a country like England. In England, the CV is not presented in the same way as in other countries. To put the odds on your side, it is best to follow the rules of English writing.
For your application, do not hesitate to highlight your level of English as it is to your advantage. But be careful not to lie, because your recruiter will realize quickly! If you do not master English perfectly, do not give up, because there are many opportunities for you as well. For small jobs, it is not your professional experiences or diplomas that will be scrutinized but your personality and your skills.
Where to apply in England?
Would you like to get an idea of which sectors are recruiting the most in England?
Well, we give you some examples of the areas to which you will be most likely to have a chance to see your application accepted:
Catering: Restaurants, pubs, bars, cafes and fast food outlets are constantly looking for staff. Try your luck!
Call centres: very practical if you are not quite comfortable with English since many call centres regularly seek French to make or receive calls with French-speaking countries.
Clothing Stores: If you plan to go to London, the most influential capital of the fashion world, and you love fashion, go to the clothing stores, who are constantly looking for students!
Newspaper / flyer distribution: Are you an early bird? This job is for you. In England, many positions are available to distribute flyers to passers-by in the street or to distribute newspapers in mailboxes.
Home delivery: Most common student job, home delivery of meals (Pizza Hut, Just Eat, Uber Eat), or simply goods purchased via the Internet (UPS), is a sector that is not ready to run out of steam in England.
Useful sites to find a job
You will find many job / job offers on the web. For you a list of sites that could be useful in your research has been prepared, depending on the type of job you are targeting:
Mohamed Adesola Adjaou, MSc Digital Marketing Management Student
Every year, thousands of foreign students come to the UK to study, be it in political science, journalism, fine arts, business, psychology or English language. England has become the education capital of the world. The country is known for many things, including tea and the love of fish and chips, but the UK is best known for its excellent educational institutions that include alumni from around the world. That’s why the UK is a great place to study for all international students who want to experience English culture and the best of education.
This guide presents the main cultural norms and differences that every international student should know about the UK.
Communication
The British are friendly and social people, so communication is very easy. Although there are do’s and don’ts when communicating in the UK.
Greeting: British greetings vary according to your knowledge of the person you are greeting. Although a simple smile and a nod are enough when greeting a stranger, it is also acceptable to have a hug or a kiss on the cheek.
Distance: The personal space is loved by the British. So keep a safe distance of about an arm’s length between you and the one you are chatting with. Coming to close is considered inappropriate. Never stare either, as it is generally considered impolite.
Being animated: There are many countries whose citizens enjoy a heated debate that can come alive enough, even in a friendly or social setting. Not the British, though. Being animated is usually frowned upon. The British are generally reserved and extremely polite, even when the conversation requires more emotion. Throwing your arms in the air, making gestures or raising your voice may not seem like such a big problem in other countries when you try to make a point, but will probably be scorned in England.
Sports
The British love sports with the most popular being football, rugby and cricket.
Football: Also called soccer by the Americans, it is the most popular sport in Britain. The English Premier League is one of the most-watched leagues in the world and has well-known clubs including Manchester United, Man City, Tottenham and Chelsea.
Rugby: Formally a game for the elite, rugby, although less popular than British football, is still loved by many. In the former British colonies (New Zealand, Australia and South Africa), the sport still dominates.
Cricket: Whether it’s an ODI series or a series of tests, the English love a good game of cricket. Played in a more intimate setting than rugby and football, cricket requires patience and endurance, as a test match can last a few days or more.
Traveling or living in Britain means that you are going to eat common British food. Many know the British for their fish and chips, but their culinary skills go further than this popular take-away dish.
Sunday Roast: Usually eaten on a Sunday, this meal consists of a roasted meat (e.g. duck, chicken, turkey, beef or lamb), a sauce or gravy and seasonal vegetables. It is a British staple.
Cornish Pasty: These delicacies are popular throughout the UK but are native to Cornwall and are probably better prepared by Cornwall. It’s a tasty pie filled with seasoned meat and vegetables.
English Breakfast: It’s certainly not consumed every day, but it’s a delicious hearty breakfast for weekends, holidays or outings. It includes eggs, bacon, sausages, baked beans, hash browns, toast and black pudding.
The UK is a breeding ground for some of the most famous artists in the world, and the British are proud of it. In recent years, the British have exported some of the most famous and beloved artists, who have reintroduced the country as a global hub for the creative community.
The Beatles: Originally from Liverpool in England, The Beatles were the most popular rock band of the 60s and many British and international fans still believe they are the best rock band of all time.
Adele: One of the most famous pop musicians of our time, Adele proves that British music, and in particular its history, has a profound impact on the world.
Socialising
To go out in England is only natural, as many students do. So, knowing how to socialise will make your stay here much better.
Arrival time: The British are punctual. So, you should try to be on time most of the time. The only exception to this rule is to be invited to a party or similar event. Being a few minutes late can be forgiven, but try to arrive within a reasonable time.
Behaviour: If you want your stay in Britain to be enjoyable, you will need to be well behaved. Always be sure to use please and thank you in the right setting. Forgive me and I’m sorry, they are also commonly used. During your stay in the country, you should also know that the British respect their elders and people with disabilities. They do everything possible to help them and make sure they are comfortable.
Living in another country, even if it is as a student, means adopting the language. Although we have English classes to help you blend in, English is not the only language spoken in the UK and we are known for some slang of our own. Here is what you need to know about the language in the UK.
Familiar phrase: Every country has its own slang or colloquialisms and Britain is no different.
Chap means a man Crikey is a common exclamation TV means television Chic means classy and sophisticated
Indigenous languages: The United Kingdom (UK) is divided into 4 countries; England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Each country has its own indigenous language; Scottish Gaelic in Scotland, Irish (“Gaeilge” pronounced Gwal-gah) in Northern Ireland and Welsh in Wales. In Cornwall, England, you will also find a small population that speaks Cornish. But English is generally the language spoken in the United Kingdom.
Myths and legends
Every country has its share of “strange” myths and beliefs, and the UK is no different.
Fairies: Nicknamed the little people or the hidden people, the British have always believed in fairies, many claiming to have seen these mythical creatures and some even say that they had photographed them.
Gnomes: According to legend, these creatures are supposed to protect the gardens from other mythical evils. Hence the popular garden gnome that can be seen everywhere in the gardens in England.
Leprechauns: Playful creatures are actually a fairy and are popular among the Irish. If caught it is said to give the recipient 3 wishes to release it. It is also said that they wait at the end of a rainbow with a pot of gold.
Education
Britain is known for its great universities and learning opportunities. So, to succeed in UK universities, it makes sense that, as a foreign student studying in the UK, you understand our education system.
UK Universities: The UK is home to some of the best universities in the world, thanks to its high quality teaching. Foreign students in the United Kingdom can study at Oxford University, University of Nottingham, University College London, Staffordshire University and the University of Portsmouth, among others.
Academic Year: The school year or school term in Great Britain varies by region and by university; all foreign students must therefore inquire about this university. But most universities have semesters from September to July.
Student Visa: Applying for a student visa can be easy, as evidenced by the many foreign students studying in the UK each year. However, in order to qualify for a student visa, you will need a letter of acceptance, proof that you can pay tuition and living expenses, as well as the possibility of paying extra health.
Student and Social Life: In addition to overcoming culture shock, living an international student experience while enjoying life in the UK is easy. There are many initiatives to make foreign students feel comfortable and minimise the experience of cultural shock when moving from a familiar culture to a foreign culture. To make your stay in the UK more enjoyable as a student, you must:
Visit the UKCISA website
Stay in touch with the house
Contact your international student advisor
Learn about British Traditions
Royalty and rank
Queen Elizabeth II
This is certainly something that distinguishes Britain from other countries. Although royalty is quite common all over the world, very few of them do as much as the British do.
Queens and Kings: At the top of the royal line are the King and the Queen. Right now, it’s Queen Elizabeth II.
Duke and Duchess: This is the second most powerful rank of the monarchy, attributed to those who are just under the king and queen. Duke is for a man and Duchess for a woman.
Knights and Dames/Ladies: Given to ordinary citizens who have accomplished something extraordinary. They will be honoured by royalty with a title. A Knight is the title given to a man while Dame is a woman. After which they will be officially called Sir or Dame/Lady.
Holidays
Although public holidays and holidays are used interchangeably in the United Kingdom, public holidays can also be celebrated by schools, businesses, etc.
Boxing Day: It’s the day after Christmas and it’s a holiday. It is celebrated every year on 26th December.
Pancake Day: Also known as Shrove Tuesday and Mardi Gras (for Americans), Pancake Day is the eve of Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning Lent. This is the last day that many Christians can feast before the start of Lent where they would traditionally abstain for 40 days. It falls on a different date each year, but obviously occurs on a Tuesday.
Saint Patrick’s Day: It falls every year in March on the 17th. It is of great importance to the Irish because it is the day of the death of St. Patrick who was known to preach Christianity in Ireland in the 5th century.
Dr Tolu olarewaju, Lecturer at Staffordshire business School
In 2017, the average (median) hourly pay for White people within the UK was £11.34, which was 10p higher than the average hourly pay for people from all other ethnic groups combined. However, Indian people had the highest average hourly pay (at £13.14), while Pakistani and Bangladeshi people had the lowest (at £9.52), Black people had an average hourly pay of £11.10, while Chinese and other Asian people had an average hourly pay of £11.05.
Birmingham New Street. Image Source: Taken by Author.
Researchalso reveals that the poverty rate is twice as high for Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic (BAME) groups compared to White groups within the UK. However, there is wide variation between different ethnic groups. Reports indicate that poverty rates are about 50% for Bangladeshi, 47% for Pakistani, 40% for Black, 35% for Chinese, and 25% for Indian, compared with 19% for White.
There are also some groups who are more frequently in persistent poverty (individuals are considered to be experiencing relative poverty if they live in a household with an equivalised disposable income that falls below 60% of the national median in the current year while persistent poverty is defined as experiencing relative low income in the current year, as well as at least 2 out of the 3 preceding years – in 2015, the poverty threshold in the UK was £12,567). Caribbean, Bangladeshi, African and Pakistani individuals have persistent poverty rates of 23%, 24%, 31% and 37% respectively. This compares with 13% for White individuals.
Within White groups, poverty rates differ too. For example, Gypsy/Irish travellers experience some of the highest unemployment rates of all ethnic groups and concentration in low pay for some EU migrants is also substantial. This seems to be particularly expressed in homelessness rates for EU migrants with 36% of rough-sleepers being from Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries, 5% from African countries and 4% from Asian countries. However, a greater proportion of EU citizens have work compared to BAME citizens within the UK.
All In Together Now. Image Source: www.unsplash.com
DRIVERS OF POVERTY FOR ETHNIC GROUPS IN THE UK
Unemployment: According to current figures, while the unemployment rate for White British and White other is 4%, the unemployment rate for Asians is 7%, with Indian 6%, Pakistani/Bangladeshi 10%, Black 9% and Mixed 10%. However, the unemployment gap between White and BAME groups seems to have been improving over the last decade, and Indian and Chinese workers have relatively better success in the labour market than other ethnic minority groups. The unemployment rate interacts with the hourly wage rate to determine poverty levels. Overall, just under 4% of White people are unemployed, compared with 8% of people from all other ethnic groups combined.
Type of work: A closer look at the data reveals that 55% of people in poverty are currently in a working family. However, one very important driver for the disproportionately high poverty rates among some ethnic groups is the concentration of BAME workers in low-paid work. BAME groups are more likely to work in low-paid sectors such as caring, sales, catering, hairdressing, elementary and clothing professions – occupations with limited progression opportunities and lower wages. It is this lack of movement out of low-paid work that increases the risk of poverty among ethnic groups. In fact, a key reason why Indian people earn more than White people per hour is because there are more Indian people in professional jobs (at 31%) than any other ethnic groups. “Percentage of workers in different types of occupation by ethnicity” figures also reveal that the least proportion of people who are managers, directors and senior officials are Black people.
Lack of Return for Education Qualifications/Improvement of Skills: BAME groups are more likely to be overqualified for the jobs they work in and less likely to get a good return for university education. Figures reveal that 40% of African and 39% of Bangladeshi employees were overqualified for their roles, compared with 25% of White workers. BAME workers often report not being given pay rises when their White colleagues get them or being passed over for promotion.
Dr Tolu Olarewaju presenting at Staffordshire University.
Entrepreneurship: Another route of poverty could be via entrepreneurship. Research reveals that more ethnic diversity within the UK enhances entrepreneurship. Interestingly, that research also revealed that Black people have the greatest likelihood of starting up a business, followed by Mixed people, Pakistani/Bangladeshi people, people from other Asian groups, White people who were not Irish, Indian people and then White people who were Irish. Here again however, there are variations between those born in the UK and foreign-born individuals; with being foreign born not so positive for entrepreneurship. Another reason for poverty in BAME ethnic groups could be the type of entrepreneurship that they engage in.
In addition, BAME groups are more likely to experience inactivity and lower levels of pay for the same job compared to White groups. Underlying these drivers are several other factors which include geographical location, racism and discrimination, and migration status. For example, first generation migrants might experience pay gaps that cannot be explained by the drivers above alone. The experience of poverty is particularly problematic for BAME communities because of the racial prejudice that they suffer already.
IMPLICATIONS FOR THE UK AND POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS
Apart from the moral reasons for wanting to eradicate poverty from our society, the government commissioned McGregor-Smith review of BAME talent and progress at work estimates that having full representation of BAME workers in the labour market, through improving both their rates of progression out of low-paid roles and increased access to higher paid and more senior jobs, would both help reduce poverty within the country significantly and would benefit the UK economy by £24 billion a year.
In addition, poverty has devastating consequences for the people who live in it. The vicious cycle of poverty means that lifelong barriers and troubles are passed on from one generation to the next. Poverty is also a major cause of social tensions and wealth inequality contributed to the downfall of Rome.
To reduce ethnic poverty within the UK, I agree that policies and interventions that will tackle low pay among BAME workers, such as working with employers to provide better paid jobs, should be encouraged. Ethnic pay-gap reporting could also help. Policies should also be encouraged that monitor workforces by ethnicity which should include the recruitment, retention and progression phases of jobs. In addition, there is a need for policies that focus on skills and training for BAME groups especially digital, literacy and numeracy skills.
Mohamed Adesola Adjaou, MSc Digital Marketing Management Student
By the end of October 2021, the United Kingdom must leave the European Union. Brexit will more or less lead to change for the students of the European Union coming to study in the United Kingdom. Two options will have to be taken into consideration; whether the UK leaves the EU with a deal or not. Throughout this blog, we will enumerate the effects that Brexit will have on UK universities with a deal or no deal. Bear in mind that both parties, namely the United Kingdom and the European Union are working together to ensure that the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union operates with a win-win deal.
Tuition fees for students from the European union.
What is the current situation?
Most EU students pay the same fees as United Kingdom citizens students throughout their university studies. Tuition fees vary from one locality to another throughout the United Kingdom. Generally, EU students are eligible for a loan for university studies. In Scotland, Undergraduate students are usually exempt from tuition fees.
What changes will BREXIT bring?
With a deal: The governments of the United Kingdom have confirmed that students from the European Union who will start their academic studies during or before the 2020-2021 academic year will still be eligible for tuition fees at the same price as that of United Kingdom citizens as well as the student loan and nothing will change for them throughout their university studies.
Without a deal: This situation will remain unchanged, no matter whether the UK leaves the EU with an agreement or without agreement.
Will Brexit influence my power to stay in the United Kingdom?
In the context of Brexit, the British government will end reciprocal European freedom of movement in the United Kingdom. This means that citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland (and their eligible families) will need an immigration clearance if they enter or enter the UK after leaving the UK. EU.
If agreed, there will be a “transition period” that will end on December 31, 2020.
In case of no agreement: the UK leaves the EU on 1 June (or soon thereafter).
The government has declared that EU, EEA and Swiss nationals already resident in the United Kingdom will be eligible to apply for a new status confirming that they can continue to live in the UK after that date. The status can be “set” or “pre-set” in the UK.
In case the UK leaves the EU without any deal: EU students and their families who are eligible to apply under the settlement scheme must do so by 31 December 2020.
If you arrive in the UK between the official date of Brexit and 31 December 2020, you must apply for a European temporary leave to stay, which will allow you to stay in the United Kingdom for a period of 3 years.
From 2021, you will need to apply for a student visa. British universities offer many aids to enable the students to have more ease through the application process.
Will my UK diploma still be valid in the EU?
British diplomas are recognized in many countries of the world and there are a number of agreements between the different countries that support this. Some of them are not related to the European Union which means that after the Brexit, most university degrees will still be valid. Recognition of some professional qualifications is more complicated, but British universities are hoping mutual recognition of professional qualifications will continue. You can find out if your chosen subject is academic or professional by addressing your university.
Will I be able to stay in the UK AFTER OBTAINING my degree?
With a deal: Any student arriving in the UK before January 2021 will be able to apply for a “pre-established status”. This will allow you to remain in the UK for five years and then apply for “established” status. Once you have updated your status, you will be able to stay in the United Kingdom for life. If you have lived in the country for at least five years, you can apply for settled status without delay.
Without a deal: If you enter the UK anytime after the date of Brexit and you wish to apply for a temporary residence permit, you will need to apply for a visa after three years when your remain to leave will expire.
Can I still enter the UK with ERASMUS+?
With a deal: It will always be possible for the students of the European Union to enter the United Kingdom through the Erasmus+ program, until January 2021, when the current regime ends. The British government is committed to negotiating a new program that will succeed the Erasmus + program.
Without a deal: If the two parties do not reach any agreement, The Commission of the European Union has stated that it will seek to continue funding Erasmus+ students in the UK the day after Brexit. Until all this is clear, British universities work in partnership with other universities of the European Union to ensure that student exchange can always take place no matter the finality of Brexit.
Can I still ask for Research Council funding for my PhD?
Yes, currently EU students are still eligible to apply for doctoral scholarships funded by UKRI from the 2019-2020 academic year, and UK universities are working to keep this practice unchanged in any Brexit scenario.
Here’s a short film of the main points from the report
The report provides evidence for 19 different indicators covering the broad categories of urban areas, basic services, housing, working conditions and injuries.
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