Tuesday 26 July 2022

How Do University Rankings Work?

 

When it comes to making a choice for an institution to pursue an international education, aspirants consider many quantifiable factors like the safety of the country to be visited, funding and endowment, student life and involvement, weather, job opportunities while studying, industrial linkage, excellence in specialization, diversity in faculty, research influence, etc. However, university ranking is an important factor to consider.

University rankings were set in motion during the 1980s, when countries started making use of indicators, such as academic reputation, admission selections, academic output, and financial resources, to demonstrate and rank the quality of education providers.

With increasing competition in the global economy and the growth in students traveling abroad to pursue higher education, ranking universities on a global scale were the next step.

This blog is aimed at knowing how these university rankings work. We are considering two factors i.e.

1. How are universities ranked?

2. Are these rankings important?

How are universities ranked?

Here’s a glimpse at a few of the most looked at rankings along with their ranking criteria:

1. QS World University Rankings is the most extensively looked upon university ranking across the world. It was produced by Quacquarelli Symonds and has issued rankings each year since 2004. The QS World University Rankings keep up with availing itself of an exceptionally reconcilable methodological framework, put together with the use of six uncomplicated metrics that effectively capture the performance of a university.

Thus, universities are evaluated according to the following six metrics:
i) Academic Reputation (20%)

ii) Employer reputation (10%)

iii) Faculty/Student Ratio (20%)

iv) Citations per faculty (20%)

v) International faculty ratio

vi) International student ratio (5% each)

2. Times Higher Education World University Rankings encompasses more than 1,600 universities situated across 99 destinations, making it a substantial and one of the most diverse university ranking. It makes use of 13 considerately gauged performance indicators, that measure an institution’s performance across four areas. The rankings are trusted by students, academics, universities, and industry leaders to understand the quality of research and its influence that sets an institution apart.

A few of these parameters are: 

1. Teaching

2. Research

3. Citations

4. International outlook

5. Industry Income

3. Academic Ranking of World Universities, also known as the Shanghai Ranking, is one of the annual publications of world university rankings. ARWU is regarded as one of the three most influential and widely observed university rankings, alongside QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education World University Rankings. It ranks more than 2000 universities and eventually publishes the best 1000. Their parameters include:

i) The number of alumni winning Nobel Prizes and Fields Medals

ii) The number of staff winning Nobel Prizes and Fields Medals

iii) The number of highly cited researchers selected by Clarivate Analytics

iv) The number of articles published in journals of Nature and Science

v) The number of articles indexed in the Science Citation Index – Expanded and Social Sciences Citation Index

vi) The per capita academic performance of a university

Are these rankings important?

The rankings by various sources like the ones mentioned above, prove to be useful to students who are researching in on their study destination and want to assess an institution’s strengths. From recruiters to the government, everyone makes use of these rankings to get aware of their standing in this increasingly competitive marketplace. Magazines, newspapers, websites, governments, and academics think of it as preferable to evaluate not only the entire institution but also programs, departments, and schools. This helps students to choose their institution wishing to consider specific criteria.

Employability and Graduate rankings are a good point of commencement for learning about the universities and colleges with the focus on providing employment opportunities to learners. It is necessary to balance both on- and off-campus experiences, in order to seek a diverse environment in the company of strong international involvement and expert faculty.

A university’s all-embracing recognition is highly consequential. Nevertheless, unearthing emotional support from an institute, as well as getting hands on a faculty that concerns itself about your growth, and having peers who share your passion is equally important.

For further assistance or queries students can contact us, Edwise International, and avail themselves of our wide range of services for students in destinations like Universities in Canada, study in Canada, study in UK, study in USA, Study in Ireland, study in Australia, study inNew-Zealand, study in Singapore and many other countries.

Saturday 16 July 2022

Studying Film Degrees At An International Destination

 

Film study at an internationally renowned university overseas seems to be an ideal fit for a student who looks forward to getting an insight about films, television, and several other techniques of media. The study of film abroad exposes a student to a cultural experience of vivid artistic expressions and an all-encompassing perspective that he/she may formerly be ignorant about, all of which only broadens the perceptions of opportunities within the world of film and media. As far as international students are considered, film degrees provide them with a detailed comprehension of the world’s most prosperous visual industries. Irrespective of your interest in studying film to gain knowledge on the practical aspect of production or the methodical facet of film assessment, film qualifications are at your disposal across the globe at universities, colleges, and even specialist film schools.

 

Why study a film program abroad?

 

A degree in the creative spheres is getting in demand to an increasing extent amongst international students. A degree in film studies offers a blend of practical, creative, and academic elements with a number of specialisations. A degree in film studies will not only make your resume stand out for your future endeavors, but you will also experience an adventure of a lifetime, both in your academic as well as personal development. No matter which country you choose to pursue a film degree abroad, your foresight and innovation are certain to enhance. 

Film is a ubiquitous medium and exhibiting yourself to the world with Film study abroad programs may prove advantageous in making your comprehension and creation of film and media a more comprehensive global, and creative flair.

 

The basic structure of a film program

 

Irrespective of your study destination, you will have an option to select and choose film modules that will define your emphasis on the subject. The elective modules require several methods of evaluation and ways of learning, which include film screenings, lectures, dissertations, seminars, filming, and editing.

A student may also be required to watch several films in their spare time which takes up hours of their free time. There are several opportunities at the chosen university to get actively involved with film societies, or student media groups to use their skills and knowledge.

Film courses at all levels are available across the world to international students. The country, language, and specific university you choose to study at will affect the content of the program, together with the types of films focused on and the methods of making them.

At the bachelor’s level, a film degree would ordinarily sit under a Bachelor of Arts (BA) award, or within a Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts as a major or minor. Master’s degrees in film can be either taught or research.

A doctorate or PhD program in film is likely to be research intensive, with a focus on a very definite facet of cinema.

Subject to the country of application, an ordinary Bachelor’s degree in Film takes between three to four years and a Master’s degree takes one to two years to complete. 

The program curriculum for a film degree splits into years of study, with each year having some compulsory modules, besides elective modules to choose from; which would typically focus on the areas mentioned below:

Culture & Identity

Filming & Editing

Film criticism

Foreign language cinema

Genres of cinema

Sound & Compostion


The best destinations to study fim abroad:

Most destinations across the globe have educated noteworthy directors, producers, and filmmakers, so one cannot entirely rule out educating themselves anywhere just for the reason that it isn’t known for the film. Countries with large film industries can be favourable options to consider for studying, gaining practical experience, or even staying in the country to look for work following completion of the degree.

There are numerous countries with big and popular film industries, making them some of the best countries to study film in. These include the USA, the UK, France, and Germany.


Eligibility criteria to study film abroad:

Studying film abroad requires an admission procedure to be followed that is set by the specific university for the exact program to be studied. You may additionally need to provide the university with Academic transcripts, an English language proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL or IELTS), Proof of finances, Letters of Recommendation, CV, and a Statement of Purpose.

Future Prospects:

Film degrees have an assorted range of careers. Common film degree jobs include Journalist, Camera Operator, Producer, Director, Broadcast Engineer, etc.

For further assistance or queries students can contact us, Edwise International, and avail of our wide range of services for students on destinations like Universities in Australia, study in Australia, study in UK, study in USA, study in Canada, study in Ireland, study in New-Zealand, study inSingapore and many other countries.

Tuesday 12 July 2022

How to write GRE analytics

If you are planning to study abroad and you need to prepare a GRE essay. It is also referred to as AWA or GRE Analytical Writing Assessment. GRE exam score is needed in the United States, Canada and few other countries. A good GRE score lets the college know about you. It proves that you are good at writing, think critically. It also boosts your profile. Experts believe that GRE AWA is the most neglected section of the GRE test. In this blog, we will tell you details of GRE and tips on how to write GRE analytics.

 

·    What is GRE?

GRE stands for Graduate Record Examination. It is one of the main admission requirement tests. It's a computer-based test that evaluates quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, verbal reasoning, and analytical writing skills. It is owned and administered by Educational Testing Services and was established in 1936. The test is conducted at testing centers and institutions owned or authorized by Prometric.

 

·    Types of GRE AWA.

1.  Issue Essay: Topics such as political, social issues, a general statement is presented. The candidate is given 30 minutes to write an essay about the topic. The essay should be 500-600 words i.e. around 5 paragraphs. While writing choose the specific real-time topic, make sure examples are relevant, make declarative statements, avoid the first person and self-references and finally, in conclusion, try your viewpoint as many will be having other opinions.

 

2.  Argument Task: In this test, the candidate will be given a specific situation and the candidate has to analyze the logic shown in the situation. The candidate needs to make suggestions on how to improve the logic of the argument. They need to provide logical flaws and not personal opinions. Even in this test, the candidate has 30 minutes to complete the test.

 

·    Score Analytics.

The essays are scored between 0 to 6 with 0.5 increment. Your answers will be checked by two graders, so just don't submit the blank page. Scoring between 4 to 6 will boost your profile and scoring 6 means your essay was excellent, error-free. GRE scores prove to the college that you are the best candidate but it still does not depend just on GRE, it also depends on Letter of Recommendation (LOR), Statement of Purpose (SOP), GPA. In the multiple-choice section, the candidate can miss one or more questions and still score 170. 130 is the lowest score.

Many people think that GRE AWA is not really important as it does not include math or any verbal score but it's not true. Other than the general test, GRE tests candidates in subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Psychology. The time of each subject is 170 minutes.

GRE AWA aims at measuring explanations and illustration, thoughts, supplementary proof, focus and articulate argument and finally on command on written English. GRE is basically to test your skills, ability and not your knowledge on subjects.

 

·     Tip on how to write GRE

1.  When referring to any GRE sample, do not copy-paste. Remember you are using it as a reference and not to plagiarise.

2.  Structure your essay properly. Keep it short but with a strong argument.

3.  Check your essay thoroughly.

4.  Make sure you have 5 paragraphs of which 1st will be the introduction, 3 paragraphs of the body and the final paragraph should be the conclusion.

5.  Never use the first person and self-references even in the introduction.

 

For further queries, contact EdwiseInternational, and avail of our wide range of services for students on destinations like the University of UK, a study in Canada and many other countries.

 

Wednesday 6 July 2022

The Beginner’s Guide To IELTS And Tips To Ace The Test

The ability to communicate in the native language of the country you wish to work or study in, has an extensive array of benefits.

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is drafted to support one to work, study or migrate to countries like Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and USA. where English is the native language. The test assesses one’s ability to listen, read, write and speak in English and is graded on a scale of 1-9.

IELTS is the most popular test for those looking to migrate to Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the UK. It is globally acknowledged by more than 11,000 employers, universities, schools and immigration bodies including 3,400 institutions in the USA.

The IELTS test comprises of four papers: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The Speaking and Listening tests are the same in both modules, but the Reading and Writing tests are different.

There are two different IELTS modules: Academic and General Training. The Academic module is to be chosen if you wish to study at undergraduate or postgraduate levels, or if you are seeking professional registration. The General Training module is to be chosen if you wish to migrate to an English-speaking country or if you wish to train or study at below degree level.

Paper

No of questions/ tasks/ parts

Time

Listening

40 questions

Approximately 30 minutes

Reading

40 questions

60 minutes

Writing

2 tasks

60 minutes

Speaking

3 parts

11–14 minutes

 

A score is given for each test component and the individual scores are then averaged and rounded to produce an overall band score.

 

Band score

Proficiency

9

Expert user

8

Very good user

7

Good user

6

Competent user

5

Modest user

4

Limited user

3

Extremely limited user

2

Intermittent user

1

Non-user

0

Did not attempt the test

Tips to Improve Your IELTS Score:

1. Understand The Assessment Criteria: IELTS has a unique format, so it is recommended to familiarise yourself with the details beforehand. Find answers to a few FAQs like How long is the test?, What’s the format?, What skills will be tested?, What types of questions will be asked?, What skills do you need to answer the questions?, Will you have extra time to transfer your answers?

2. Focus on Your Grammar: The application of accurate grammar is extremely important to aptly convey it to the reader or the listener. Hence, the clarification of grammar is critical to communicate a clear message or idea to the examiner and increasing your chances to get an improved score in your IELTS exam. The incorporation of error-free grammar will boost your confidence while writing and speaking making it easier to improve your IELTS score.

3. Enhance Your Listening and Speaking Skills: Listening is an important aspect of the test. Regular daily practice will help improve your listening skills. An excellent way to attain the goal easily and effectively is appropriate utilization of online mediums. You can listen to the English news every morning, prepare a script as you listen to the news, and analyze it later.

4. Refine Your Reading: You are supposed to be a fluent and accurate reader to impress your IELTS examiner and secure a good score. Indulging into a daily reading session will help you strengthen your reading skills. Mastering basic reading techniques like skimming, scanning will really help.

 

5. Upgrade Your Vocabulary: Your usage of words matters the most irrespective of the task you are undergoing. The more words you expose yourself to, the better will be your vocabulary. Using suitable words to exhibit your ideas is requisite to strike the examiner and achieve a good score.

 

6. Take Assistance from Experts: Needless to say, a generous source of material and guidance is available on the internet to prepare for your IELTS exam. However, this material and guidance are sometimes insufficient when there’s a time constraint. Joining an IELTS coaching from a reputed organization like Edwise International can prove to be a judicious call. Our knowledge and expertise can be a huge help for you to accomplish worthwhile IELTS preparation in a limited time.

 

7. Practice until Perfect: The more time you devote towards practice, the higher will be the possibility of securing an appreciable score in your IELTS Test. Spending at least four hours a day can make a big difference. Inculcate the habit of listening to a variety of English language resources, to get exposed to new vocabulary and different accents.


Edwise offers comprehensive IELTS training services to students looking to give the exam. For further assistance or queries related to Study in Australia, Study in Ireland, Study in the UK, Studyin the USA, etc you can contact us, Edwise International, and avail of our wide range of services for students on destinations.