Jargon Buster!
- Academic year
- The University year, which runs from September to June.
- Alumni
- All former students at the University of Stirling automatically become alumni when they leave.
- BA (Hons)
- Bachelor of Arts - an undergraduate academic degree for an Arts course.
- BSc (Hons)
- Bachelor of Science - an undergraduate academic degree for a Science course.
- Bursary
- A means-tested financial award.
- Career Development Centre
- A service giving careers support and advice.
- Chancellor
- A senior University figurehead. Our Chancellor is Dr James Naughtie.
- Chaplaincy
- A team representing different religions that provide pastoral support to students of all faiths and none.
- Dissertation
- A long written essay or report presenting the students's research and findings, often completed during a final year of study.
- Graduate or Alumnus
- A person who has completed a degree course.
- Lecture
- A formal instructive talk given by a specialist to a group of students.
- LT or Lecture Theatre
- There are 12 lecture theatres around the Stirling campus.
- Plagiarism
- To falsely present someone else's writing as your own. The University treats plagiarism very seriously.
- Portal
- the Portal is a secure area of the University website that acts as a hub of information for students and staff such as tasks, exam timetables, results. Go to portal.stir.ac.uk to log in.
- Postgraduate
- A student studying for a Masters or PhD qualification.
- Principal and Vice-Chancellor
- The ‘Chief Executive’ of the University. Our Principal is Professor Gerry McCormac who is supported by three Deputy Principals and a University Secretary, who acts as the ‘Chief Operating Officer’.
- Semester
- A period of the academic year. Stirling has two semesters each lasting 15 weeks.
- Scholarships
- A merit-based financial award.
- Tutorial
- A period of instruction led by a member of academic staff (a tutor) to a small group of students.
- The Students’ Union
- The Union is a representative body which campaigns for students and facilities, the clubs and societies. They also offer facilities such as Starbucks Coffee and the Studio.
- Undergraduate
- A student studying for a first degree.
