Salvador Gordo

What first attracted Salvador to the University of Stirling was the chance to study in Scotland, a place he’d always admired for its natural beauty and strong industries. Another major reason for choosing Stirling was the sporting environment.

As a high-performance swimmer, Stirling’s reputation stood out straight away. Knowing I’d be able to train at a truly elite level while pursuing a strong academic degree made the decision even clearer.

A management degree with flexibility

The structure of BSc (Hons) Management course appealed to me. I didn’t know which area of business I wanted to specialise in, and Stirling’s course offered the freedom to explore everything, from project management and leadership to operations, innovation, and accounting and finance. That broad foundation allowed me to discover my strengths and shape my own direction. Being able to choose a dissertation topic in a field I truly cared about gave me the chance to develop expertise in project management, which has been invaluable for my career.

Another reason I chose the University of Stirling was because it offered a January start. That flexibility allowed me to pursue my sport at the highest level without delaying my academic goals.

What I liked most about the course was how practical and connected to the real world it was. The assignments were genuinely valuable because they focused on real businesses and real challenges, not just theory or hypothetical scenarios. Working on assessments that mirrored actual industry problems helped me understand how management concepts apply in practice, and I learned the most through this hands-on approach. I also enjoyed the group assignments. They were challenging in a positive way and taught me how to collaborate effectively.

What made the experience even better was how supportive the lecturers were. They didn’t feel distant or unreachable - they genuinely
advocated for us and were always willing to guide us whenever we needed help. That level of support made a huge difference in my learning experience.

My time at Stirling has had a significant impact on my future career direction. It helped me discover the area of business I’m most passionate about, gave me the foundation to understand how organisations operate, and equipped me with the skills to handle real-world projects.

Great quality of life on campus and in Stirling

The campus is genuinely one of the most beautiful in the UK. You study at the foot of Dumyat, with Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument visible from campus, and a loch with a peaceful trail running around it. Walking to class and passing swans, rabbits, and deer while surrounded by these historic landmarks genuinely feels like living inside a Tolkien story.

The city itself was a huge draw. Stirling offered the ideal balance: calm, safe, and peaceful, yet with everything I needed in terms of essentials, entertainment, and student life. It gave me the space to focus on my studies, train effectively, and grow at my own pace.

My advice to anyone considering studying at Stirling

My biggest piece of advice for anyone considering Stirling is to take full advantage of everything the University offers, both academically and socially.

Be open-minded when you start. You might arrive thinking you know exactly what you want to do, but Stirling has a way of opening new doors. Some of the modules I enjoyed the most weren’t the ones I expected, and they ended up shaping my entire career direction.

One thing I can’t recommend enough is getting involved in societies and sports clubs. I was part of the Swimming Team and the Live Music Society, and these were some of the best parts of my experience. As someone who competed at the Olympic Games, I can say confidently that Stirling is one of the best environments in the UK for balancing elite sport with academics. The support, facilities, and community made it possible for me to grow both as an athlete and as a student. The sports facilities in particular are world-class, and the atmosphere in these groups is incredibly welcoming and supportive.

Also make the most of the Careers Service early. They helped me refine my CV, prepare for interviews, and understand how to present my skills to employers. It made a huge difference when applying for internships.

Lastly, say yes to opportunities. Stirling offers pathways, awards, events, and extracurricular experiences that will help you grow personally and professionally. If you stay curious and engaged, you’ll get far more out of Stirling than just a degree.