Rich in history and natural beauty, Edinburgh is one of the world’s great cities. The Business Law Program in Edinburgh provides McCombs BBA students with the opportunity to earn six UT credits at the prestigious University of Edinburgh, and enjoy the city through a series of organized cultural excursions and professional visits.
The University of Edinburgh has attracted international students for over four centuries. It is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious universities in the world, ranking first in Scotland, sixth in Europe, and 20th in the world according to the 2011 QS rankings. Founded in 1583, it receives over 45,000 applications each year, making it the third most popular university in the UK. Admission is extremely competitive.
About the Program
Basics
Eligibility
- Must be a BBA student in good academic standing and have an overall minimum UT Austin GPA of 2.50.
- Please note, meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program.
Schedule
Classes take place Monday-Thursday (usually 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.). Some afternoon or Friday classes possible. Students are strongly urged to refrain from making weekend travel plans until receipt of finalized schedule. Absence from class will not be permitted.
Academics
Business Law and Ethics – Taught by University of Texas, McCombs faculty
LEB323 (may be substituted for LEB323H)
Law of the European Union - Taught by University of Edinburgh faculty
IB372 or LEB 370.12 or GOV365N
Cultural Activities
Students attend a number of cultural activities organized by the on-site staff. In addition, the group will go on a one day weekend trip to the Scottish Highlands region during the first weekend of the program. This is a required trip so students are asked to refrain from planning personal trips that weekend.
Cultural Analysis Assignment
You will be responsible for completing a short analysis of the local culture. You will receive instructions and guidance throughout the process. Each student will receive a set of materials they can use during this assignment and in their future careers.
The assignment is designed to be a short, fun and enriching group activity. You will receive valuable feedback on your analysis, and all contributions will be compiled into the class' group observations of the culture.
During the re-entry session, you will receive feedback and guidance from the assistant director. You'll learn how to leverage this project and the skills you have developed while abroad to distinguish yourself during the recruitment process.
Faculty
David Spence & Fran Pedersen
Fees and Tuition
| 2020 BBA International Programs Fee |
$4700 |
| In-State Tuition for UT-Taught Course Abroad (3 credits) |
$2134 |
| Affiliate Studies Fee for U of E Course (3 credits) |
$ 600 |
| Total Program Cost |
$7434 |
What is included in the BBA IP Fee?
- Tuition for partner school course
- Accommodations
- One day excursion to the Scottish Highlands
- Weekly cultural activities
- Welcome/farewell receptions
- Visits to local companies and/or organizations
- On-site UT staff familiar with language/ culture
- Pre-departure sessions during spring semester
- Re-entry guidance for recruiting
What is NOT included in the BBA IP fee?
- UT tuition for UT course (3 credits)
- UT affiliate studies fee (3 credits)
- Study Abroad Office Fee
- Overseas Insurance
- Textbooks
- Meals
- Local transportation
- Personal expenses (toiletries, shopping, traveling, etc.)
- Flight
Excursions
Company Visits
Company visits are an important component of the Edinburgh Business Law Program. They are designed to provide students with a firsthand look at important local industries, business practices, or politics. Company visits will vary on a yearly basis. Past company visits have included:
Weekday Trips
Cultural excursions provide students with an opportunity to experience the local flavor. Weekly outings, including admission fees, are coordinated on behalf of the group. These events are built into the program and participation at each event is mandatory. With this in mind, cultural excursions are designed to fit into the program schedule and will usually take place Monday through Thursday in the early evenings, so as not to interfere with courses or weekend travel.
Excursions will vary on a yearly basis. Past excursions include:
Housing and Transport
Housing
Participants will stay in flats at one of the University of Edinburgh's Halls of Residence. Students will have single bedrooms and share a living room, bathroom and kitchen with several other UT students. Students will be able to request flat mates. The residence is easily accessible to the University of Edinburgh by foot (approximately a ten-minute walk).
- Earliest check-in to dorms: Saturday, June 17
- Latest check-out of dorms: Saturday, July 22
Transportation
Transportation from the Airport
Pay approx. £3 to go to the city, or buy a roundtrip ticket for around £5,. Tickets can be purchased from the Airlink bus booth. You will get off the plane and as you head outside after retrieving your baggage, there will be a line for the Airlink bus. Ride the Airlink bus (www.flybus.com) to Waverly Station/City Centre, a 25-minute ride (sometimes longer during rush hour). The Airlink bus makes the trip to the city center about every 10 minutes during peak times, terminating at Waverley Bridge near the central railway station. They’ll let you off on Waverly Bridge. At this point, get a taxi and tell them to take you to Sciennes (pronounced ‘Sheens’). The taxi ride will be approximately £5. You can attempt to walk with your baggage, but it is quite a trek.
Transportation within Edinburgh
Buses
Buses are the most common mode of transportation. There are two main bus companies: Lothian Buses and First. First operates longer routes that travel to the outskirts of Edinburgh. To ride a bus, tell the bus driver your destination and then purchase a ticket from him/her.
Bikes
Edinburgh is very compact and many places can be reached by foot. Edinburgh is known for being one of the top cities in the UK for cycling. While you are in Edinburgh, consider “hiring” a bike for a month. The most popular bike rental shop is called BikeTrax. Visit their website at www.biketrax.co.uk.
Trains
Trains are easily accessible and fairly inexpensive. Trains are great when traveling to other cities within Scotland or traveling to different countries. Tickets can be bought at the train station or ahead of time.
Taxis
Taxis in Edinburgh are inexpensive and can hold a lot of people. When hailing a cab, it is important to check and make sure it is a licensed taxi. Visit www.fastblacks.com to see what licensed taxis look like and what to look for inside the taxi to confirm that it is licensed.
Helpful Tips
Tips from Previous Students
- You can get cheap sandwiches for under a pound if you go to Baguette Express during class in the morning.
- If you want food that's nicer than Tesco (and you're willing to pay a little extra) Marks & Spencer's (abbreviated as M&S) is like the Scottish Whole Foods.
- Play soccer at Meadows Park. It's right by your dorm and a great way to meet locals, and you'll have a blast.
- If you travel to London or anywhere else that has easy access by train, take the train. It may end up costing a little more, but the time savings, the Wi-Fi, and the lack of intensive security checks make it well worth it.
- If you do have to fly somewhere, and you use EasyJet or Ryanair, get to the airport around two hours before your flight. The budget airlines' ticketing process is chaotic to say the least.
Visa and Passport Information
Passport
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months prior to the end of your study abroad trip.
U.S. citizen traveling to Edinburgh
U.S. citizens traveling to Edinburgh will not require a visa to study, however, you will need to bring the following items with you when you go through immigration:
- A current passport or other valid travel identification with a page that is blank on both sides
- Details of where you intend to stay and your travel plans
- Financial evidence such as bank statements which demonstrate how you will pay for your studies and living expenses
- Your offer letter from the University of Edinburgh (provided to you at the Pre-Departure Orientation)
- Evidence that you intend to return to your home country, such as a return air ticket or a letter from your home University stating that you are required to return
The immigration officer will stamp your passport and write the letters “S.V” (or similar) next to the entry stamp.
Other nationalities traveling to Edinburgh
Depending on your nationality, you may or may not require a visa. Please visit the U.K. Border Agency Home Office to check requirements for your specific nationality.
It is the student’s responsibility to research specific requirements for their nationality, and to apply for their visa. At the student’s specific requests, we will gladly provide additional program related documentation to support their visa application, such as a letter which describes the nature of the program, enrollment status at UT, housing and insurance coverage. Students are also encouraged to request an official student enrollment status from the UT Registrar Office. Also, you must notify the UT International Office of your travel plans to avoid experiencing problems with re-entry to the United States.