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Has prepared me so much more for working
I took an online degree from Oslo at the Global Institute of Sport which is based all around the world. This organisation is unconventional but that has prepared me so much more for working than a normal master’s degree could.
Close connection to the staff
The Global Institute of Sport offers great support from all the staff but particularly the module leaders. For each assignment, lecture or question the module leaders are always easy to contact and will happily help you achieve and learn the most out of the content and each task. The rest of the staff are also easy to reach where I feel like I managed to speak to everyone from student reps to the CEO and get a true connection to the organisation and where they got a reference to who I am as an individual as well. This constant support helped me achieve more in terms of results but also my understanding of the content was greater than I experienced during my undergraduate degree.
Global sport focus
The organisation has sport and the global market at heart for its operations. I have had the chance to experience sport from different viewpoints and cultures through the content of my modules but also through travelling the world to global partners of GIS.
Online and on-site events
GIS hosts numerous events both in-person and online to connect us students closer to the people in the industry. I have attended two global summits where I have had the chance to watch world-class sports as well as connect with industry professionals at the top of the sport industry. I was able to do this while seeing completely new places and experience completely new cultures. These events are also some of the opportunities to connect with fellow students and network with people in the sports industry.
Advantages of online study
The online study method meant that I was able to continue working alongside my studies which helped for my personal, professional and financial growth. The organisation gives great transparency in deadlines which also makes it easy to work at a fluid pace. The organisation also allows for studying at the campuses in which they partner with or host, so it is possible to move and study in the library with the online courses. There are also some in-person degrees at GIS but the one I took was fully online.
Transitioning into a job
Through the module content, networking events and the great support from the staff it has prepared me greatly for what to do after I finish my degree. They outline the opportunities that are available as well as a great career advisor who gives help to turn an application into a job offer.
While the institution is far from what is common in Norway it is exactly this that has given me more opportunity to grow hard and especially soft skills.
- Vilde
This year has been transformative
As I reflect on my past year as a full-time MSc Sports Marketing and Media student at the Global Institute of Sport, I am filled with immense gratitude for the enriching experiences, personal growth, and professional development that this journey has afforded me.
I started at GIS in September after deciding to leave my career in teaching behind. My previous career was one I did not see a long-term future in and so I took time out and travelled the world to give me time and space to consider my options going forward. It was during this time I discovered GIS and the opportunities and services it offers. As soon as I started reading what the institute is about, I knew this was going to be the next chapter in my career.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my year was serving as the Course Representative. This role gave me the chance to engage closely with my peers, listen to their feedback, and liaise with faculty to enhance the student experience. It allowed me to develop leadership and communication skills while contributing to the positive learning environment that GIS is known for.
A standout highlight was my internship with GIS in Jamaica, working alongside the marketing department at Mount Pleasant Football Academy. This week-long placement offered real-world exposure and a hands-on approach to sports marketing in an international context. It was both eye-opening and inspiring, reinforcing my passion for the industry and broadening my global perspective.
Throughout the year, I was consistently impressed by the array of webinars with leading industry experts. These sessions not only deepened my understanding of current trends and challenges in sports marketing but also provided invaluable networking opportunities. From Premier League football CEO’s to major sports broadcasters, there were sessions for students with all different interests. In addition, the commitment of GIS staff to supporting us with coursework, career advice, and professional pathways has been truly commendable. Their dedication made a significant impact on my academic performance and career preparation.
As a student completing their degree remotely, the online learning environment was seamless and well-organised, allowing me to balance rigorous academic work with opportunities to connect and collaborate with students from around the world. Whether through group projects or casual discussions, the sense of community was always present.
Lastly, although I was unable to attend one myself this year, the chance to attend Global Summits is a unique experience that I would encourage any student to embark on. I hope to attend one next year as an alumni student, as it didn’t work out for me personally this year, but all who attend describe it as a once in a lifetime experience. These events offer unparalleled insights into the global sports industry and a chance to engage with thought leaders and peers on an international scale.
Overall, this year has been transformative. I leave the programme not only with academic knowledge but with practical experience, professional networks, and a renewed confidence in my future career in sports marketing and media.
- Dan
Student Accommodation in the UK
Where do you live when studying abroad? Do universities in the UK offer student housing? How much does student accommodation cost? Did you know that as an international student, you are guaranteed on-campus accommodation for the first or all your years studying at most of our UK universities? You will need to apply by the housing application deadline, and of course the best student accommodation in the UK goes first - so that is a good reason to apply early! There are several different student accommodations, price levels and facilities to choose from!
Most students choose to live on campus in their first year. This is social and a fantastic way to get to know students from all over the world! After that, most students choose to move into privately rented accommodation with their new friends. We recommend everyone to live in university accommodation in their first year, as it is a great way to get to know other students (and not just those on your degree).
Learn more about the different options, on-campus accommodation, how to arrange private accommodation and everything you need before applying for student accommodation in the UK via this webinar!
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Visa for European Students who want to study in the UK
Do you want to study in the UK and are wondering if you need a visa? Maybe you have applied to British universities already, or are considering applying to university in London or elsewhere in the UK, but would like to know more about the UK student visa for European students? This webinar recording is about the UK Student Visa for students who will be starting their studies at a British university and are from European countries. We cover everything regarding the CAS, the application process, cost and other practicalities worth thinking about when applying for a student visa.
Did you know that all non-UK students need a visa to study in the UK? How much does a student visa cost? Is it difficult to get a student visa if you want to study in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland? For most European students in the UK, a student visa is now a fact.
After the UK left the EU, student visas have now become a reality for the vast majority of international students. It is therefore important to familiarise yourself with this process as early as possible, so that you are well prepared when the time comes to submit an application for a student visa. In this webinar recording, we will go through useful information about student visas, when to apply, what you need for the application, costs, and other tips and tricks that can make the process easier. This webinar is suitable for those who have already applied, those who have accepted an offer, but also those who are considering studies in the UK and want to know more about the visa process.
We have the information and tools most people need to be able to go through the visa process without the need for individual follow-up/advice beyond the general information and guide from us. Remember that Across the Pond cannot provide individual advice on your visa application, only certified immigration staff can. In this webinar recording, you will learn about a number of important points that are good to be aware of when you familiarise yourself with the visa process.