James Smurthwaite's author profile on Hotcourses Abroad

Take 3 simple steps to begin your study journey

Get started

RECENT ARTICLES BY James Smurthwaite

Professional degrees vs academic degrees

Professional degrees vs academic degrees

A long-standing debate among international students is about which qualification is better, a professional degree or an academic degree. There can be some confusion about the exact definition, whether an academic university degree is a professional qualification and what the highest-paying professional degrees are. We’re here to help as we explore the differences between the options and judge a showdown between the two. It’s time to find out who wins in the battle

MBA vs Masters: Which is Better for Your Career

MBA vs Masters: Which is Better for Your Career

Choosing between a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a specialised master’s degree is a critical decision for your postgraduate journey. The fundamental difference lies in work experience and career focus: an MBA is a generalist management degree for professionals with 3-5 years of experience aiming for leadership roles, while a master’s degree is for recent graduates or early-career professionals seeking to build deep expertise in a specific field like

What are education degree specialisations?

What are education degree specialisations?

When people speak about studying education, it can sometimes be fairly one-dimensional. The prevailing opinion is that studying for an education degree equips you to teach in a classroom and that’s it. Job done. However, there is so much more to studying a qualification in education than meets the eye, including a number of specialisations and related subject areas to explore. In this guide, we investigate some of the more prominent areas of specialisation in

What to expect when you study aviation

What to expect when you study aviation

At some point or another, you’ve probably wondered what it must be like to take to the skies and fly. While transforming into a bird or developing the powers of Superman’s flight are somewhat unlikely, studying a qualification in aviation is not. If you choose to study aviation you will deal with a number of key areas in the field from management to engineering, and in some cases, it can also open the door for you to become a pilot. We’ve taken a look at what to

What to expect when studying veterinary science

What to expect when studying veterinary science

Some people describe studying veterinary science as a calling rather than simply a degree or career. Studying veterinary medicine definitely requires a distinct set of skills, interests and abilities. A pre-requisite is having an interest in the natural world and particularly in animals and their welfare. While the common perception of a veterinarian is of someone who treats domestic pets, there is so much more to the field than meets the eye. We delve into the

A comprehensive guide to studying architecture

A comprehensive guide to studying architecture

If you are interested in art and design and how this translates into the built environment and infrastructure, then an architecture course could be a good choice. Architecture lies at the midpoint between art and science, so you must have an interest and ability in both to succeed. In this article, we guide you through what you need to know about studying for a qualification in architecture, including the types of degrees available, specialisations, where you can

The ultimate study abroad preparation checklist

The ultimate study abroad preparation checklist

So, you’ve made the very significant decision to study abroad. You’ll likely feel a mix of emotions, from excitement to anxiety. Perhaps you have more questions than answers at this point, in spite of all your preparations for this next stage of your life. While a bit of trepidation is normal, don’t let it overwhelm you as there some key steps you can take to feel more prepared and confident. We explore some study abroad preparation tips on how best to get ready

Get in touch