University of Central Lancashire

The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) was founded in 1828 as the Institution for the Diffusion of Knowledge, becoming a university in 1992. Our main campus is in the city of Preston, at the heart of Lancashire; UCLan has further campuses at Westlakes in West Cumbria (nuclear and energy-related research programmes), Burnley and Cyprus as well as strategic partnerships in China and Mauritius. 

We have excellent road and rail links. Being just 50 minutes away from Manchester and Liverpool, the university is also only a little over 2 hours from London and Glasgow by train. On the doorstep of the Lake District, the city of Preston is surrounded by beautiful countryside and is also in easy reach of the coast, with Blackpool a short bus journey away.  There are bike compounds, cycle lockers and an array of bike racks across campus.

During term time the university provides a transport link from the Preston Campus to UCLan Sports Arena at key times enabling students to access the range of facilities on site. Major international airports in Manchester and Liverpool are less than an hour away. UCLan entry requirements vary depending on the individual course. Some courses will require you to achieve specific grades and, in some cases, in certain subjects. Many courses require the equivalent of three A2 level qualifications. 

UCLan accepts all Advanced Level subjects for admission purposes. This includes linear and modular A levels and General Studies.

We normally ask for at least five passes at GSCE grade C or above. You must pass GCSE Maths and English or equivalent for all of our courses. Average entry offers range from 280 to 320 points. See our course pages for more details about entry requirements for specific courses. Foundation Entry Degree courses are designed for students who don’t have the necessary formal qualifications for their chosen programme at undergraduate. We offer this route for almost all degree subjects. UCLan welcomes all adult learners and will take into consideration your previous skills and experience instead of the normal entry requirements.  Choose from over 500 undergraduate courses and over 200 taught postgraduate programmes. Electives are used to broaden the curriculum and offer you greater choice. 

Foundation Entry Degrees for most subjects mean you can study the course of your choice even if you don’t have the necessary formal qualifications. Opportunities for part-time, evening and distance learning, including a mix of online and on-campus learning. A number of undergraduate and postgraduate courses offer January start dates. Opportunities to study part of your course at UCLan Cyprus or at partner organisations in countries such as China, the Middle East or the USA. We will help you source structured work experience placements in the UK and abroad, from the university’s impressive links with employers such as Sony, BAe Systems and Apple as well as thousands of smaller companies.  

Brunel University London

Brunel College of Advanced Technology was awarded its Royal Charter in 1966, becoming Brunel University. Named after I. K. Brunel, the university has sought to emulate the great engineer's energy, creativity and practicality. A succession of developments and mergers has brought the University from modest beginnings to become a major force both within the UK higher education sector and on the international stage.  Located in Uxbridge on the outskirts of London, Brunel is one of the very few campus-based universities within the M25. Brunel is just a few miles from Heathrow Airport, the M4, M40 and M25, and is served by excellent bus services. Uxbridge is served by the Metropolitan and Piccadilly lines on the London Underground. 

All courses comprise self-contained modules or study blocks, most offering optional topics so you can tailor your course to suit your interests. One of Brunel’s most distinctive features is the commitment to including periods of work experience – sandwich placements – in many courses to help students develop the practical knowledge and skills required to succeed in the competitive graduate job market. The University offers programmes with an integrated foundation year in Engineering or IT and maths to prepare non-specialists in those areas or those who do not meet the standard entry criteria, for level 1 of relevant degree courses.  Brunel maintained a good performance overall in the 2013 NSS with outstanding success for the Library and Academic Skills Service. Brunel’s focus on research benefits students as it ensures course content is relevant and up to date. Many programmes have external validation/accreditation from professional bodies, for example, Journalism, Mechanical Engineering and Physiotherapy.

The latest Research Assessment Exercise (RAE), carried out in all UK universities in 2008, judged 82% of our research to be of international standing. As a result of this success, the university secured a 54.5% increase in the level of its research funding from the Higher Education Funding Council, rising to £12.9 million for 2009–10. The higher education sector averaged an increase of just 7.8%. Brunel University Institute for the Environment’s research, revealing the link between chemicals in rivers and reproductive health, won the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education in 2011. Students are encouraged to undertake practical placements and projects as an integral part of their course. Brunel’s courses are underpinned by internationally-renowned research in a range of subjects from Cancer Genetics and Human-Centred Design to Contemporary Music and Sport Psychology.

High-quality academics are the core of any university and our profile has transformed as more internationally renowned academics continue to join Brunel – Performance Poet Benjamin Zephaniah is Professor of Poetry and Creative Writing, and author Will Self is Professor of Contemporary Thought. The Library, open 24 hours during term time, is located at the centre of the campus, provides you with many of the study resources you will need during your time at Brunel, including. an extensive collection of books, journals and audio-visual materials, online databases, including over 150,000 eBooks and over 36,000 eJournals, 1,200 study spaces and nearly 500 PCs, in a range of environments, including group study rooms and silent study areas, 

ASK specialises in teaching you the skills you need to learn independently and thrive. Whether it’s advice on researching, planning and writing assignments, giving presentations, time management or maths, numeracy and statistics, ASK offers workshops, individual advice and resources to support your learning.  Computer store for computers and supplies, plus a media and audiovisual equipment loan service. Prepay print, scan and copy service. A filestore allocation, username, password and Brunel’s virtual learning environment. Organises weekly classes, events, exhibitions and concerts. Provides the space, tuition and specialist equipment required for your creative skills to flourish. Please telephone 01895 265213; fax 01895 269767; email disability@brunel.ac.uk; or visit the website for information. Brunel’s Disability and Dyslexia Service has received national awards and accolades in recent years reflecting the quality of the service.

The Union facilitates activities and represents the interests of all students. There are a range of clubs and societies to join, Brunel’s nightclub, the Academy, caters for all musical tastes, and student media – including a newspaper and radio station to keep you up to date.

Buckinghamshire New University

Bucks New University is firmly established as the principal provider of university education in Buckinghamshire. Awarded full university status in 2007, with a history that dates back to 1893. Completed a campus consolidation programme in 2009; the majority of the University’s provision is based at the High Wycombe Campus, with the exception of Nursing and Operating Department Practioner which is now based at the Uxbridge Campus, West London. Situated approximately half way between London and Oxford, High Wycombe is the second largest town in Buckinghamshire. Bucks is currently made up of two campuses, one in High Wycombe and one in Uxbridge. Easy access to central London from High Wycombe – just 40 minutes by road and rail from London (Marylebone), and from Uxbridge (Metropolitan and Piccadilly lines).

Bucks is a new generation university that is always open to fresh ideas and thinking. We aim to provide our students with an innovative, supportive and dynamic culture. The university has developed a large number of courses through its industry contacts, so that students are well prepared for the world of work when they graduate. The university, as an award-granting body under the Royal Charter, has taken steps to assure the quality of its programmes leading to its qualifications. Courses are overseen by staff with a high level of expertise gained through their research activity, connections with industry, or professional experience.

The Faculty of Design, Media & Management includes a very broad range of subjects such as art and design, business and management, computing and information technology, dance, and performing arts, fashion and textiles, law, media, music and events management, product design, security, sport and fitness and travel and aviation. The University launched the Clare Business School in 2011. It brings together business education from school level to PhD, in partnership with a range of businesses.The Faculty of Society & Health includes nursing and health care, policing and criminology, psychology and social work. Bucks was ranked number one for education provision in Child Nursing, second for Adult Nursing and third for Mental Health Nursing, by NHS London, putting the University in the top three for all of the categories in which it offers provision. It is one of NHS London’s preferred suppliers for Nursing provision. Since 2000, Advertising: Creative students have won 16 firsts, 14 seconds and 22 commendations in the D&AD Student Awards. The University was one of the first to provide courses in music management. Extensively-equipped Learning Resource Centres at each campus. Around 650 student workstations for general use (PCs and Macs).

Industry-standard video and audio production suites, CAD/CAM facilities, crafts workshops, and skills laboratories. The Disability Service is able to offer a wide range of continuing advice and support to those with dyslexia, medical conditions, mental health difficulties or other disabilities.

Bucks Students' Union is very active and plays an important aspect of life at the university. Clubs, societies, bars and bands are all part and parcel of the student experience, but the union also acts as a key representation body. The union offers a wide range of activities throughout the year, as diverse as museum trips to pot holing - all free to students and accessible to all. Bucks Students’ Union won the Best Bar None Gold Award for one of the best student venues in the UK, and a silver environmental award at the Sound Environmental Impact Awards.

University of Gloucestershire

Granted university status in 2001. Predecessor colleges have been delivering quality education in Gloucestershire since 1834. International reputation for achievements in sustainability and is the only university in the UK to have been ranked in the top five of the People and Planet Green League each year since it began. Leading the way at elite sporting level, are the University of Gloucestershire All Golds, the only university owned professional rugby league club in the world. The 2010 Quality Assurance Agency audit of the university recorded a judgement of full confidence in the institution’s management of academic standards and of the quality of learning opportunities available to students.

A wide range of awards carry recognition by external professional bodies such as the British Psychological Society, the Law Society and the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.

The University of Gloucestershire is a Skillset Media Academy. 8 staff have been designated National Teaching Fellows by the Higher Education Academy.

A recognised Centre of Excellence in Rural Research is located in the university's Countryside and Community Research Institute. A thriving postgraduate research community with traditional and taught doctorates, including a highly successful DBA. The government's 2008 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) results for Higher Education institutions shows that the University has work of 'world-leading' quality in five of its research areas. Health and Social Care, Sports Science, Media, Art and Communications, Education, Humanities, Environmental Science, Social Science, Business. Placements are a key aspect of many of our undergraduate programmes. The university offers reliable and practical knowledge to students and there is a dedicated placement team on each campus. Over 2,000 students each year go on placement.

Regency Cheltenham is home to two of campuses, the Park and Francis Close Hall, with Oxstalls campus situated just minutes from the heart of historic Gloucester. Equidistant from Birmingham and Bristol, Gloucestershire offers bustling towns and stunning scenery within two hours reach of London. Bus links are provided between campuses in Cheltenham and Gloucester at a subsidised flat rate fee of £1.00. This also applies to all Stagecoach bus services in and around Cheltenham and Gloucester.

Over 30 different sports clubs with support available for new. Teams in the BUCS Premier League include men's and women's football; men's and women's futsal; women's hockey, netball and rugby league. The Rugby League 1sts are in BUCS Super 8 League (national top 8 university rugby league teams). UNIversal sport programme also offers a range of opportunities for students to get involved in sport, from taster sessions in alternative sports such as dodgeball and ultimate frisbee to more traditional sport drop in sessions including badminton, tennis, volleyball and 5-a-side football, a series of exercise to music sessions including running groups, zumba and body conditioning classes.

The recreational UNIversal League programme offers students the opportunity to enter teams into our formalised UNIversal Leagues in a range of sports.

Edinburgh Napier University

Edinburgh Napier opened its doors as Napier Technical College in 1964, amalgamating with Napier College of Science & Technology and Edinburgh College of Commerce in 1974, before being awarded university status in 1992. Merchiston Campus is built around the site of the 13th-century Napier Tower, home of John Napier, the inventor of algorithms. Craiglockhart Campus houses the War Poets Collection, a dedicated exhibition documenting the works of Wilfred Owen and Siegfried Sassoon who met at Craiglockhart campus when it was used as a hospital for the treatment of shell-shocked officers during the First World War. On 25 February 2009, Napier University re-launched as Edinburgh Napier University. This was the culmination of a lengthy process of parliamentary approval and is a landmark in the University's history. The University’s Building Performance Centre was awarded the Queen’s Anniversary Prize 2009 for Higher and Further Education. 

92.3% of Edinburgh Napier University students are in work or further study within six months of graduating. (Data based on HESA 2012.)  Edinburgh Napier is the only UK Higher Education Institution to offer a programme, titled Confident Futures, which develops employability skills sought by employers. Edinburgh Napier’s Employer Mentoring Programme, part of the Towards a Confident Future project, was awarded Mentoring Project of the Year at the Scottish Mentoring Network conference 2011. 

Each course description in the prospectus gives a guide to the minimum entry requirements and the number of UCAS points required. International students should contact the International Office for a list of accepted qualifications and English language requirements. If you're over 21 the standard requirements may not apply – please contact an Admissions Tutor before applying.

Edinburgh Napier University is one of the largest higher education institutions in the country with over 17,000 students from 117 different countries. Edinburgh Napier is a leading, professional university committed to excellence in teaching, learning, research and transferring our knowledge to business. Our graduates make a real contribution to employers and to the economic development and quality of life of their communities. Our research focuses on specialist areas aligned with the present and future needs of businesses, ensuring it has an immediate economic impact, contributes to business improvement and produces positive effects for the economy and society in the future. We offer industry informed courses which combine the optimum balance of theory and practice, so that our graduates can 'hit the ground running' with their careers. Our contemporary cross disciplinary courses are aligned to today's job market and economic needs. For example, Digital Forensics, Screenwriting, Environmental Sustainability, Festival and Event Management and Sport Performance Enhancement. Over 100 Edinburgh Napier courses are accredited by a wide range of professional bodies.

As part of the University’s £100-m investment in the future, the Sighthill Campus was redeveloped to provide cutting edge facilities for the Faculty of Health, Life & Social Sciences together for the first time. Students moved into the redeveloped Sighthill Campus in January 2011. Craiglockhart Campus re-opened in 2004, combining stunning modern architecture with the historic original 19th-century buildings and offering a great range of facilities including computer suites, language labs and social space. The Merchiston co-location project was completed in February 2013. The revamp created a new reception complex facing on to Colinton Road, which also provides bespoke gallery space to display student work. There are new sound-proofed, state-of-the-art music studios to the rear of the campus.

University of Exeter

Originally founded in 1855; Royal Charter Granted in 1955. Establishment of Cornwall Campus in 2004. Establishment of the University of Exeter Medical School for entry in 2013. The university has three campuses: Streatham Campus and St Luke's Campus are in Exeter and the Penryn Campus is near Falmouth, in Cornwall. A*AA–BBB. Visit the website for information on entry requirements at Exeter. Undergraduate students, men:women 45:54. Undergraduate students: home:overseas 84:16.

Undergraduate entrants: state:public school 70:30. The university receives around 6.6 applications for every undergraduate place. Flexible Combined Honours This scheme is available in both Exeter and Cornwall and enables students to combine modules from a number of different fields of study not otherwise available through an existing Combined Honours programme. Free choice modules Many programmes include the opportunity to take a 30-credit module outside the main subject of study. For example a foreign language, a leadership module or an IT module.

Exeter has one of the highest National Student Survey rankings in the country, being in the top ten since the survey began. In 2013, the University came 10th for Overall Satisfaction and 5th for Teaching in the UK. Exeter’s research income has doubled since 2007–08 to an impressive £50 million in 2011/12. Our success rate with research council applications is the second highest in the Russell Group.  

Our partnerships with Universities such as Bristol, Bath, and Edinburgh as part of AHRC, BBSRC, EPSRC and ESRC funded Doctoral Training Centres, place us at the forefront of world-class research in science, technology, the humanities and social sciences. We are currently investing £120 million in research facilities and make numerous PhD studentships available annually. PhD students benefit from support in the form of our Researcher Development Programme and Learning and Teaching in Higher Education Programme.

Research investment at the Penryn Campus includes the development of the £30-million Environment and Sustainability Institute. The University of Exeter is a major player in global warming research, with links to the Met Office through jointly-funded professorships.  Nearly 90% of Exeter's research was rated as being at internationally recognised levels in the latest (2008) Research Assessment Exercise. Sixteen subjects were ranked in the top ten, with 27 in the top 20 (based on percentage of research categorised as internationally excellent or world leading). Sixteen subjects were ranked in the top ten for Overall Satisfaction in the 2013 National Student Survey: Business Studies, General Engineering, Materials and Minerals Engineering, Mining Engineering, Geography, Geology, Classics, Italian, Film Studies, German, Theology, Drama, English, French, Spanish, Biosciences, Arab and Islamic Studies, and Sport Science.

In the 2013 National Student Survey, Exeter scored in the top ten for teaching, academic support, organisation and management, and overall satisfaction.The Main Library is open 24/7 throughout the academic year. Exeter has one of the highest UK academic library ratios of printed books to students with a stock in excess of 1.2 million and a dedicated Ready Text collection of the very highest demand items .Across the campuses, the libraries have completed a £9-million investment. Disability Services

The Students' Guild plays a big part in creating buzz and energy around campus. The Guild is a dynamic, innovative and award-winning organisation, existing to represent all the diverse students of the University of Exeter. The Guild boasts over 180 affiliated societies, with thousands of members between them. The RAG appeal by the Guild raised over £145,000 in 2011–12 with the money donated to ten local charities.

£20-million has been invested in sport and this includes a £2.25-million indoor cricket centre and tennis facilities to LTA standards on the Streatham Campus. The most recent developments to the Sports Park include a new fitness suite, renewal of pitches, covering of courts, and a new pavillion for outdoor sport. Exeter finished 5th in the British Universities and Colleges Sports (BUCS) rankings in 2012–13. Recent/Prospective New Builds. The University has invested £380-million in facilities on the Streatham Campus. This includes a £130-million investment in new on-campus student residences, a £50-million student-facing redevelopment of the heart of the campus called The Forum, a £25-million investment in the Business School and £25-million for new facilities for Biosciences.

The Forum is an exciting new development, at the heart of Streatham Campus, which provides an inspirational mix of outside and inside space and a new Student Services Centre, new technology-rich teaching and learning spaces, a 400-seat lecture theatre and retail and catering outlets. The Penryn Campus offers the very latest in academic, research and residential facilities, designed to meet the expectations of students in the 21st century. The latest development is the £30-million Environment and Sustainability Institute will help put the University at the forefront of environmental and climate change research.

A £50-million Living Systems building is currently under construction on the Streatham Campus, with work due to be completed in 2016. The centre concentrates on research looking at how cells operated and how diseases were caused, and will bring together 200 scientists, mathematicians, physicists and biochemists. The research will also focus on designing better diagnostic and therapeutic tools for alleviating illness.

University of Derby

The main University campus is situated around one mile from Derby City Centre and is made up of three main sites – Kedleston Road, Britannia Mill and Markeaton Street – at which the vast majority of students are based. Kedleston Road is the main hub, where facilities include a careers advice centre, bar, coffee shops, convenience store, Blackwell’s Bookshop and gym. The University’s other campus is in Buxton, approximately 45 minutes across the Peak District and within one hour of Manchester and Sheffield. This is home to our sports coaching, outdoor leadership, and hotel, resort and spa management students. The City of Derby is a high-tech city and home to global names such as Rolls Royce, Toyota and Bombardier. The region is bucking national economic trends, with significant inward investment and growth which sees employees benefit from the highest annual salaries in the UK outside of London. Recognised as the safest city in the region, Derby provides a breadth of activities and facilities all within each reach of the University. The City Centre boasts a Westfield Shopping Centre, cinema, arts centre, theatre (owned by the University) and dance arts venue, along with a raft of boutique shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs. The City is also investing heavily in its sports provision, with a Velodrome and Olympic-sized swimming pool due to open in 2015. Within easy reach is the Peak District and larger cities including Nottingham and Sheffield. London can be reached by train in around 90 minutes.

Buxton is a beautiful, small and friendly spa town, with lots of character, on the edge of the Peak District National Park. The campus and halls of residence are centrally located, giving easy access to the range of shops, pubs and facilities situated in the town. UCAS points for Derby’s BA/BSc (Hons) degrees range from 220 to 300 points. In 2013 our applicants had an average of 299 UCAS points.  Entry requirements for all subject areas are listed on the University’s website.

We offer a wide-ranging portfolio of undergraduate degrees, along with apprenticeships, foundation degrees and postgraduate courses. We encourage our students to take up work experience and placement opportunities, indeed it is a compulsory element on a number of courses in line with our ambition to provide students with the practical skills and experience they need to succeed in their chosen career path. A particular strength is our Joint Honours Programme which allows students to combine their passions and study two subjects as one degree. Through University of Derby Online we have an expanding portfolio of online programmes, which allow you to study wherever and whenever you like including: psychology (which is the only online psychology degree accredited by the British Psychological Society), education, ergonomics and an online MBA. The vast majority of our courses are also available to study part time allowing you to balance your studies with work or family commitments. 

In many of our undergraduate courses we offer a variety of optional modules to tailor your degree to your interests, enabling you to shape your learning to suit you and your career aspirations. We are committed to delivering a high quality learning experience for all our students, built on an approach designed to enable them to maximise their potential. This approach is reflected in National Student Survey results. For example, 11 programmes achieved a 100% overall satisfaction score, with a further 35 scoring 90% or more. This is underpinned through Accreditations granted by relevant national federations and associations in the majority of our courses. The University’s most recent audit by the Quality Assurance Agency confirmed that the quality of Derby’s provision is excellent.

We are committed to ensuring curricula are kept relevant and up-to-date ensuring programmes best meet the needs of future employers.

Since 2008 we have more than doubled our staff numbers entered to the national Research Excellence Framework. Our Centre for Supply Chain Management is recognised for its research expertise in the areas of radio-frequency identification (RFID) applications, systematic innovation, lean & agile manufacturing, quality management, responsive & reconfigurable manufacturing/supply chain, green/sustainable supply chain, cost & system optimisation, system modelling & simulation, and multi-agent systems.

2014 will see the launch of our new flagship research building for the Institute for Innovation in Sustainable Engineering (IISE). This will be home to a range of cutting-edge facilities to support advanced manufacturing and innovation research. New courses and engineering modules are being developed to introduce practical innovation into the teaching curriculum to the benefit of future students. Many of our courses are underpinned by research. For example, in Biological and Forensic Sciences strong research underpins our teaching. Research activity within the Biological Sciences Research Group was judged as being of international significance in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise.

Our psychology teaching team and PhD students play a key part in the Centre for Psychological Research. This is a very active centre, with a dynamic range of annual seminars that are open to all. 

Our Centre for Educational Research innovatively explores a range of settings in education and professional practice. The International Centre for Careers and Guidance within this centre looks closely at career development and employability. Other areas of research expertise include aspects of American Studies, Art and Design, Built Environment, Creative Technologies, Electronic and Software Systems, History, Biological Sciences, Business, career guidance, Comparative Law, Computer Science, Cultural Studies, Earth Systems, Education, Psychology, and Religion or Belief.