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. Centred in Preston, UCLan has further campuses at Westlakes in West Cumbria (nuclear and energy-related research programmes), Burnley and Cyprus. UClan’s international community of staff and students is close to 38,000.

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 by train. On the doorstep of the Lake District, the city of Preston is surrounded by beautiful countryside but is also in easy reach of the coast, with Blackpool a short bus journey away. The city is served by an excellent local bus network with several services stopping frequently at University locations. Preston and South Ribble benefit from over 50km of traffic-free cycle paths and the 20mph zones around the campus mean that it is safer to cycle on the campus roads too. There are bike racks across campus. Average entry offer ranges from BCC to ABB – see the UCLan website for more details about entry requirements for specific courses. Foundation courses are available as access routes to all courses. UCLan welcomes all adult learners and will take into consideration your previous skills and experience instead of the normal entry requirements.

Over 500 undergraduate courses and over 200 taught postgraduate programmes. Electives are used to broaden the curriculum and offer you greater choice. Opportunities for part-time and distance learning. An increasing number of courses offered as evening classes. 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. All undergraduates have the opportunity to study a foreign language (including Arabic, Chinese, Japanese and Russian) in addition to their main studies. Staff will help you source structured work experience placements in the UK and abroad, from the University’s great links with employers including household names such as Sony, BAe Systems and Apple as well as literally thousands of smaller companies.

In addition to UCLan’s roster of world-leading and internationally-acclaimed research staff, the University will give you access to professionally-qualified practitioners with industry experience. UCLan academics are regularly recognised with prestigious national teaching fellowships by the Higher Education Academy. A total of 18 subject areas are ranked in the top 20 nationally (2013 National Student Survey). UCLan was the only UK University to be newly admitted to the QS World University Rankings in 2010. The University holds four QS stars out of a possible five by the compilers of the QS World University Rankings for 'demonstrating excellence in both teaching and research' and for providing 'an excellent environment for students and faculty'. Within the sub-areas, UCLan has the maximum of five stars for teaching, infrastructure, internationalisation and engagement. Plus, the University has the subject area of Law included in the World Top 200. UCLan has consistently performed well in subject reviews and institutional audits undertaken by the Quality Assurance Agency and is recognised in particular for its 'strategic, thorough and effective institutional approach to quality enhancement' (2008 QAA Institutional Audit).

UCLan prides itself on conducting world-leading research with real world impact. UCLan researchers are undertaking research across a wide range of disciplines, with talented teams and fantastic facilities, working to solve the big research questions. For example: UCLan’s nurse-led stroke research unit – the only one of its kind in the UK - advises the Department of Health.  UCLan works closely with NASA and benefits from two observatories in Britain and a share in the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) project – the largest single dish telescope in the Southern Hemisphere.

UCLan is one of the only UK universities to incorporate 3D technology into its games development and teaching through a unique industry partnership with the Stereoscopic 3D group at Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. UCLan has 85 professors, over 600 research or knowledge transfer-active members of staff, and 700 research students. The University consistently invests in its international research centres which include the UK's first International Centre for Sign Language and Deaf Studies; and a nanotechnology research base in China's Shenzhen Virtual University Park.

It has achieved global recognition from its peers, with 11 areas of research judged as ‘world-leading’ and a further seven areas graded as ‘Internationally Excellent’  in the most recent Research Assessment Exercise (RAE 2008).

UCLan’s Undergraduate Research Internship Scheme is one of the largest in the UK and draws students from across the arts, sciences, health and business disciplines to work on a huge range of research projects for a period of up to 10 weeks. This initiative enhances a variety of academic and employability skills, leading to some students presenting at the Houses of Parliament and having articles published in journals. The UCLan Undergraduate Research Society funds conference visits and organises special events for students.

Coventry University

University traces its history back to 1843 and the establishment of the School of Design. 1970 was a major landmark in the University’s history. The Lanchester Polytechnic was formed. Named after Frederick Lanchester. By 1980 the name was changed to Coventry Polytechnic. In June 1992 the Further and Higher Education Act enabled the institution to adopt the title of Coventry University.  Coventry is the eighth largest city in the UK. A student city that is easy to get to and easy to get around. Only 1 hour from London by train and 20 minutes from Birmingham. Situated in the heart of the country, very close to Birmingham airport and several major motorways. We use lots of different teaching and assessment methods to suit different learning. Styles include simulation exercises, role play, and research projects on your course. You may be asked to prepare presentations, posters or papers for student conferences, or show off final year work; you may be asked to write essays or reports, and to do class tests or 'unseen' exams. Prompt feedback on assignments – we aim to get marks and comments back to you within 15 working days. Research Programmes commended by the QAA for the training that we provide and the attention given to career development. A research framework that provides you with a supervisory team who have the skills and knowledge to support and encourage your progression. Quality and Research Support provides expect advice, administration support, training and skills. A dedicated Graduate Centre as a hub for postgraduate students.

Coventry University is an evolving and innovative university with a growing reputation for excellence in education. Independent surveys show that they provide a caring and supportive environment, enriched by a unique blend of academic expertise and practical experience. With strong vocational emphasis of courses and links with the best industry organisations, the university is firmly focussed on preparing students for successful futures. In September 2011 the new student building, TheHub, opened. TheHub brings together vibrant retail, catering and entertainment spaces. In September 2012 an iconic new Engineering and Computing Building opened to students. 2014 will see the introduction of the Disruptive Media Lab in Lanchester Library, an interactive new work space for students. A new super-laboratory for Health and Life Sciences will be built for 2016, creating a collaborative research environment for students and researchers.

University of East Anglia

Opened in 1963, one of the sixties generation of universities – UEA most recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. The University of East Anglia (UEA) was part of the 1994 Group until its dissolution in November 2013. The first UK university to offer courses in Creative Writing, Environmental Sciences and Development Studies, and champion of interdisciplinary subjects. First university to study climate change with over 40 years experience through our Climatic Research Unit.

A centre for arts and culture, in 1973 Sir Robert and Lady Sainsbury donated their collection of world art to the University which is housed on campus in the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts. Norwich Medical School opened in 2001 with UEA’s first doctors graduating in 2007 having benefited enormously from access to the Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital based on UEA’s single-site campus. INTO UEA, our Norwich-based study centre delivering a world-class educational and cultural experience for international students with fast, effective and assured progression to university degree courses opened in 2007. UEA have twice been awarded the prestigious Queen’s Anniversary Prize: Creative Writing (2011); International Development (2009).

Set in 200 hectares of parkland with its own 'Norfolk Broad' – UEA’s academic and social amenities are conveniently available within this single-site campus. All academic departments and facilities based across the Norwich Research Park, lecture theatres, library and learning resources, and the sporting and social amenities are only a few minutes’ walk from each other.

The Norwich Research Park, host to the University, John Innes Centre, the Institute of Food Research, the Sainsbury Laboratory, The Genome Analysis Centre, and the Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital, has over 11,000 people including 2,700 scientists and an annual research spend of over £100 million, the Norwich Research Park is one of Europe’s largest single-site concentrations of research in Health, Food and Environmental Sciences. Fifteen minutes from the lively centre of historic Norwich, one of the UK's top ten shopping cities and named as England’s first UNESCO City of Literature in recognition of Norwich’s literary heritage, contemporary strengths and future potential in the field of literature, creative writing, reading and the literary arts.

The cheapest UK city annual bus pass; half-hourly London trains; regular Norwich–Amsterdam shuttle flights (to international connections), and university to London airports coach service. UEA’s Student Service Advisers will help you find the information you need. The majority of subjects do not usually request applicants to attend for interview. However, candidates will be invited to interview for Actuarial Sciences, , Drama (audition), Scriptwriting and Performance, Drama and Creative Writing, Medicine, Nursing and Midwifery, Occupational Therapy, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Social Work, Speech and Language Therapy, Natural Sciences, Environmental Sciences with a Foundation Year, Pharmacy with a Foundation Year, Biological Sciences with a Foundation Year, Chemistry with a Foundation Year.

The modular degree structure means that students take self-contained modules, providing substantial choice. Programme of study offered at Honours level. Each degree has compulsory modules – but students can also take optional modules outside the main subject area. A significant number of courses give the opportunity to study abroad for a period. The majority of courses have work placement options – individual schools of study will advise on these. UEA’s Employability Strategy has been designed specifically to help students develop the vital academic and wider skills and competencies that employers are looking for. Students benefit from high quality teaching and supervision with an excellent staff/student ratio. Broad study areas include: Biological and Chemical Sciences; Environmental and Earth Sciences; Geography; Forensic Sciences; International Development Studies; Mathematics, Computing and Information Systems; Medicine; Pharmacy; Occupational Therapy; Physiotherapy; Speech and Language Therapy; Nursing and Midwifery; Management and Business; Accountancy; History; Archaeology; Education; Counselling; Economics; Political, Social and International Studies; Law and Legal Systems; Philosophy; English Literature and Creative Writing; Media Studies; Drama; American Studies; Art History; Film and TV Studies; Modern Languages and Translation (French, Spanish, Japanese); Social Work; Psychology; Physical Education.

The University of East Anglia has been rated in the top ten English mainstream universities for student satisfaction in the National Student Survey since it began (2005–13) – a key measure of the quality of education provided from academic and teaching excellence to support and advice offered.

The University received the highest ranking in its most recent quality audit (the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA)). UEA’s Norwich Business School is accredited by the Association of MBAs (AMBA) – an exclusive club of just 1.4% of the world’s Business Schools. 

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. 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.

Brunel’s investment in building and infrastructure over the past decade is now in excess of £400 million, with many new and refurbished social, teaching and sporting facilities, halls of residence, and green spaces to enjoy. This investment has transformed the campus, which retains its original 1960s architecture but with the addition of striking new buildings and landscaping. Our latest acquisition is the £30-million flagship Eastern Gateway Building that opened in July 2012 providing teaching and research facilities, a new home for Brunel Business School, a large auditorium, a café and an art gallery.  The Schools of Health Sciences and Social Care and Engineering and Design have also benefited from the addition of new, multi-million pound buildings. In addition, the Lecture Centre has undergone an extensive renovation. The refurbished Antonin Artaud building contains drama and performance studios, a music room, a public performance venue and radio and video-editing suites.