TODAY’S STUDENT, TOMORROW’S EXPERT
Contents Introduction
3
Why Choose Sparsholt? Where are We?
5
6
Which Degree?
7
Life in Winchester
8
Accommodation
9
Fees and Finance
10
Employability 11 Animal Management and Veterinary Nursing Science
12/13
Ecology and Conservation Management
14
Equestrian (Horse) Performance Management
15
Fisheries, Aquaculture and Marine Studies
16
Horticulture 17 International Office Helpful Contacts
18 inside back cover
There is something special about Sparsholt Sparsholt College Hampshire is one of the leading providers of university level courses for the land and environment with a heritage spanning more than 100 years. It has an international reputation for attracting students from across the world to participate in the research, learning and practical preparation for global careers in equine fields, animal management, ecology, conservation, and aquaculture. Our campus is set in open rolling countryside, 8km from Winchester; just one hour from Heathrow Airport by car; and one hour from central London by train; giving you the best of both worlds. Living and working in a different culture can be a hugely exciting prospect, and we will do all we can to ensure that your experience of studying in the UK is a positive and productive one. The International Office is here to provide you with all the advice, guidance and support from first contact, to helping you with your application, through to settling in to life and study at the College with our Orientation Programme. Sparsholt international students have the opportunity to take up a place in the University of Winchester Halls of Residence, giving you access to a large community of international students, as well as living in safe, historic Winchester.
sparsholt.ac.uk/international
3
94% of degree level students are very satisfied with the quality of teaching at Sparsholt – this is the highest rating of any land-based college in the UK
4
sparsholt.ac.uk/international
Why choose Sparsholt? 94% High ratings from the government, through excellent QAA and Ofsted ratings
Student Satisfaction (Top UK land-based college) NSS Data 2015
91% Expert staff who contribute to research on an international level
91% of graduates have gone into employment or further study (DLHE 2013)
Unrivalled facilities – from 1,200 animals to 180 hectare College farm estate
Home to students from 15 countries – and counting
Degree courses are validated by the University of Portsmouth ranked in the top 2% of world universities
sparsholt.ac.uk/international
5
Where are we? 8km from historic Winchester and well-located for easy travel by rail to London and by air or sea to Europe and beyond
Heathrow airport 1 hour 20 mins by car
London
Heathrow
Waterloo
Gatwick
Sparsholt
Winchester Bournemouth
London Waterloo 1 hour by train
Gatwick airport 1 hour 20 mins by car
Southampton Portsmouth
Portsmouth to Le Havre approx. 4 hours by ferry
Portsmouth to Guernsey approx. 7 hours by ferry Portsmouth to Cherbourg approx. 5 hours by ferry
Channel Islands
Paris
6
sparsholt.ac.uk/international
UK Degree options FdSc A Foundation Degree is a Level 5 stand alone qualification that is usually delivered in two years full-time or three years part-time. These courses are designed to equip you with skills and knowledge relevant to your employment and can be topped up to a full BSc (Hons) degree with an additional year of study. Many of the courses include periods of work experience.
BSc (Hons) An Honours Degree is a Level 6 qualification designed to develop higher-level skills in order to be successful in employment at a professional level. As a BSc (Hons) graduate you would be able to develop your career towards management, research and academic careers. Our courses also contain a strong practical element and our links with industry ensure they remain industry relevant and improve your overall employability at the end of the course.
MSc A Master’s degree is an advanced level qualification for those who have completed a full BSc (Hons) degree. It is an intense period of study normally lasting one year full-time or two years part-time and includes taught and research components (thesis). Master’s degrees are undertaken by those interested in an academic career or higher level employment as managers or directors.
Tier 4 (General) student visa applications: If you are not ordinarily resident in a member state of the EEA/EU you will probably have to apply for a Tier 4 (General) student visa to study on undergraduate and postgraduate courses at the College.
Applying for a Tier 4 visa: You will need to meet certain criteria, to successfully apply for a Tier 4 visa. Contact the International office, or visit www.gov.uk/ tier-4-general-visa for more information.
English language requirements in Tier 4 applications Unless you are from one of the Exception countries listed on the UKVI website and below, only a Secure English Language Test (SELT) is valid for a Tier 4 (General) student visa for study at Sparsholt College. You will not need to take an approved English language test if you are a national of Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, USA, and a range of other countries whose first language is English. You will, however, need to satisfy that you have achieved the College’s minimum English language requirements.
Academic entry requirements: Entry requirements vary between courses. Please see sparsholt.ac.uk/international for entry requirements specific to each of our courses, or contact the International Office for more information.
English language requirements: All applicants are interviewed upon receipt of application; a process that contributes to assessment of English language ability. A good standard of English is required for all applicants, and while a valid SELT (Secure English Language Test) certificate is not essential for EU/EEA applicants, the following standard of English is expected:
FdSc Foundation Degree: IELTS (Academic) 6.0 overall, with a minimum 5.5 in any band; Pearson (PTE) 56; Cambridge English Scale Score 169-175 (FCE grade B; CAE level B2)
BSc (Hons) Undergraduate Degree: IELTS (Academic) 6.0 overall, with a minimum 5.5 in any band; Pearson (PTE) 56; Cambridge English Scale Score 169-175 (FCE grade B; CAE level B2).
MSc Postgraduate Degree: IELTS (Academic) 6.5 overall, with a minimum 6.0 in any band; Pearson (PTE) 61; Cambridge English Scale Score 176-185 (FCE grade A; CAE level B2). Please see sparsholt.ac.uk/international for more detailed information about English language requirements, specific to your country.
sparsholt.ac.uk/international
7
Beautiful campus, historic city Sparsholt students enjoy the best of both worlds - a beautiful rural campus with specialist facilities, just a short bus ride from modern accommodation and leisure activities. Learn from the experts and benefit from small class sizes at Sparsholt, and then enjoy being part of a larger university network in Winchester.
cinema, the historic Winchester Cathedral, and a host of theatres, cafĂŠs, pubs and restaurants. Winchester is the seventh safest University City in the UK (The Complete University Guide), and was voted third best place to live in the UK by The Halifax Quality of Life Survey (2014).
Home to over 10,000 students at the University of Winchester and the University of Southampton’s Winchester School of Art, Winchester combines historic buildings and scenery with all the features of a busy university city.
With easy access to the cities of London, Bath and Bristol - and of course the rest of Europe - it is a perfect location to combine high quality specialist study with your overseas experience.
Winchester holds the Purple Flag award, which recognises cities that are safe and enjoyable places for a night out. The city has held the award since 2010, and offers something for everyone with a
8
sparsholt.ac.uk/international
Friendly, safe accommodation Sparsholt students have the option of living on site in dedicated HE halls or living in new halls of residence on the University of Winchester campus. Just 8km from Sparsholt with frequent buses linking study and home, this safe, modern accommodation is near to Winchester’s shops, historic buildings and nightlife, as well as university sports and study facilities. All single bedrooms offer study and sleeping space as well as a shower, washbasin and toilet. Kitchen space is shared with 5-7 other students, both international and from the UK. Please refer to sparsholt.ac.uk/international for accommodation costs.
The Burma Road halls of residence were amazing‌ I had an ensuite room, which I loved! It was also great to have the beauty of the countryside campus at Sparsholt, while living in Winchester, with all of its life and vibrance.
sparsholt.ac.uk/international
9
Fees and Finance Higher Education Courses - Annual Course Fees for International Students 2016/17: Full-time All courses (excluding MSc)
£9,800
FdSc Veterinary Nursing
£7,500
MSc programmes
£9,200
EU nationals can generally apply for financial help to cover the cost of tuition fees (FdSc and BSc (Hons) degrees), if they have been resident within the EU or EEA for the three years prior to the start of the course (if the main reason for residency was not to receive fulltime education). Visit www.gov.uk/student-finance/who-qualifies for more information.
10
sparsholt.ac.uk/international
If you have any questions or queries relating to financing your studies, you may wish to visit www.ukcisa.org.uk. UKCISA is the UK’s national advisory body, serving the interests of international students. The website offers useful information on a range of matters including student visas, immigration, money and the cost of living in the UK, healthcare and also whether you can work while you are studying. For Norwegian students, ANSA (the Association of Norwegian Students Abroad) can also provide expert advice from a Norwegian perspective (www.ansa.no).
Tier 4 student visa applicants Students requiring a Tier 4 (General) student visa should note the UKVI visa application fee (£322), and the tuition fees deposit (£2,000) required by the College as part of the CAS issuance process.
Employability Sparsholt College attracts students from around the world to participate in research, learning and practical preparation for global careers in specialist fields that include equine (horse) science and management, animal management, ecology, conservation, aquaculture, fisheries and horticulture. The College has a long history of developing and maintaining excellent industry links locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. This approach has allowed the College to develop a strong understanding of the skills and experience that employers demand in their workforce, which in turn has translated to an excellent record of graduate employment or progression to further study.
91%
of graduates have gone into employment or further study (DLHE 2013)
Course tutors at Sparsholt are very well-connected with industry, and an excellent source of information about future jobs and careers. The College also has a dedicated careers adviser available to support students with job applications, and to supply general advice and guidance with respect to their future aspirations.
sparsholt.ac.uk/international
11
Today’s Student, Tomorrow’s Expert
Animal Management and Veterinary Nursing Science 500 species of animal Purpose built Animal Management Centre BIAZA partner and licensed zoo Exotic species Veterinary Nursing Centre accredited by the RCVS
Sparsholt students gain real industry insight from a full range of visits, guest speakers and study trips.
Recent Animal Management graduates are now employed in areas such as animal charities, education and animal health and conservation.
Courses
97%
FdSc Animal Management and Applied Science Degree FdSc Veterinary Nursing Science Degree BSc (Hons) Animal Management Degree and Top-up Degree BSc (Hons) Applied Animal Behaviour Top-up Degree BSc (Hons) Zoo Biology Top-up Degree*
of students satisfied with the quality of teaching (NSS 2015)
12
sparsholt.ac.uk/international
MSc Applied Zoo Biology Degree* *subject to validation by the University of Portsmouth
At Sparsholt we have an acclaimed reputation in the following specialist areas where students learn from acknowledged experts in their field with access to industry-standard facilities and incredible links with industry.
Staff Profile Steve Nash MSc, PGCE (PCET), BSc (Hons), Dip Zoo An Man, SFHEA Areas of Teaching Expertise: Herptile husbandry, welfare and conservation; zoo biology I’ve been fascinated by reptiles and amphibians since I was a child. I’m also something of a geek when it comes to zoos and these two facts underpin my scholarly and research activities here at Sparsholt. My current research involvements reflect these long standing interests by focussing on herptile (particularly amphibian) husbandry, welfare and conservation as well as zoo exhibitry, visitor engagement and recreational learning. I currently sit on the BIAZA Research Committee and sit on the steering committee of the BIAZA reptile and amphibian working group. I am also the specialist national assessor for herptile husbandry units on the DMZAA; the ‘industry standard’ qualification for zoo keepers in the UK. In addition to the above, I can easily be distracted by talk of dinosaurs and cryptozoology (although that’s a story for another day!)
We work with organisations such as:
sparsholt.ac.uk/international
13
Ecology and Conservation Management Strong links with organisations for excellent industry experience
Staff Profile
Access to wide variety of habitats both on and off site
PGCE, BSc (Hons)
Andrew Quayle Areas of Teaching Expertise Species and habitat conservation; landscape ecology; environmental planning, sustainability and “green� politics.
180 hectare College farm estate Sika deer herd Sparsholt students’ dissertation projects reflect the wide variety of research opportunities available - from nest site selection in barn owls to the habitat use of water voles. Recent Ecology and Conservation Management graduates are now employed as Ecological Consultants, Reserve Wardens, Countryside Rangers and Environmental Education Officers.
92%
I have been a naturalist/ecologist all my life and am especially interested in reptiles and amphibians; I enjoy looking for odd plants and animals out in the countryside most of all. My work experience has included badger surveys, genetic research in amphibians, and Conservation Officer for a Wildlife Trust managing nature reserves. Most recently, I spent nearly four years as a Consultant Ecologist in the commercial sector, before returning to Sparsholt for a second stint of teaching ecology.
Courses FdSc Ecology and Conservation Management Degree BSc (Hons) Ecology and Conservation Management Degree BSc (Hons) Ecology and Conservation Management Top-up Degree
of students satisfied with the quality of academic support (NSS Data 2015)
We work with organisations such as:
14
sparsholt.ac.uk/international
Equestrian (Horse) Performance Management BHS approved Equine Centre and qualified instructing staff Four arenas including 70m x 50m outdoor arena with Olympic-standard surface
Staff Profile Lorna Cameron MSc, PGCLTHE, PGCE, BA (Hons), BHS SM (Reg’d), QTLS, SFHEA
Full range of research equipment for use including weighbridge, full size horse skeleton, heart rate monitor, limb phasing analysis system and high speed camera
I spent 20 years as a competition groom and yard manager managing horses to World and Olympic level in showjumping, dressage and eventing. I achieved one of the first degrees in Equine Studies in the UK, the BHS Stable Manager’s qualification, an MSc in Equine Science and am currently completing a PhD at the University of Portsmouth.
Sparsholt students benefit from impressive industry links and work on collaborative research projects with organisations such as the British Equestrian Federation, stables and feed manufacturers. Recent Equine graduates are now employed as Competition Coaches, Riding Instructors, Equine Nutritionists, Equine Scientists and Polo Managers.
My areas of research interest focus mainly on the welfare of horses in varied situations and the effect of the economic climate on horse owners’ welfare perceptions. I actively encourage students to submit their research to conferences.
Grass riding and cross-country schooling
Courses
93%
FdSc Equestrian Performance Management Degree BSc (Hons) Equestrian Performance Management Degree and Top-up Degree BSc (Hons) Equine Science Degree and Top-up Degree
student satisfaction (NSS Data 2015)
MSc Equine Behaviour, Performance and Training Degree
We work with organisations such as:
sparsholt.ac.uk/international
15
Fisheries, Aquaculture and Marine Studies Learn in the National Aquatic Training Centre, a purpose built teaching facility unrivalled in the UK
Staff Profile
Benefit from our one-hectare fishing lake
MSc, PGCE, BSc (Hons), FHEA (HE Fish Lecturer)
Salmonid Rearing and Trials Centre, the only one of its kind in the UK
Areas of Teaching Expertise Fish Biology, Aquaculture, Water Quality
Excellent range of industry visits and work placement opportunities Sparsholt students carry out collaborative research projects and trials with industry-relevant organisations such as the National Trust and bait manufacturers. Recent Aquaculture and Fishery Management graduates are now employed as Fisheries Officers, Fish Farmers, Fishery Managers, Research Technicians and Pond Designers.
96%
Adrian Love
I have worked in fish culture in South East Asia and Africa. I am currently studying for a PhD in the impact of pharmaceuticals on river invertebrates. I am particularly interested in what makes fish ‘tick’ – their diversity and physiology. I work closely with a range of leaders in the aquatics industry – including Aquarian, Tetra, Interpet, Hagen and JBL – developing trials and exploring ways that they can support and enrich the students and courses.
Courses FdSc Marine Ecology and Conservation Degree FdSc Sports Fisheries and Aquaculture Degree BSc (Hons) Aquaculture and Fishery Management Degree
of students satisfied with the quality of teaching (NSS Data 2015)
and Top-up Degree MSc Applied Aquaculture and Sports Fisheries Degree
We work with organisations such as:
16
sparsholt.ac.uk/international
Horticulture New course in Horticulture with Plantsmanship and Design created to meet the needs of the industry
Staff Profile
Five hectares dedicated to horticultural practice
MHort (RHS), NCH, Cert Ed, FCIHort
Wide variety of plants for identification and analysis
Sparsholt students gain valuable industry experience through a range of projects, from memorial gardens to landscaping competitions. You will have the plant knowledge and skills needed by the private and public sectors in many diverse areas, including retail, landscaping, research and production. Opportunities also exist within landscape organisations and garden design.
Chris Bird
I have always been interested in plants and their arrangement and work closely with outside organisations, such as Plant Heritage, the RHS and the National Trust, to promote their use. Since 1998, I have coordinated the College’s display for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show; results include seven Gold medals and four ‘Best in Category’ awards.
Courses FdSc Horticulture with Plantsmanship and Design Degree* BSc (Hons) Horticulture with Plantsmanship and Design Top-up Winners of a seven gold medals at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show
Degree* - starting from 2017 *subject to validation by the University of Portsmouth
We work with organisations such as:
sparsholt.ac.uk/international
17
International Office The International Office is here to help you with any information you may need about life and study at Sparsholt College. The Orientation Programme will give you a guided tour of the College campus, introduction to academic and support staff, and an introduction to life and study at the College.
18
sparsholt.ac.uk/international
Helpful Contacts Our website is an excellent source of information, but if you have specific questions about any part of becoming a student at Sparsholt, contact the experts:
Accommodation:
+44 (0) 1962 797486
accommodation@sparsholt.ac.uk
Admissions:
+44 (0) 1962 797269
courses@sparsholt.ac.uk
International office:
+44 (0) 1962 797562
international@sparsholt.ac.uk
HE Learning support: +44 (0) 1962 797211
helearningsupport@sparsholt.ac.uk
Transport:
transport@sparsholt.ac.uk
+44 (0) 1962 797346
Contact Us To find out more about Sparsholt College, from courses to accommodation, please contact international@sparsholt.ac.uk
+44 (0) 1962 797562