Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Stafforshire University.
For decades, Staffordshire University has hosted students from across the globe at both an undergraduate and postgraduate level. Now our diverse and friendly student and staff community is ready to welcome you next year.
To help you settle in, our campus teams can offer everything from English language support to accommodation services. So why choose Staffordshire University? We are in the heart of England, with excellent transport links to major cities such as London, Birmingham and Manchester.
We are digitally connected too. In recent years, we have invested more than £150 million in new facilities for our students. These include the Catalyst – “a university within a building” – which has been designed with the future of learning in mind. It combines digital innovation with flexible teaching spaces. At our Centre for Health Innovation, in Stafford, you can practise your skills using clinical simulation and immersion suites that are leading the way nationally.
Our courses are also forward-thinking. They will prepare you for careers in growing fields, such as sustainability, technology and the gaming world.
And we have some amazing industry links, giving you the chance to work with nationally and internationally renowned companies.
Staffordshire University has made huge strides in academic research as well. In the 2021 Research Excellence Framework, 68% of our research was rated as “world-leading” or “internationally excellent”. The impact of that work can be seen in business and wider society. At postgraduate level, you’ll have opportunities to explore your own research interests too.
In this guide, you’ll discover some of the reasons why Staffordshire University is the perfect place for you to study as an international student.
We’ll equip you with the skills to become a global citizen and to think creatively. Take the journey to success with us.
Professor Martin Jones
Welcome to Staffordshire University, an award-winning institution in the heart of the UK. For over 100 years, we have worked hard to become one of the top universities in the world, and we are proud to share our achievements with current and prospective students from the UK and around the globe.
The main University campus is based in Stoke-onTrent. Many international students come to study and experience life in this great city every year. The campus is growing all the time with buildings like The Catalyst, an exciting new hub where networking and collaboration takes place as well as being home to our multi-faith Chaplaincy centre.
The Centre for Health Innovation in Stafford is where we deliver some of our health courses. Students based here enjoy the simulated laboratories and state of-theart medical facilities, which are specifically designed to give them the skills they need in the real world after graduation.
We also have a campus in the capital of England, Staffordshire University London which is home to our Digital Institute. It is part of the Here East creative campus, which is based in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in east London. Here, students take courses in esports, computing, cyber security, games design and more. To find courses and information guides for Staffordshire University London, visit: staffslondon.ac.uk
“I joined Staffordshire University in September 2013. I was the first student to secure a work placement that year, during my second semester. It was a 3-month summer internship, but the company repeatedly extended my contract. More than 8 years have passed and I still work for the same organisation.
My project guide, Prof. Sarath Tennakoon, nominated me for a Midlands-wide innovative/ exceptional project competition. I won, and subsequently completed my master’s degree with distinction.
I was honoured to give a speech to new students at Staffordshire University on how to get a job. From my very first day at the University, the teaching staff, international support and placement teams all supported me.”
“ENROLLING AT STAFFORDSHIRE UNIVERSITY HAS BEEN ONE OF THE BEST DECISIONS I HAVE EVER MADE.”
Our courses are designed to give you the best chance of securing employment. At Staffordshire University, you’ll learn how to plan your career, apply for jobs, find work placements and much more. Employability is embedded in our teaching at every stage of the study journey.
The Career Connect team, based at our dedicated careers Hub, is here to help you launch your career. The team can advise on a variety of employability topics including choosing a career that’s right for you; CV writing; how to prepare for an interview, and where to find work experience.
Book a one-to-one appointment with us –our specially trained coaches will guide you through every step of the careers process.
The team will put you in touch with employers and help you to find placements. Our Job Board offers over a thousand opportunities in the UK and overseas, from internships to more fully involved roles. The experience you’ll gain will give you a competitive advantage in the job market.
Via UNITEMPS, international students can undertake a maximum of 20 hours of parttime work per week during their studies. You can also work as a Student Ambassador at one of the shops or venues on campus.
Our peer-to-peer mentors will set you on the path to career success, and if you’re finding it hard to adjust to life in the UK, they will support you every step of the way.
Staffordshire University’s dedicated selfemployment specialists can show you how to start a business or set up as a freelancer –drop by to find out more.
Upon completing your studies in the UK you can apply for a Graduate visa. This gives you permission to stay in the country and work for 2 or 3 years depending on your degree level.
staffs.ac.uk/students/careers
Staffordshire University works with corporate partners that offer training and work placements to students during and after their degree. These include Stoke-on-Trent’s largest employer, bet365, which works with the Department of Computing; Synectics Solutions, a fraud and financial preventions solutions business and many more.
bet365 bet365 for many years have worked with the Department of Computing and contributed to running student application development Hackathons, delivering guest lectures, providing company visits, employing students on placement years, and finally acting as judges at our Gradex exhibition (where our students present their Final Year Projects).
Synectics Solutions are a local company who have delivered fraud and financial prevention solutions for 30 years. Since 2018 Staffordshire University, School of Digital, Technologies and Arts, have placed approximately 10 students on courses in computer science and cyber security at Synectics Solutions, with another 5 due to start their placement in 2022. Students have worked on 12 month placements in Service Technician roles and Software Development roles. Synectics Solutions offer a package that includes paid holidays, flexible working and sports activities and our returning students rate their placement very highly.
Enterprise Rent A Car Enterprise and Staffordshire University have a rich heritage of collaboration, over the past 3 years they have hired 19 Staffordshire University students on to our graduate or placement program. Enterprise Rent A Car are proud to see Staffordshire University as a key partner, they have been able to offer jobs and placements in the local area and across the UK as a direct result of our careers and work-based activities and partnership.
“The assessment at Staffs was mainly focused on solving real-world problems, which in my opinion is most helpful for students considering a career as a software engineer. The experience I gained during my placement has proven to be very beneficial. The placement kickstarted my career, and the experience and knowledge I gained will definitely help me in the long run.”
The Catalyst. Located on the main campus, this unique, digitally-enabled hub has it all. From webinar pods to private meeting rooms, open plan offices to break-out spaces, whichever way you prefer to work – the choice is yours. Relax in the Sitting Room, take in a lecture at The Learning Market, put your skills to the test in The Learning Lab or enjoy a bite to eat in The
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Staffordshire University delivers a world-class learning experience. Our award-winning physical and digital resources are designed to help students learn in a way that suits them, no matter where they come from. Our main campus in Stoke-on-Trent is home to £100m of digital facilities which will help make your degree as enjoyable as possible and enable you to succeed. We also have close links with international companies such as Microsoft, which means that, whatever subject you choose, you’ll gain skills and accreditations to prepare you for the world of work.
Interested in sound and video? The £11m Cadman Building is home to a cutting-edge music studio, specialist computer labs for music production and two open-plan labs for audio and video post-production.
Students can explore their creativity in the SmartZone. Here, you will find material cutting tools, 3D printers, games spaces, animation studios, AR labs and VR labs.
At Staffordshire students can work in a professional, three-camera HD studio, complete with green screen. The studio floor has room for 60 people, so you can preview television and media content in front of an audience!
You can learn how to use lots of different equipment in our Mechanical Engineering lab, including material testing devices, microscopes and gadgets that are used in the automotive and motorsport industries.
In our science labs, you can learn about X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), evidence analysis techniques, human psychology and more. Psychology students can also use cutting-edge equipment such as driving simulators, eye-tracking devices and pain monitors to help with their studies.
The Esports Arena is part of Staffordshire University London. Here, students are able to transmit multi-input gaming tournaments in seamless 4K resolution and in real time.
CCTV, two-way audio and simulated crime scenes – this building includes everything you need to develop your practical skills. You can wear PPE and use the investigator kits as a Scene of Crime Officer or take on the role of Police Officer attending the scene.
Learn how to use a green screen in the mixed-reality studio or develop extended reality (XR) scenarios in our 12-seater computer lab. Virtual reality has never been so accessible.
We offer a range of world-class sports facilities including a fully-equipped gym, grass and Astro Turf 3G pitches and a stunning sports hall. Treatment spaces such as the Sports Therapy Teaching Clinic are available if you are unlucky and get injured.
Stoke-on-Trent is the home of UK ceramics. At Staffordshire our ceramics students get to use advanced equipment like 3D clay printers and learn how to use CAD software, all in our specially-designed workshops.
Our labs cover all areas of computing including AI and robotics, networking and cyber security, data analytics software engineering and web development.
The Centre for Health Innovation is a state-of the-art facility used mainly for the development of health technologies. It’s the 6th simulation centre in the world to be recognised as a CAE Centre of Excellence and houses the largest immersive interactive suite in the world. Businesses and individuals use the centre to take their ideas to the next level, benefitting from world-class facilities and the extensive skills training we provide. Research teams based at the Centre for Health Innovation are recognised internationally for their work. Whether you’re a start-up, an established business or an individual, we can help you achieve your goals.
£5.8M WORLD-CLASS FACILITY
IMMERSIVE INTERACTIVE SUITE IN THE WORLD
TRAINING BUSINESS SUPPORT AND DEVELOPMENT INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED RESEARCH CENTRE
6TH CAE CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE IN THE WORLD
Living in an unfamiliar place can be both exciting and a challenge. Our support services are designed to help you settle in and enjoy your time at Staffordshire University. If you need any help, there’s always someone here to listen.
Do you need assistance with academic writing, critical thinking or exam preparation? Our Academic Skills Team, based in the library, is here to help. Students can arrange one-to-one appointments with the team or access detailed support online.
At Staffordshire University everyone has the right to practice their faith in a safe, welcoming environment. The Chaplaincy offers support to students from all religious backgrounds, and there are places of worship all around our campuses.
Everyone is welcome at Staffordshire University. The Inclusion Team supports students from from ethnic minority backgrounds, those with disabilities and members of LGBTQIA+ communities. It is our priority to make everybody feel at home and to promote an environment in which students feel able to be their authentic self.
You will always find a warm welcome here at Staffordshire University. Our international welcome programme is designed to help you settle in. We’ll show you around the campus and the local area and provide practical support with everything from registering with a doctor to opening a bank account.
We’ll greet you face-to face as part of the welcome programme, but you can also find lots of information about life in the UK on our Welcome and Pre-Arrival website.
Our peer mentors help students settle into university life. You will get the opportunity to learn from other people’s experiences and ask questions about important things such as preparing for a presentation in English or where to find your favourite food.
The International Support Team runs a Staffs Experience Programme to help students build friendships and make the most out of their time in the UK. As well as the social events that form part of the Welcome programme, the University runs regular events throughout the year including celebrations of Diwali, Christmas and Chinese New Year.
We also offer the chance to visit exciting destinations around the UK! Our day trips are great value for money and take place every month. Last year, we took students to Liverpool, Chatsworth House, Conwy, Blackpool, York and Stratford-upon-Avon – the birthplace of William Shakespeare.
All our halls of residence and student houses are around 5 minutes’ walk from campus. You’re never far from your classes and our world-class learning facilities, and there are plenty of places to eat, meet and shop just around the corner. Doctor’s surgeries and dentists can be found nearby and Stoke-on-Trent train station is a short walk away.
The Leek Road Halls are in the centre of the main campus. If you enjoy studying and socialising then this is the place for you! All our halls contain modern, comfortable rooms, a large kitchen packed with handy appliances and social areas for you to relax with friends. And of course, there is a comfy bedroom so you can get some peace after that hard day’s studying or fun night out!
Clarice Cliff Court is the perfect choice for nature lovers. The buildings are located next to our nature reserve and set back from the main campus area, providing a unique, chilled-out country feel for those who prefer a quieter life. All the bedrooms here include en-suite bathrooms.
Then there’s College Court, which is a ten-minute walk away from the College Road campus. College Court is on the Caldon Canal, where a variety of wildlife can be
en-suite.
For a more traditionally British feel, why not try the Leek Road Houses? Experience a terrace-style house complete with your own bedroom, a large open plan kitchen and living space to relax in with your new housemates.
Our Residence Life (ResLife) team is here to make your stay fun, safe and comfortable. They provide support, advice and care to students living on campus. If you have any questions or concerns, call or email the team. If you’re looking for the nearest international supermarket, a great restaurant or just need to chat to somebody, the ResLife team is here to help.
If you prefer to live off campus, take a look at our GreenPad service. GreenPad makes it easy to find a list of approved landlords who are reputable and trustworthy.
Whether you live on or off our Stoke-on-Trent campus, there’s so much to see and do right on your doorstep. Stoke is home to the UK ceramics industry and there are plenty of pottery-related sights and activities to enjoy.
Stoke-on-Trent is conveniently located for travel to other major destinations. Birmingham, Liverpool and Manchester are just 45 minutes away by train, and the beautiful Peak District national park is under half an hour away from campus by car or bus.
If you love to shop, The Potteries Centre in Hanley is within walking distance of campus, while the surrounding area is packed with high street outlets selling clothing, electronics, cosmetics and more.
To ensure you’re well stocked with food, there are plenty of international supermarkets and larger chains such as Sainsbury’s close at hand, or you can visit Trentham Outlet Village for a more boutique experience.
You’ll find exciting places to eat and socialise all over the city, and every type of cuisine you can think of! From locally run cafes and big chain restaurants to relaxed bars and lively nightclubs, Stoke-on-Trent has it all.
Right here on campus you can enjoy a meal at The Catalyst Bistro or visit one of our Student Union run venues Squeezebox and Ember Lounge.
The city is home to several museums which celebrate Stoke’s industrial past. Learn about what put the city on the map at the Gladstone Pottery Museum, World of Wedgwood or the Emma Bridgewater Factory, or try your hand at spinning a pot!
There are also a number of arts venues to enjoy including The New Vic Theatre, The Regent Theatre and The Victoria Hall, while cultural events such as street performances, festivals and outdoor markets take place throughout the year.
If movies are your thing, why not catch the latest releases at the Odeon on Festival Park or Cineworld in Hanley? You can even see independent films without leaving campus at our very own Film Theatre.
Enjoy the stunning scenery at our very own nature reserve or take a stroll around nearby Hanley Park. In the city centre, visit Central Forest Park where you’ll find a lake and Europe’s largest street-style skate park.
Further afield, we highly recommend a trip to the Peak District. Cycle or walk around this beautiful national park – we’re lucky to have such breath-taking views so close by!
Whether you live on or off our Stoke-on-Trent campus, there’s so much to see and do right on your doorstep.
Stoke-on-Trent is home to the UK ceramics industry and there are plenty of pottery-related sights and activities to enjoy.
The city centre – Hanley – with its bustling shops and restaurants, is nearby, and football fans can experience the thrill of a high-level match at Stoke City FC or Port Vale FC just a mile or two down the road.
Watch the Barbary Macaques at Trentham Monkey Forest, visit Alton Towers, the UK’s number one Theme Park, have fun Ten Pin bowling or get active at The Sir Stanley Matthews Sports Centre here on campus. It’s all on your doorstep!
We’re sure you’ll love our Students’ Union. Whether your goal is to make friends, explore your passions or learn new skills, there is something here for everyone. Here you’ll find spaces to meet your friends, visit exciting venues, choose to take part in our
wide range of societies and and access our support services. We provide advice and support to international students from all corners of the globe. Everybody is welcome. This is your Union, so feel free to drop by at any time.
You can help make the difference here at Staffordshire. Our student officers and representatives are there to make sure the University hears your voice on the things that matter. Whatever the issue, we will make your views heard.
The Students’ Union is here to help make the University experience a safer and more enjoyable one. If you have an idea for an event, society, or campaign, we can make it happen. If you’re passionate about helping others, you can even become a student representative yourself.
Some of our students love to explore culture, some love to socialise and others just want to get on and study. Anything goes! Everyone is different, and that’s why there are more than 100 student-run clubs and societies here at Staffordshire University.
Whether you want to meet up with people from your home country, practice your faith, play sports and video games or enjoy exploring the UK, we’ve got it covered.
There is a group for everyone – from the Islamic to the African Caribbean Societies – and the Race and Cultural Inclusion Network to help make you feel at home.
If socialising is your thing, you will find award-winning bars, coffee shops and a nightclub on our Stoke campus, and there are shops too, so you can buy essentials like food.
Want to learn new skills and earn a little extra cash during your time with us? The Students’ Union offers a number of employment opportunities, or we can arrange for you to do volunteer work in the local community or here on campus.
If you’re worried about your studies, accommodation or finances, the professional advice team is here to help. Our support services are impartial and free of charge.
We know that international students value having a safe, comfortable and affordable place to stay. The Students’ Union’s “Greenpad” service helps you find a place near to campus that’s right for you. We don’t charge to use this service.
There are two ways to apply:
1. Apply via ucas.com using the UCAS code from our courses webpage: staffs.ac.uk/courses
2. Contact one of our approved overseas education representatives in your country to start the application process: staffs.ac.uk/international/your-country
To apply for a place on a taught or research-based postgraduate programme, use the ‘apply now’ button on one of our course pages on the website or contact one of our approved overseas education representatives in your country: staffs.ac.uk/international/your-country
It is important to apply for your course as early as possible. For more information please see: staffs.ac.uk/international-how-to-apply
It’s easy to apply for an undergraduate or postgraduate degree at Staffordshire University.
Most of our courses require a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 overall with 5.5 in each component or an equivalent approved qualification. However, some courses have higher entry requirements – please see the individual course pages for more information.
You won’t need to provide evidence of English language skills if you come from a majority English speaking country, you’re a UK national or have completed a degree at another UK University.
Pre-sessional English Language courses are available if you do not meet the English language requirements. Visit staffs.ac.uk/language-support
We also offer in-sessional courses for on-going support whilst you are studying.
staffs.ac.uk/international/your-application-journey/ english-language-requirements
We also accept a range of country-specific English language qualifications. To find out more about the specific academic and English requirements for your country, please visit staffs.ac.uk/international/yourcountry
SMART Scholarships are available for full-time, campusbased international fee-paying students for September 2023 and January 2024 entry.
SMART scholarship represents a £3,000 discount
will be applied to each year of your studies. The scholarship is awarded as part of the admissions process and is based on your application to study; this is added automatically to your offer and you don’t have to apply separately. Terms and conditions apply. Please see staffs.ac.uk/smart-scholarship for more information.
Ensure you are taking courses at the correct level. The qualifications we accept can be viewed on our website. Pre-sessional English Language courses are available if required.
Detailed information about our courses can be found here: staffs.ac.uk/courses
See page 24-25 for more information on how to apply for undergraduate and postgraduate courses. For full details please visit: staffs.ac.uk/international
Please visit gov.uk/government/ organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration to find out if you are eligible to study in the UK. Our international admissions team will answer any questions you have if you are unsure.
Explore our University Join us at a virtual open day, take a virtual tour of our campuses or chat online with current students and staff: staffs.ac.uk/visit for more information.
Our accommodation can be viewed on pages 18-19, or visit: staffs.ac.uk/student-life/ accommodation/internationalstudents
To accept our offer and secure your place, you’ll need to pay a deposit. Once you have done this, we ask you to complete some final checks before we issue you with a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) so that you can apply for your visa. We’ll look forward to welcoming you to the UK!
Welcome You’ll be able to meet new people, explore and enjoy a range of activities during international welcome week. If you’re worried about getting here, we arrange airport pick-ups from Birmingham and Manchester.
“Staffordshire became my first choice when I saw how experienced the lecturers were and heard about the kinds of hardware and software the University provides.
I enjoyed having the flexibility to choose courses that interested me, and the fact that they were mostly assessed by coursework meant I could get regular feedback, boost my skills and build up my portfolio.”
MA
TECHNOLOGY
Staffordshire University offers a variety of inspiring courses designed to give you the perfect head start on your chosen career path. On the following page you will see the full range of subjects we teach. From business finance, computing and engineering to law, sciences, art and design and more, we’ve got exactly what you’re looking for.
Whatever your passion, and wherever you want to go in life, you will find your ideal course here at Staffordshire.
“The teaching there is of a very high quality, but it’s also worth noting that the atmosphere and the people are integral to the Staffordshire experience. From the first day of international week, the ambassadors I met and the friends I made were wonderful.”
ART AND DESIGN BUSINESS, FINANCE AND LEISURE
COMPUTING AND CYBER SECURITY
CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS including: Criminology Forensic Science History, Security and International Relations Policing and Investigation EDUCATION, CHILDREN AND TEACHING ENGINEERING GAMES including: Esports
HEALTH AND WELLBEING including: Health and Social Care Midwifery Nursing Operating Department Practice Paramedic Science
LAW
MEDIA, PERFORMANCE AND COMMUNICATION including: Acting and Drama English, Creative Writing and Philosophy Film and Media Music and Sound
SCIENCES including: Biological and Biomedical Sciences Psychology
SOCIETY AND PEOPLE including: Social Justice Social Work
