Mini2021Guide entry
Welcome
Welcome Established by the University of Chester and Shropshire Council, University Centre Shrewsbury welcomed its first cohort of undergraduate students in 2015. The courses and wider opportunities at our distinctive institution support students to excel in their chosen field, merging academic excellence with a focus on employability, innovation, enterprise and practicebased experience. Reach your goals in an engaging and supportive learning environment, where you will be encouraged by your peers, tutors and professors alike.
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Contents
Contents 6 A Greener Shrewsbury 8 Why University Centre Shrewsbury? 14 Study 16 Stand Out 22 Support 24 Students’ Union 26 Make Yourself at Home 28 Shrewsbury Town 36 Open Day 38 Our Courses 48 Useful Information
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Book Your
Open Day ucshrewsbury.ac.uk /openday
/ASK Chat to our friendly student ambassadors online
Discover why our students love Shrewsbury so much ucshrewsbury.ac.uk/ask
We’re passionate about protecting our planet and inspiring others to do the same.
A
Greener Shrewsbury
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E G ED
PEN EVENT NO SP EE L GR
ucshrewsbury.ac.uk/visit-us
GE ED
We’re leading the way by running greener, more sustainable Open Events. Find out more and book your place now:
PEN EVEN NO TS EE PL GR
3.32MWh
of electricity from
solar panels
University Centre Shrewsbury is the
2
nd
disposable-cup-free campus in the UK
0% of waste sent to landfill
Net-Zero Carbon by
2040 Target
The Shrewsbury Cup
is the first town-wide scheme for reusable coffee cups. Find out more at:
shrewsburycup.co.uk
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Why University Centre Shrewsbury?
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Why University Centre Shrewsbury?
University Centre Shrewsbury Real World Approaches to Learning We aim to provide our students with an experience that goes beyond the boundaries of the classroom, which is why studying at UCS offers a whole host of unique opportunities. Our Applied Psychology students have worked with local organisations such as Age UK to solve real world problems, our Musical Theatre students have embarked on trips to the West End and met with musical directors of shows, and our Events and Festivals Management students have worked with Shropshire Festivals organising events in the town.
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Why University Centre Shrewsbury?
Small Class Sizes Our smaller class sizes offer a unique higher education learning environment. Our tutors know their students by name, and not all universities can say that. You’ll get a personalised university experience and ample opportunities to ask your questions, to really get everything you need from your degree. 10
The relationship our students are able to develop with our staff, along with the support available, has helped many of our students flourish and grow here, not just as students but as people.
Why University Centre Shrewsbury?
We’re Looking Ahead From embedded employability activities within the curriculum, to extracurricular training and events, you’ll have access to a wide range of learning and development opportunities to give you a head start in the graduate job market, and to help you really make your mark.
Local Links University Centre Shrewsbury works locally to form specific student opportunities, giving you the chance to further enhance your career prospects by gaining work-related learning. Our relationships with the wider community provide numerous opportunities for placements and volunteer opportunities with a range of small to medium enterprises (SMEs), larger businesses and other stakeholders such as health and education settings and the Police Service.
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Why University Centre Shrewsbury?
One-to-One Sessions with Your Tutor Every student is assigned a Personal Academic Tutor, which means you’ll have a member of staff from your course on hand who you can regularly meet with to talk through how things are going, and look to for advice and guidance.
Extensive Support Network UCS is a small, supportive community and students also have access to all of the support you would expect from a large institution – including mental health and wellbeing, disability and inclusion, study skills, careers, financial support and more. 12
Why University Centre Shrewsbury?
Protecting Our Planet We’re proud to be the second campus in the UK to ditch disposable cups, with our café serving beverages solely in reusable cups. One of our research groups, CREST – the Centre for Research into Environmental Science and Technology – provides research and innovation to support over 100 businesses and organisations doing research into everything from soil health and water quality, to energy generation, geospatial data and sustainability.
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Study
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Study
Educated by Experts
Everything in One Place
Learn and engage with tutors who are research active, well respected in their field and who have practical experience of working in their sector. More than just providing students with the knowledge and skills they need to fulfil their academic potential, our tutors break down the boundaries between theory and practice; helping students apply what they learn to the world beyond seminar rooms and lecture theatres.
Nestled on the banks of the River Severn and only a short walk from Shrewsbury town centre is Guildhall – our main teaching and learning location. The recently renovated building is home to modern computer suites, lecture and seminar rooms, open-plan laboratories, a spacious library, as well as a student common room, lounge, fitness suite, courtyard, and on-site café.
All courses at Shrewsbury are accredited and awarded by the University of Chester, allowing students to benefit from receiving an individualised educational experience at Shrewsbury, whilst being supported by the established learning traditions of the University of Chester.
Find out more: ucshrewsbury.ac.uk
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Stand Out
Your CV will be doing all the talking for you when it comes to securing a job interview, so university is the ideal place to make it as impressive as possible.
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Stand Out
Work Based Learning So many opportunities to gain work-related experience are offered to our students, and we recommend that you take us up on as many as possible! Our nationally renowned Work Based Learning module gives you the chance to test-drive a future career, boost your CV and gain real work experience. You’ll get to spend time working in the role, industry or field you’re considering to see if it’s right for you, and you get important ‘on-the-job’ experience that employers want everyone to have, but isn’t always easy to come by. Win-win. e: wbl@chester.ac.uk t: 01244 512100 17
Stand Out
Careers Employability lies at the heart of what we offer at University Centre Shrewsbury. In conjunction with the University of Chester, we have a range of extra provisions designed to enhance career possibilities and equip you with the transferable skills and knowledge that employers are looking for. • Workshops, online tutorials, and face-to-face appointments with expert advisers
• Targeted employability skills development built into the curriculum
• An online vacancy service, including part-time • Opportunities to engage with local and jobs available while you study national employers • Online and hard copy resources to help with CVs, applications and preparing for interviews
• Up-to-date information about employers, jobs and postgraduate study
e: careers@chester.ac.uk t: 01244 513066 19
Stand Out
Study Abroad Studying or doing a work placement abroad is a worthy addition to any CV, showing ambition, confidence and a willingness to be out of your comfort zone. Our students have the opportunity to study for a full academic year abroad at one of our bilateral exchange partners or through the International Student Exchange Programme, a network of over 300 additional higher education institutions worldwide.
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Stand Out
We also offer an overseas alternative to our Work Based Learning module. Current placement locations include: Africa, Asia, Europe and South America; and we provide a range of study and work-based learning opportunities in Europe, including yearlong and shorter placements. Designed to enhance learning from first year through to PhD level, subject-specific or culture- and language-based summer schools are also available, and offer a short-term approach to study abroad, lasting between ten days and eight weeks. e: studyabroad@chester.ac.uk
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Support
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Support
Our Support Services Our range of specialist services give our students the support they need and deserve. Our Wellbeing and Mental Health team are there to support you with student welfarerelated issues, including information on finance and budgeting, access to counselling and personal and academic problems. e: ucs.support@chester.ac.uk The Disability and Inclusion team offers advice and guidance on a range of areas, from teaching, learning and assessment to the process of accessing support via Disabled Students’ Allowance, and liaising with academic staff, and also working with specialist external organisations. e: disability@chester.ac.uk
Library Information Services along with Study Skills support in e-literacy, academic writing and numeracy are available at UCS, providing group and individual support. The Chaplaincy offers personal and spiritual support to all, and while the Chaplaincy is a Christian presence, individuals of any faith or none are welcome if they wish to speak in confidence on any matter. e: chaplaincy@chester.ac.uk Students in our partnership accommodation are supported by a concierge service that work 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
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Students’ Union
Shrewsbury Students’ Union is part of the wider Chester Students’ Union – an independent organisation dedicated to improving the student experience.
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Facebook @shrewsburysu
Twitter @shrewsburysu
Instagram @shrewsbury_su
Support
Student Voice
You will have access to free, impartial, confidential advice and guidance on a range of issues, such as accommodation, budgeting and academic studies.
Have your say in your university experience, both academically and socially, through elected student representatives.
Societies There are a range of societies for you to join, where you’ll make new friends and lots of memories. If there isn’t a society that you’re interested in, then it’s your chance to set one up.
Get Involved SSU provides year-round events and volunteering opportunities for all, as well as offering you with support if you’d like to look for parttime work. e: sushrewsbury@chester.ac.uk t: 01743 297175
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Make Yourself at Home
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Make Yourself at Home
Accommodation University Centre Shrewsbury and the University of Chester work in partnership with Shropshire Council to provide accommodation at two halls of residence: Mardol House and The Tannery. This safe and secure accommodation is located in Shrewsbury’s town centre, and is just a short walk to the University Centre campus.
Both Mardol House and The Tannery have the following facilities:
Both accommodation options offer self-catered single rooms with en-suite, and a shared kitchen and lounge; and Mardol House also offers a single studio apartment option, with a bed, fridge, microwave, kettle and toaster.
• Managed internet service (at no additional cost)
ucshrewsbury.ac.uk/accommodation
• Launderette facilities
• CCTV monitored bicycle racks • 24-hour concierge service International students who apply before the published deadline date will be guaranteed accommodation.
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Shrewsbury Town Where Are We? Residing in the loop of the River Severn, Shrewsbury is a beautiful and lively medieval town in Shropshire.
SY3 8HQ Photograph taken from the top of Mardol House, one of our accommodation options.
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Shrewsbury Town
In the West Midlands, on the border of Mid Wales and neighbouring Cheshire, Shropshire is an hour away from Birmingham, less than an hour and a half away from Manchester and less than three hours from London via train.
Guildhall
The main teaching and learning space for students.
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Shrewsbury Town
Things To Do in Shewsbury It won’t take you long to feel at home in our friendly town, especially when there’s something for everyone. Foodies Shrewsbury has a thriving café culture and independent eateries galore. As a haven for food and drink lovers, there are plenty of delicious finds within the town’s diverse selection of restaurants, cafés and delis; with everything from high street favourites to quirky independent businesses – including board game and cat cafés! You’ll find quaint street food stalls and restaurants in the Market Hall, along with fresh fruit, veg, meat and cheese from local producers. 30
Shrewsbury Town
Film Fanatics You’ll be spoilt for choice with cult classics and world film being shown at the Old Market Hall, as well as the latest releases in Shrewsbury’s Cineworld, and there’s an IMAX in Telford, which is just 20 minutes up the road.
Shopaholics A mixture of high street hits and quirky independents, Shrewsbury offers the best of both worlds. Discover tucked away chic boutiques and vintage retailers for unique finds, and pay the big names such as Topshop, H&M and Primark a visit in the Darwin and Pride Hill shopping centres. 31
Shrewsbury Town
History and Science Buffs As the birthplace of Charles Darwin, this town has a history of producing original thinkers. As you make your way around the curiously named streets, you’ll find an array of historical and architectural discoveries, with around 660 listed buildings in the centre alone.
Culture Connoisseurs Shrewsbury is also appreciated for its fantastic arts scene which spans both formal venues such as Theatre Severn and the Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery, along with live music and comedy in bars and pubs across the town.
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Shrewsbury Town
Night Owls Whether you’re after coffees, colourful cocktails, craft beers or ales, enjoy spending nights out with friends against a backdrop of contemporary cool and eccentric décor in a number of different venues. For a more laid-back night, visit one of the town’s merry mix of local pubs – whether that’s relaxing in a beer garden or exercising your brain at a pub quiz. If it’s going to be a serious Shrewsbury night out, you can take your pick of the trendy bars to start the night off and head on to one of the town’s nightclubs, where you’ll find an eclectic mix of music. If you’re after a weekly music fix, the town’s venues host live bands, singer-songwriter showcases, open mic nights and karaoke.
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Shrewsbury Town
Sport Enthusiasts Shrewsbury students are entitled to free membership at the Quarry Swimming and Fitness Centre and at Shrewsbury Sports Village, which provides access to a 1K floodlit cycle track, 16 grass pitches and a gym. There are rowing and kayaking clubs based on the River Severn, as well as a number of running groups to join, including a 5K Park Run every Saturday morning, as well as 10K and half marathon events throughout the year. If you’re interested in joining a sports team, our relationships with many of the local clubs aim to provide you with the opportunity to play at various levels.
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Shrewsbury Town
Festival Lovers Shrewsbury hosts several music festivals throughout the year, such as the International Folk Festival, which attracts thousands of music fans every year. There’s also the Shrewsbury Food Festival, Shrewsbury International Comedy Festival and Shropshire Oktoberfest, to name just a few!
Outdoor Types On the doorstep of the Shropshire Hills, Shrewsbury is only a stone’s throw from an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a UNESCO historical site and National Trust treasures. The county offers a host of hiking, cycling and climbing options all set against a dramatic and picturesque backdrop.
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Open Day Book Your Place 4th June, 17th October and 19th November ucshrewsbury.ac.uk/openday
Our Courses
Our Courses The following pages show our full list of courses and typical entry requirements. For more information about entry requirements, please see page 44.
ucshrewsbury.ac.uk/ug/study ucas.com
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Our Courses
Course
UCAS
A Levels
BTEC Ext. Diploma
Additional Requirements
Adult Nursing* BN (Hons)
112
BCC – BBC
DMM
GCSE English and Mathematics at grade C/ grade 4 or above. Applicants will also be required to attend an interview.
Applied Psychology BSc (Hons)
120
BBC – BBB
DDM
GCSE Mathematics at grade C/grade 4 or above
Biochemistry* BSc (Hons)
112
BCC – BBC
Considered alongside A Level Chemistry
Chemistry A Level
Bioscience BSc (Hons)
112
BCC – BBC
DMM in Applied Science
Biology or Applied Science A Level
Biotechnology BSc (Hons)
112
BCC – BBC
DMM in Applied Science
Biology or Applied Science A Level
Business and Digital Marketing* BSc (Hons)
112
BCC – BBC
DMM
Available with a Foundation Year | *Subject to validation 40
Our Courses
Course
UCAS
A Levels
BTEC Ext. Diploma
Additional Requirements
Business Management BA (Hons)
112
BCC – BBC
DMM
Business Sustainability* BSc (Hons)
112
BCC – BBC
DMM
Business with Psychology* BSc (Hons)
112
BCC – BBC
DMM
Childhood Studies with Applied Psychology* BA (Hons)
104
CCC – BCC
MMM – DMM
GCSE grade C/grade 4 or above in English Language (required); GCSE Mathematics grade C/grade 4 or above (recommended)
Degree in Professional Policing* BSc (Hons)
112
BCC – BBC
DMM
Candidates who do not meet the minimum entry requirements may be asked to attend an interview
Available with a Foundation Year | *Subject to validation 41
Our Courses
Course
UCAS
A Levels
BTEC Ext. Diploma
112
BCC – BBC
DMM
Genetics and Evolution BSc (Hons)
112
BCC – BBC
DMM in Applied Science
Health and Exercise Science BSc (Hons)
112
BCC – BBC
DMM
Medical Genetics BSc (Hons)
112
BCC – BBC
DMM in Applied Science
Biology, Chemistry or Applied Science A Level
Medical Science BSc (Hons)
112
BCC – BBC
DMM in Applied Science
Biology, Chemistry or Applied Science A Level
Musical Theatre BA (Hons)
112
BCC – BBC
DMM in Performing Arts
Drama & Theatre Studies, Performing Arts or Performance Studies A Level
Events and Festivals Management BA (Hons)
Available with a Foundation Year 42
Additional Requirements
Biology, Chemistry or Applied Science A Level
Our Courses
Course
UCAS
A Levels
BTEC Ext. Diploma
Non-Medical Prescribing (Level 6)
Applicants must be registered with the NMC, GPhC, or HCPC.
Primary Education (5-11) with QTS BA (Hons)
120
BBC – BBB
DDM
Sport Management BSc (Hons)
112
BCC – BBC
DMM
Working with Children, Young People & Families (WBIS**) BA (Hons)
96 – 104
CCC – BCC
MMM – DMM
Additional Requirements
GCSE grade C/grade 4 in English Language, Maths and Science (grade B/grade 5 preferred). Applicants will need to attend an interview as part of the selection process.
GCSE English (essential) and GCSE Maths (desirable) at grade C/4 or above; must be in suitable work/volunteer capacity (minimum 2 years’ experience)
Available with a Foundation Year | **Work Based and Integrative Studies 43
Our Courses
Entry Requirements We consider a wide range of Level 3 qualifications, including A Levels, BTEC Extended Diplomas, International Baccalaureate, Irish and Scottish Highers, OCR qualifications and Access Diploma. Entry requirements can vary slightly from year to year, depending on the subjects you choose. Each course has its own entry requirements, which are shown in this mini guide and in more detail at: ucshrewsbury.ac.uk Our general entry policy requires applicants to have: • A good level of literacy and numeracy (GCSE grade C or above in Maths and English Language or suitable equivalent)
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• Experience or interest relevant to the course(s) for which you have applied. If your qualifications were completed some time ago and you are not sure whether they are appropriate for your chosen subject(s) of study, please contact Undergraduate Admissions and we will be happy to discuss your options with you.
Our Courses
Postgraduate Study We also offer a range of innovative taught postgraduate qualifications giving you access to highly qualified and engaging lecturers exploring issues central to our society. • Biotechnology* MSc/PGDip/ • Museums Practice MSc/ PGCert PGDip/PGCert • Educational Leadership MA/ • National Award for PGDip/PGCert Special Educational Needs • Exercise Medicine MSc/ Coordination (NASENCo) PGCert PGDip/PGCert • Management MSc/PGDip/ • Non-Medical Prescribing Level 7 PGCert • Military History MA/PGDip/ • Organisational Change and Development (WBIS**) MA/ PGCert PGDip/PGCert ucshrewsbury.ac.uk/pg/study 46
• Popular Fiction* MA/PGDip/ PGCert • Psychology in Society* MSc/ PGDip/PGCert • Sustainable Change* MSc/ PGDip/PGCert • Sustainable Heritage Practice MSc/PGDip/PGCert • Teacher Education* MA/ PGDip/PGCert
*Subject to validation **Work Based and Integrative Studies
Useful Information
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Useful Information
Useful Information Learn more about how to apply, read about the financial side of things, and discover the next steps in your University Centre Shrewsbury journey. 50
How to Apply
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Tuition Fees and Student Loans
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Bursaries and Scholarships
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Important Information
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What’s Next?
49
Useful Information
How to Apply Applications for all undergraduate full-time courses at University Centre Shrewsbury should be made through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) between 1st September 2020 and 15th January 2021. For step-by-step guidance on how to apply, please visit: ucshrewsbury.ac.uk/undergraduate/apply Institution and Campus Code When applying, you will need the Institution Code for the University of Chester, which is CHSTR C55. You can find our Course Codes on ucshrewsbury.ac.uk or by searching for the University of Chester on ucas.com
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The campus code for University Centre Shrewsbury is S and you will need to put this campus code in the ‘Choices’ section of the online application form.
Useful Information
Tuition Fees and Student Loans Tuition Fees • Our full-time undergraduate tuition fees for UK and EU students are £9,250* a year, or £1,540* per 20-credit module for part-time study • Our Foundation Year tuition fee for UK and EU students is £9,250* • If you are an international student, please visit: ucshrewsbury.ac.uk/international/fees- and-finance
Student Loans If you are a first time undergraduate living in the UK or EU, you are entitled to apply for a tuition fee loan via your national student finance
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organisation. Maintenance loans are also available to help with living costs; the amount you receive depends on your household income and where you live and study. • England: gov.uk/student-finance • Wales: studentfinancewales.co.uk • Scotland: saas.gov.uk • Northern Ireland: studentfinanceni.co.uk *These fees apply to 2020 entry. At the time of writing, it is not possible to state what our exact fees will be in 2021. Our fees may rise each year with inflation, as measured by the Retail Price Index. These fee levels and increases are subject to any necessary government, and other regulatory, approvals.
Useful Information
Bursaries and Scholarships We have bursaries for full- and part-time students whose means tested household income is less than £25,000, and we also offer a cash award to Foundation Year students. This is automatically reviewed and you will be notified if eligible. We also have a limited number of bursaries available for care leavers, young adult carers and estranged students. Please contact wellbeing@chester.ac.uk for further information. For full and up-to-date details about our bursaries, please visit: ucshrewsbury.ac.uk/bursaries Sport scholarships are available to undergraduate students who can demonstrate active
representation at national or international level. For more information, please visit: ucshrewsbury.ac.uk/sport-scholarships The government can provide additional help for students with a disability (Disabled Students’ Allowances), or students who have children or an adult who depends on them financially (Dependants’ Grants). If you get into financial difficulty, or find yourself unable to cover costs while completing your course, you may be eligible for financial help from our Financial Assistance Fund. For more information, please visit: ucshrewsbury.ac.uk/additional-financial-help
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Useful Information
Important Information For information regarding regulations and procedures that govern admission of students to courses at the University of Chester (‘the University’) at University Centre Shrewsbury, please visit: ucshrewsbury.ac.uk/notes-for-applicants The information in this guide was correct at the time of writing (March 2020) and is for general information purposes. Some alterations to courses may unavoidably occur between the publication of this guide and the start of the 2021/22 academic year. The University reserves the right to withdraw or make alterations to courses. For further details and the most up-to-date information about our courses, please visit: ucshrewsbury.ac.uk
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Useful Information
What’s Next? Get More Course Info. For more details and the most up-to-date information about our courses, visit: ucshrewsbury.ac.uk
2020 Open Days June, October, November ucshrewsbury.ac.uk/openday
ORDER A PROSPECTUS ucshrewsbury.ac.uk /prospectus-request
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Established by
+44 (0)1743 297185 enquiries@ucshrewsbury.ac.uk ucshrewsbury.ac.uk
Like many universities across the UK, we are carefully planning for the next year to ensure the health and safety of our students and to ensure that however the situation may develop or change, the academic year will be completed for all students. This may mean we use some alternative modes of delivery to those described in this leaflet, but we’ll still be delivering a high quality learning experience. Further details will follow on our website once plans have been confirmed.
