Wiltshire College & University Centre: University Guide 2023

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Wiltshire College & University Centre offers exciting routes into Higher Education through a wide range of courses on five campuses on both a full and part-time basis.

We have excellent links with business and industry regionally and are the leading provider of degree level provision in Wiltshire. We provide an outstanding student experience with comprehensive individual support to ensure you achieve your goal.

Our graduates enjoy excellent destinations into their chosen careers expertly guided by our staff. Our staff are all industry trained specialists and we offer dedicated facilities which mirror the workplace environment depending on your choice of subject.

We have an excellent, longstanding reputation and work with leading UK universities and awarding bodies which validate our degree programmes, such as Pearson, Oxford Brookes University and Bournemouth University.

This guide is a starting point for you but please do contact us to find out more and to discuss your options. You can also visit us at our Open Days or just arrange an individual visit to come and see us.

We hope you decide to take this important next step with us. You can be assured of a warm welcome and a highly personalised approach –we look forward to meeting you very soon.

Iain Hatt Principal & CEO

Our University Centre

Wiltshire College & University Centre is a multi-site education facility offering a range of Further Education, Higher Education and part-time courses.

The College has four campuses across Wiltshire located in Chippenham, Lackham, Salisbury and Trowbridge as well as a specialist motorsport centre at Castle Combe race circuit. Each campus is home to industrystandard facilities and specialist teaching resources.

We offer a broad range of degree-level courses validated by leading UK universities and awarding bodies, including Bournemouth, Oxford Brookes and Pearson, meaning you can be confident in the value of your qualification.

Moving away to study at university isn’t the right choice for everyone. If you would like to study a degree-level course but do so with the comfort of being closer to home, a course at Wiltshire College & University Centre could be the ideal solution.

We don’t just cater for students in Wiltshire and nearby. We have accommodation centres on site at two of our campuses, meaning everyone is welcome to study with us.

At the College, you are more than just a number. Our smaller class sizes give you more contact time with supportive and highly knowledgeable staff. We focus on preparing you for your chosen career, providing highquality facilities and equipment, a range of assessments which include practical assignments and valuable work placements. Some of our university courses are designed to enable students to combine part-time working and family commitments alongside their studies.

Students can also study for additional Graduate Attributes, enhancing their personal employability skills alongside their academic programme.

Upon completion of your degree level programme, you will take part in our annual graduation ceremony at the historic Salisbury Cathedral. You’ll join hundreds of graduates in a fantastic day of celebration as we mark your incredible achievements.

Our Campuses

Wiltshire College & University Centre has four campuses across the county, located in Chippenham, Lackham, Salisbury and Trowbridge as well as a smaller centre at Castle Combe. Each campus is home to industry standard facilities and specialist teaching facilities, as well as:

• Refectories offering hot and cold meals and drinks

• Student Life Hubs

• Careers Hubs

• Student-run restaurants at Salisbury and Trowbridge

• Aspire Academy of Hair and Beauty Salons

• Student accommodation at Lackham and Salisbury

• Sport and fitness facilities

• Free on-site parking

• Learning Resources Centres

• Free Wi-Fi

• Costa outlets and Express machines

Chippenham

Our Chippenham campus opened in 2015 following a £21million redevelopment and provides a modern and inspiring environment in which to learn. Boasting state-of-the-art facilities, such as engineering workshops, professional salons and a film production studio, the site makes for a diverse and dynamic space for students to hone their craft.

Lackham

Set in 1000 acres of Wiltshire countryside, Lackham is the College’s specialist campus for land-based study. A £9million redevelopment saw a cutting-edge AgriTech Centre and robotic dairy opened in 2021. Combining beautiful historic surroundings with an incredible range of new state-of-the-art facilities, the site is truly one-of-a-kind in the region.

Salisbury

Following £14million worth of redevelopment work completed in 2021, our Salisbury campus combines motivational teaching, state-of-theart facilities and a vibrant atmosphere. A large proportion of the campus’ teaching facilities have been refreshed, including a suite of labs to enable exciting new courses in the Life Sciences.

Trowbridge

The Trowbridge campus is designed to encourage all students to achieve their potential. Our student-run White Horse Restaurant is open to the public and the campus is home to a professional theatre, the Arc, used by touring companies as well as students. Trade courses are delivered from our state-of-the art Construction Skills Centre.

Castle Combe

Castle Combe is home to our purposebuilt motorsport learning centre where we deliver bespoke courses at an internationally renowned racetrack in the heart of Wiltshire, preparing students for a career in the exhilarating world of motorsport. It is the first circuit-based motorsport engineering facility of its kind in the UK.

Our Subject Areas

Student Life

We know that attending university is about more than simply studying and securing your qualification. You will want to make the most of your time here and university is a great way to meet new people and make new friendships, some of which will last a lifetime.

At Wiltshire College & University Centre, we are sure we have everything available to ensure your enjoyment and participation in student life extends well beyond the classroom.

Campus Life

It’s likely you will have free time on campus and there are plenty of options to keep you busy. As well as our dedicated university-level study rooms and Learning Resource Centres, we have student common rooms and gyms on each site and there are lots of clubs and societies you can join.

You’re free to head off campus and into town but we do offer food and drink options on campus. Our canteens are home to Costa Coffee, while Costa Express machines are also dotted around each campus. Our canteens accept cash, card and Apple and Android Pay.

Off Campus

University isn’t just about the hours you spend dedicated to your course, you will want to enjoy life beyond our buildings. Besides our first-class academic offering, there are a host of reasons why it’s great to study in Wiltshire.

Salisbury is one of the most colourful locations in the county with a vibrant night life and you’ll find plenty of bars, clubs and restaurants in Chippenham and Trowbridge too. There are also cinemas, theatres and venues hosting regular events, including music and comedy, and we’re also not too far from Bath and Swindon, where the options and opportunities really increase. Wiltshire is also home to its fair share of popular landmarks and attractions. If you’ve never been, historic sites like Stonehenge and Salisbury Cathedral are well worth a visit, as is Longleat – well known for its famous safari park and centre-piece stately home all set in 9,000 acres of beautiful countryside. Heading further afield isn’t too much of an issue either, travelling down to the beach on the stunning South Coast takes about an hour to 90 minutes – as does a train journey to London.

Student Alliance

The College is home to its own Student Alliance. The Alliance is there to be a channel of transparent communication between the College and its students, ensuring the student voice is heard and acted upon. The Alliance is also there to promote, encourage and coordinate campaigns, student clubs, trips, sports, and social activities.

As an undergraduate at a UK educational institution, you are eligible to join the National Union of Students (NUS), offering you access to a host of support networks, campaigns and student discount opportunities.

Accommodation

We offer student accommodation at our Lackham and Salisbury campuses. Our rooms are available to everyone, although students on our university courses in particular benefit from living on site.

Living on campus offers a unique university experience and can be an ideal first step to moving away from home. You’ll gain confidence from a new-found independence and be surrounded by friends in the comfort of a safe environment.

Alongside individual student bedrooms, both accommodation centres are home to plenty of communal spaces and facilities, including self-catering kitchens, TV and games lounges and a gym.

Lackham Accommodation

Although our Lackham campus is located a little way out of town – it is a short drive from Chippenham – there is no chance of you feeling cut adrift. The on-site sports hall and gym are open to residential students after college hours, while our ‘Snack Attack’ tuck shop serves hot food and snack treats and trips to the supermarket run on a weekly basis.

The Ridgeway Hall of Residence contains 45 ensuite rooms, including designated adapted units. Each room has a single bed, wardrobe, chest of draws, desk and a bathroom containing a shower, toilet and wash basin. Ridgeway has a communal kitchen and dining area to be shared by residents. Self-catered and half-board (10 meals per week) options are available.

Contact the Lackham Accommodation Team via 01249 466876 or AccommodationLA@ wiltshire.ac.uk for more information.

Salisbury Accommodation

If you are based in Salisbury, you’re lucky to be in one of the most dynamic locations in the county with a vibrant night life. But you don’t always have to venture into the city, there is always plenty going on at the campus to ensure you have a good time.

The St Mary’s Hall of Residence has 80 ensuite rooms, including designated adapted units. Each room has a single bed, wardrobe, chest of draws, desk and a bathroom containing a shower, toilet and wash basin. Each corridor of between six and nine rooms shares a self-contained kitchen which includes a sink, fridge-freezer, combi oven and generous storage space.

Contact the Salisbury Accommodation Team via 01722 344398 or AccommodationSA@ wiltshire.ac.uk for more information.

Accommodation off campus

Students over the age of 18 that require accommodation off campus can contact the Accommodation Team for details of accommodation in the local area.

It is the responsibility of parents of under 18s to find suitable accommodation off campus and the College cannot take responsibility.

Student Supervision

The Accommodation Team provide pastoral support and supervision 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (term time only). The staff are dedicated to safeguarding and the welfare and safety of all residential students. The Accommodation Office is open and the Accommodation Officers are on duty from 8.30am-1.30am.

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Student Support

Inclusion & Support

Here at Wiltshire College & University Centre, we provide learning environments which nurture creativity, critical thinking and collaboration across all our programmes. Our teaching teams support students to achieve to the best of their ability from the moment they enrol through to their graduation and beyond.

If at any point in your study you feel you need extra support, we will create a safe and inclusive space for positive discussion and provide advice and guidance.

Tutorial

Your programme may include time for tutorials where you will discuss your academic progress. These short sessions are the also the best time to discuss study options, enrichment opportunities, obtain academic guidance and ask questions relating to your modules.

Studies Support

The College has a vast range of highquality facilities on each of its campuses so students on all of our university-level courses can be sure that their learning will be supported by the latest equipment and industry-standard technology.

Alongside this, all students have access to our Learning Resource Centres, which are home to PCs and Macs equipped with the latest versions of innovative software.

Our learning resource coordinators are there to help with research skills, referencing, academic writing, time management, and group and one-to-one support.

You will also have access to relevant books, industry journals, eBooks and online databases, and we have dedicated study areas for university level students.

Fees & Funding Support

Student Loans

The Government offer funding and financial support to students on either full or part-time HE courses. You can access funding for all or part of the fees and the tuition fee will be paid directly to the College or awarding university on your behalf. In addition to tuition fees, financial support is also available to help with living costs for students.

These funds are intended to help with accommodation, food, travel and course related expenses. Further information is available from gov.uk/student-finance.

Bursaries and Scholarships

Universities and Colleges also offer their own scholarships and bursaries for individual students. If you are studying a university programme at the College, please check their own website for further information. Details of College bursaries are available on our website: wiltshire.ac.uk.

Hardship

Additional support is available to students who find themselves experiencing extra challenges during their studies. Please contact the HE Admissions Team on 01225 756200 or HEadmissions@wiltshire.ac.uk for information.

wiltshire.ac.uk

Qualifications Framework

HNC

A Higher National Certificate (HNC) is a practical vocationally-focussed qualification normally studied over one year full-time or two years part-time and can be used as entry to the second year of a degree course or, more commonly, topped up to an HND with a further year of study.

HND

A Higher National Diploma (HND) is usually studied over two years (full-time) or three years (part-time) and like Foundation Degrees can be converted to a full degree by topping up with a final year.

Foundation Degree

A Foundation Degree (Fd) is equivalent to the first two years of a degree course and is a qualification in its own right. Usually designed with input from employers, these courses ensure that, on completion, learners can make an immediate contribution to their workplace. Students often then choose to top up their qualifications by either joining the third year of a degree or a specifically designed ‘top-up’ qualification.

Top-up year or ‘integrated degree’

A top-up year is normally one year of study at Level 6 which is the final year of a full degree programme and follows either a Foundation Degree or an HND in the same subject.

Degrees

A full degree is a three-year full-time programme which includes research projects in the final year. The course will lead to either a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor of Science degree. Students also have the option to undertake a placement year.

Higher/Degree Apprenticeships

These are a great alternative to university with many now offering training to degree and postgraduate degree level. You will receive training both on and off the job, a salary and the opportunity to move your career forward – all without tuition fees.

Entry Requirements & How to Apply

Wiltshire College & University Centre and partner universities set minimum entry requirements to ensure that students intending to study at the College are prepared for their course. Applications from mature students are always considered on a case-by-case basis. Any mature applicants who have gained the relevant experience but who may not have achieved the stated entry requirements are encouraged to apply, or to arrange to speak to one of our Careers Advisors who are on hand to guide you on your chosen path.

Full-time applications

Applications for all of our full-time university courses are required to go through the UCAS system. You can do this directly via the UCAS website by searching Wiltshire College & University Centre to find all the courses we offer, or by clicking ‘apply today’ on the relevant course page on our own website. When you apply, you will need to provide the correct codes. UCAS gives each institution and course a unique code. These can be found on the relevant course page on our website. UCAS send all applications to the College for consideration, after which we may invite suitable candidates for an interview and submission of a portfolio of work where appropriate.

Alternatively, offers may be made on the strength of your application form. If we offer you a place, it will either be: Conditional – meaning you are required to obtain particular grades or qualifications in order to be accepted onto your course. Unconditional – meaning you have the necessary qualifications and we are happy to accept you for this course. UCAS will notify you to confirm this and you are invited to accept or decline the offer.

Part-time applications

All applications for part-time university courses are completed direct with us. Simply find the relevant course page on our website and click ‘apply today’.

Direct Entry

Students who have studied part of a qualification elsewhere and wish to use this prior learning to access a course with us, can do so. Please email HEadmissions@wiltshire. ac.uk and have your qualification transcript or statement of results ready to discuss.

Graduation

Our annual graduation ceremony takes place in the grand surroundings of Salisbury Cathedral.

On completion of your degree level programme, you’ll join hundreds of other graduates in a fantastic day of celebration, as we mark your incredible achievements.

At Wiltshire College & University Centre we are passionate about helping our students to achieve their dreams and ambitions. When you join us, you become a part of the College family and we want you to keep in touch and let us know where your career takes you.

Once you’ve completed your studies and graduated, you can join the College’s Alumni Network, an online community designed to help you succeed in postcollege life. Being part of our Alumni Network is a great way to rekindle a longlost friendship, make new ones or widen your professional network.

As a former student from Chippenham, Lackham, Salisbury, Trowbridge or Castle Combe, you can access a range of exciting ways to get involved, careers resources and professional networking opportunities as well as exclusive benefits.