Wiltshire College & University Centre: University Guide 2024

Wiltshire College & University Centre (WCUC) 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, long-standing 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.

WCUC 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 industry-standard facilities and specialist teaching resources.

Our University Centre offers 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.

At WCUC, 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 practical assessments and work placements.

We have accommodation centres on site at two of our campuses, so everyone is welcome to study with us, not just those students based in Wiltshire. However, if you feel more comfortable studying at home, our local study options could be perfect for you.

All of our university courses are designed to be flexible and support students to study alongside their external commitments.

Our qualifications include the promotion of additional Graduate Attributes, enhancing personal employability skills alongside our academic programmes.

Upon completion of your degree-level programme, you will take part in our annual graduation ceremony at the spectacular Salisbury Cathedral. You’ll join hundreds of graduates and their family and friends 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 industrystandard facilities and specialist teachingequipment, as well as:

• Free on-site parking

• Sport and fitness facilities

• Canteens offering hot and cold meals and drinks

• Costa outlets and Express machines

• Free Wi-Fi

• Student accommodation at Lackham and Salisbury

• Aspire Academy of Hair and Beauty salons

• Learning Resources Centres

• Careers Hubs for careers advice and guidance

Chippenham

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

Lackham

Set in 500 acres of Wiltshire countryside, Lackham is WCUC’s specialist campus for land-based study. A £9million redevelopment in 2021 saw the launch of a cutting-edge AgriTech Centre and robotic dairy. These beautiful historic surroundings are combined with a range of fully immersive teaching and learning spaces.

In 2024, the campus will benefit from a new Business Centre where our Higher Education students can engage in projects and conversations with employers and industry specialists.

Salisbury

In 2021 our Salisbury campus completed £14million worth of redevelopment work, creating a truly vibrant atmosphere and enhancing our Higher Education provision. A large proportion of the campus’ teaching facilities were refreshed, including a suite of labs to enable the design of exciting new Higher Level qualifications.

Trowbridge

Our Trowbridge campus contains a range of superb study facilities to support all of our students on their academic journey. 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. The campus has also undergone extensive internal refurbishment with the development of a health suite, containing a hospital care ward and a range of industry-leading specialised equipment.

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

Whatever your programme, you’ll be taught by experienced industry professionals in modern facilities featuring the latest equipment and technology.

We run courses in the following subject areas:

• Access to Higher Education

• Animal Studies

• Business and Management

• Computing

• Creative Media

• Crime and Criminal Justice

• Early Childhood Education

• Engineering

• Film and Media Production

• Health and Social Care

• Motorsport Engineering

• Sport

We offer university courses across a broad range of subjects and levels. We run programmes which award Foundation Degrees, Bachelor’s Degrees, Higher National Certificates and Diplomas, and Higher Apprenticeships. Scan

Our full list of courses is available on our website, where you can find out more detailed information about each one.

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 WCUC, we make sure you have all you need to participate and enjoy student life 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 universitylevel study rooms and Learning Resources Centres, there are gyms on each site and various campus events to take part in. 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 teaching spaces. Besides our first-class academic offering, there are a host of reasons why Wiltshire is a great place to live and study.

Salisbury is one of the most colourful locations in the county with a vibrant nightlife 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 festivals, and we’re also not too far from Bath and Swindon, where the options and opportunities are endless!

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 centrepiece 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

WCUC is home to its own Student Alliance. The Alliance is there to be a channel of transparent communication between WCUC leaders 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. 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 your new 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.

The Accommodation Team provide pastoral support and supervision throughout the academic year. The staff are dedicated to safeguarding the wellbeing and safety of all residential students.

Salisbury Accommodation

If you are based in Salisbury, you’re lucky to be in one of the most dynamic locations in the county. However, you don’t always have to venture into the city, there is always plenty going on at the campus.

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

Lackham Accommodation

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

The Ridgeway Hall of Residence contains 45 ensuite rooms, including designated adapted units. Each room has a single bed, wardrobe, chest of drawers, desk and a bathroom containing a shower, toilet and wash basin. Ridgeway has a communal kitchen and dining area to be shared by residents. Breakfast is included in the price of your room and is taken in the canteen between 8am-10.30am, Monday-Friday.

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

Accommodation off-campus

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

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

Student Support

Inclusion & Support

Here at WCUC, we provide learning environments which promote creativity, critical thinking and collaboration across all of our programmes. Our teaching teams support students to achieve their potential 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 also the best time to discuss study options, enrichment opportunities, obtain academic guidance and ask questions relating to your modules.

Studies Support

WCUC has a vast range of high-quality 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 industrystandard technology.

Alongside this, all students have access to our Learning Resources Centres, which are equipped with the latest versions of innovative software.

Our Learning Resources 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.

Fees & Funding Support

Student Loans

The Government, along with Student Finance England, offers financial support via HE Tuition Fee Loans and Maintenance Loans (to assist with living costs) to help students on either full or part-time courses. You can access loans for all or part of the fees, and the tuition fee will be paid directly to WCUC or the awarding university.

Any maintenance loan is paid directly to the student in three termly installments. 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 WCUC, please check the awarding university’s website for further information. Details of WCUC bursaries are available on our website: wiltshire.ac.uk/ information/money-matters/bursaries.

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.

Qualifications Framework

Higher National Certificate

A Higher National Certificate (HNC) is a highly practical 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 a Higher National Diploma with a further year of study.

Higher National Diploma

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, students 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 ‘topup’ 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 a Bachelor’s degree. Students may 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

WCUC and partner universities set minimum entry requirements to ensure that students intending to study with us are prepared for their course.

Applications from mature students are always welcome and 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 arrange to speak to one of our Careers Advisors, who are on hand to help with important career and study decisions.

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 WCUC

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

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

There are plenty of ways for you to stay involved with the WCUC community

once you’ve completed your studies and graduated, and you can also join the WCUC Alumni Network too.

Being part of our Alumni Network is a great way to keep in touch with your peers or widen your professional network.

We Are Your Next Step

Trowbridge

Thursday 5 October (evening)

Saturday 18 November (morning)

Salisbury

Wednesday 11 October (evening)

Saturday 4 November (morning)

Castle Combe

Saturday 11 November (morning)

Lackham

Saturday 7 October (morning)

Saturday 11 November (morning)

Chippenham

Thursday 12 October (evening)

Saturday 25 November (morning)