University Centre Guide 2025
HELLO
Welcome to Wiltshire College & University Centre (WCUC) and our exciting and accessible routes into Higher Education through a wide range of courses at our sites across the county, on both a full and part-time basis.
We are a leading provider of university-level provision in Wiltshire and provide an outstanding student experience with comprehensive individual support to ensure you achieve your goals and ambitions.
Our graduates enjoy excellent destinations into their chosen careers. We have an excellent, long-standing reputation and work with leading universities and awarding bodies which validate our degree programmes.
Our staff are all industry-trained specialists and we offer dedicated facilities which mirror the workplace environment depending on your choice of subject.
This is your starting point, please contact us to find out more and to discuss your options and ambitions. You can visit us at our Open Days or arrange an individual visit.
We hope you decide to take this important next step with us, and 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, and we have accommodation centres on site at two of our campuses at Lackham and Salisbury.
Our University Centre offers a broad range of degree-level courses validated by leading UK universities and awarding bodies, including Pearson, Oxford Brookes University, Bournemouth University and Coventry University.
At WCUC 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 high-quality facilities and equipment, a range of practical assessments, and work placements.
All of our university courses are designed to be flexible and support students to study alongside their external commitments.
Upon successful completion of your universitylevel programme, you will take part in our annual graduation ceremony.
Lackham Campus
Chippenham Campus
OUR CAMPUSES
Wiltshire College & University Centre has four main campuses across the county, located in Chippenham, Lackham, Salisbury and Trowbridge, as well as a smaller centre at Castle Combe specialising in motorsport engineering.
Each of our campuses is home to industry-standard facilities and specialist teaching equipment.
Trowbridge Campus
Salisbury Campus
QUALIFICATIONS FR AMEWORK
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.
Higher Technical Qualifications
Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) are technical qualifications that have been developed by employers and awarding bodies, so you will get the right training, knowledge and skills to succeed in the workplace. They are usually studied over one or two years full-time, with part-time options available, and can be converted to a full degree by topping up with a final year.
Foundation Degree
A Foundation Degree (Fd) qualification is equivalent to the first two years of a degree course. 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 specially 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 or a similar subject.
Degrees
A full degree is a three-year 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.
WCUC and partner universities set minimum entry requirements to ensure that students intending to study with us are prepared for their course.
Full-Time Applications
Applications for all of our full-time university courses are required to go through the UCAS system.
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 your 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 courses are completed directly 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.
Mature Applications
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 Admissions Advisors, who are on hand to help with important career and study decisions.
OUR SUBJECT AREAS
We offer university courses across a broad range of subjects and levels. We run programmes which award Foundation Degrees, Bachelor’s Degrees, Higher National Diplomas, Higher Technical Qualifications, and Higher Apprenticeships.
We offer university-level courses in the following areas:
• Animal Management
• Business, Finance and Management
• Computing and IT
• Crime and Criminal Justice
• Early Years Education and Childcare
• Engineering
• Film and Media Production
• Healthcare
• Motorsport Engineering
• Sport
Our full list of courses is available on our website, where you can find out more detailed information about each one. Visit wiltshire.ac.uk/university-centre. WANT TO
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 it is your opportunity to meet new friends, some of which will last a lifetime.
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, there are various campus events to take part in.
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 academic offering, there are a host of reasons why Wiltshire is a great place to 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, and we’re also not too far from Bath and Swindon, where the options and opportunities really increase.
Student Alliance
WCUC is home to its own Student Alliance. The Alliance is there to be a channel of communication between WCUC 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, you are also eligible to join the National Union of Students (NUS), offering you access to a host of support networks, campaigns and student discounts.
ACCOMMODATION
We offer student accommodation at our Lackham and Salisbury campuses. Alongside individual student bedrooms, both accommodation centres are home to communal spaces and facilities, including self-catering kitchens, TV and games lounges, and IT rooms.
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
The St Mary’s Halls 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.
Contact the Salisbury Accommodation Team via 01722 344398 or AccommodationSA@wiltshire.ac.uk for more information.
Lackham Accommodation
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 washbasin. Ridgeway has a communal kitchen and dining area to be shared by residents. Breakfast is included in the price of your room and is available in the canteen Monday to 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 offcampus can contact the Accommodation Team for details of options in the local area.
STUDENT SUPPORT
Inclusion & Support
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 will 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 campus, 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 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. Our Digital Learning Advisors are also available to help students seeking information, advice and guidance with digital learning resources and technologies.
You will also have access to relevant books, industry journals, eBooks and online databases.
FEES & FUNDING
Student Loans
The Government offers financial support via Student Finance England. This funding is used to support your tuition fee payments and maintenance loans for 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.
Further information is available from gov.uk/student-finance.
Bursaries and Scholarships
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.
Maintenance Loan Entitlement
GRADUATION
On successful completion of your university-level programme, you will join hundreds of other graduates in a fantastic day of celebration as we mark your incredible achievements.
Visit our Open Days:
Trowbridge
Thursday 3 October 2024 5-7pm
Saturday 23 November 2024 10am-12pm
Wednesday 22 January 2025 5-7pm
Thursday 1 May 2025 5-7pm
Salisbury
Tuesday 8 October 2024 5-7pm
Saturday 16 November 2024 10am-12pm
Thursday 23 January 2025 5-7pm
Tuesday 6 May 2025 5-7pm
HELLO HELLO HELLO
Lackham
Saturday 5 October 2024 10am-12pm
Saturday 9 November 2024 10am-12pm
Saturday 1 February 2025 10am-12pm
Saturday 10 May 2025 10am-12pm
Chippenham
Thursday 10 October 2024 5-7pm
Saturday 9 November 2024 10am-12pm
Wednesday 29 January 2025 5-7pm
Wednesday 30 April 2025 5-7pm