Over 600 Universities and Higher Education Colleges
THE GOOD
FOR 2016/17 APPLICANTS
UNIVERSITIES AU T U M N 2 0 1 5 | W W W.G O O D U N I G U I D E .CO. U K
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EXPERT ADVICE CH
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ECKLIST S, DEADLI NES & FEES
al n o s r e p Writ e a in t n e m e t sta
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IT’S MORE THAN A DEGREE. IT’S A CAREER-MAKER. 63% of Glion Alumni are in management positions. We are developing the next generation of global business leaders in the hospitality industry through our successful, proven methods. Will you be one of them?
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CLAUDIA DUDMAN Editor
THE GOOD
UNIVERSITIES
GUIDE
CNP Ltd, Jubilee House, 2 Jubilee Place, London SW3 3TQ Tel (020) 7349 3700 Fax (020) 7349 3701 Email editor@independentschoolparent.com For website and subscriptions, please visit: independentschoolparent.com/register EDITORIAL Editor Claudia Dudman Deputy Editor Natalie Milner Group Art Editor Chloë Collyer Senior Designer Pio Blanco Designer Maria Sagun PUBLISHING Publisher & Managing Director Paul Dobson Deputy Managing Director Steve Ross Commercial Director Vicki Gavin Media Manager James Dobson Subscriptions Manager Will Delmont 020 7349 3710 will.delmont@chelseamagazines.com Production www.allpointsmedia.co.uk Printed in England by William Gibbons ADVERTISING Group Advertisement Sales Manager Freddy Halliday Sales Executives Hannah Inwood, Harry Warburton, William Bernard DISTRIBUTION The Good Universities Guide is for students educated in senior independent schools across the UK. Students can subscribe for a free copy at independentschoolparent.com/ gooduniguideautumn2015/register Independent School Parent also publishes The Guide to Independent Schools biannually to help you choose the right schoo © CNP Ltd 2015. All rights reserved. Text and pictures are copyright restricted and must not be reproduced without permission from the publisher. The information contained in The Good Universities Guide has been published in good faith and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. All liability for loss, negligence or damage caused by reliance on the information contained within this publication is hereby excluded.
Welcome...
The Good Universities Guide is here to help you through the application process from start to finish (turn over for our timeline). Begin with choosing the right degree course for you – whatever subject you decide upon, it will have a different focus at different institutions, so research is key (page 20). Next, we offer top tips for open days (page 18) and a checklist for that all-important personal statement (page 40). Plus, enter our competition (page 54) where you can win a week’s work experience and a Kindle Fire!
Claudia Dudman, Editor The Good Universities Guide
5
Timeline Key dates for your diary
7
Step up to Sixth Form
48 51
What to Pack
Make the most of the next two years
10
Russell Group Universities
Our edit of the essentials
52
Stats and facts
12
Uni in the USA
20 29
Open Days
Quidditch at the University of Oxford
Competition
56
University Societies
Win work experience and a Kindle Fire!
Your tear-out-and-keep checklist
Choosing a Course
From the absurd to the worthy
61
If Panic Strikes...
64
Let the Adventure Begin
Law and design under the spotlight
What can you do with a degree in...
Coping strategies if nerves bite
Politics – at King’s College London
33 40
Scholarships at University
Behind the Scenes
54
Expert advice on how to apply
18
Living at Uni Pick the accommodation that suits you
Get the most out of your gap year
67
Uni Memories
We guide you through the application process
Economics graduate recounts his
Personal Statement
time at City University London
How do you make yours stand out?
42
Student Finance Funding your degree and living costs
44
Budgeting at Uni Top tips on how to save your cash
46
If I Could Turn Back Time
68
University Listings
Find your perfect university or higher education college in our comprehensive UK listings
Handy hints from graduates
COVER: Cardiff University PHOTOGRAPHY: Mike Hall
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Download a FREE digital copy to read on-the-go at gooduniguide.co.uk
AUTUMN 2015 | THE GOOD UNIVERSITIES GUIDE | 3
UCAS TIMELINE Keep on track with your university application process with these key dates for your diary LOWER SIXTH FORM
UCAS application deadline for the majority of undergraduate courses.
Student Finance applications for tuition fee funding and maintenance loans can begin early 2016.
15TH JANUARY
2016
Most of you will have received all of your university offers by now.
SPRING TERM
24TH MARCH
SPRING TERM
Start researching universities and courses.
p42
4 | THE GOOD UNIVERSITIES GUIDE | AUTUMN 2015
UPPER SIXTH FORM
UCAS application deadline for some art and design courses, check course details to confirm. 31ST MARCH
SUMMER TERM
Plan open day visits at your shortlisted universities.
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WIN! p54
Your chance to win work experience and a Kindle Fire!
p18 p40 PERSONAL STATEMENT CHECKLIST
p48
Your student accommodation will be confirmed.
A-level results day! Good luck.
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER
18TH AUGUST
SUMMER TERM
Time to draft your personal statement.
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER
Register with UCAS – it’s time to start filling in your university application. Once you’re happy you can submit your application and use Track to follow the process online.
15TH OCTOBER
2017
UCAS application deadline for Oxbridge, medicine, veterinary medicine/science and dentistry.
For more information and expert advice visit gooduniguide.co.uk
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AUTUMN 2015 | THE GOOD UNIVERSITIES GUIDE | 5
REBELS FIND YOUR
CAUSE You’re an awkward so-and-so aren’t you? Always asking questions and starting arguments. Never happy until you’ve got to the truth. Yes you’re awkward – and we like you already.
Find your cause at www.essex.ac.uk/rebels
PLANNING YOUR FUTURE
KRIS SPENCER
assistant head, Latymer Upper School, London
STEP UP TO SIXTH FORM You’ve chosen your A-level subjects and started sixth form. So how do you make the most of your next two years? Kris Spencer advises… CERTAINTY AND UNCERTAINTY Let’s start with a classic interview question: “Where do you see yourself in the next two years?”. As a new Sixth Former you have an enviable level of certainty in answering this question. In two years, you will be holding a place at a great university to study the course that best suits and supports your talents and your ambitions. But to arrive at this certainty, your Sixth Form years will also be marked by some exciting uncertainties. At the very least, you’ll need to decide on the course and the university – and at not just one but five different institutions. You’ll also need to decide on who you are and who you want to be. Take heart, you will do all of this and so much more...
BALANCE In your first year, your priority is to adjust to Sixth Form life. It is crucial to find a balance between your work and social life. And to maintain good sleep patterns. There
is no need to focus on your university choices before you’ve had the chance to become comfortable being a Sixth Former. After the breadth of your GCSE campaign you now need to be prepared to go deeper into your chosen subjects, and work at a higher level. The work is harder and you’ll be expected to study with greater independence than before. Seek help early if you feel like you’re struggling, but also take ownership of your learning. This self-knowledge is the next step in your learning, and crucial preparation for university. There is one absolute, undisguisable fact – entry to university is determined by grades. You must work hard to boost your options.
Your Sixth Form life will open up opportunities to develop new connections with people around you
FIVE-A-DAY One of your priorities over the next two years of Sixth Form is to look after yourself, both physically and mentally. You’ll have heard of the Government’s five-a-day campaign to get people to eat more fruit and vegetables. Well, the NHS also have a five-a-day for wellbeing. It
Remember to go easy on yourself. You are deciding what to do next, not what you are going to do forever gooduniguide.co.uk
AUTUMN 2015 | THE GOOD UNIVERSITIES GUIDE | 7
Previous page, Worth School, West Sussex Above, enjoy the world around you and try new experiences
The work at university is harder and you’ll be expected to study with greater independence than before
works well for busy Sixth Formers. The advice is that your daily mental health workout should include these five elements: Be active – The importance of physical activity to wellbeing is well known but it is also vital that you are active and engaged in all that you do. Your Sixth Form life will open up opportunities to develop new relationships and connections with the people around you. Don’t wait for opportunities – make them happen. Keep learning – Make learning your life. Intellectual curiosity is everything, both for achieving top grades and attracting the interest of university admissions tutors. At the end of every day think about what went well and build on this; also think about what you might have done differently, and better – learn from this. Give to others – One of the best ways of supporting your own self-esteem is to help others. Volunteering your time is fulfilling, and it gives you a clear perspective on your own life. Be mindful – Sixth Form can seem like part rollercoaster and part conveyor belt. If you’re not careful it will be over before
8 | THE GOOD UNIVERSITIES GUIDE | AUTUMN 2015
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PHOTOGRAPHY: LEFT: UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM; MIDDLE LEFT: LORD WANDSWORTH COLLEGE; TOP: ST SWITUN’S SCHOOL, HAMPSHIRE; TOP RIGHT: UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS; BOTTOM RIGHT, UNIVERSITY OF ST ANDREWS
PLANNING YOUR FUTURE
you’ve had chance to take in all that you are experiencing. Seek out and create opportunities, look up and pause. Be aware of the present moment and enjoy your feelings and thoughts, and the world around you.
LOOKING AHEAD Once you are settled into your courses, you’ll know more about your interest and ability in the subjects you’ve chosen. The period after the Christmas holiday in your Lower Sixth year is a good time to start thinking about your university choices. Take a look online at some courses, and be realistic. Make a list of options to consider and start obtaining information about the universities and the courses. You should be as open as possible, most students chop and change their plans at this first stage.
GETTING PERSONAL As important as your exams are, so are the “soft” skills you’ll acquire during your course of study. As part of your UCAS application you’ll need to write a personal statement describing your academic interests but also your personal qualities – and you’ll need to give evidence. Think about this early. You might be able to organise or start a new activity which will enrich your profile. The five-a-day (left) list will help you choose something which will stretch and challenge you. Make a virtue of committing to things fully and doing your very best. Be a leader, if you get the opportunity.
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Above, you will find a number of courses and institutions which suit you
THE BIG DECISION For lots of students, deciding on their university destination is intimidating. Seek help and advice but don’t depend on others to tell you what you should do. Don’t follow the crowd. And don’t get too hung up on the university – it’s the choice of course that really matters. You will find a number of courses and institutions which suit you. Go easy on yourself: you’re deciding what to do next, not what you’ll be doing forever.
MAKING THE MOST OF THINGS Enjoying your Sixth Form studies and getting into a great university are closely linked. We enjoy things when we are fully immersed in them. To achieve this you’ll need to greet every opportunity, and every difficulty, with the same energy and enthusiasm. In doing this, you will also have come closer than you have ever been to knowing who you are and the person you want to be.
Make a point of committing to things fully and doing your very best. Be a leader if you get the chance
AUTUMN 2015 | THE GOOD UNIVERSITIES GUIDE | 9
PLANNING YOUR FUTURE
RUSSELL GROUP
Four reasons why these universities are a cut above the rest...
ITY RS VE I UN IFF D R CA TY ERSI NIV U HAM DUR
UN IVE R SIT YO F
SO UT HA M PT ON
U N I VER SITY O F S HEF FIEL D
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QUEEN’S UN IVERSITY BE LFAST
UNIVERSITY OF EXETER
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RUSSELL GROUP
OF ALL DOCTORS AND DENTISTS TRAINED IN THE UK, FROM 2012-13
10 | THE GOOD UNIVERSITIES GUIDE | AUTUMN 2015
N DO ON EL EG LL CO ’S DS NG LEE KI OF TY RSI IVE UN POOL LIVER
Y OF ERSIT UNIV
L ECONONDON S OMIC CHOO S L A O SCIENND POLIT F ICAL CE UN IVE RS I T YO FM NE AN W C CA HES TER S T LE UN I V ER SIT Y
81% RUSSELL GROUP UNIS TAUGHT
UNI VER SITY OF G IM LAS GOW PE RIA LC OL LE GE LO ND ON
OF THE TOP UNIVERSITIES IN THE WORLD BELONG TO THE RUSSELL GROUP
Graduates from Russell Group unis earn 10% more over a lifetime than graduates from other universities.
24 THERE ARE
UNIVERSITIES WITHIN THE RUSSELL GROUP
THE RATIO OF STUDENTS TO ACADEMIC STAFF IS
81 * STATS FROM WWW.RUSSELLGROUP.AC.UK
UNIVE RSITY OF BIR MING HAM UN IVE RSI TY OF UN BRI IV STO ER L SIT Y OF CA M BR ID GE
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REACH YOUR GOALS AT SOUTHAMPTON BY COMBINING YOUR AMBITION, YOUR TALENT AND OUR EXPERTISE. A global university in the heart of a vibrant city on the south coast of England, we are one of the UK’s top universities with a world-class reputation for teaching and research. Every year we help students discover their potential and broaden their future prospects through the support and wealth of opportunities we provide. Our degrees cover a wide range of subjects and offer exibility and choice, including the opportunity to study modules outside of your course, gain transferable skills and learn another language at no extra cost.
GLOBAL REPUTATION Top 1% of world universities Founding member of the Russell Group Top 15 UK university in The Guardian & Complete University Guides 2016
SCHOLARSHIPS We offer a variety of scholarships and progression awards
STUDY ABROAD We have over 400 links with 233 partners in 54 countries around the world
www.southampton.ac.uk/opportunity # Destination of Leavers from Higher Education (DLHE), 2013/14
EMPLOYABILITY 94% of Southampton graduates entered employment or further study#
DAVID MANNION
communications officer and educational advisor, US-UK Fulbright Commission
“THERE ARE OVER 4,500 UNIVERSITIES TO CHOOSE FROM IN THE USA AND BRITISH STUDENTS ENJOY THE FLEXIBLE LIBERAL ARTS CURRICULUM”
“OVER 2,500 AMERICAN UNIVERSITIES AWARD FOUR-YEAR DEGREES – A BACHELOR’S DEGREE IN THE US TENDS TO TAKE FOUR YEARS. NEARLY 2,000 UNIVERSITIES AWARD TWO-YEAR DEGREES, OFTEN CALLED AN ASSOCIATE DEGREE (ALMOST EQUIVALENT TO A FOUNDATION DEGREE)”
12 | THE GOOD UNIVERSITIES GUIDE | AUTUMN 2015
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PLANNING YOUR FUTURE
UNI IN THE USA
Thinking of studying for a degree in America? David Mannion gives you the low-down
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AUTUMN 2015 | THE GOOD UNIVERSITIES GUIDE | 13
PLANNING YOUR FUTURE
WHEN TO START Ideally, you will begin the process of researching universities and the application process one to one-and-ahalf years before you enrol. This means if you want to study in the US in September 2017, you will want to start the process by summer 2016. However, if you start slightly later than that, don’t worry, there will still be time to put together your application. You’ll simply need to work at a faster pace. The first step is to make sure US study is a good
14 | THE GOOD UNIVERSITIES GUIDE | AUTUMN 2015
Above, Yale University, top right, New York, students in the Big Apple, below, bird’s eye view from the Empire State Building
There is a plethora of factors to consider: academic programmes, campus size, setting and funding match for your goals. Talk with your parents, careers adviser and anyone you know who has been to or studied in the States. Next, you should begin researching universities with a view to narrowing your search to a final shortlist. Consider a range of factors, including the academic programmes; campus size and setting; availability of funding; and the competitiveness of admission. The number of universities you can apply to isn’t limited like UCAS, but we recommend six to eight.
USA COLLEGE DAY It’s tricky to jet off to the States during term time, so Fulbright’s USA College Day fair, held in London every September, lets you speak to over 180 American universities in one place. US universities don’t have one-off open days, but admissions offices will hold daily tours throughout the year. If you’re not able to visit universities in the States, you can take advantage of online tours, speak to current British students at the institution and review student blogs. As you prepare your application, keep in mind that most universities will require you to submit an individual application directly.
Therefore, application deadlines and forms can vary slightly, although over 500 universities use the Common Application, which simplifies the process in terms of paperwork. That said, deadlines generally tend to fall between mid-October/early November (for early applications) and January (for regular applications).
WHAT TESTS WILL I DO? Most applicants will need to sit an admissions test: the SAT Reasoning Test (collegeboard.org) or ACT (actstudent.org). The most competitive universities may require two to three SAT Subject Tests in addition to the Reasoning Test, or the ACT with an additional writing section.
PHOTOGRAPHY: FULBRIGHT COMMISSION, SAM GEORGIU, JULIA MURPHY
W
hy do so many students cross the Atlantic for exchange programmes? In a recent survey, we found British students were most attracted to the availability of funding for bachelor’s study in the US, as well as the reputation and flexibility of its degrees. In America you don’t have to choose a field of study until your second year, and you can start with a two-year associate degree at a community college if you aren’t quite ready for a bachelor’s. Studying or working abroad for a summer or semester is also a fun and exciting way to learn about a new culture, all while expanding your CV and developing the skills and international perspective that employers seek.
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Learn from the best Almost 50 professional bodies accredit the University’s courses
Give your career an edge 94% of graduates in work or further study within 6 months of graduating DLHE 2013/14
Enjoy every minute Our students are officially amongst the most satisfied in the UK NSS 2015
Open Day
Saturday 28 November Book now northumbria.ac.uk/opendays @NUstudents #IWANTNU
PLANNING YOUR FUTURE
TIME FOR ESSAYS
NUMBER BREAKDOWN
You can submit two to three essays, describing your academic interests, extra-curricular activities and about you as a person (US universities want to know about more than just your grades!). Those applying by the early deadlines may receive offers of admission before the Christmas holidays, and those applying by the regular deadlines will hear back by 1st April.
Cost can vary significantly from university to university, as there are no standard government-set fees like there are in the UK. Rather, each university sets its own fee rates, and this information should be readily available on the university financial aid or undergraduate admissions webpage. As an average though, the annual
WHAT WILL IT COST? The tests will need to be taken before applications are submitted and it is advised that you sit the test in the early autumn of upper sixth. Although there are testing dates throughout the academic year, spaces fill up very fast and the registration deadline is usually a month before each testing date. The results are valid for several years and tests can be retaken.
SUBMIT A TRANSCRIPT You will submit a transcript from your school that lists your marks in the final four years before university (typically GCSEs and A levels), as well as up to three letters of reference from contacts who know you well, both inside and outside of school.
16 | THE GOOD UNIVERSITIES GUIDE | AUTUMN 2015
Above, New York at night, top left and right, Yale University, New York
Typically, private universities have higher tuition rates than public (state-funded) universities. Private universities charge everyone the same rate, whereas public universities charge in-state students a lower tuition rate. As an international student, British students would be considered an out-of-state student for tuition purposes; a British student going to a Pennsylvania state university would be paying the same out-of-state rate as a Californian student going to that university. Generally speaking, out-of-state tuition is still lower than a private university’s fees, although private universities may be able to offer generous scholarships or financial aid to help lower the cost of attendance and that is certainly worth exploring.
undergraduate fees for 2014-15 were $31,231 at a private university, and $22,958 as an out-of-state student at a public university (College Board, 2014). Living costs would be separate, and depend very much on the location of each university.
HELP WITH FEES In a survey conducted by EducationUSA, over 600 US universities offered international students scholarships of over $10,000 per year. Of these 600, 250 offered a “full ride”, and nearly 20% of all international students in the US cite a scholarship as their primary source of funding. The Fulbright website, fulbright.org.uk has more information on funding.
PHOTOGRAPHY: FULBRIGHT COMMISSION, ALEX STEVENSON, KIRSTEN TINGLE, HARVARD UNIVERSITY
Over 600 US universities offer overseas students scholarships of more than $10,000 per year
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PLANNING YOUR FUTURE
i n U @ u Yo
YASMIN SACHEE’S ACADEMIC GOALS AND EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES SHAPED HER PLANS FOR UNIVERSITY
Name: Yasmin Sachee Age: 19 School: St Paul’s Girls’ School, London University: Harvard, Massachusetts
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Q&A
Above, Mallinckrodt Laboratory, Harvard University
QUICK
W
hen I was contemplating studying at university in America, I thought the best place to start was to think about my academic goals and extra-curricular activities, and how I wanted them to shape my university education. Firstly, my AS-level studies were very diverse – I studied maths, further maths, Mandarin, history and economics. I felt quite restricted by limiting myself to studying just one subject. This gave me reason to consider other options, and American universities certainly had that appeal. I explored schools such as Brown, in Rhode Island, that would have given me complete freedom to take any courses I desired, or Columbia, in New York, that has more of a structured curriculum. Harvard, for me, strikes the perfect balance between the two; its General Education programme encourages students to take courses in eight different subject areas (from physics to philosophy), while still giving us a lot of freedom to choose our own courses. During my senior school years, my time outside the classroom was heavily divided between my two very different hobbies: playing the organ and Chinese language and culture. I began playing the organ at the age of 11 when I was awarded a music scholarship to St Paul’s. I became known as “organ girl” because I spent as much time as I could on the instrument and by my penultimate year, I began to play for services in my local church on weekends.
My interest in Mandarin was ignited by my studies at school and most notably when I went on SPGS’ language exchange programme to Beijing in Year 10. Furthermore, in my final year, when I was elected head girl of the school, I became even more stretched for time – but I felt I thrived under the time pressures of participating fully in school life. This is something I wanted to continue at university.
dedicated fully to the application process, who took time to get to know me individually in order to write my counsellor reference. I was also helped by two “Colet Fellows”, who were recent Harvard graduates that were hired by the school, which was very useful as they had just gone through the application process themselves. Moreover, as more Paulinas attend American universities, SPGS have set up a
Where do you live at Harvard? I live in Currier House. It’s one of 12 at the university. For the first year, all freshmen live on Harvard Yard. I lived in Weld Hall Ultimately, when I considered the amount of time I spent outside the classroom devoted to my interests and hobbies, I felt that the American universities were extremely interested in hearing about all of these different parts of my life. Every admissions officer who came to speak at school spoke about their college’s exciting academic, extra-curricular, study abroad, research opportunities that all students have access to and heavily utilise. I found myself completely sold on where I wanted to end up. St Paul’s has a significant support network for girls applying to American universities, which is why the numbers going on to higher education there seem to be growing each year. We had one teacher
mentoring system between alumnae and current students to help with the transition. Of course, there were a number of aspects of the application that I had to prepare for myself, such as SAT preparation and essay writing, but I felt these were manageable, since I was encouraged to start mine early. I could not be happier with my decision to go to America for university. The community that I am a part of and proud to represent, the people I am surrounded by and the opportunities offered are far greater than anything I believe I could experience elsewhere. I know that my peers feel the same way about their respective universities, but my experience so far makes me feel vindicated about my decision to apply to the US and Harvard in particular.
AUTUMN 2015 | THE GOOD UNIVERSITIES GUIDE | 17
OPEN DAY CHECKLIST
PHOTOGRAPHY: UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS
It’s important to visit your shortlisted universities and to ask the right questions once there. Tear out and keep our essential guide
18 | THE GOOD UNIVERSITIES GUIDE | AUTUMN 2015
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OPEN DAY CHECKLIST
PLANNING YOUR FUTURE
IT’S GOOD TO TALK… to the tutors. And think of what to ask them before you go. Don’t hold back on your questions. You’re there to pick your university, which you are paying for, so it is vital you know as much about your course as possible. Can open units be taken? What happens if you fail a unit and, most importantly, what happens if you want to change course? BE ENTHUSIASTIC IN YOUR APPROACH. You may well be remembered when the applications roll in. DON’T FORGET TO CHAT TO CURRENT STUDENTS as they will give you an honest answer. Use the university prospectuses for facts and figures but question the people living there so you can get a feel for the place. CHECK OUT THE HALLS OF RESIDENCE. If the hall is known as the “party” hall, prick up your ears! It might sound like fun, but one to consider if you need a good night’s sleep for a 9am lecture. GO OFF THE BEATEN TRACK. Take a walk off the “official” open day route, peer into study rooms, the library, cafés and try and pick up the campus vibe. UNIVERSITY PROSPECTUSES are a showcase and, of course, a tad biased. See past the glossy pages – many student unions produce their own promotional magazines to offer an insider’s view. Ask the uni you’re visiting if it has other such publications.
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OPEN DAY CHECKLIST TEST HOW LONG IT TAKES to walk from different student accommodation to your lecture halls. Are there any bike lanes? Or big hills! A lovely walk on a sunny day can turn into a hike on a rainy winter evening. BE A BIT SAVVY as you will probably be shown the best room available – and this can often be double the size of those for freshers, and top of the price bracket, too. Try to see as many halls of residence as possible, as style often differs dramatically from one to the other. ASK ABOUT THE AVAILABILITY OF FUN PART-TIME JOBS in the area in case you need to supplement your loan. A large number of students find that they have to! IS IT YOUR CHOICE THAT YOU ARE MAKING? If friends or parents come with you, listen to them but ask what matters most to you. Take a walk on your own, see how you feel in the environment, after all that’s what it’ll be like on your first day! WHEN YOU HAVE MADE UP YOUR MIND, visit again if you can. See if you still like the area on a grey day without the crowds. Most unis offer student-led tours throughout the year. SCAN HERE TO ACCESS OUR CHECKLIST ON YOUR PHONE OR TABLET. DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE DIGITAL MAGAZINE AT GOODUNIGUIDE.CO.UK
AUTUMN 2015 | THE GOOD UNIVERSITIES GUIDE | 19
CHOOSING A COURSE
LAW AND DESIGN
It’s that lightbulb moment – you’ve chosen your course but how does it compare at different universities? This issue we look at law and design
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CHOOSING A COURSE
Grab a pile of prospectuses – it’s time to narrow down the best unis for your course
A
s you start to compare your chosen degree across your shortlisted universities, it’s important to spot the key aspects that make each course unique. It can seem time consuming, but it’s a surefire way to ensure you choose the right course for you.
ASK YOURSELF... Does this course offer enough breadth or will you get bored? Or do you prefer consistency? How much contact time would you like? Does it offer the practical experience you need? Can you combine modules the way you’d like to? Do you want the option to study a module from another course – and is this possible? Above all, in asking these questions it will help you define what you really want.
DELVE DEEPER Often universities offer a varied selection of courses in the same subject area – so it’s worth comparing degrees within an institution, too. For example, Plymouth College of Art provides 20 undergraduate arts degrees, ranging from graphic design to animation and game arts.
ADVICE FROM GRADUATES We speak to four graduates to give you a snapshot of how their similar degrees were studied in very different ways. We start with law, and ask Chloe Halloran why she picked a three-year law degree as opposed to a law conversion (page 22). Meanwhile, Freddie Doust explains why taking a Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) after his English literature degree suited him (page 23). Then we turn to graphic design, and ask Emily Weller and Maria Sagun (page 25-6) how their degrees stood them in good stead for the job market.
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AUTUMN 2015 | THE GOOD UNIVERSITIES GUIDE | 21
Law (LLB) @ Cardiff University (2012-2015) Cardiff University offers direct links to the legal profession
Name: Chloe Halloran Age: 22 Occupation: Student, Accelerated Legal Practice Course, BBP University Law School, Holborn
22 | THE GOOD UNIVERSITIES GUIDE | AUTUMN 2015
Right, Cardiff University
Law is all around us, and through studying it you not only see the news in a new light, but also learn how to write a good letter of complaint! Importantly, away from the books, Cardiff Law School provided me with many opportunities to enhance my employability and make crucial connections with legal employers. The Law School’s specialist careers advisor ran regular workshops and employer presentations alongside the annual Law Fair held in City Hall. The Student Law Society also had excellent links to many different law firms and provided a wealth of social and networking events. The innovative Pro Bono Schemes with local law firms offer hands-on experience with real cases. I chose to apply for work placements independently and secured Vacation Schemes in my second year at Cardiff with American law firm Covington & Burling and also with Linklaters. All of these opportunities have enabled me to produce strong application forms for work experience placements and ultimately, my training contract.
TOP 10 UK...
Universities for law 1 CAMBRIDGE cam.ac.uk 2 OXFORD ox.ac.uk 3 DURHAM dur.ac.uk 4 LONDON SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS lse.ac.uk 5 UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON ucl.ac.uk 6 NOTTINGHAM nottingham.ac.uk 7 GLASGOW gla.ac.uk 8 KING’S COLLEGE LONDON kcl.ac.uk 9 EDINBURGH ed.ac.uk 10 BRISTOL bristol.ac.uk
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*2015 UNIVERSITY RANKINGS TAKEN FROM WWW.THECOMPLETEUNIVERSITYGUIDE.CO.UK
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raduating in July 2015 with first class honours, I secured a spot on the Accelerated Legal Practice course at BPP Law School and will start my training contract at Slaughter and May in March 2016. All being well, I’ll qualify as a solicitor in March 2018. I chose law because of its academic and vocational appeal. Unlike the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL), a law degree lets you study a wider range of legal topics in more detail. While challenging at times, law makes you see the world in a different way. The Law is all around us – you not only see the news in a new light, but learn how to write a good letter of complaint! I’m the first person from my family to attend university. I’m from Neath, in South Wales, and when I decided that I wanted to read law I knew that Cardiff would be the obvious place to go. I wanted to live in a vibrant city with excellent links to the legal profession. No other universities matched Cardiff in friendliness, affordability and CV-building opportunities. At Cardiff I could work with, and learn from, eminent academics. I enjoyed being taught by those who produce the leading works in areas such as Family Law, Law and Religion, Human Rights, Environmental Law and Devolution. These publications are often cited by policy-makers, law reformers and judges – it is not uncommon to find that your tutor has been cited in a landmark decision by the Supreme Court.
CHOOSING A COURSE
Law conversion course with English literature @ University of Exeter (2011-2014) and Graduate Diploma in Law at BPP University Law School, Waterloo, London (2014-2015)
Name: Freddie Doust Age: 23 Occupation: Trainee lawyer, LPC training contract with Weil, Gotshal & Manges
PHOTOGRAPHY: JAMES RAM
T
aking the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) involves exasperation and irritation. It was a difficult year, but a rewarding one. I studied English literature at Exeter for the oft-repeated reason given by aunts and uncles the country over: “Good idea to keep your options open – wouldn’t want to narrow yourself too early”. This is the euphemistic way relatives console wayward adolescents who haven’t a clue what they want to do. On my return from travelling in South America, after graduation, I decided that studying for the GDL was my best option. The GDL is the first stage of two years of vocational training. Afterwards, you can opt to become a solicitor, in which case you take the LPC (Legal Practice Course), or a barrister and take the Bar Practical Training Course (BPTC). Both are offered by the same law schools – BPP University Law School and the University of Law. Both have numerous branches across the UK. You can apply for the GDL with or without a training contract (TC). About 80% of people secure one during the course. Both law schools will accept applications up until a week or so before term starts – this is how I did it. I secured my training contract, with Weil, Gotshal & Manges, one of the top US corporate law firms, while doing my GDL. I can’t stress enough that juggling training contract applications with the conversion course is no mean feat. This is the hardest part of the GDL, although BPP
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Bottom right, University of Exeter
did offer an extremely good career advice service, which I would recommend. Most law firms now recruit via a two-week Vacation Scheme. They can see you for a longer period, and make a more informed judgement on whether you would be a good cultural fit for the firm. Because of this, it’s worthwhile getting out as many Vacation Scheme applications as possible. In your training contract you’ll be allocated four “seats” (exposure to four practice areas). After this, you decide which area you wish to qualify in at the end of the two-year contract. There are three reasons why it is so vital to secure a TC before/ during the GDL. Firstly, the firm will fund you through both stages. Secondly, as law
commitment. However, if you are selffunding (and it is expensive, at £10,000), it is possible to have a job on the side too (I managed it), but it isn’t easy. You will need to learn to manage your time efficiently. The modules vary. Similar ones are offered at BPP and at University of Law. You study the core modules you would study on a three-year law degree. You don’t specialise until you’re training with a law firm, after the GDL and LPC, although you do have more optional/elective modules during the LPC. The GDL modules include: Contract Law, Tort, Criminal and Land. The difficulty is making the transition from uni (where you’re left to your own devices) to a discipline where you keep up
I secured my training contract, with Weil, Gotshal & Manges, one of the top US corporate law firms, while studying for the GDL firms recruit two years in advance, it means there’ll be no gap in your CV. Thirdly, law schools don’t guarantee you a job, and as the market is so saturated, securing one is very difficult indeed. From my experience, the course isn’t actually mentally taxing. Yes, there’s a lot to do. It’s a full-time, nine-to-five
with the weekly workload, or fall behind, in which case it’s very difficult to recover ground. Then there’s the exam period. Make sure you complete as many of the (optional) mock exams during the course (you have the option to do two per module). If you enjoy learning stuff by rote, you’ll succeed on the law conversion.
DID YOU KNOW? Once you complete any undergraduate degree you can do a one-year (full-time) or two-year (part-time) law conversion course called the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL). The main aim is to prepare you for the Legal Practice Course (LPC) for trainee solicitors or the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) for prospective barristers. If you have a UK law degree you can jump to the LPC after you graduate. For more information visit the Central Application Board lawcabs.ac.uk
AUTUMN 2015 | THE GOOD UNIVERSITIES GUIDE | 23
Interested in creative study? Situated beside the sea, Plymouth College of Art is a specialist, independent art college in a thriving cultural city. Explore our BAs, MAs and more in a range of subjects – from Fashion Media & Marketing to Commercial Photography.
OPEN DAYS:
21 NOV
9 JAN
Visit and apply now
20 FEB
plymouthart.ac.uk
Designer: Serg Bojorean BA (Hons) Fashion, Image: Andy Ford BA (Hons) Photography
Study at Central As the University of London’s drama conservatoire and an international leader for performance, drama and theatre arts, Central offers full-time BA (Hons) degrees in the areas of: > Acting > Drama, Applied Theatre and Education > Theatre Design, Production and Live Performance Arts. Information / application: www.cssd.ac.uk/gooduniversities @CSSDLondon
24 | THE GOOD UNIVERSITIES GUIDE | AUTUMN 2015
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CHOOSING A COURSE
Graphic and communication design @ University of Leeds (2008-2011)
Name: Emily Weller Age: 26 Occupation: Freelance designer & founder of Luna Love London
I
selected the University of Leeds for my degree course because it offered communications on top of graphic design, which gave me the ability to think creatively while using my design skills in an imaginative way. I expanded upon my creative skills by specialising in brand analysis; advertising; patterns and culture; colour and design process; theory and research in graphic
TOP 10 UK... Universities for art and design 1 OXFORD ox.ac.uk 2 GLASGOW gla.ac.uk
PHOTOGRAPHY: UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS, MARK WEBSTER PHOTOGRAPHY
3 LANCASTER lancaster.ac.uk 4 LOUGHBOROUGH lboro.ac.uk 5 EDINBURGH ed.ac.uk 6 GOLDSMITHS, UNIVERSITY OF LONDON gold.ac.uk 7 BRUNEL UNIVERSITY LONDON brunel.ac.uk 8 LEEDS leeds.ac.uk 9 NEWCASTLE ncl.ac.uk 10 READING reading.ac.uk
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Right, University of Leeds campus
design; and the principles of typography, fashion and photography. As well as being creative, the degree involved academic learning in order to develop problem-solving skills. In my third year we concentrated on an independent project, which gave me the freedom to demonstrate my skills and prepared me for employment. In this, I chose to make a 200-page magazine and in doing this it became apparent that I had a passion for for print. In third year, you have to do a dissertation, and so I decided to focus on magazine design and the influences females have upon it within our society today. If I’m totally honest, I knew I was going to struggle with the written aspect of the course, however, my tutors were always there to make sure I was on the right path and they really made me feel at ease. I also chose Leeds because it is one of the top universities in the country (see the Russell Group feature on page 10) and has a great reputation for being fashionable and unique with its courses. Going there for an open day swayed my decision straight away because I felt right at home – even though I was a long way from it! It’s a big university in the heart of the city, however, the
atmosphere was friendly and welcoming and you don’t feel like a little fish in a big sea. Every person makes their mark in their own way, especially if you are looking to become more independent. It also has a huge reputation for its nightlife and house parties in the Hyde Park area. I have to admit there wasn’t a dull moment in my entire three years at Leeds. I would recommend graphic design, especially at Leeds, to anyone looking to be more creative, as well as willing to learn a broader range of skills.
I chose Leeds because it is one of the top universities in the country and has a great reputation for fashionable and unique courses AUTUMN 2015 | THE GOOD UNIVERSITIES GUIDE | 25
CHOOSING A COURSE
Graphic design @ University for the Creative Arts (UCA), Epsom (2005-2008)
Name: Maria Sagun Age: 28 Occupation: Designer at The Chelsea Magazine Company
26 | THE GOOD UNIVERSITIES GUIDE | AUTUMN 2015
Top right, graphics student prepares her space for 2015 graduation, below, UCA Epsom’s graphics lab
projects that was mainly on screen, from 3D and animation, to web and digital design. With every project, you can choose any medium as long as your ideas and concepts are presented and understood well. I recommend familiarising yourself with new design software so that you stay open minded with your techniques. Design communication, concepts, identity,
If you are looking at graphic design, prepare some things for uni such as learning basic web design skills to keep up with technological developments. Plus, gain some basic understanding of how typography works. I would recommend gaining work experience during your second year in order to be highly prepared for third year. Afterwards, share your work
UCA work with agencies and design companies to encourage students to get a feel of the design world before venturing out on their own branding and personal skills are developed throughout and lecturers help guide you, while you develop your own style and sense of direction independently. UCA constantly apply themselves to work with other agencies and design companies to develop briefs and encourage the students to get a feel of the design world before venturing out on their own. This includes the opportunity to have your work on products, magazines, and billboards; see designers and directors present their work and talking about their experiences; have design and art direction briefs; student outings to exhibitions and galleries; and work on third-year projects to showcase your designs to the public, potential clients and employers.
with the people you do placements with. Senior designers or directors would offer great input to your projects and provide a sense of professionalism in your work. Self-initiative projects are just as crucial in your portfolio as your uni work. I gained my first freelance job on a self-initiative project and it led me to gain work experience with an international music design agency in Old Street, London. Follow your gut. Appreciate, but don’t follow the crowd. After first year, things tend to get competitive with your fellow students. Always listen to what you feel is best for you and your work throughout your whole experience. You will never have as much time working on yourself as you do at university.
PHOTOGRAPHY: LIZ CARRINGTON PHOTOGRAPHY, UCA
B
efore applying at UCA I only had a vague idea about what graphic design was. I decided upon UCA Epsom as it was close to me and could stay at home, plus the campus had the advantage of offering just four to five courses, which meant more focus on individuals. After gaining a multimedia diploma at college, I wanted to gain a degree in illustration but was advised to take graphic design instead as it would open up more doors for me in terms of finding a job. The uni had two design courses when I was there, graphic design and graphic design: new media (which I took), nowadays the closest one to this is simply called: graphic design. My course was digitally focused. I had a gut instinct to go with this, as I would gain the advantage of learning new techniques and get access to design career paths where employers would highly recommend digital skills. The course was a multidisciplinary experience which allowed me to work on
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ANIMATION FASHION GAMES
ARCHITECTURE FILM
FINE ART
GRAPHIC DESIGN
ILLUSTRATION PHOTOGRAPHY
INTERIOR DESIGN TEXTILES
VFX
Work by Victoria Miller BA (Hons) Fashion, at Graduate Fashion Week
We’d love to meet you The best way to experience what NUA has to offer is to see for yourself at one of our open days www.nua.ac.uk/opendays
Top 20 in the world Study arts and humanities at King’s in one of the most prestigious faculties in the UK. Specialising in all aspects of human culture and history from languages and literture to film studies, and from classics to digital humanities, King’s is renowned the world over. Perfectly located in the heart of London, with campuses next to the River Thames, our connections with cultural institutions, museums, theatres and galleries make King’s an inspiring place to study. King’s is in the top 20 in the QS World University Rankings 2015-16
Find out about what’s on offer at www.kcl.ac.uk/artshums
CHOOSING A COURSE
DR CHRISTEL KOOP
lecturer in political economy, King’s College London
A
degree with politics at its heart equips students with the skills and knowledge to understand, analyse and participate in the political and economic institutions of the 21st century, both domestically and globally.
Recent changes to the political map means politics is an exciting subject to study
WHY SO POPULAR?
PHOTOGRAPHY: KING’S COLLEGE LONDON
Politics has become increasingly popular as the focus for many undergraduate degrees, and it’s little surprise why. A degree in politics tackles some of the most important contemporary issues. Recent changes to the domestic and global political map mean there has never been a more exciting time to study in this field. At King’s College London we offer a range of politics degrees from various departments, responding to the different ways in which politics manifests itself. Indeed, King’s is home to 150 scholars in the field of politics, public policy and international studies, the largest concentration in Europe.
For more on degrees follow us... @ISParent
What can you do with..
POLITICS? A politics degree opens doors and minds, writes Dr Christel Koop
students to act as researchers and to develop their skills base in line with this.
political elite including the current prime minister, David Cameron.
WAR ZONE
POLITICAL SCIENCE & HISTORY OF EUROPE
KEEPING IT ACADEMIC
We have the long-established department of war studies, home to BA international relations students, as well as those studying BA war studies. Dealing with conflict, politics as a global activity, migration and more, its degrees cover the issues that are truly dominating the headlines of 21stcentury news. Over in our department of political economy – the only department of its kind in the UK – BA politics students are provided with a broad and stimulating programme of study that focuses on the different subfields of politics, including political theory, international politics and comparative politics. There are also many opportunities to explore the interplay between politics and economics. We encourage
A BA in European politics will appeal to those students interested in studying Europe from a political science perspective grounded in an understanding of European and national histories. This degree equips students with the tools to understand how domestic politics is part of a wider European system of governance. Oncampus talks from internationally renowned commentators are a regular feature. Students who wish to take a different, somewhat broader, view of politics may choose a degree like the philosophy, politics and economics (PPE) BA. Here you can study social phenomena from political, economic and philosophical perspectives, becoming an expert in analysis across the three. PPE is renowned for producing high-quality graduates and is particularly favoured by many who go on to form our
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Academic rigour is central to our degrees and we strive to ensure that graduates of our politics degrees leave equipped with all that is required for a career in a modern globalised world. Many of today’s students take what has been learnt in the lecture theatre and work with their connections on real policies and agendas. Students are encouraged to engage in debate and take part in the many seminar groups and events held across our departments, to firm up those soft skills so essential in the workplaces of today.
LIFE AFTER UNIVERSITY Recent alumni from our various politics degrees have gone into government and civil service roles; public affairs and PR consultancies; working for MEPs; the BBC; business analysis and much more beside. To find out more, go to kcl.ac.uk/politics
AUTUMN 2015 | THE GOOD UNIVERSITIES GUIDE | 29
PROMOTION
TAKE TO THE STAGE
Considering drama school? Louise Ripley-Duggan of The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama answers all your questions...
2
DRAMA SCHOOL IS NOT MORE EXPENSIVE THAN UNIVERSITY. Conservatoires usually cost the same as universities and all the same loans and grants can be accessed. Yes, there is the extra cost of living in London to consider (although there are a select few notable schools outside of London), but living in the theatre capital of the world will provide unparalleled access to the industry.
3
4
SAYING “JUST GO TO DRAMA SCHOOL AFTER UNIVERSITY” IS TRICKY GROUND. If you desperately want to have the “uni experience”, and are as passionate about your academic studies as you are about drama, doing a traditional degree first is a great idea. Drama school is nothing if not intensive, and students whose hearts aren’t completely in it will struggle. If in three years you still want to give it a go – great. However, if you are determined to have a career in theatre, advice to go to university first and then consider drama school can be misguided. Doing a traditional degree course first won’t necessarily equip you with any more desirable skills than you have already, and watch out – fees for a second BA are usually significantly higher, and loans aren’t available.
The work ethic, drive and pure graft that is required for drama school is a huge benefit to a graduate 30 | THE GOOD UNIVERSITIES GUIDE | AUTUMN 2015
Students get around 40 hours contact time per week
STUDYING THEATRE FOR THREE YEARS IS NOT A “SOFT OPTION”. A student doing a degree at a top university will have an average of 12 hours of contact time per week in addition to independent study. For students at top drama schools studying acting or technical theatre, contact hours soar to somewhere around 40 hours each week, often more. The work ethic, drive and pure graft that is required for drama school is a huge benefit to any graduate, and one that is near impossible to find in other educational environments.
Drama schools offer a vast amount of industry prep
5
IT IS HUGELY COMPETITIVE, BUT THIS SHOULDN’T BE A DETERRENT. At Central, we have between 5,000 and 6,000 auditionees for three classes of 15 acting students. This sounds terrifying, but we audition everyone who applies – so long as their UCAS form is in on time! The range of abilities we see is vast, but we can never know how talented someone is just from their UCAS form, so we see each and every applicant without exception. It is also always worth bearing in mind that someone has to get in, and there’s no reason why that wouldn’t be you.
6
ALL THE MYTHS YOU’VE HEARD ARE MOST PROBABLY UNTRUE. There are a lot of preconceptions about drama school. If you have any worries or questions about your application or life at drama school, the very best thing you can do is contact the school directly and ask. For more information visit cssd.ac.uk
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PHOTOGRAPHY: PATRICK BALDWIN
1
UNI IS NOT A “SAFER OPTION” THAN A TOP TIER DRAMA SCHOOL. We speak to a lot of budding young performers and artists whose parents feel that security and career prospects will be more easily attained after studying a degree at a conventional university. While this is true if you study law or medicine, a degree from one of the country’s top conservatoires will stand you in much better stead when it comes to getting work than a humanities degree, even from a Russell Group university. Respected acting conservatoires do a vast amount of career and industry prep (certainly more than any university would), and most students finish their three years with an agent. If you’re still worried, rest assured that the qualification one gets from many conservatoires is still a BA (Hons) degree. Central is part of the University of London, so your degree will be worth the same as that of any other university graduate.
Another world
...Closer than you think WORLD LEADING RESEARCH
- Be taught by internationally recognised lecturers (REF 2014)
A TOP 40 UK INSTITUTION
(THE World University Rankings 2015-16)
THE MOST IMPROVED UNIVERSITY
(The Times / The Sunday Times Good University Guide)
THE SAFEST UNIVERSITY IN WALES and TOP 10 IN WALES AND ENGLAND
(Complete University Guide 2015)
A university that cares about your future career of graduates in work or further study (DLHE 2014)
Visit our campus or take part in our Virtual Open Day 25 November 6pm-8pm www.aber.ac.uk
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Undergraduate degrees in just two years Top for small class sizes (Complete University Guide 2016) Top for employability (HESA 2015) Top for student satisfaction (NSS 2015) Top for campus safety (Complete University Guide 2016) Accounting and Finance | Applied Computing | Art History Business, Marketing and Enterprise | Economics | English International Relations | Journalism and Media | Law | Medicine Politics and History | Psychology | Security and Intelligence
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APPLYING TO UNI
JAMES BRITTAIN
head of higher education and careers, Millfield School, Somerset
...IT ALL PAID OFF
PHOTOGRAPHY: CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: UNIVERSITY OF EXETER, UNIVERSITY OF HULL, UNIVERSITY OF ST ANDREWS, UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM
A scholarship could help fund part of your degree, meaning you start working life debt-free. James Brittain explains
W
ith some 4,000 scholarships on offer to university applicants in the UK and with millions of pounds going unclaimed each year, there has never been a better time to apply for a scholarship – and never before has there been such a pressing need for financial assistance for students. Student finance is not the panacea of all financial ills as far as undergraduate students are concerned. Although tuition fees are a major part of a student’s costs, maintenance costs can be onerous too, especially in popular high-cost city centres such as London, Oxford and Edinburgh. In addition, from September 2016, maintenance grants will be replaced by loans, comprising the “Tuition Fee Loan” and the “Maintenance Loan”. Gaining a scholarship means some or all of this can be alleviated. By “scholarship” I am referring to funds that you don’t have to pay back, in the form of cash, grants or fee waivers, usually given for academic and sporting excellence, and they are not always means-tested.
However, you need to be aware of what’s available, and there is a huge variety up for grabs from different sources of funding such as employers, charities and the government, but the simplest source is usually the university itself. Start by registering with thescholarshiphub.org.uk to see what’s available and be mindful of stated deadlines. You can apply for scholarships when you are applying for the course or after you have applied; many universities set the deadline for scholarship applications early in the year, so start your research early. Ideally you will know the universities and course(s) you are applying for in advance, and can search on the university website
Scholarships in STEM subjects are particularly well endowed when it comes to funding
By “scholarship” I’m referring to funds that you don’t pay back, such as cash, grants or fee waivers
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AUTUMN 2015 | THE GOOD UNIVERSITIES GUIDE | 33
APPLYING TO UNI
Scholarships provide a fantastic opportunity to develop and confirm talent in your sport under your preferred area, such as sporting, academic or music.
SPORTING ABILITY As a sports scholar, you will be expected to represent the university at regular sporting events, and some also have conditions of playing during the holidays so you should check the small print. Millfield School’s, director of sport, David Faulkner, says, “Scholarships provide an outstanding opportunity to develop and confirm talent in the individual’s respective sport, especially now with the wide resources available to the leading universities.” Examples of sport scholarships include:
be competing at national level, for their £3,500 per annum Sports Achievement Scholarship (or higher for senior international level). Royal and Ancient Golf Scholarships are offered by several universities including the University of Exeter, for a one-off sum of up to £5,000 – although you need a golf handicap of +1 or better for men and 3 or better for women.
ACADEMIC ABILITY
Loughborough University offers some 135 different cash awards of between £500 and £5,000 per annum, depending on sport and performance level, plus free membership of their gyms and a highly sought-after campus parking permit.
The aim is to encourage the higher achieving students to choose a particular university, with target A-level grades from A*AA to ABB and lower, although some are offered according to merit shown in the first and second years of the degree. You won’t find scholarships for every degree course; most are tied to STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and maths). Examples include:
Birmingham’s Bronze Sporting Scholarships stipulates that athletes should
Asidua scholarship packages of up to £25,000 are available for computer
34 | THE GOOD UNIVERSITIES GUIDE | AUTUMN 2015
The US and Canada
The process of applying for North American scholarships is somewhat different. There is no single process for applying to university in America, nor is there for scholarship applications but it’s a very viable and attractive option. US scholarships usually cover all fees, food and accommodation, although in return you have to work at the university offices for a minimum period of time. In US and Canadian universities, extra-curricular activities form a large part of college life, and sport takes precedence. Sports scholarships are a very popular method of securing a place at US universities, and it is important to recognise the extent to which academic performance is linked. Maintaining a satisfactory academic performance is imperative as students can be prevented from competing in their chosen sport in cases of poor academic results. College sport is also regulated by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and similar organisations that prevent students from obtaining a scholarship, or playing the sports they control if they do not meet a minimum academic standard. But the benefits can be huge, as college sport in the US is very high profile. Out of the 46 Millfield pupils who gained places at US and Canadian universities this year, 18 were on some form of academic or sporting scholarship. Millfield pupils Torzie Boylett and Olivia Allin (see page 38) were two of these pupils. The girls gained places at Harvard and were awarded substantial financial support to attend, because of their sporting and academic ability. They started their first semester this September. Turn to our Uni in the USA feature on page 12 to find out more.
PHOTOGRAPHY: DAN ROWLEY, DESIGN AND PRINT SERVICES LOUGHBOROUGH UNIVERSITY
Millions of pounds worth of scholarships available to British students go unclaimed each year
Clockwise from left, dance at University of Bristol, students and sportsmen at Loughborough University
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[Cardiff] is the sole representative from Wales in the top 200 of the world rankings. It is also one of the few universities in the UK to boast two Nobel Laureates on its staff. University Guide 2016, The Times and The Sunday Times
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science and engineering applicants to the universities of Warwick and Aston. Applicants will need to pass a selection panel interview. BP STEM scholarships of £5,000 per annum are available to science, technology, engineering and maths applicants of various universities including Oxford, Durham and Nottingham. Scholars will be invited to participate in a range of activities on campus and on site with BP. The University of St Andrews offers scholarships to non-STEM students of history and English, of up to £6,000 per annum. Successful candidates need to “fulfil an ambassadorial role, represent the university at a number of events and functions and contribute to various university publications”.
MUSICAL ABILITY These are for undergraduates who can demonstrate excellence in their chosen instrument. An example is Bristol’s Cathedral Organ Scholarship, which expects the candidate to have an understanding of
36 | THE GOOD UNIVERSITIES GUIDE | AUTUMN 2015
the liturgical and musical traditions of the Church of England and perform organ playing duties. One last piece of advice, when you have applied for your scholarship, just ask your higher education provider if there is any additional financial support you might not be aware of. You never know. One thing is for sure: if you don’t ask, you don’t get!
PHOTOGRAPHY: CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: UNIVERSITY OF BRISTOL, BHAGESH SACHANIA; DURHAM UNIVERSITY, UNIVERSITY OF ST ANDREWS; RIGHT: UNIVERSITY OF EXETER
St Andrews offers scholarships to non-STEM students of history and English of up to £6,000 per annum
Take into consideration your living costs, especially if you’re going to a city like London, Edinburgh or Oxford
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APPLYING TO UNI
i n U @ u Yo
SOPHY COOMBES-ROBERTS SAYS HER SPORTS SCHOLARSHIP ENHANCED EVERY ASPECT OF HER UNIVERSITY LIFE Name: Sophy Coombes-Roberts Age: 21 University: Exeter, Devon School: Malvern St James, Worcestershire Discipline: Lacrosse
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Q&A
Above, Sophy at Exeter
QUICK
O
rdinarily sports scholarship programmes are designed to “recruit” and incentivise budding sportsmen and women to take up a place at university, in the hope that their contribution on the field will boost their sporting prowess. Often sports scholars will be awarded funding, equipment and specialist training as a reward for their success, while also allowing them to train harder and excel in their chosen sport. After recently graduating from the University of Exeter on a three-year lacrosse sports scholarship, I have nothing but praise for the scheme. Exeter is slightly unusual in that sports scholarships are given out only after you take up your place at the university. When I was choosing which university to attend, both Bristol and Cardiff had already awarded me a scholarship before I had accepted an offer, yet I bit the bullet and hoped that I would be able to impress enough in pre-season to secure the award at Exeter. Once at university, the coaches, sports analysts and mentors, observed pre-season training and gave out sports scholarships only if you actually live up to your sports CV. My lacrosse sports scholarship entitled me to £750 which was paid into my account throughout the year. This money was to be used on lacrosse specific expenditure. I was also given discounted gym membership, subsidised physio, sports mentoring and access to various workshops throughout the
year. In my first year I was training for the Senior Women’s Lacrosse World Championships (2013). With lacrosse being an amateur sport, the costs involved in preparing for an event such as a world cup are astronomical and it soon became apparent that the initial £750 would barely break the surface of the costs involved of getting to the tournament. I was granted additional funding, and money which I
than it would have been if I were not a scholar. At university I always intended to continue playing for Wales and represent the university at the highest level regardless of whether or not I had a scholarship. However, scholarships were awarded on a yearly basis and your performance would be reviewed. Juggling academics and sport was never easy, but I was determined to perform well
How much were you awarded? It was £750 per year. I also had a discounted gym membership, subsidised physio, sports mentoring and access to various workshops would have been entitled to in my second and third years was brought forward in order to help pay for training, flights, tours and tournament fees. I was also named as a Santander Sports Scholar, which provided me with further funding. To put it into perspective, for me extra funding was probably the difference between being on the starting line-up or sitting on the bench. I was required to represent the university first team, participate in all university training and fitness sessions and continue attending national training. Although this consumed a great deal of time (around 12 hours per week with the university and five to eight more hours per week of individual training) it was little more commitment
in the classroom and on the lacrosse pitch. The university really helps scholars find a good work/sport balance, they secure permissible absence which allowed me to compete during term time and even had my lectures recorded so I could catch up whenever there was a clash. Being a scholar enhanced every aspect of my university life. I built up a great social life within the lacrosse club. The funding I was awarded by the university allowed me to improve and better myself as a player. The scholarship team contributed largely towards my selection for the 2013 World Championships, 2015 European Championships and I was named for the all-European team, which is made up of the best 12 players in Europe!
AUTUMN 2015 | THE GOOD UNIVERSITIES GUIDE | 37
APPLYING TO UNI
i n U @ u Yo
TORZIE BOYLETT APPLIED FOR FINANCIAL AID FOR HARVARD – IT WAS HARD WORK BUT WORTH IT IN THE END Name: Torzie Boylett Age: 18 University: Harvard, Massachusetts School: Millfield School, Somerset Discipline: Hockey
38 | THE GOOD UNIVERSITIES GUIDE | AUTUMN 2015
Q&A
Above left, Torzie, right at Harvard with school friend and fellow scholar Olivia Allin
QUICK
I
received the phone call on 5th November, I was going to Harvard – I was ecstatic! The application process to Harvard University had been a challenge, I had to find the balance between maintaining my grades at school while writing the multiple application essays and completing all the required paperwork. Each component was equally important and it meant that I could not afford to let any part slip. The prospect of going to an American university was not spontaneous. From a young age, I became interested in the idea of a liberal arts education, which ensures a broad range of subjects are studied and ensures you do not have to limit yourself to just one subject in your first year. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to study in the UK, so America seemed like the perfect path to discover my passion. University can be very expensive over here, costing approx $65,000 a year in fees, (or approximately £42,000) so the financial aid I’ve received has been extremely helpful. Ivy League universities don’t award scholarships in the same way that none Ivy League colleges do, but they are generous with their needs-based aid that covers tuition fees, food, lodging and even contributes towards my flights. My school was excellent during the application process. One of the reasons I chose Millfield was specifically for the support provided and extensive experience held in relation to the American application
system and the SAT. There is a tutor specifically in charge of US University Applications and a fellow from the University of Virginia who help with the application process. When I first thought about university in America I had not heard of anyone who had actually gone there, but when I entered the Sixth Form at Millfield it seemed like the norm! We were lucky to have access to experts on this area
offerings. I had Skype interviews with six from my shortlist of 20, including Stanford, Duke and Cornell. I kept in contact with all of the coaches on a regular basis to learn more and to help narrow down my choices. When I visited Harvard in August 2014 to meet with the head coach, tour the facilities and meet the team – I knew instantly this was the right university for me. I can’t recommend a visit
How are you enjoying your first term? I’ve loved my first month. I’m getting to play plenty of hockey and have started my lectures. I still can’t quite believe that I’m here! who gave advice and ensured the application process went smoothly. At school, I also enrolled in extra SAT lessons to help me prepare for the examination, which luckily could be taken on campus, as Millfield is one of the few registered SAT exam venues in the country. My hockey definitely strengthened my application. The sport department at Millfield was invaluable, our lead video analyst videoed and organised my profile video. I also sought the added support of College Prospects of America to distribute my player profile to all NCAA Division One universities. I was inundated with responses which gave me the opportunity to talk to several collages about scholarships and their
highly enough! I had to complete the application in September/October, which included two additional essays, but the extra work paid off when I got that call. Now a year on I’ve loved my first month, I’m getting to play plenty of hockey and have started my lectures. I still can’t quite believe I’m here! The choice of courses is vast and incredibly interesting. Ultimately, I’m interested in following a career in law, and the ability to choose classes that interest you around the subject helps tailor the degree to suit your own career path. I would encourage other Sixth Form pupils not to be put off by the financial costs, or lengthy application process – there’s lots of financial support out there and it’s all so worth it in the end!
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ELENI CASHELL editor of whatuni.com
PERSONAL STATEMENT CHECKLIST
PHOTOGRAPHY: UNIVERSITY OF WINCHESTER
Trying to get noticed in the X Factor bootcamp that is applying for uni? Eleni Cashell has this step-by-step guide to help you stand out
40 | THE GOOD UNIVERSITIES GUIDE | AUTUMN 2015
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APPLYING TO UNI
PERSONAL STATEMENT CHECKLIST
PERSONAL STATEMENT CHECKLIST GET THE TONE RIGHT If text arguments have taught us anything, it’s that getting the right tone in your language is vital if you want to convey the right message. And a personal statement is no different; it’s not just what you say, but how you say it. Sound as bored as watching paint dry and the admissions team will doze off, show you’re passionate and enthusiastic and you’ll have them hooked.
WHY DID YOU PICK THEM? Explain why you want to go to their university above all others. Personal statements are meant to be personal to the uni as well as you. Think about including the teaching reputation and your open-day experiences. Making it unique to the uni lets the admissions team know that you’ve worked hard and haven’t copied an online template. Make sure you’re putting the academic reasons for choosing this uni, not because it’s got a massive shopping centre or because you’ve heard the nightlife is amazing!
WHY THAT COURSE? Once you’ve told them why you want to study there, it’s time to tell them why you want to study that particular course. Whether it’s because you’ve been inspired at school or because a particular expert made you keen to find out more, tell the admissions team why you’re so eager to study it for the next few years. Remove anything unprofessional. Applying because the lecturers are attractive? Maybe leave that out…
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ALL ABOUT YOU STUDIES. Talk about what you’ve studied/are studying. If you’ve studied a subject that’s relevant to your application, make sure the admissions team know it. Showing you’re eager to learn more, at their institution of all places, should get you some serious brownie points. WORK EXPERIENCE. If you have done work experience, shout about it. Whether it’s relevant to the subject (which shows you have a passion outside school, too) or just a Saturday job in your local café, jot down what you’ve learnt from it. HOBBIES AND ACHIEVEMENTS. Admissions aren’t going to believe that you spend 24/7 studying, so tell them about any interesting hobbies and achievements that you’re especially proud of. Although make sure it’s either relevant or interesting, they probably won’t care about your Netflix all nighters.
WHY THEY SHOULD PICK YOU It’s time to wrap this up like a present. Explain why everything you’ve just told them makes you the perfect fit for their university. Time to create an impressive sign off. Leave them in no doubt that there will ever be a better applicant than you.
WHAT TO DELETE There are some things that absolutely should not be in your personal statement. Here are the top five NO-NOS: EXAGGERATIONS. Keep your language honest with a hint of humility. For example, say you’re a team player, but not that you built the team from scratch and led them to glorious unprecedented victory. BAD LANGUAGE. Don’t swear in applications. Admissions teams don’t like it, apparently. IRRELEVANT INFORMATION. While your family may love the fact you earned a swimming medal when you were eight or take really good selfies, it’s not massively relevant to your uni application. NEGATIVITY. Leave critical thinking off the page and make sure they know how awesome you are.
SPELLING MISTAKES. Use spell check, get a friend to read it, spell check, ask your family, spell check, ask a teacher... you get the idea.
ip Top T
write, make sure it’s For every paragraph you rse or the university, relevant to either the cou ton. if it isn’t, hit the delete but
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SCAN HERE TO ACCESS THE CHECKLIST ON YOUR PHONE OR TABLET. DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE DIGITAL MAGAZINE AT GOODUNIGUIDE.CO.UK
AUTUMN 2015 | THE GOOD UNIVERSITIES GUIDE | 41
NICHOLA MALTON
assessment services manager at Student Finance England
FINANCE EXPLAINED We quiz Nichola Malton on applying for student loans and the all-important deadline dates
How do you qualify for student finance? To qualify in England or Wales, you must be a UK national or have settled status (that is, no restrictions on how long you can stay in the UK); normally live in England or Wales; and have lived there for at least three years before the first day of your course. Is it all online? And from what month can you start the application? The quickest way to apply is online. You’ll be able to apply from early 2016. If you are in England you can apply by completing an online application at gov.uk/studentfinance. In Wales, apply online at studentfinancewales.co.uk. The deadline for applying in England and Wales will be around May/June 2016. Do you need an unconditional offer to apply for student finance? No, you don’t need a confirmed place to apply. Just use your first choice course and uni – you can easily change or update this later online if it changes. What’s the difference between tuition fee loans and maintenance loans? Both the tuition fee loan and the maintenance loan have to be paid back. Your tuition fee loan covers the cost of your course fees. Your
42 | THE GOOD UNIVERSITIES GUIDE | AUTUMN 2015
maintenance loan is designed to help with living costs while you study, such as paying your accommodation, travel and the all-important food bill! But of course you can supplement this with part-time work. This will be paid in three instalments, so you don’t end up spending it all at once (turn to page 44 to read top tips on budgeting at university). Who qualifies for maintenance loans? You must be a full-time UK student, studying on a course eligible to receive student finance. You can easily find out with a quick eligibility check online at gov.uk/student-finance/who-qualifies and
What information will I need at hand? When completing the online application form you’ll need to have: 1 Bank details 2 National Insurance Number 3 Valid UK passport number 4 Details of your course or university. Is any extra financial evidence needed? Sometimes you or your parent will be asked to send in further evidence to support your loan application. You must send this as soon as possible otherwise your application will be delayed. You can find out more about applying for student finance and access a helpful range
You will be able to apply for student finance from early 2016 and the deadline is around May/June if you live in Wales you can check at studentfinancewales.co.uk. Are bursary applications carried out through student finance? Bursaries are provided by each university and college individually and you can apply for one directly through them.
of tools and guidance by visiting our dedicated student finance zone at thestudentroom.co.uk/studentfinance. How long does the whole process take and how do you hear back? Applications typically take around six weeks to process. This may take longer if additional evidence or information is
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STUDENT FINANCE
DID YOU KNOW?
You repay your loans through the UK tax system. Each month 9% of your earnings over the relevant threshold is taken as a repayment
required to support the application. If your application is successful, you will receive a student finance entitlement letter, which will outline the funding you are entitled to for that academic year. How are tuition fees paid? Your tuition fee loan will be paid in three instalments, directly to your university or college once your attendance on your course has been confirmed. The money will not pass through your hands. It really is that simple. How do you receive a maintenance loan – direct to your bank account? A maintenance loan will also be paid in three instalments directly into your bank account on the payment dates outlined in your entitlement letter. If you have also applied for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) and have applied for extra support, any additional payment will be made at the same time. What if I change bank accounts during my time at university? If your bank account details change it is very important to let your funding provider know right away! And you’ll always find the fastest way to do this is to log onto your online account.
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How will the tuition fee and maintenance loans be repaid? The repayment of your loans is administered through the UK tax system and each month 9% of your earnings over the relevant threshold is taken as a repayment. Your loan repayment is taken through the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) system with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) liaising with employers or the account holder (if you are self-employed). The Student Loans Company (SLC) sends you updates in the post. And when will repayments begin? You start paying back tuition fee and maintenance loans when you’ve finished, or left, your course and are earning over the relevant threshold for your plan. The amount you repay is based on your income, not what you borrowed. The amount of interest charged on your loan is based on the rate of inflation and will vary depending on your income. You’ll pay interest on your loan from the day you receive your first instalment until the loan is paid off or is written off after 30 years, whichever comes first! studentloanrepayment.co.uk
AUTUMN 2015 | THE GOOD UNIVERSITIES GUIDE | 43
ROB ELLIS
chair of the National Association of Student Money Advisers (NASMA)
BUDGETING TOP 10 TIPS
Ever tried knitting? Maybe now is the time to start!
Get creative with charity shop bargains
1
Don’t miss out on easy ways to save money – it’ll leave you with more to spend on the fun stuff, says Rob Ellis 1
GET AN NUS CARD
It costs £12 for a year but offers a huge amount of great discounts in shops on the high street and online so it won’t take long to make this money back. With discounts from Amazon to The Economist, there’s sure to be some worthwhile savings here. nus.org.uk/en/nus-extra
STUDENT BEANS DIGITAL STUDENT CARD 2
It’s free and includes thousands of discounts that can be used either online via the Students Beans website or in store using the app. From Top Shop to Domino’s, there’s lots to choose from, and did I mention it’s free? studentbeans.com 3
CLOTHES
Get your own, unique vintage style by shopping in charity shops! Also, learning to sew means you can re-style old garments and keep ahead of the trends. Check out: stylemotivation.com/24-stylishdiy-clothing-tutorials for ideas. 4
PLAN A BUDGET
It might seem boring and it takes a bit of forward planning, but mapping out your money means you can then have more to
spend on the fun things in life, but without the worry about how you’ll fork out for the rent! It makes such sense. 5
COOKING
Check out: moneysavingexpert.com/ students/student-bank-account to compare accounts. 8
Everyone loves a takeaway, but learning how to cook can save you a fortune on a day-to-day basis. Check out YouTube for handy tutorials at youtube.com and the BBC Good Food app has recipes for all at bbcgoodfood.com
CHECK OUT THE LOCAL MARKET 6
DO YOUR RESEARCH
Every uni will have financial support available in the form of a Hardship Fund. This is for those students who are experiencing genuine financial difficulties. Make sure you know what it has to offer. You may not need it now, but you never know what’s around the corner. 9
SHOP AROUND
There are bargains to be had on fresh food from local retailers. And remember, you can always haggle for an even better deal.
Ensure you get the best price. Don’t forget to check out hotukdeals.co.uk for the hottest bargains across the UK.
STUDENT BANK ACCOUNT
10
7
Make sure your bank account suits your needs – not only are there freebies on offer, but the overdraft options differ too.
Examtime Use mindmaps, quizzes, flashcards and notes to help you prepare for those exams.
Evernote Helps keep your lecture notes organised and can be synced across devices.
2
GET CASHBACK
Buying something online? Get cashback – it soon adds up! Check out quidco.com or topcashback.co.uk and see how much you can get back from your purchases.
All Recipes Want to be the next Jamie Oliver? All recipes based on what food you have.
Scannable Skype Turns your device Talk to friends into a scanner, and family perfect for wherever they getting notes on are, for free! to your device.
Get ‘Appy
Professional degrees for a career in finance University College We focus only in banking and finance degrees and are located in the heart of London’s financial district. With over 130 years experience in the finance industry, a degree from ifs University College gives you an edge in a competitive world. • BSc (Hons) in Banking Practice and Management • BSc (Hons) in Finance, Investment and Risk
“I really couldn’t ask for a more relevant course while pursuing a career in banking. I am based right in the heart of the City, surrounded by multi-billion pound financial services organisations. What more could I ask for?” Cole Mills, Third year student BSc (Hons) in Banking Practice and Management
Why not come and visit us? Visit our City of London campus to see the facilities on offer, meet with the programme team and learn more about the experience of studying at ifs University College. Book your place for Saturday 24 October
www.ifslearning.ac.uk/BSc
DR PAUL REDMOND
director of Student Life University of Manchester
IF I COULD TURN BACK TIME Want to know what a graduate would do differently if they could relive their university experience? Paul Redmond finds out...
F
or me, this is always a fascinating conversation to have with new graduates. Because while every student experiences university in their own unique way, the advice that they would like to pass on to others is often much more standardised than you might first think. Below are five things that new graduates say they would do differently if they could turn back the clock and start again at university. Don’t underestimate how valuable this information is – for it offers a priceless insight into how best to use your time in higher education.
SEEK OUT POSITIONS OF RESPONSIBILITY One thing final-year students discover, when applying for graduate jobs, is that employers are not actually interested in what you’ve participated in. What they want to know is what you did that was extra – in other words, what positions of responsibility you took up, how you stood out from the crowd. Employers aren’t interested in serial joiners; what they want are the organisers, coordinators, managers – those who lever themselves into positions of trust where they can demonstrate additional skills. So don’t just join; stand for election, actively seek out opportunities. And if you can’t get a plum role in a club or society,
46 | THE GOOD UNIVERSITIES GUIDE | AUTUMN 2015
Stand out from the crowd as it will give you a head start against your peers
Leaving uni without significant levels of work experience is a huge risk
volunteer to help the elected officers with their own workloads: be a runner, an assistant, a go-for. Remember, when it comes to graduate jobs, it’s not what you’ve done in the past that counts; it’s what you can do in the future.
GET LOTS OF WORK EXPERIENCE Work experience is the gold standard of the graduate job market; it’s what separates those that are hired from those who inadvertently collect
“Dear John” letters. Leaving university without significant levels of work experience is a risk and can damage even the most academically-brilliant student’s career prospects. Don’t let this happen! While at university, make sure you take every opportunity to stockpile work experience. Don’t worry if your course doesn’t contain work-experience modules. Students generally have plenty of holidays in which to gain work experience. (For a chance to win a fabulous week’s work experience, turn to page 54).
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UNI LIFE Anything can happen when you turn up to things, even if it is not closely related to your degree subject
Plan your first year at university as if it were your last
PHOTOGRAPHY: LEFT: UNIVERSITY OF YORK, JOHNHOULIHAN.COM, WITNESS.CO.UK; IANMARTINDALE.CO.UK, RYAN MARSHALL
Any tips for first year? Tweet us at @ISParent
MAKE GOOD USE OF YOUR FIRST YEAR If anyone tells you that the first year doesn’t count, block your ears. When it comes to career planning, first year is the ideal year for formulating plans and taking the first steps towards your future profession. Think about it. In first year, your workload is on the whole, manageable; you have plenty of time on your hands; and you’re not too far down the line to change your career ideas. Many final-year students struggle to find the time to plan their career or even to make job applications. As a result, they send out dozens of rushed applications, few of which are successful. Beginning your career hunt in first year can pay serious dividends by the time you reach final year; not only does it reduce stress during your finals, it takes the panic out of the final term and, best of all, it can help
you avoid missing early closing dates. First year doesn’t count? You’re having a laugh.
SHOW UP TO THINGS Being at university is your own personal choice: basically it’s up to you how you want to spend your time. For some new students, all this sudden independence and autonomy can be intoxicating – meaning that they practically vanish from campus. Make sure you don’t fall into this trap. When it comes to being a student, anything can happen when you turn up to things – even things that aren’t directly related to your degree subject. Universities offer endless opportunities for attending guest lectures, careers talks, company visits, presentations, plays and recitals, the list goes on. Simply turn up. Remember: to be interested is to be interesting.
Starting your career hunt in your first year can reap dividends by the time you reach the final year gooduniguide.co.uk
Hang out with as many people as possible from different academic backgrounds
JOIN UP THE DOTS When launching a new product, Apple brings together graduates from a range of academic subjects – technical, scientific, humanities and design. Of course, this is intentional: like many organisations it has grasped that success resides in the overlaps between academic subjects and disciplines. So, while at university, hang out with as many people as possible from different academic backgrounds. Finally, ask yourself: what does this tell me and how might we combine our learning to create something that offers real and lasting value? Join up the dots and you and your newfound friends might be on the verge of the next big thing.
AUTUMN 2015 | THE GOOD UNIVERSITIES GUIDE | 47
JOHN BLANSHARD
student experience director at Unite Group
LIVING AT UNI There are many different types of places to live while at university
Y
ou knew it was coming, but it’s still a thought that takes getting used to. A couple of years ago you were thinking about what to study at university, or maybe you already knew, but it seemed far away – and now you’re starting to talk about moving out and starting your life as a student. You might apply for university half way across the country, and you might start wondering where you’re going to live. Here are some tips on how to go about finding and securing a student home that will best meet your needs. The transition to university is always a significant step in the lives of young people and their parents. As well as being a step along the learning ladder, it also represents the next phase of independence, moving
48 | THE GOOD UNIVERSITIES GUIDE | AUTUMN 2015
away from school and the family home into student accommodation in another city.
A VARIETY OF OPTIONS There are many accommodation choices available for students these days, from halls of residence to shared houses, lodgings with
a family and, of course, the option for parents to buy a property for their son or daughter and their friends to live in. The choices are endless but the university itself is also a good place to start. All universities have an accommodation office that can give advice about the different options as well as
One of the biggest benefits of living in halls is the convenience of one payment to cover rent and bills
Match your living preferences with the choices of accommodation on offer
PHOTOGRAPHY: THIS PAGE: DAN ROWLEY, UNIVERSITY OF BRISTOL; RIGHT CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS, EDINBURGH, CARDIFF, MARK WEBSTER
Choose the right accommodation and you’ll get the most out of your university experience, writes John Blanshard
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If you are independent, a room in a shared house might be a better fit allocating places in halls of residence. Many universities still run traditional halls of residence, both catered and self-catering. Most university towns and cities also have a range of private halls run by companies such as Unite Students. These offer a wide range of choices from budget options through to a very high level of specification and service. Students can choose from “cluster flats” with several, usually en-suite, study bedrooms sharing a kitchen and common area, and self-contained studio flats. Other options such as sharing a flat with one roommate, or a more traditional corridor of study bedrooms, are also available in some areas.
choices on offer. Some halls will organise social and sports events and even trips or volunteering opportunities, so look in detail at each available option, not just the specification of the rooms but the way in which the community is run. For the more independently minded, a room in a shared house might be a better fit. Privately rented houses can vary enormously in quality and price so it’s worth carrying out research. If you want an independent opinion the university accommodation office should be able to give advice, and many students’ unions also provide housing advice and some run their own lettings agency.
WHAT’S THE COST?
HALLS OF RESIDENCE
There is a variation in price across the country, and within each city there will be a range of prices and quality, so it is worth shopping around. It is also important to understand what is included in the rent – all bills including internet are usually included in halls of residence, as well as reception service and security.
Whether run by the university or privately, halls of residence are still the most popular choice for first years. It’s surprising how easy it is to make close, supportive friends in halls, which can give an individual a network to fall back on through all the ups and downs of student life. Many halls now have a Facebook page so that applicants can get to know one another before they even arrive. The ability to make friends easily is perhaps one of the biggest benefits of halls, alongside the convenience of a single payment to cover rent and bills.
TAILOR IT TO YOU When it comes to living arrangements, everyone has different preferences so it’s worth trying to match yours with the
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Prices and quality will differ enormously depending on the city you are living in
WHEN TO APPLY You can start looking at accommodation options as soon as you start applying to universities, but until you receive confirmation of a place from the university be wary about what you sign. Some accommodation providers will offer rooms on a no-risk basis, whereas other landlords may hold you to a contract even if the university place falls through. Getting accommodation right is important for more reasons than you might think. It can affect how you feel about university, and can have an impact on your academic success. Taking the time to get it right will mean more peace of mind for both you and your parents. To find out more: unite-students.com
AUTUMN 2015 | THE GOOD UNIVERSITIES GUIDE | 49
UNI LIFE
WHAT TO PACK Our edit of 12 essentials to get you started...
DOOR STOP
Don’t be anti-social on move-in day: keep your door open, as people will arrive sporadically (£5, johnlewis.com).
KITCHEN KNIVES
You’ll miss your parents’ sharp knives – so grab one of these colourful blades (from £5.99 Kuhn Rikon at lakeland.co.uk).
COLANDER AND CHEESE GRATER
The universal step one and two towards comforting cheesey pasta (from £9.50, josephjoseph.com).
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BEDDING AND CUSHIONS
Naturally you need something to sleep on. Get some spares too for when pals come to stay (£12, habitat.co.uk).
POST-ITS
Handy for writing notes on the fridge and playing drinking games with. Ultra versatile (£3, paperchase.co.uk).
REED DIFFUSER
It’s likely you won’t be allowed candles due to fears about “fire safety”. Try a diffuser instead (£25, thewhitecompany.com).
ALARM CLOCK
HANGERS
Your iPhone won’t charge itself after a night out, and no one else will get you up for 6am rowing (£8, hemashop.com).
There won’t be enough, so bring your own – unless you like the crumpled look (£2 for three, tigerstores.com).
CROCKERY AND CUTLERY
TUPPERWARE CONTAINERS
Pick up a full set and keep a few of each hidden under your bed for when friends and family visit (from £2, hemashop.com).
MUGS
Everyone has a favourite mug so take yours (or your Dad’s) and it’ll remind you of home (£10, Scion at johnlewis.com).
Useful for everything and acceptable to hoard. One of the marks of being a grown-up (£25, Monbento at bearandbear.com).
FLIP FLOPS
Life-saver in communal showers, for wet floors and popping next door in (£20, Havianas at asos.com).
AUTUMN 2015 | THE GOOD UNIVERSITIES GUIDE | 51
ABIGAIL WHITELY captain of the first team Oxford University Quidditch Club
UP,UP AND AWAY
Quidditch, the sport played in the Harry Potter novels, is thriving at the University of Oxford, writes Abigail Whiteley
B
est known as the high-flying sport of Harry Potter, Quidditch brought to audiences across the world some thrilling film sequences of the boy wizard racing through the skies on a broom trying to catch the Golden Snitch. Now, however, it has been brought to real life; with over 300 teams across six continents, quidditch (the name of the real sport is not capitalised for copyright reasons) has defied the rules of gravity to become a fast-paced, intensely physical sport.
RUN, TACKLE, PASS Brooms do feature in this version of the sport, although players remain with two feet firmly on the ground; the broom, usually a length of PVC pipe, works as a handicap much like the rule of only passing backwards in rugby. It looks strange to anyone unfamiliar with it, but it is a significant physical challenge to run, tackle, and pass without falling off the broom, which incurs a penalty. Quidditch is a surprisingly intense sport; with 21 players on a squad and only seven people on-pitch at a time, the game is
performed at a consistently high pace thanks to rolling substitution.
PLAY BY THE RULES The rules are complex: unlike most sports, in which all players interact with the same ball, quidditch players on a team are separated into four roles. Three chasers, along with a keeper (who has special defensive benefits), play with the quaffle: a slightly deflated volleyball which is worth 10 points when thrown through any of a team’s three hoops. There are also three dodgeballs (or bludgers) in play, controlled by two beaters on each team; and if a player is struck with a bludger they dismount from their broom and tag their own hoops before re-entering the game. The famous Golden Snitch is represented as a person dressed all in yellow who enters the game at 18 minutes; the snitch must defend a tennis ball in a sock attached to their back, and it is the job of the seekers to attempt to grab it. The game only ends when this ball is caught, and its capture gives 30 points to the catching team; skilled snitches are therefore very highly valued. The snitch is considered impartial.
Brooms do feature in this version of the sport, although players remain with two feet ďŹ rmly on the ground 52 | THE GOOD UNIVERSITIES GUIDE | AUTUMN 2015
Would you play quidditch? Tell us @ISParent
The Quaffle is a slightly deflated volleyball. Throw it through a hoop to gain10 points
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UNI LIFE
Just like in Harry Potter, there are three hoops that act as goals
competition. These events are all volunteerrun; members of the University of Oxford are in charge of every aspect of the tournaments held in the city, from booking the venue to building equipment, and it is a fantastic opportunity for students to practise independence and make something of which they can be truly proud.
EVER-CHANGING GAME
EPICENTRE OF QUIDDITCH
PHOTOGRAPHY: AMALIA BASTOS 2014
The city of Oxford is a flourishing centre of this sport. It is one of only two cities in the UK which has two competitive teams. The Radcliffe Chimeras (former British and European Champions) and the Oxford Quidlings are first and second teams respectively, and train twice a week in the University Parks. Oxford has also hosted a number of prestigious tournaments. Most notably, Oxford was the host city of the European Quidditch Cup in April 2015, the most recent European championship and the largest quidditch tournament ever held outside of the United States. The city welcomed 32 teams from 11 different nations across the continent, and the Radcliffe Chimeras took home the silver medals with the Paris Titans claiming the gold. The tournaments held in the city regularly see hundreds of people flock to Oxford for this sport, encouraging international friendships as well as
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However, the opportunity to excel off the pitch is not what draws most people to the sport. People adore the sport for its intensity, its competitiveness, its sportsmanship and its innovation; it blends all the challenges and excitement of sports participation with the thrill of knowing that you are part of something which is genuinely unique. “Quidditch is an exceptional sport to be a part of. It is still in its infancy and therefore is developing at an astounding rate,” says Emily Hayes, captain of the Oxford Quidlings. “To be involved in quidditch is to be part of this constant drive to improve yourself and your skills. The game is still changing and you have to change fast to keep up. I love the challenge and the moments on pitch when you feel you have proven you’re giving your all to the sport”. Although it seems strange when you first hear of it, quidditch is celebrated as an opportunity for people of all skillsets and backgrounds to build something for themselves; for thousands of people across the globe, it has become an opportunity for them to improve their sporting ability and confidence, and with new teams appearing every season, it clearly has a bright future.
AUTUMN 2015 | THE GOOD UNIVERSITIES GUIDE | 53
WIN!
WORK
EXPERIENCE & a Kindle Fire re you thinking about a career in business or marketing? One lucky winner will spend a week in Whatuni’s London headquarters – one of four vibrant offices worldwide. With 6.1 million visits to the website each year, Whatuni is one of the biggest and busiest course search comparison sites, helping sixth formers find a range of courses as well as information on schools, colleges, universities, funding opportunities and career options.
Take the brand new Kindle Fire to uni
WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT?
BONUS PRIZE
As this is one of the fastest growing websites in the education sector, we can guarantee that you won’t be stuck photocopying and making tea. You’ll be:
Whatuni is also giving away the latest Kindle Fire to the lucky work experience winner. This is the ultimate student must-have, whether you want to use it for studying or entertainment, it has everything you need. Don’t believe us? This new Kindle Fire has... Seven-inch colour display Camera – on the front and back. Ideal for Skyping your parents so they don’t worry about you More durability than an iPad Air... Super-fast processor (why should you have to wait?) Long-lasting battery life Access to over 38 million songs, books and movies (and if you’ve got a Prime account, you can stream most of them for free)
Visiting university campuses and taking part in important review collections. Working with the amazing outreach team to spread the word of Whatuni. Taking part in team meetings. Having the opportunity to pitch new ideas for content – including social media. Learning all about business analytics and how to measure success. Doing some data entry – we all have to do it as some point...
Join the Whatuni team for a week of marketing work experience
What are you waiting for? Make your personal statement look even more impressive with this targeted work experience! Find out more about Whatuni at whatuni.com
HOW TO ENTER: For your chance to win, provide us with three reasons why you should gain a week’s work experience in Whatuni’s marketing team*. Simply submit your entry online at: independentschoolparent.com/win
Terms and Conditions: All entries must be received by 11.59pm on Friday 4th December 2015. Whatuni will try to accommodate your school schedule, and/or work with your headmaster to include the work experience as part of your curriculum. Failing that, it will be arranged to occur outside of term time, for example during the first week of the Christmas holidays or February half term 2016. Travel expenses will only be covered on days where there is a requirement to visit a school or university campus as part of the marketing outreach, meals will also be covered on such days, otherwise it will be the winner’s responsibility to get to/from our London office – located in Fulham. While in the London office, the work experience student will be expected to work between 10am and 4.30pm, with an hour lunch break. Working hours while visiting schools or universities will vary. The Kindle Fire will be received during the work experience placement.
54 | THE GOOD UNIVERSITIES GUIDE | AUTUMN 2015
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*ENTRIES SHOULD NOT EXCEED 300 WORDS
A
We have teamed up with Whatuni to offer one lucky reader a week’s work experience – plus the new Kindle Fire!
UNI LIFE
KATIE HUGHES education writer for national newspapers and magazines
There are endless opportunities to get involved in clubs and societies at uni
HIGH SOCIETY very few weeks, several students at Newcastle University receive a random text that gives them just 20 minutes to scramble to a secret social event. Once a year, the suspense steps up when they are expected to turn up at the airport, suitcases in hand, with no idea of where they’re flying to. So far destinations like Amsterdam, Prague, Barcelona and Cologne have only been divulged at the check-in desk.
TWENTY MINUTE SOCIETY This is the Twenty Minute Society – just one of hundreds of unusual extracurricular activities gaining popularity as antidotes to serious study at university. Others include the Pirate Society at the
56 | THE GOOD UNIVERSITIES GUIDE | AUTUMN 2015
University of Sussex, whose potential members are asked, “Do ye look great in a tricorn hat?” and are promised “nothing more or less than pure fun”. Another is the tongue-twisting Gog Magog Molly Club at Cambridge, which asks members to meet weekly and dance in head-turning hats, striped socks and lurid leggings. “Imagine Morris dancing, take away the sticks, hankies and bells, and add in lots of shouting, coloured face paint and bright clothes, and you’ve got it,” explain its organisers. More extreme still are Durham’s Assassins’ Society (members go “hunting” and “killing” using safe “weaponry”) and Sheffield’s Assassins’ Guild. The latter, say its founders, “run a series of non-lethal
Could being a member of a society bolster your CV?
games of mock-assassination”. They emphasise that several socials are included in the year’s programme, as “we can’t be killing each other ALL the time...”
LOTS OF VARIETY Members of these societies, like their counterparts at other UK universities, have a chance to choose from a confounding range of extra-curricular activities that span both the sensible and the silly. In fact, societies are now in such abundance that they are often sorted alphabetically for easy reference, giving Freshers’ Weeks a whole new complexity. Ranging from life-saving to lacrosse, mountaineering to martial arts and drama to documentary filmmaking, they leave no stone unturned.
PHOTOGRAPHY: RICHARD TOLLER@FLICKR
E
Is joining a society just an excuse to have a bit of fun or could it improve your job prospects? Katie Hughes finds out
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UNI LIFE
DID YOU KNOW? Societies often come with a joining fee – don’t go crazy at Fresher’s Fair and spend all your cash on clubs you may never go to – there are only so many hours in the day!
WHAT’S IT ALL FOR? Frivolities aside, societies serve a serious purpose. “University can be surprisingly lonely in the first year and a society can give you a much-needed sense of routine and regularity,” says Mirren Gidda, a recent graduate of UCL. “It enables you to meet like-minded people outside of your course and your halls. ”
SHOWING LEADERSHIP AND TEAMWORK Employers like societies, too. Graduate recruiters like Enterprise Rent-A-Car advise students that, “employers are continuously looking for aspects in an applicant’s CV that will help set them apart from the competition” and that, “holding a position of responsibility on a committee will really highlight you as a strong candidate.” Top of the list of preferred university activities are sports clubs, which, they say, “help to promote qualities that can be translated into a business environment, including leadership and teamwork.” Liverpool John Moores University similarly sees the benefit of students’ sporting society memberships, attributing
What societies will you look out for? Tell us @ISParent
them with the power to boost postuniversity salaries by as much as £5,000. But it’s not just sports that can bolster a CV and job prospects. Students can show employers their social consciences via clubs like Amnesty International and Animal Care (both offered at Lancaster); develop work skills through advertising and marketing societies (Leeds and others) and hone languages from Polish to Portuguese in university clubs countrywide.
WATCH OUT! But some societies may not impress employers. Most infamous among these is Oxford’s Bullingdon Club: an elite dining group that once saw its members smash 468 windows of a college quad and subsequently get banned from meeting within 15 miles of the city. The Wyvern men’s drinking club at Cambridge hit the headlines when it reputedly included in its initiation ceremony a 15-course meal that involved swallowing and regurgitating a live goldfish. Joining ceremonies at Exeter’s men’s football club became similarly notorious when new members were supposedly ordered to kiss a dead conger eel and drink pints out of their shoes. The chocolate, yoga or guide dog societies may be safer student bets!
Students can demonstrate their social consciences via clubs like Amnesty International and Animal Care 58 | THE GOOD UNIVERSITIES GUIDE | AUTUMN 2015
5
Top Unusual University Societies
1 2
Stitch and Bitch: Leeds Members meet to knit... and bitch.
Sheila and her Dog: Cambridge Members drink hot chocolate, eat sweets and read children’s stories in the voice of a six year old, while wearing dressing gowns and holding teddy bears.
3
Hummus Society: London School of Economics The aim of this one is “to bring hummus to the lives of others”.
4
Competitive Eating Society: Kent Organisers say, “We’re not what competitive eating looks like on TV, where people are desperately pushing food in their mouths with bibs and buckets.” It counts among its achievements the Chicken Nugget Centurion, the One Metre Pizza, and the Hot Curry Challenge.
5
Jailbreak Society: Warwick Members have 36 hours to get as far away from their campus as possible, without paying anything for travel. It’s said that past students have (somehow) made it as far afield as New York, Poland and Morocco.
PHOTOGRAPHY: ANGELA LUNEDES LAURIERS @FLICKR
If the choice is just too much, then it’s best to “join loads on your first day and slowly eliminate the ones that you don’t really enjoy or care about,” advises recent Leeds fresher, John Green. But with many universities, like Durham, running Give it a Go sessions – where students can try out a society for free – there’s rarely a need to make a commitment in a hurry.
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START YOUR JOURNEY
DISCOVER WITH PLYMOUTH UNIVERSITY
STUDY WITH A TOP FIVE MODERN UK UNIVERSITY.* APPLY NOW! *2015 Times Higher Education 100 under 50
www.plymouth.ac.uk/apply /PlymUniApply
UNI LIFE
DR NERINA RAMLAKHAN
expert in sleep, stress and technology addiction at The Nightingale Hospital, London NW1
IF PANIC
STRIKES…
I
Does the prospect of starting student life away from home fill you with dread? Nerina Ramlakhan has some tips to help you cope
PHOTOGRAPHY: PLYMOUTH UNIVERSITY, PHOTO WARE, PHOTO STATION
’ve seen quite a few students at my clinic who’ve sought my help with stress and anxieties about getting into the right university and/or leaving home for the first time. A good place to start is to have a good understanding of what stress is (and what it isn’t). A simple definition is: stress is a state of physical imbalance caused when pressure exceeds your ability to cope. So stress isn’t pressure. They aren’t the same thing. Stress is what physically happens in the body when we lose the ability to cope with the situation. The key is not to run away from pressure but to meet it head on with good robust coping strategies. These coping strategies are the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual choices that we make on a day-to-day, moment-by-moment basis that
EMOTIONAL – Build your support system and this means knowing who you can laugh with and who you can cry with. Take time to talk to friends and family who are close to you and able to offer genuine support. Talk about how you are feeling, express those fears and uncertainties, and then move on. It might be worth taking a look at the book: How Not to Worry by Paul McGee. It has some really helpful tips on dealing with emotional situtations and how to cope with them. If things are really getting on top of you and you don’t have anyone to talk to, it might be worth seeking out counselling support. Remember, in all of these situations, the key is not to keep feelings bottled up and the quicker you find someone to talk to the better.
Practise “the worst possible scenario” exercise. This is an advanced skill to cultivate but it’s worth working at enables us to cope with life’s challenges. Here are some examples: PHYSICAL – Don’t neglect your physical health. You might have age on your side but your body and mind (and exam results) will protest if you’re not looking after yourself. Eat healthily – and especially avoid skipping breakfast – so that you don’t end up running on adrenalin, don’t over-rely on caffeine to fuel your brain, drink lots of water, exercise regularly, get good sleep and rest. All of these will give you the vitality and resilience to meet pressure head on.
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SPIRITUAL – Take time out to stop and breathe and question your expectations of yourself. What are you telling yourself that you have to do, or must do, or should do? Give yourself a break, be kind to yourself. Stop being such a perfectionist! Perfectionists never think anything they do is good enough. Typically they grind their teeth at night or have tightness in their neck and shoulders. Seek out a yoga or meditation class or maybe even keep a journal. Cultivate a spiritual practice that gives you the space to take a step back
Worried about heading off to uni? Tweet us any questions @ISParent
and question whether what you are asking of yourself is really realistic. Regularly practise “the worst possible scenario” exercise – this is a very advanced skill to cultivate but it’s worth working at. We can find ourselves worrying about the future but if you take the time to think it through you might find that better options present themselves. So if you don’t get into your university X, what could university Y offer that might be even better? Be brave, dig deep and you might be surprised at what you unearth. I thought that medical school was the only option for me, but when I didn’t get the grades, I ended up studying a subject that I fell in love with and has given me the career that I’m absolutely passionate about now. Is it possible for you to cultivate a mind-set that “life is happening for me and not to me”? Don’t forget to do the things that make you happy – listen to music you love, turn the volume up, sing and dance. Sometimes life can get too serious and we find ourselves getting tied up in knots. And it’s simply not worth it.
AUTUMN 2015 | THE GOOD UNIVERSITIES GUIDE | 61
2016 Ope n Days 6th July 20 16 24th Septe mber 201 6
in London for student experience*
in London for graduate prospects* *Statistics taken from The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2016.
City University London is a world-leading university in the heart of London, known for its commitment to academic excellence and focus on business and the professions. We have been delivering education, research and enterprise for over 120 years. This combination means our graduates are among the most sought-after in the market.
• Central London location (Zone 1) means students are based in the heart of the capital
City offers over 180 undergraduate degrees across our five Schools:
• Research informs education. Students learn from passionate academics at the cutting edge of their fields
School of Arts & Social Sciences Sir John Cass Business School School of Health Sciences
• Over 60% of courses accredited by professional bodies. Engagement with professions informs the design of courses and provides students with opportunities for direct interaction with future employers, enhancing their employability
The City Law School
• Consistently high ranking for graduate salaries (13th nationwide in the online Times and Sunday Times University League Table 2015)
School of Mathematics, Computer Science & Engineering
• Heavy investment in student experience. Major new sports and recreational facilities opened this year • 87% student satisfaction rate in 2015, the highest in London • 75% of research rated as being of world-leading or internationally excellent quality • Accepted this year to join the University of London from August 2016
Start here. Telephone enquiries: +44 (0)20 7040 5060
Email enquiries: enquiries@city.ac.uk
Facebook: fb.com/cityuniversitylondon
www.city.ac.uk
Twitter: @cityunilondon
Youtube: youtube.com/mycityunilondon
LOUISE PRIOR
head of PR at STA Travel
LET THE ADVENTURE BEGIN Using travel to broaden your skill set is a great way to make your CV stand out, writes Louise Prior
Gap year travel – even “snap gaps” of a few months rather than a full year – has never been so meticulously planned. Today’s trips are often arranged for a specific reason, such as to take part in a volunteer project, go to a festival or go on a language or skill course overseas. Taking part in these sorts of projects is a valuable addition to a CV, there is more than just good grades to consider when it comes to impressing a university
STA Travel has options to work in Australia or New Zealand under working holiday visa schemes youth travel company can tailor you an itinerary to encapsulate all of these things, and more. The world is your oyster! Young people have used travel to broaden their horizons for many years. But now, students use it to broaden their employability – one of the smartest ways of making your CV stand out. There has been a rise of more than one-third in the number of students heading overseas to work, study and take part in volunteer projects in the past 18 months. Young people see travel as an alternative means of bolstering their CV and skill set in a bid to appeal to future employers or university interview panels.
64 | THE GOOD UNIVERSITIES GUIDE | AUTUMN 2015
entrance board or employer – travelling broadens your mind and your horizons. STA Travel has options to work in Australia or New Zealand under working holiday visa schemes, or to take part in work programmes in the USA and Canada, and these are proving tantalisingly tempting for young people looking to earn while they travel. And it’s not just the travel elements we can help with: our travel experts can offer advice, from working holiday visas in Australia and jobs while travelling, to tax rebates on return to the UK. The job market is still very tough for young people in the UK. More and more
Above, there has been an increase in the number of students going overseas to work and study
people are taking the opportunity to head off on a gap-year trip to widen both their work and life experience, and improve their all-important CV with overseas work experience. For example, at STA we’ve seen a 10% increase in sales of Working Holiday Visas for Australia compared to summer 2014, and a 16% increase for the same in New Zealand.
DESTINATION PLUS Iceland is our fastest growing destination as people are stopping off there on their way to, or way back from, the east coast of the USA. Bali, Manila, the Philippines and Borneo are all seeing growth too this year. Our customers do a lot of research and talk to their friends about trips and so are knowledgeable and keen to explore new destinations which might not feature in the usual gap-year itinerary. This year has seen a move towards “open jaw” routes for our customers, for example, flying into Bangkok and out of Singapore, and making the journey overland. People on longer trips would rather take a bus, train or boat so as to see more of a destination rather than booking lots of internal flights. Our customers are looking for a more immersive itinerary, a gap year is no longer just a time to tick countries off your bucket list. So don’t hesitate, get out there, and start your adventure!
PHOTOGRAPHY: SHUTTERSTOCK
D
ancing until dawn at one of the hottest European festivals, working in a chic Sydney bar, volunteering with under-privileged children in Brazil, and chilling out on postcard-perfect beaches in Asia. Which do you want to do on your gap year? If you think you have to choose only a couple then you’re wrong, because STA Travel, the world’s leading student and
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AUTUMN 2015 | THE GOOD UNIVERSITIES GUIDE | 65
High quality run shoot in the heart of Berkshire within easy reach of London without compromising the calibre of the birds.
Contact Alex Bingley on alex@haywoodsgroup.com for further information. Select number of days remaining for this season.
www.marlstonestate.co.uk
Looking for Gap Year ideas? Need more experience for your chosen University course? GapForce provide short and long term programs all over the world, including volunteering placements, specialised internships, accredited courses and even multi activity tours! We have something for everyone with start dates throughout the year!
Why are GapForce so special? • All programs are supervised by fully qualified GapForce Expedition Leaders from start to finish • You’ll make lifelong friends as all programs are run as group of between 6-20 participants • We offer the largest range of programs in the industry • Get a hassle free experience from our world class program coordinators, who will help you with everything from the moment you book!
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Start your adventure here and get in touch with one of our advisors! www.gapforce.org T: 02073 843 028 E: info@gapforce.org 66 | THE GOOD UNIVERSITIES GUIDE | AUTUMN 2015
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UNI LIFE
W
hat did you study? I decided to go for BSc economics and MSc economics and business economics at City University London. What made you choose City University London? I knew that economics graduates from City are highly sought after and the uni promotes that 95% of those who go on to employment are in a professional or managerial role after six months. Where do most economics graduates from City end up? Graduates find roles within economic and management consultancies, multinationals, government agencies and in the business and finance sectors in the City of London and overseas. What did you choose to do after you graduated? In 2013, I secured a place in the Civil Service Economist Fast Stream scheme. The scheme offers graduates economist roles within a wide range of government departments and agencies. Did you always want to work in the Civil Service? At first I didn’t consider a
DAVID OSBORNE A degree in economics led to a career in the Civil Service for this City University London alumnus
career in the Civil Service, but on the recommendation of a friend, I decided to apply to the Civil Service Economist Fast Stream. During the application process, I did a considerable amount of research into the scheme and quickly realised that it had the potential to lead to a rewarding career full of a range of unique opportunities. Tell us about your job… My first post was at the
Department for Transport, in the Local Economics division. In this post, my job was to conduct economic appraisal of local transport schemes such as bus routes, cycle paths, roads and railways. For the schemes that are funded by the Government, my main responsibility was to ensure that local authorities conducted appropriate monitoring and evaluation to form part of the Government’s evidence base.
The fascinating thing about this post is that I provide analytical input into the decision on where to locate a spaceport gooduniguide.co.uk
Above, David Osborne relishes the different challenges he encounters in his career
Did you get to move around departments? Yes, I then moved to the Department for Communities and Local Government for my second post. I was based in the Strategic Analysis Team, which was a far cry from my first post. Here, I provided analytical support to the chief economist and provided regular macroeconomic briefing to the secretary of state. In addition to this I also worked on a range of highpriority policy areas, including London devolution and revitalising town centres. And what now? My current post has brought me back to the Department for Transport! I’m in the Aviation and Maritime Economics team. This role is, yet again, another drastic change from the past two. My current role is to assess the possible impacts of maritime regulation and provide analysis on airport regulation, but the most fascinating thing about this post is that I provide analytical input into the decision on where to locate a spaceport (a base from which spacecraft are launched) in the UK! How about the future? I am passionate about travel and languages, and I’d enjoy using my language skills more. I would quite like to work at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in future.
AUTUMN 2015 | THE GOOD UNIVERSITIES GUIDE | 67
DIRECTORY
The Good Universities Guide This map illustrates the location of some of the universities advertising in our guide. Turn over for a full directory of universities and higher education colleges.
London
British School of Osteopathy
360 GSP College
Higher education college
Greater London Wembley, HA9 6DE www.360gsp.com 020 8672 4151
Higher education college
www.scienceofacting.com 020 7272 0027 Higher education college
Active Learning
London, SW5 9RD
www.active-learning.co.uk 020 7370 4755 Higher education college
Alchemea College of Audio Engineering London, N1 8QG
www.alchemea.com 020 7359 3986 Higher education college
American Intercontinental University London, W1U 4RY
9 17
12 1–8
13
9 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
City University London – London Central School of Speech and Drama – London Richmond The American International University – London ifs University College – London King’s College London – London University of Roehampton – London European School of Economics – London University of the Arts London – London
68 | THE GOOD UNIVERSITIES GUIDE | AUTUMN 2015
www.aiulondon.ac.uk 020 7467 5600 University
Birkbeck, University of London
10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
University of Buckingham – Buckingham Plymouth College of Art – Plymouth Plymouth University – Plymouth University of Essex – Essex University of Southampton – Southampton Bishop Grosseteste University – Lincoln University of Northumbria – Newcastle upon Tyne Norwich University of the Arts – Norwich Cardiff University – Wales Aberystwyth University – Wales
Byam Shaw School of Art 020 7514 2350
Higher education college
Camberwell College of Arts London, SE5 8UF
www.camberwell.arts.ac.uk 020 7514 6302 University
CECOS London College London, N1 2PB
www.cecos.co.uk 020 7359 3316
Higher education college
Chelsea College of Art & Design London, SW1P 4JU
www.chelsea.arts.ac.uk 020 7514 7751 University
City University London London, EC1V 0HB www.city.ac.uk 020 7040 5060 University
The College of Teachers London, WC1H 0AL
www.collegeofteachers.ac.uk 020 7911 5536 Higher education college
London, WC1E 7HX
Condé Nast College
University
www.condenastcollege.co.uk 020 7152 3435
www.bbk.ac.uk 020 7631 6000
Blake Hall College London, SE16 2XU
10-11
www.burlingtonschool.co.uk 020 7736 9621
London, N19 4AG
London, N19 4AJ
18
London, SW6 5AA
www.5ecollege.net 020 8885 9446
Academy of the Science of Acting and Directing
16
Burlington School Higher education college
Higher education college
14
www.bso.ac.uk 020 7407 0222
5E College of London London, N17 8JL
15
London, SE1 0BQ
www.blakehallcollege.com 020 7252 2033 Higher education college
British College of Osteopathic Medicine London, NW3 5HR www.bcom.ac.uk 020 7435 7830
Higher education college
London, W1D 4DR
Higher education college
Conservatoire for Dance & Drama London, WC1H 9JJ www.cdd.ac.uk 020 7387 5101
Higher education college
The Courtauld Institute of Art
London, WC2R 0RN www.courtauld.ac.uk 020 7872 0220
British Institute of Technology & E-commerce
University
www.bite.ac.uk 020 8552 3071
www.discoverysummer.co.uk 020 7937 1199
London, E7 9HZ
Higher education college
Discovery Summer London, W8 5EA
Higher education college
gooduniguide.co.uk
DIRECTORY Eastman Dental Institute University College London
Heythrop College University of London
Language Link School of English
London South Bank University
www.eastman.ucl.ac.uk 020 3456 7899
www.heythrop.ac.uk 020 7795 6600
www.languagelink.co.uk 020 7225 1065
www.lsbu.ac.uk 020 7928 8989
London, WC1X 8LD
London, W8 5HN
University
HULT International Business School
Language Studies International
London Studio Centre
www.hult.edu 020 7636 5667
www.lsi.edu 020 7467 6500
University
EC London
www.ecenglish.com 020 7242 3787
Higher education college
London, SE1 0AA
Higher education college
University
London, NW1 1AD
London, WC1H 9AD
London, E1 1LD
London, WC1E 7AH
London, N12 0GA
www.london-studio-centre.co.uk 020 7837 7741 Higher education college
Higher education college
Higher education college
ifs University College London, EC3R 8LJ
Leicester Square School of English
University College
www.lsse.ac.uk 020 7839 7772
Higher education college
Maritime Greenwich College
London, WC2H 0QX
Imperial College London
London Business School
Higher education college
Higher education college
www.imperial.ac.uk 020 7589 5111
www.london.edu 020 7000 7000
EF International Language Schools London, SE1 8SS 0870 720 0708
Higher education college
ELS Language Centres www.els-london.com 020 7976 1066
English Language Training London, SW4 0JY
www.elt-online.co.uk 020 7622 7254 Higher education college
EThames Graduate School London, E14 9SG www.etgs.org.uk 020 7531 7320
Higher education college
European College for Higher Education London, N15 4EY www.eche.co.uk 020 8800 1200
Higher education college
Frances King School of English London, SW7 4SS
www.francesking.co.uk 020 7870 6533 Higher education college
Goldsmiths College University of London
www.ifslearning.ac.uk 020 7337 6293
London, SW7 2AZ University
London, WC2H 7LE
London, NW1 4SA University
Institute of Education London
London College of Communications
www.ioe.ac.uk 020 7612 6000
www.lcc.arts.ac.uk 020 7514 6500
London, WC1E 7HU www.history.ac.uk 020 7862 8740 University
International House London, WC2B 5LQ www.ihlondon.com 020 7611 2400
Higher education college
London, W1G 0BJ
www.fashion.arts.ac.uk 020 7514 7400
www.mdx.ac.uk 020 8411 5000 University
Higher education college
Higher education college
Higher education college
www.kensingtoncoll.ac.uk 020 7404 6330
London, WC2B 4AU
Higher education college
Oxford House College
Higher education college
www.oxfordhousecollege.co.uk 020 7580 9785
www.theplace.org.uk 020 7121 1029
Harrow, HA3 5DX
Higher education college
London, N19 5SS
Higher education college
London Metropolitan University
Higher education college
Queen Mary University of London London, E1 4NS www.qmul.ac.uk 020 7975 5555 University
Quest Professional
London, SW1W 0BD
www.questcollege.co.uk 020 7233 5957 Higher education college
Ravensbourne
University
www.ravensbourne.ac.uk 020 3040 3500
www.londonmet.ac.uk 020 7133 4200
King’s College London www.kcl.ac.uk 020 7836 5454
www.lshtm.ac.uk 020 7636 8636
University
London, W1D 1AU
London, N7 8DB
London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
London, WC2R 2LS
www.nchum.org 020 7291 1385
London, WC1H 9PY
www.litecollege.co.uk 020 8863 1555
London, SE1 1HR
New College of the Humanities
London Contemporary Dance School
www.islamic-college.ac.uk 020 8451 9993 Higher education college
Higher education college
London, WC1B 3HH
Islamic College
London, NW10 2SW
London, SW19 1RY
Higher education college
London Institute of Technology
London, SE10 8RD
gooduniguide.co.uk
London, NW4 4BT
London College of Fashion
Kensington College of Business
Higher education college
Middlesex University
Institute of Historical Research
www.meridiancollege.co.uk 020 7317 9028
www.gsmd.ac.uk 020 7628 2571
020 8305 8508
www.milnerschool.co.uk 020 8545 0300
www.holborncollege.ac.uk 020 3411 3968
London, EC2Y 8DT
London, SE8 3NU
Higher education college
University
Guildhall School of Music & Drama
Higher education college
Higher education college
London Meridian College
www.gsm.org.uk 020 8516 7800
www.malvernhouse.com 020 7520 0470
Milner School of English
Kaplan Holborn College
Greenwich School of Management
London, WC1A 2RA
London, SE1 6SB
London, WC1H 0AL
London, SE14 6NW
www.goldsmiths.ac.uk 020 7919 7171
Malvern House
London, WC1E 7HT
Higher education college
London, SE10 0EW
Higher education college
Regent London
London, WC2N 6DF www.regent.org.uk 020 7872 6620
Higher education college
AUTUMN 2015 | THE GOOD UNIVERSITIES GUIDE | 69
DIRECTORY Regent’s Business School London, NW1 4NS www.regents.ac.uk 020 7477 2990
Higher education college
University of Roehampton London, SW15 5PU
www.roehampton.ac.uk 020 8392 3000 University
Royal Academy of Dramatic Art
London, WC1E 6ED www.rada.org 020 7636 7076
Higher education college
Royal Academy of Music London, NW1 5HT www.ram.ac.uk 020 7873 7373
Higher education college
Royal Central School of Speech & Drama London, NW3 3HY www.cssd.ac.uk 020 7722 8183
Higher education college
School of Advanced Study University of London London, WC1E 7HU www.sas.ac.uk 020 7862 8736
Higher education college
School of Oriental & African Studies University of London London, WC1H 0XG
www.soaslanguagecentre.com 020 7898 4888 Higher education college
School of Pharmacy University of London London, WC1N 1AX www.pharmacy.ac.uk 020 7753 5800
Higher education college
School of Slavonic & East European Studies University College London London, WC1E 6BT www.ssees.ucl.ac.uk 020 7679 8700
www.rcm.ac.uk 020 7591 4300 University
Royal College of Nursing London, W1G 0RN www.rcn.org.uk 020 7409 3333
Higher education college
Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists London, SE1 1NX www.rcslt.org 020 7378 1200
Higher education college
Royal College of Surgeons London, WC2A 3PE www.rcseng.ac.uk 020 7405 3474
Higher education college
Higher education college
London, SE1 6TE
Higher education college
London, WC1E 6BT
www.ucl.ac.uk/slade 020 7679 2313
Higher education college
South East London College of English London, WC2E 9SX www.sels.co.uk 020 8944 8393
Higher education college
Southwark City Learning Centre
London, SE15 6AA
020 7525 5005
Higher education college
St George’s University of London London, SW17 0RE www.sgul.ac.uk 020 8672 9944 University
St Giles International London, WC1B 5JX
www.stgiles-international.com 020 7837 0404
www.city.ac.uk 020 7404 5787
www2.gre.ac.uk 020 8331 8000
University
The Institute
Higher education college
www.nd.edu 020 7484 7800
The Institute of Cancer Research University of London London, SW7 3RP www.icr.ac.uk 020 7352 8133 University
London College of Communication www.lcc.arts.ac.uk 020 7514 6500
The London School of Economics and Political Science London, WC2A 2AE www.lse.ac.uk 020 7405 7686 University
UCL Institute of Child Health London, WC1N 1EH www.ich.ucl.ac.uk 020 7242 9789 University
UCL Institute of Neurology London, WC1N 3BG www.ion.ucl.ac.uk 020 3456 7890 University
Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance
University
University of the Arts Central Saint Martins London, N1C 4AA
www.arts.ac.uk/csm 020 7514 7444
Higher education college
University of the Arts London London, WC1V 7EY www.arts.ac.uk 020 7514 6000 University
University of West London London, W5 5RF www.uwl.ac.uk 020 8579 5000 University
University of Westminster London, NW1 5LS
www.westminster.ac.uk 020 7911 5000 University
Urdang Academy London, EC1R 4RP
www.theurdangacademy.com 020 7713 7710 Higher education college
Victoria School of English London, SW1W 8JH
www.victoriaschool.com 020 7730 1333 Higher education college
Waltham Forest College
Higher education college
www.waltham.ac.uk 020 8501 8000
www.trinitylaban.ac.uk 020 8305 4444
University College London
London, E17 4JB
Higher education College
London, WC1E 6BT
Wimbledon College of Art
University
www.wimbledon.arts.ac.uk 020 7514 9641
www.ucl.ac.uk 020 7679 2000
www.rvc.ac.uk 020 7468 5000
www.sclondon.co.uk 020 7704 8497
www.cumbria.ac.uk 020 7364 6334
70 | THE GOOD UNIVERSITIES GUIDE | AUTUMN 2015
London, SW1Y 4HG
London, SE10 9JF
Stratford College London Higher education college
University
University of Notre Dame
www.hgsi.ac.uk 020 8829 4229
University of Cumbria English Street Campus
Higher education college
London, SE10 9LS
London, N2 0GA
Higher education college
London, N1 2PB
University
University of Greenwich
London, WC1R 5DX
Royal Veterinary College University of London London, NW1 0TU
London, E16 2RD
The City Law School
Higher education college
Slade School of Fine Art
London, SW7 2BS
www.uel.ac.uk 020 8223 3333
School of Technology and Management
www.rca.ac.uk 020 7590 4444
Royal College of Music
www.citycollege.ac.uk 020 7253 1133
London, SE1 6SB
020 7378 9061
Higher education college
University of East London
London, N1 6AH
Higher education college
Royal College of Art London, SW7 2EU
The City College
London, E3 4TA University
London, SW19 3QA
Higher education college
Wimbledon School of English London, SW19 4JZ
www.wimbledon-school.ac.uk 020 8947 1921 Higher education college
gooduniguide.co.uk
DIRECTORY Middlesex
Brunel University Uxbridge, UB8 3PH www.brunel.ac.uk 01895 274 000 University
St Mary’s University Twickenham, TW1 4SX www.smuc.ac.uk 020 8240 4000
Higher education college
South East Berkshire
Henley Business School University of Reading
Regent Brighton
Wessex Institute
Balliol College Oxford
www.regent.org.uk 01273 731 684
www.wessex.ac.uk 02380 293 223
www.balliol.ox.ac.uk 01865 277 777
Hove, BN3 3EW
Higher education college
Sussex Downs College Newhaven Campus Newhaven, BN9 9BN
www.sussexdowns.ac.uk 01273 511 400 Higher education college
Sussex Downs College Park Campus Eastbourne, BN21 2UF
www.sussexdowns.ac.uk 01323 637 111 Higher education college
Southampton, SO40 7AA Higher education college
University
Winchester School of English
Blackfriars College Oxford
www.winchester-english.co.uk 01962 851 844
www.bfriars.ox.ac.uk 01865 278 400
Winchester, SO23 7DX Higher education college
Kent
Canterbury Christ Church University
Canterbury, CT1 1QU
University
www.cicero.co.uk 01892 547 077
Reading, RG6 6AH www.reading.ac.uk 01189 875 123 University
Buckinghamshire Bucks New University
High Wycombe, HP11 2JZ www.bucks.ac.uk 01494 601 636 University
Institute of Continuing Education Cambridge, CB23 8AQ www.ice.cam.ac.uk 01223 746 222
Higher education college
The Open University
Milton Keynes, MK7 6AA www.open.ac.uk 01908 274 066 University
University of Buckingham Buckingham, MK18 1EG www.buckingham.ac.uk 01280 814 080
University of Sussex University
www.eso.ac.uk 01622 671 558
Hampshire
Lewis School of English Southampton, SO14 1LL www.lewis-school.co.uk 02380 228 203 Higher education college
LSI Portsmouth (Language Specialists International) Portsmouth, PO1 2AH
www.lsi-portsmouth.co.uk 02392 291 811 Higher education college
Southampton Solent University
Southampton, SO14 0YN www.solent.ac.uk 02380 319 000 University
East Sussex
www.port.ac.uk 02392 848 484
Portsmouth, PO1 2UP University
Brighton, BN1 9SB
University of Southampton
Higher education college
www.southampton.ac.uk 02380 595 000
City College Brighton and Hove Brighton, BN1 4FA www.ccb.ac.uk 01273 667 788
Higher education college
gooduniguide.co.uk
Maidstone, ME16 8SL Higher education college
University of Portsmouth
www.brightonsbm.com 01273 704 463
Higher education college
European School of Osteopathy
University
Brighton School of Business and Management
Tunbridge Wells, TN1 2ET
Brighton, BN1 9RH www.sussex.ac.uk 01273 606 755
Southampton, SO17 1BJ University
Oxford, OX1 4AJ
www.bnc.ox.ac.uk 01865 277 830
Oxford, OX1 1QS
www.brighton.ac.uk 01273 600 900
University of Reading
Brasenose College Oxford
University
University of Brighton University
University
University
Reading, RG9 3AU
Brighton, BN2 4AT
Oxford, OX1 3LY
www.canterbury.ac.uk 01227 767 700
Cicero Languages International
www.henley.ac.uk 01183 785 044
Oxford, OX1 3BJ
Kent Institute of Art and Design
Maidstone, ME16 8AG www.kiad.ac.uk 01622 757 286
Higher education college
Rose Bruford College of Theatre & Performance Sidcup, DA15 9DF www.bruford.ac.uk 020 8308 2600
Higher education college
University for the Creative Arts
Canterbury, CT1 3AN www.ucreative.ac.uk 01227 817 302 University
University of Kent Tonbridge, TN9 1TG
Campion Hall Oxford www.campion.ox.ac.uk 01865 286 100 University
Christ Church College Oxford Oxford, OX1 1DP
www.chch.ox.ac.uk 01865 276 150 University
Corpus Christi College Oxford Oxford, OX1 4JF
www.ccc.ox.ac.uk 01865 276 700 University
Exeter College Oxford Oxford, OX1 3DP
www.exeter.ox.ac.uk 01865 279 600 University
Green Templeton College Oxford Oxford, OX2 6HG www.gtc.ox.ac.uk 01865 274 770 University
Harris Manchester College Oxford Oxford, OX1 3TD www.hmc.ox.ac.uk 01865 271 006 University
www.kent.ac.uk 01732 352 316
Hertford College
University
www.hertford.ox.ac.uk 01865 279 400
Oxfordshire
Oxford, OX1 3BW University
All Souls College Oxford
Jesus College Oxford
www.all-souls.ox.ac.uk 01865 279 379
www.jesus.ox.ac.uk 01865 279 700
Oxford, OX1 4AL
Oxford, OX1 3DW
University
University
University of Winchester
Aspect College Oxford
Keble College Oxford
www.winchester.ac.uk 01962 841 515
www.studystay.com 020 8727 3550
www.keble.ox.ac.uk 01865 272 727
Winchester, SO22 4NR University
Oxford, OX2 6JU
Higher education college
Oxford, OX1 3PG University
AUTUMN 2015 | THE GOOD UNIVERSITIES GUIDE | 71
DIRECTORY Kellogg College Oxford Oxford, OX2 6PN
Oxford Centre for Mission Studies
University
www.ocms.ac.uk 01865 556 071
www.kellogg.ox.ac.uk 01865 612 000
Lady Margaret Hall Oxford Oxford, OX2 6QA www.lmh.ox.ac.uk 01865 274 300
Oxford, OX2 6HR
Higher education college
Oxford Media & Business School
University
Oxford, OX1 1RR
Linacre College Oxford
Higher education college
Oxford, OX1 3JA
www.linacre.ox.ac.uk 01865 271 650
www.oxfordbusiness.co.uk 01865 240 963
Oxford Princeton Programme
University
Oxford, OX1 1ST
Lincoln College Oxford
Higher education college
Oxford, OX1 3DR www.linc.ox.ac.uk 01865 279 800 University
Magdalen College Oxford Oxford, OX1 4AU
www.oxfordprinceton.com 01865 250 521
Pembroke College Oxford Oxford, OX1 1DW www.pmb.ox.ac.uk 01865 276 444 University
University
Regent English Language Training Oxford
Mansfield College Oxford
www.regent.org.uk 01865 515 566
www.magd.ox.ac.uk 01865 276 000
Oxford, OX1 3TF
www.mansfield.ox.ac.uk 01865 270 999 University
Merton College Oxford Oxford, OX1 4JD
www.merton.ox.ac.uk 01865 276 310 University
Oxford, OX2 6JT
Oxford, OX1 3UJ
www.stcatz.ox.ac.uk 01865 271 700 University
St Edmund Hall Oxford Oxford, OX1 4AR www.seh.ox.ac.uk 01865 279 000 University
St Hilda’s College Oxford Oxford, OX4 1DY
www.sthildas.ox.ac.uk 01865 276 884 University
St Hugh’s College Oxford Oxford, OX2 6LE
www.st-hughs.ox.ac.uk 01865 274 900 University
St John’s College Oxford Oxford, OX1 3JP www.sjc.ox.ac.uk 01865 277 300 University
Higher education college
St Peter’s College Oxford
Regent’s Park College Oxford
www.spc.ox.ac.uk 01865 278 900
Oxford, OX1 2DL
Oxford, OX1 2LB
University
University
Oxford, OX4 1JX
www.rpc.ox.ac.uk 01865 288 120
New College Oxford
School of Education Oxford Brookes University
www.new.ox.ac.uk 01865 279 555
www.brookes.ac.uk 01865 488 600
Oxford, OX1 3BN
St Catherine’s College Oxford
Oxford, OX2 9AT
St Stephen’s House Oxford www.ssho.ox.ac.uk 01865 613 500 University
The Queen’s College Oxford Oxford, OX1 4AW
www.queens.ox.ac.uk 01865 279 120
University
Higher education college
Nuffield College Oxford
Somerville College
University
www.nuffield.ox.ac.uk 01865 278 500
www.some.ox.ac.uk 01865 270 600
Oxford, OX1 3BH
Oxford, OX1 1NF University
Oxford, OX2 6HD
Trinity College Oxford
University
www.trinity.ox.ac.uk 01865 279 900
Oriel College Oxford
St Anne’s College Oxford
www.oriel.ox.ac.uk 01865 276 555
www.st-annes.ox.ac.uk 01865 274 800
Oxford, OX1 4EW University
Oxford Brookes University Oxford, OX3 0BP
www.brookes.ac.uk 01865 484 848 University
University
Oxford, OX2 6HS
University College Oxford
University
www.univ.ox.ac.uk 01865 276 602
St Antony’s College Oxford Oxford, OX2 6JF
www.sant.ox.ac.uk 01865 284 700 University
Oxford, OX1 4BH
Wolfson College Oxford Oxford, OX2 6UD
www.wolfson.ox.ac.uk 01865 274 100 University
Worcester College Oxford Oxford, OX1 2HB
www.worc.ox.ac.uk 01865 278 300 University
Wycliffe Hall Oxford Oxford, OX2 6PW
www.wycliffe.ox.ac.uk 01865 274 200 University
Surrey
Carshalton College Carshalton, SM5 2EJ
www.carshalton.ac.uk 020 8544 4444 Higher education college
East Surrey College Redhill, RH1 2JX www.esc.ac.uk 01737 772 611
Higher education college
Guildford College Guildford, GU1 1EZ www.guildford.ac.uk 01483 448 585
Higher education college
Kingston University
Kingston Upon Thames, KT1 1LQ www.kingston.ac.uk 020 8417 9000 University
Nescot College
Epsom, KT17 3DS www.nescot.ac.uk 020 8394 3038
Higher education college
Phoenix College Morden Morden, SM4 5SE 020 8648 4993
Higher education college
Royal Holloway University of London Egham, TW20 0EX
www.royalholloway.ac.uk 01784 434 455 University
University of Oxford
Richmond The American International University in London
www.ox.ac.uk 01865 270 000
www.richmond.ac.uk 020 8332 9000
University
Oxford, OX1 2JD University
Richmond, TW10 6JP University
Oxford Brookes University School of Law
St Benet’s Hall Oxford
Wadham College Oxford
The University of Law
www.law.brookes.ac.uk 01865 488 750
www.st-benets.ox.ac.uk 01865 280 556
www.wadham.ox.ac.uk 01865 277 900
www.law.ac.uk 01483 216 658
Oxford, OX3 0BP
Higher education college
72 | THE GOOD UNIVERSITIES GUIDE | AUTUMN 2015
Oxford, OX1 3LN University
Oxford, OX1 3PN University
Guildford, GU3 1HA University
gooduniguide.co.uk
DIRECTORY University of Surrey
Cornwall College
Truro College
Plymouth Language School
www.surrey.ac.uk 01483 300 800
www.cornwall.ac.uk 01326 310 310
www.trurocollege.ac.uk 01872 267 000
www.sparrow.co.uk 01752 222 700
Guildford, GU2 7XH
Falmouth, TR11 3QS
Truro, TR1 3XX
University
Higher education college
West Sussex
Cornwall College Newquay, TR7 2LZ
Devon
Pulborough, RH20 1DL
Higher education college
Paignton, TQ4 5LH
Brinsbury Campus Chichester College www.chichester.ac.uk 01243 786 321
Higher education college
Chichester College of Art Chichester, PO19 1SB www.chichester.ac.uk 01243 786 321
Higher education college
Central Sussex College Crawley Campus Crawley, RH10 1NR
www.centralsussex.ac.uk/ universitycentre 0845 155 0043 Higher education college
Central Sussex College Haywards Heath Campus Haywards Heath, RH16 1LT www.centralsussex.ac.uk/ universitycentre 01444 456 281 Higher education college
The College of Richard Collyer
www.cornwall.ac.uk 01637 857 957
Cornwall College Higher education college
www.bicton.ac.uk 01395 562 400
www.cornwall.ac.uk 01209 616 161
Cornwall College Saltash Campus Saltash, PL12, 4AE
www.cornwall.ac.uk 01752 850 250 Higher education college
Higher education college
Highlands College Jersey JE4 9QA
www.highlands.ac.uk 01534 608 608 Higher education college
Higher education college
Exeter, EX4 4JS
Higher education college
Cornwall College Trevenson
University of Exeter
www.cornwall.ac.uk 01209 611 611
www.ex.ac.uk 01392 400 500
Redruth, TR15 3RD
Higher education college
Camborne, TR14 0AB Higher education college
www.falmouth.ac.uk 01326 370 400
www.guernseycollege.ac.gg 01481 737 500
www.devonschool.co.uk 01803 666 499
Higher education college
University
Guernsey GY1 2TT
Paignton, TQ3 2AF
www.exe-coll.ac.uk 01392 205 222
Chichester, PO19 6PE
Guernsey College of Further Education
Devon School of English
www.cornwall.ac.uk 01726 226 626
St. Austell, PL25 4DJ
Falmouth College of the Arts
Channel Islands
Higher education college
Exeter College
Higher education college
South West
Budleigh, Salterton, EX9 7BY
Cornwall College St Austell Campus
www.duchy.ac.uk 01209 722 100
www.chi.ac.uk 01243 816 000
Higher education college
Bicton College
Duchy College Rosewarne
University of Chichester
Aspect College
Redruth, TR15 3RD
Horsham, RH12 2EJ www.collyers.ac.uk 01403 210 822
Higher education college
Exeter, EX4 4QJ University
International House Torquay Torquay, TQ1 3BB
www.ihwelsgroup.com 01803 299 691 Higher education college
Falmouth, TR10 9FE
Language in Totnes
Higher education college
www.languageingroup.com 01803 865 722
Totnes, TQ9 5RZ
Plymouth, PL4 6AL
Higher education college
Plymouth University Plymouth, PL4 8AA
www.plymouth.ac.uk 01752 600 600 University
Schumacher College Totnes, TQ9 6EA
www.schumachercollege.org.uk 01803 865 934 Higher education college
Torbay Language Centre Paignton, TQ4 5LH 01803 558 555
Higher education college
Torquay International School Torquay, TQ1 3HY www.tisltd.co.uk 01803 295 576
Higher education college
University College of St Mark & St John Plymouth, PL6 8BH
www.marjon.ac.uk 01752 636 700
Higher education college
Dorset
Anglo European College of Chiropractic Bournemouth, BH5 2DF www.aecc.ac.uk 01202 436 200
Higher education college
Aspect College Bournemouth Bournemouth, BH4 9EF
www.aspectworld.com 020 7045 5000 Higher education college
Higher education college
Arts University Bournemouth
Falmouth, TR10 9FE
Mayflower College
www.aub.ac.uk 01202 533 011
University
www.maycoll.co.uk 01752 673 784
Falmouth University www.falmouth.ac.uk 01326 370 400
St Austell College
St. Austell, PL25 4DJ www.st-austell.ac.uk 01726 226 626
Higher education college
Truro and Penwith College Penzance, TR18 2SA www.penwith.ac.uk 01736 335 000
Cornwall
Higher education college
Penryn,TR10 9EZ
Penzance, TR18 3XX
Plymouth, PL1 3BY
Higher education college
Meridian School of English Plymouth, PL4 6LF
www.meridianenglish.com 0845 673 3007
Poole, BH12 5HH University
Bournemouth & Poole College Poole, BH14 0LS
www.thecollege.co.uk 01202 205 205
Higher education college
Higher education college
City College Plymouth
Bournemouth University
www.pcfe.ac.uk 01752 305 300
www.bournemouth.ac.uk 01202 524 111
Plymouth, PL1 5QG
Higher education college
Poole, BH12 5BB University
Camborne School of Mines
Truro College
Plymouth College of Art
Eurocentres Bournemouth
www.ex.ac.uk/csm 01209 714 866
www.trurocollege.ac.uk 01872 267 000
www.plymouthart.ac.uk 01752 203 434
www.eurocentres.co.uk 01202 554 426
Higher education college
gooduniguide.co.uk
Higher education college
Plymouth, PL4 8AT
Higher education college
Bournemouth, BH1 1HZ Higher education college
AUTUMN 2015 | THE GOOD UNIVERSITIES GUIDE | 73
DIRECTORY Kingston Maurward College
National Star College
Bristol Baptist College
Weston College
www.kmc.ac.uk 01305 215 000
www.natstar.ac.uk 01242 527 631
www.bristol-baptist.ac.uk 01179 467 050
www.weston.ac.uk 01934 411 411
Dorchester, DT2 8PY
Cheltenham, GL53 9QU
Higher education college
Higher education college
Music Research Institute
Royal Agricultural University
www.mri.ac.uk 01425 276 161
www.rau.ac.uk 01285 652531
Christchurch, BH23 5QL Higher education college
Weymouth College Weymouth, DT4 7LQ www.weymouth.ac.uk 01305 761 100
Higher education college
Gloucestershire Cirencester College Fosses Way Campus
Cirencester, GL7 6JS University
Royal Forest of Dean College
Bristol, BS8 3NJ
Weston-super-mare, BS23 2AL
Higher education college
Higher education college
University of Bristol
Yeovil College
www.bris.ac.uk 01179 289 000
www.yeovil.ac.uk 01935 423 921
Bristol, BS8 1TH University
Yeovil, BA21 4DR Higher education college
Coleford, GL16 7JT
Bridgwater College
Wiltshire
Higher education college
www.bridgwater.ac.uk 01278 441 234
Swindon, SN3 1AH
www.gloscol.ac.uk 01594 833 416
Royal Forest of Dean College Five Acres Campus
Bridgwater, TA6 4PZ
Higher education college
Coleford, GL16 7JT
City of Bath College
Higher education college
www.citybathcoll.ac.uk 01225 312 191
Swindon New College www.newcollege.ac.uk 0808 172 1721 Higher education college
Bath, BA1 1UP
Salisbury College www.salisbury.ac.uk 01722 344 344
Cirencester Tertiary College
South Gloucestershire & Stroud College Stroud Campus
Higher education college
www.cirencester.ac.uk 01285 640 994
www.stroud.ac.uk 01453 763 424
www.filton-college.ac.uk 01179 312 121
Cirencester, GL7 1XA www.cirencester.ac.uk 01285 640 994
Higher education college
Cirencester, GL7 1XA
www.gloscol.ac.uk 01594 833 416
Stroud, GL5 4AH
Higher education college
Higher education college
Gloucestershire College Cheltenham Campus
The Business Hub
www.gloscol.ac.uk 01242 532 000
Higher education college
Cheltenham, GL2 5JQ Higher education college
Gloucestershire College Cheltenham Construction School Cheltenham, GL51 9NB www.gloscol.ac.uk 01242 532 180
Higher education college
Gloucestershire College Gloucester Campus Gloucester, GL2 5JQ www.gloscol.ac.uk 08451 552 020
Higher education college
Gloucestershire College of Arts & Technology Gloucester, GL1 1HU www.gloscat.ac.uk 01452 426 505
Higher education college
Hartpury College
Gloucester, GL19 3BE www.hartpury.ac.uk 01452 702 132
Higher education college
Launchpad
Tewkesbury, GL20 8UQ www.gloscat.ac.uk 01684 273 999
Higher education college
74 | THE GOOD UNIVERSITIES GUIDE | AUTUMN 2015
Gloucester, GL1 2LG
gcbusinesshub.gloscol.ac.uk 01452 563 400
University of Gloucestershire Hardwick Centre for Art & Photography Cheltenham, GL50 4BS www.glos.ac.uk 08448 010 001 University
University of Gloucestershire Francis Close Hall Campus Cheltenham, GL50 4AZ www.glos.ac.uk 01242 714 551
Higher education college
Filton College
Bristol, BS34 7AT
Higher education college
Norton Radstock College Radstock, BA3 3RW www.nortcoll.ac.uk 01761 433 161
Higher education college
Somerset College of Arts & Technology Taunton, TA1 5AX
www.somerset.ac.uk 01823 366 366 Higher education college
Strode College
Street, BA16 0AB
University
www.strode-college.ac.uk 01458 844 400
University of Gloucestershire Oxstalls Campus
The University of Bath
Gloucester, GL2 9HW www.glos.ac.uk 01242 715 200 University
Salisbury, SP1 2LW
Higher education college
Bath, BA2 7AY
www.bath.ac.uk 01225 388 388 University
Sarum Theological College Salisbury, SP1 2EE www.sarum.ac.uk 01722 424 800
Higher education college
Swindon College Swindon, SN2 1YX
www.swindon-college.ac.uk 01793 491 591 Higher education college
Wiltshire College
Trowbridge, BA14 0ES www.wiltscoll.ac.uk 01225 766 241
Higher education college
East
Bedfordshire
Cranfield University Bedford, MK43 0AL www.cranfield.ac.uk 01234 750 111 University
CILEx Law School Bedford, MK42 7AB
www.ilex-tutorial.ac.uk 01234 841 010
University of Gloucestershire The Park Campus
Trinity College
Higher education college
www.glos.ac.uk 01242 532 700
www.trinitycollegebristol.ac.uk 01179 682 803
Bedford, MK41 9EA
Cheltenham, GL50 2RH University
Somerset
Bristol, BS9 1JP
University of Bedfordshire
Higher education college
www.beds.ac.uk 01582 489 286
Bath Spa University College
University of the West of England
www.bathspa.ac.uk 01225 875 875
www.uwe.ac.uk 01179 656 261
Bath, BA2 9BN University
Bristol, BS16 1QY University
University
University of Bedfordshire Luton, LU1 3JU www.beds.ac.uk 01234 400 400 University
gooduniguide.co.uk
DIRECTORY Cambridgeshire
Anglia Ruskin University Cambridge, CB1 1PT www.anglia.ac.uk 01223 363 271 University
Emmanuel College University of Cambridge
Murray Edwards College University of Cambridge
St Edmund’s College University of Cambridge
www.emma.cam.ac.uk 01223 334 200
www.murrayedwards.cam.ac.uk 01223 762 100
www.st-edmunds.cam.ac.uk 01223 336 250
Cambridge, CB2 3AP University
Bellerbys College
Fitzwilliam College University of Cambridge
www.bellerbys.com 01223 517 037
www.fitz.cam.ac.uk 01223 332 030
Cambridge, CB2 2JF Higher education college
Cambridge, CB3 0DG University
www.newn.cam.ac.uk 01223 335 700
Girton College University of Cambridge
www.cambridge managementcollege.com 01223 236 636
www.girton.cam.ac.uk 01223 338 999
Higher education college
Christ’s College University of Cambridge Cambridge, CB2 3BU
www.christs.cam.ac.uk 01223 334 900 University
Churchill College University of Cambridge Cambridge, CB3 0DS www.chu.cam.ac.uk 01223 336 000 University
Clare College University of Cambridge Cambridge, CB2 1TL www.cam.ac.uk 01223 333 200 University
University
Newnham College University of Cambridge
Cambridge Management College Cambridge, CB4 5AY
Cambridge, CB3 0DF
Cambridge, CB3 9DF University
Cambridge, CB3 0JG
Pembroke College University of Cambridge
University
www.pem.cam.ac.uk 01223 338 100
Gonville and Caius College University of Cambridge Cambridge, CB2 1TA www.cai.cam.ac.uk 01223 332 400 University
Homerton College University of Cambridge Cambridge, CB2 2PH
www.homerton.cam.ac.uk 01223 747 111 University
Hughes Hall College University of Cambridge Cambridge, CB1 2EW
www.hughes.cam.ac.uk 01223 334 898 University
Cambridge, CB2 1RF University
Peterhouse University of Cambridge Cambridge, CB2 1RD www.pet.cam.ac.uk 01223 338 200 University
Queens’ College University of Cambridge Cambridge, CB3 9ET
www.queens.cam.ac.uk 01223 335 511 University
Regent Cambridge Cambridge, CB1 2AZ www.regent.org.uk 01223 312 333
Higher education college
Cambridge, CB3 9AL
Jesus College University of Cambridge
Robinson College University of Cambridge
University
www.jesus.cam.ac.uk 01223 339 339
www.robinson.cam.ac.uk 01223 339 100
Corpus Christi College University of Cambridge
University
University
King’s College University of Cambridge
Selwyn College University of Cambridge
www.kings.cam.ac.uk 01223 331 100
www.sel.cam.ac.uk 01223 335 846
Clare Hall Cambridge www.clarehall.cam.ac.uk 01223 332 360
Cambridge, CB2 1RH
www.corpus.cam.ac.uk 01223 338 000
Cambridge, CB5 8BL
Cambridge, CB2 1ST
Cambridge, CB3 9AN
Cambridge, CB3 9DQ
Cambridge, CB3 0BN University
St John’s College University of Cambridge Cambridge, CB2 1TP www.joh.cam.ac.uk 01223 338 600 University
The Bell Language Schools Cambridge, CB2 0QU www.bellenglish.com 01223 278 800
Higher education college
Trinity College University of Cambridge Cambridge, CB2 1TQ www.trin.cam.ac.uk 01223 338 400 University
Trinity Hall College University of Cambridge Cambridge, CB2 1TJ
www.trinhall.cam.ac.uk 01223 332 500 University
University of Cambridge Cambridge, CB2 1TN www.cam.ac.uk 01223 337 733 University
Wolfson College University of Cambridge Cambridge, CB3 9BB
www.wolfson.cam.ac.uk 01223 335 900 University
Essex
Anglia Ruskin University Chelmsford Campus Chelmsford, CM1 1SQ www.apu.ac.uk 01245 493 131
University
University
Darwin College University of Cambridge
Lucy Cavendish College University of Cambridge
Sidney Sussex College University of Cambridge
Colchester Institute Braintree Campus
www.darwin.cam.ac.uk 01223 335 660
www.lucy-cav.cam.ac.uk 01223 332 190
www.sid.cam.ac.uk 01223 338 800
www.colchester.ac.uk 01376 321 711
University
Cambridge, CB3 9EU
Cambridge, CB3 0BU
Cambridge, CB2 3HU
University
Braintree, CM7 5SN
University
University
University
Downing College University of Cambridge
Magdalene College University of Cambridge
St Catharine’s College University of Cambridge
Colchester Institute Colchester Campus
www.dow.cam.ac.uk 01223 334 800
www.magd.cam.ac.uk 01223 332 100
www.caths.cam.ac.uk 01223 338 300
www.colchester.ac.uk 01206 712 000
Cambridge, CB2 1DQ University
gooduniguide.co.uk
Cambridge, CB3 0AG University
Cambridge, CB2 1RL University
Higher education college
Colchester, CO3 3LL
Higher education college
AUTUMN 2015 | THE GOOD UNIVERSITIES GUIDE | 75
DIRECTORY East 15 Acting School Loughton, IG10 3RY www.east15.ac.uk 020 8508 5983
Higher education college
University of Essex Colchester, CO4 3SQ www.essex.ac.uk 01206 873 333
Leicestershire
Rutland
Leek College
Leicester, LE1 9BH
Oakham, LE15 6QH
www.leek.ac.uk 01538 398 866
De Montfort University www.dmu.ac.uk 01162 551 551 University
Loughborough University
University
Loughborough, LE11 3TU
Writtle College
University
Chelmsford, CM1 3RR www.writtle.ac.uk 01245 424 200
Higher education college
Hertfordshire
All Nations Christian College Ware, SG12 8LX
www.allnations.ac.uk 01920 443 500 Higher education college
Ashridge Business School Berkhamsted, HP4 1NS www.ashridge.ac.uk 01442 843 491
Higher education college
St Edmund’s College Summer School Ware, SG11 1DS
www.stedmundscollege.com 01920 821 111 Higher education college
University of Hertfordshire Hatfield, AL10 9AB
www.lboro.ac.uk 01509 263 171
University of Leicester Leicester, LE1 7RH www.le.ac.uk 01162 522 522 University
Lincolnshire
Bishop Grosseteste College University College Lincoln Lincoln, LN1 3DY
www.bishopg.ac.uk 01522 527 347
Higher education college
University of Lincoln Lincoln, LN6 7TS www.lincoln.ac.uk 01522 882 000 University
Northamptonshire
University of Northampton Northampton, NN2 7AL
The Rutland College www.tresham.ac.uk/rutlandcollege 0845 658 8990 Higher education college
West Midlands
Herefordshire
Hereford College of Art and Design
Leek, ST13 6DP Higher education college
Newcastle-under-Lyme College Newcastle, ST5 2GB www.nulc.ac.uk 01782 715 111
Higher education college
Hereford, HR1 1LT
Stafford College
Higher education college
www.staffordcoll.ac.uk 01785 223 800
www.hereford-art-col.ac.uk 01432 273 359
Herefordshire College of Technology Hereford, HR1 1LS www.hct.ac.uk 01432 352 235
Higher education college
Herefordshire College of Technology Hereford, HR2 6LL
www.holmelacy.ac.uk 01432 870 316 Higher education college
Shropshire
Harper Adams University College Newport, TF10 8NB
www.harper-adams.ac.uk 01952 820 820 University
Stafford, ST16 2QR
Higher education college
Staffordshire University Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 2DE www.staffs.ac.uk 01782 294 000 University
Stoke on Trent College Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 1JJ www.stokecoll.ac.uk 01782 208 208
Higher education college
Warwickshire Atherstone College Atherstone, CV9 1LF www.nwhc.ac.uk 01827 718 356
Higher education college
University
University
Lydbury English Centre
Bermuda Park Innovation Centre
Norfolk
Lincoln College Newark
www.lydbury.co.uk 01588 681 000
www.nwhc.ac.uk 02476 322 910
Norwich, NR2 4SN
www.lincolncollege.ac.uk 01636 680 680
www.herts.ac.uk 01707 284 000
Norwich University of the Arts www.nua.ac.uk 01603 610 561
Higher education college
University of East Anglia Norwich, NR4 7TJ www.uea.ac.uk 01603 456 161 University
Suffolk
University Campus Suffolk Ipswich, IP4 1QJ www.ucs.ac.uk 01473 338 000 University
East Midlands Derbyshire
www.northampton.ac.uk 01604 735 500
Newark, NG24 1PB
Higher education College
Nottinghamshire Nottingham Trent University
Nottingham, NG1 4BU www.ntu.ac.uk 01159 418 418 University
Higher education college
New College
Henley-in-Arden College
www.nct.ac.uk 01952 641 892
www.rugbycoll.ac.uk 0300 456 0047
Telford, TF1 1NY Higher education college
Shrewsbury College of Art & Technology Shrewsbury, SY2 6PR 01743 342 342
Higher education college
Henley-in-Arden, B95 6AB Higher education college
Moreton Morrell College Warwick, CV35 9BL www.rugbycoll.ac.uk 0300 456 0047
Higher education college
Stratford-upon-Avon College
www.stjohns-nottm.ac.uk 01159 251 114
www.tcat.ac.uk 01952 642 200
www.stratford.ac.uk 01789 266 245
Nottingham, NG9 3DS Higher education college
www.derby.ac.uk 01332 590 500
www.nottingham.ac.uk 01159 515 151
76 | THE GOOD UNIVERSITIES GUIDE | AUTUMN 2015
Higher education college
Telford College of Art & Technology
University of Derby University
Nuneaton, CV10 7SD
St John’s Nottingham
The University of Nottingham
Derby, DE22 1GB
Lydbury North, SY7 8AU
Nottingham, NG7 2RD University
Telford, TF1 2NP
Higher education college
Staffordshire
Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 9QR Higher education college
Keele University
Warwickshire College Leamington Centre
www.keele.ac.uk 01782 621 111
www.rugbycoll.ac.uk 0300 456 0047
Newcastle, ST5 5BG University
Leamington spa, CV32 5JE Higher education college
gooduniguide.co.uk
DIRECTORY Warwickshire College Rugby Centre Rugby, CV21 1AR
www.warwickshire.ac.uk 01788 338 800 Higher education college
Warwickshire College Trident Park Warwick, CV34 6SW
www.warwickshire.ac.uk 03004 560 047 Higher education college
West Midlands Aston University
Birmingham, B4 7ET www.aston.ac.uk 01212 043 000 University
Birmingham City University Birmingham, B42 2SU www.bcu.ac.uk 01213 315 000 University
Birmingham College of Food Birmingham, B3 1JB www.ucb.ac.uk 01216 041 000
Higher education college
Bournville College
Birmingham, B31, 2AJ www.bournville.ac.uk 0121 477 1300
Higher education college
City College Coventry Coventry, CV1 3GD
www.covcollege.ac.uk 0247 6791 000
Henley College
Coventry, CV2 1ED
www.henley-cov.ac.uk 02476 626 300 Higher education college
Kingsway English Centre
University of Chester
Higher education college
Higher education college
www.theabbeycollege.co.uk 01684 892 300
Matthew Boulton College Birmingham, B74 2NW www.bmetc.ac.uk 01214 464 545
Higher education college
Newman University Birmingham, B32 3NT
Malvern, WR14 4JF
Higher education college
University of Worcester Worcester, WR2 6AJ www.worc.ac.uk 01905 855 000 University
www.newman.ac.uk 01214 761 181
Warwickshire College
University
www.warwickshire.ac.uk 0300 456 0047
North East Worcestershire College Bromsgrove, B60 1PQ
www.howcollege.ac.uk 01527 570 020
Pershore, WR10 3JP
Higher education college
Worcester College of Technology
Higher education college
Worcester, WR1 2JF
Solihull College
Higher education college
Solihull, B91 1SB
www.solihull.ac.uk 01216 787 000 Higher education college
South Birmingham College Birmingham, B28 8ES www.sbirmc.ac.uk 01216 787 000
Higher education college
www.wortech.ac.uk 01905 725 555
North East
County Durham
Higher education college
www.birmingham.ac.uk 01214 143 344
Birmingham, B15 2TT University
Coventry, CV1 5FB
University of Central England
University
www.uce.ac.uk 01213 315 000
Birmingham, B42 2SU
Warrington, WA2 0DB www.chester.ac.uk 01925 534 206 University
Cumbria
University of Cumbria Carlisle, CA2 5UF
www.cumbria.ac.uk 01228 400 300 University
University of Cumbria Ambleside Campus Ambleside, LA22 9BB www.cumbria.ac.uk 01539 430 274 University
University of Cumbria Fusehill Campus Carlisle, CA1 2HH
www.cumbria.ac.uk 01228 616 234 University
Penrith, CA11 0AH University
Greater Manchester
www.ushaw.org 01913 738 517
Manchester, M15 6PB
Higher education college
Tyne & Wear
Manchester Business School www.mbs.ac.uk 01612 756 333
Higher education college
Newcastle University
Manchester Metropolitan University
www.ncl.ac.uk 01912 226 000
www.mmu.ac.uk 01612 472 000
Newcastle upon tyne, NE1 7RU University
University
University of Warwick
Northumbria University Newcastle upon Tyne
www.dudleycol.ac.uk 01384 363 000
www.warwick.ac.uk 02476 523 523
www.northumbria.ac.uk 01912 326 002
Coventry, CV4 7AL
University of Chester Warrington Campus
Ushaw College
Dudley College of Technology Dudley, DY1 4AS
University
www.cumbria.ac.uk 01768 893 400
Durham, DH7 9RH
The University of Birmingham
www.chester.ac.uk 01244 511 000
www.dur.ac.uk 01913 342 000
Durham, DH1 3LE
www.homoeopathytraining.co.uk 01214 231 913
Wolverhampton, WV6 ODU
Chester, CH1 4BJ
University of Cumbria Penrith Campus
University
Higher education college
Cheshire
Durham University
The Homeopathy College
City of Wolverhampton College
www.coventry.ac.uk 02476 887 688
www.walsallcollege.ac.uk 01922 657 000
Walsall, WS1 1XN
The Abbey College
www.kingsway-english.com 01905 619 877
Oldbury, B68 0DL
Coventry University
North West
Worcester, WR1 1EE
Higher education college
www.wolverhamptoncollege.ac.uk 01902 836 000
Walsall College of Arts and Technology
Newcastle upon tyne, NE1 8ST
Manchester, M15 6HB
University
Royal Northern College of Music Manchester, M13 9RD www.rncm.ac.uk 01619 075 200
Higher education college
University
University
University of Wolverhampton
University of Sunderland
Salford City College Walkden Sixth Form Centre
01212 561 031
www.wlv.ac.uk 01902 321 000
www.salfordcc.ac.uk 01616 315 000
Higher education college
University
www.sunderland.ac.uk 01915 152 000
Higher education college
Handsworth College Corporation Birmingham, B21 9DP
gooduniguide.co.uk
Wolverhampton, WV1 1LY
Sunderland, SR2 3SD University
Manchester, M28 7QD Higher education college
AUTUMN 2015 | THE GOOD UNIVERSITIES GUIDE | 77
DIRECTORY The University of Bolton Bolton, BL3 5AB
www.bolton.ac.uk 01204 900 600 University
University of Manchester Manchester, M13 9PL
www.manchester.ac.uk 01613 066 000
Liverpool
Liverpool Institute for the Performing Arts Liverpool, L1 9HF www.lipa.ac.uk 01513 303 000
Higher education college
University
Liverpool Hope University
University of Salford
www.hope.ac.uk 01512 913 000
Salford, M5 4WT
www.salford.ac.uk 01612 955 000 University
Isle of Man
Isle of Man College Isle of Man IM2 6RB
www.iomcollege.ac.im 01624 648 200
Liverpool, L16 9JD University
Liverpool John Moores University Liverpool, L3 2AJ www.ljmu.ac.uk 01512 312 121 University
Higher education college
The University of Liverpool
Lancashire
www.liv.ac.uk 01517 942 000
Blackpool and the Fylde College (University Centre) Blackpool FY1 4DW
www.blackpool.ac.uk 01253 504 343 Higher education college
Edge Hill University Ormskirk, L39 4QP www.edgehill.ac.uk 01695 575 171 University
Runshaw Adult College Chorley, PR7 6AQ
www.runshaw.ac.uk 01772 642 040 Higher education college
University Centre at Blackburn College Blackburn, BB2 1LH
www.blackburn.ac.uk 01254 292 594 Higher education college
Liverpool, L69 3BX University
The Hull York Medical School Hull, HU6 7RX
www.hyms.ac.uk 0870 124 5500 University
www.scar.hull.ac.uk 01723 362 392 University
Yorkshire - North
University of York
Scarborough, YO12 5JX
University
Anglolang Academy of English www.anglolang.com 01723 501 991
Higher education college
Askham Bryan College of Agriculture and Horticulture York, YO23 3FR
www.askham-bryan.ac.uk 01904 772 277
www.bishopburton.ac.uk 01964 553 000
Hartlepool, TS24 7EX
Higher education college
Higher education college
East Riding College Beverley
Craven College
www.eastridingcollege.ac.uk 08451 200 037
www.craven-college.ac.uk 01756 708 001
East Riding College Bridlington Campus Bridlington, YO16 7JW
www.eastridingcollege.ac.uk 01262 852 000 Higher education college
Scarborough, YO11 3AZ
University
www.ccad.ac.uk 01429 422 000
Higher education college
University
www.hull.ac.uk 01482 346 311
Hull, HU6 7RX
Cleveland College of Art and Design
Beverley, HU17 0GH
www.tees.ac.uk 01642 218 121
University of Hull Scarborough Campus
Bishop Burton College Beverley, HU17 8QG
Middlesbrough, TS1 3BA
University of Hull
Higher education college
Yorkshire - East
Teesside University
Skipton, BD23 1US
Higher education college
York, YO10 5DD www.york.ac.uk 01904 320 000
York College
York, YO23 2BB
www.yorkcollege.ac.uk 01904 770 200 Higher education college
York St John University York, YO31 7EX
www.yorksj.ac.uk 01904 624 624 University
Yorkshire Coast College Scarborough, YO12 5RN
www.yorkshirecoastcollege.ac.uk 01723 372 105 Higher education college
Yorkshire - South Barnsley College Barnsley, S70 2YW
www.barnsley.ac.uk 01226 216 216 Higher education college
English in York College
Doncaster College
www.english-in-york.co.uk 01904 636 771
www.don.ac.uk 01302 553 553
York, YO1 9ND
Higher education college
Doncaster, DN1 3EX
Higher education college
English Language Centre
Northern College
www.elcyork.com 01904 672 243
www.northern.ac.uk 01226 776 000
York, YO1 8RA
Barnsley, S75 3ET
University of Central Lancashire
East Riding College Carnaby Campus
www.uclan.ac.uk 01772 201 201
www.eastridingcollege.ac.uk 0845 120 0037
Melton College
Rother Valley College
Higher education college
www.melton-college.co.uk 01904 622 250
www.rothervalley.ac.uk
Preston, PR1 2HE University
University of Cumbria Lancaster Campus Lancaster, LA1 3JD www.cumbria.ac.uk 01524 384 384 University
Bridlington, YO15 3QY
East Riding College Hull Campus Hull, HU3 2DH
www.eastridingcollege.ac.uk Higher education college
University of Lancaster
Hull College
www.lancs.ac.uk 01524 65 201
www.hull-college.ac.uk 01482 598 744
Lancaster, LA1 4YW University
78 | THE GOOD UNIVERSITIES GUIDE | AUTUMN 2015
Hull, HU1 3DG
Higher education college
Higher education college
York, YO24 4DH
Higher education college
Selby College Selby, YO8 8AT
www.selbycollege.co.uk 01757 211 000 Higher education college
Teesside Tertiary College Middlesbrough, TS4 3RZ
Higher education college
Sheffield, S25 2NF
Higher education college
Sheffield College Sheffield, S2 2YY
www.sheffcol.ac.uk 01142 602 600 Higher education college
Sheffield Hallam University Sheffield, S1 1WB
01642 275 000
www.shu.ac.uk 01142 255 555
Higher education college
University
gooduniguide.co.uk
DIRECTORY University of Sheffield
Leeds College of Music
www.shef.ac.uk 01142 222 000
www.lcm.ac.uk 01132 223 400
Sheffield, S10 2TN
Leeds, LS2 7PD
University
Higher education college
Yorkshire - West
Leeds Metropolitan University
Bradford College Bradford, BD7 1AY
www.bradfordcollege.ac.uk 01274 433 333 Higher education college
Bradford University Bradford, BD7 1DP
www.bradford.ac.uk 01274 232 323 University
Dewsbury College
Dewsbury, WF13 2AS www.dewsbury.ac.uk 01924 465 916
Higher education college
Huddersfield University Huddersfield, HD1 3DH www.hud.ac.uk 01484 422 288 University
Kirklees College Huddersfield Centre
Huddersfield, HD1 5NN www.huddcoll.ac.uk 01484 437 000
Higher education college
Leeds City College Keighley Campus Keighley, BD21 3DF
www.leedscitycollege.ac.uk 01535 685 000 Higher education college
Leeds City College Park Lane Campus Leeds, LS3 1AA
www.leedscitycollege.ac.uk 08450 457 275 Higher education college
Leeds, LS1 3HE
www.leedsmet.ac.uk 01132 832 600 University
Leeds Trinity University Leeds, LS18 5HD
www.leedstrinity.ac.uk 01132 837 100
Dumfries and Galloway College Dumfries, DG1 4FD
Heriot Watt University
Higher education college
www.hw.ac.uk 01314 495 111
www.dumgal.ac.uk 01387 734 000
University
www.sruc.ac.uk/barony 01307 860 251
www.napier.ac.uk 01314 442 266
Dumfries, DG1 3NE
www.uws.ac.uk 01387 345 845
Higher education college
Dumfries, DG1 4ZN University
University of Leeds
Dundee
www.leeds.ac.uk 01132 431 751
Dundee, DD3 8LE
Leeds, LS2 9JT University
Dundee College www.dundeecoll.ac.uk 01382 834 834
Wakefield College
Higher education college
www.wakcoll.ac.uk 01924 789 789
Dundee, DD1 1HG
Wakefield, WF1 2DH
University of Abertay
Higher education college
www.abertay.ac.uk 01382 308 000
Scotland
Aberdeenshire Aberdeen College
Aberdare, AB25 1BN www.abcol.ac.uk 01224 612 000
Higher education college
Robert Gordon University Aberdare, AB10 1FR www.rgu.ac.uk 01224 262 000 University
Aberdeen, AB21 9YA
University
University of Dundee Dundee, DD1 4HN www.dundee.ac.uk 01382 344 000 University
East Ayrshire Ayrshire College Ayr, KA8 0FE
www.ayrshire.ac.uk 01292 265 184
gooduniguide.co.uk
University
Clackmannanshire
University
Regent Edinburgh
Edinburgh, EH2 4NA www.regent.org.uk 01312 259 888
Higher education college
Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) Edinburgh, EH9 3JG
www.sruc.ac.uk/edinburgh edinburgh@sruc.ac.uk 01315 354 391 University
Fife
Fife College Cowdenbeath Campus Cowdenbeath, KY4 8HW www.fife.ac.uk 0844 248 0115
Higher education college
Fife College Priory Campus Kirkcaldy, KY1 2QT www.fife.ac.uk 01592 223 700
Edinburgh
Fife College St Brycedale Campus
Edinburgh, EH2 4NG
www.fife.ac.uk 01592 223 400
Aspect College Edinburgh www.aspectworld.com 020 8727 3550 Higher education college
www.basilpaterson.co.uk 01312 253 802
www.abdn.ac.uk 01224 272 000
www.qmu.ac.uk 01314 740 000
Higher education college
University of Aberdeen Aberdare, AB24 3FX
Musselburgh, EH21 6UU
Higher education college
Leeds City College Thomas Danby Campus
Higher education college
Edinburgh, EH14 1DJ
www.shipley.ac.uk 01274 327 222
Shipley, BD18 3JW
Basil Paterson College
www.leeds-art.ac.uk 01132 028 000
Napier University
Queen Margaret University
University
Leeds, LS2 9AQ
Edinburgh, EH14 4AS
Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC)
Higher education college
Leeds College of Art & Design
University
University of the West of Scotland
www.leedscitycollege.ac.uk 01132 976 300
Higher education college
www.ed.ac.uk 01316 501 000
Shipley College
www.sruc.ac.uk 01224 711 189
www.leedscitycollege.ac.uk 0800 096 2319
Edinburgh, EH8 9YL
University
Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC)
Leeds, LS7 3BG
Edinburgh University
Higher education college
University
Leeds City College Technology Campus Leeds, LS2 8BL
Dumfries & Galloway
Edinburgh, EH2 4NA
Higher education college
Kirkcaldy, KY1 1EX
Higher education college
Fife College Stenton Campus Glenrothes, KY6 2RA www.fife.ac.uk 01592 223 000
Higher education college
Edinburgh College of Art
Lauder College
www.eca.ed.ac.uk 01316 515 800
www.lauder.ac.uk 01383 845 000
Edinburgh, EH3 9DF
Inverkeithing, KY11 8DY
Higher education college
Higher education college
Clackmannan College Alloa
Edinburgh Napier University
The University of St Andrews
www.clacks.ac.uk 01324 403 000
www.napier.ac.uk 0845 260 6040
www.st-andrews.ac.uk 01334 476 161
Falkirk, FK2 9AD
Higher education college
Edinburgh, EH14 1DJ University
St. Andrews, KY16 9AJ University
AUTUMN 2015 | THE GOOD UNIVERSITIES GUIDE | 79
DIRECTORY Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) Cupar, KY15 4JB
www.sruc.ac.uk/elmwood 01334 658 800
North Glasgow College
UHI Dunoon Argyll
www.glasgowkelvin.ac.uk 01416 305 000
www.uhi.ac.uk 01463 279 000
Glasgow, G21 4TD
Argyll, PA23 7HP
Higher education college
University
Glasgow
Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
Mid Lothian
Glasgow, G12 0YE
www.rcs.ac.uk 01413 324 101
www.jevc.ac.uk 01316 601 010
Higher education college
Anniesland College www.anniesland.ac.uk 01412 729 000 Higher education college
Glasgow, G2 3DB
Higher education college
Cardonald College
The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons
www.cardonald.ac.uk 01412 723 333
www.rcpsg.ac.uk 01412 216 072
Glasgow, G52 3AY
Glasgow, G2 5RJ
Higher education college
Higher education college
Central College of Commerce
University of Glasgow
www.centralcollege.ac.uk 01415 523 941
www.gla.ac.uk 01413 302 000
Glasgow, G1 2TA
Glasgow, G12 8QQ
Jewel and Esk Valley College Dalkeith, EH22 3AE
Higher education college
Newbattle Abbey College Dalkeith, EH22 3LL
www.newbattleabbeycollege.ac.uk 01316 631 921 Higher education college
Moray
Findhorn Foundation College Forres, IV36 3TZ
www.findhorncollege.org 01309 690 806
Higher education college
University
Higher education college
Cumbernauld College Glasgow, G67 1HU
University of Strathclyde John Anderson Campus
Moray College
Higher education college
www.strath.ac.uk 01415 524 400
www.cumbernauld.ac.uk 01236 731 811
Glasgow Caledonian University Glasgow, G4 0BA www.gcu.ac.uk 01413 313 000
Glasgow, G1 1XQ University
Highland
Highland Theological College
Elgin, IV30 1JJ
www.moray.ac.uk 01343 576 000
Higher education college
North Lanarkshire Coatbridge College Coatbridge, ML5 3LS
www.coatbridge.ac.uk 01236 422 316
Scottish Borders Heriot Watt University Galashiels, TD1 3HF www.hw.ac.uk/sbc 01896 753 351 University
The Borders College Galashiels, TD1 2AF
www.borderscollege.ac.uk 0870 050 5152 Higher education college
Shetland
North Atlantic Fisheries College Shetland, ZE1 0UN www.nafc.ac.uk 01595 880 328
Higher education college
Shetland College
Shetland, ZE1 OYB
www.shetland.uhi.ac.uk 01595 771 000 Higher education college
South Ayrshire
Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) Ayr, KA8 0SX
www.sruc.ac.uk/ayr 01292 866 196 University
Higher education college
University of the West of Scotland
Higher education college
Motherwell College
www.uws.ac.uk 01292 886 000
www.cityofglasgowcollege.ac.uk 01413 329 969
Inverness College UHI
www.motherwell.ac.uk 01698 232 323
Higher education college
www.inverness.uhi.ac.uk 01463 273 000
University
Glasgow College of Building & Printing Glasgow, G1 2BP
Glasgow College of Food Technology
Dingwall, IV15 9HA www.htc.uhi.ac.uk 01349 780 000
Inverness, IV1 1SA
Higher education college
Glasgow, G1 2TG
Lews Castle College
Higher education college
www.lews.uhi.ac.uk 01851 770 000
www.cityofglasgowcollege.ac.uk 01412 715 100
Glasgow College of Nautical Studies Glasgow, G5 9XB
www.glasgow-nautical.ac.uk 01415 666 222
Isle of Lewis, HS2 0XR Higher education college
North Highland College Thurso, KW14 7EE
www.northhighland.uhi.ac.uk 01847 889 000
Motherwell, ML1 2DD Higher education college
Orkney Islands Orkney College UHI Kirkwall, KW15 1LX
www.orkney.uhi.ac.uk 01856 569 000
Higher education college
Perth College
Perth, PH1 2NX
www.perth.uhi.ac.uk 01738 877 000
Higher education college
Ayr, KA8 0SX University
South Lanarkshire University of the West of Scotland
Hamilton, ML3 0JB www.uws.ac.uk 01698 283 100 University
Stirling
Stirling University Stirling, FK9 4LA www.stir.ac.uk 01786 473 171 University
Higher education college
Higher education college
Glasgow School of Art
Sabhal Mor Ostaig
www.gsa.ac.uk 01413 534 500
www.smo.uhi.ac.uk 01471 888 000
Higher education college
Higher education college
International Christian College
The University of the Highlands and Islands
University
Reid Kerr College
Clydebank College Dunbarton Campus
www.icc.ac.uk 01415 524 040
www.uhi.ac.uk 01463 279 000
www.westcollegescotland.ac.uk 01415 812 222
www.clydebank.ac.uk 03006 006 060
Glasgow, G3 6RQ
Glasgow, G4 0RD
Higher education college
80 | THE GOOD UNIVERSITIES GUIDE | AUTUMN 2015
Isle of Skye, IV44 8RQ
Inverness, IV3 5SQ University
Renfrewshire University of the West of Scotland Paisley, PA1 2BE www.uws.ac.uk 01418 483 000
Paisley, PA3 4DR
Higher education college
West Dunbartonshire Clydebank College Clydebank, G81 1NX
www.clydebank.ac.uk 01419 527 771
Higher education college
Clydebank, G81 1BF
Higher education college
gooduniguide.co.uk
DIRECTORY West Lothian
Institute for System Level Integration Glasgow, G12 8QQ www.isli.ac.uk 01315 100 670 University
Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) Broxburn, EH52 6NH
www.sruc.ac.uk/oatridge 01506 864 800 Higher education college
West Lothian College Livingston, EH54 7EP
Queen’s University Belfast Belfast, BT7 1NN
University of Ulster Magee Campus
South Regional College Newry Model Campus
University
www.ulster.ac.uk 02870 123 456
www.nkifhe.ac.uk 02830 261 071
www.qub.ac.uk 02890 245 133
St Mary’s University College
County Down
Higher education college
Armagh, BT61 7HN
www.stmarys-belfast.ac.uk 02890 327 678
Stranmillis University College
www.belfastinstitute.ac.uk 02890 265 000 Higher education college
Castlereagh College Belfast, BT6 9JD
www.belfastmet.ac.uk 02890 797 144
Higher education college
Northern Regional College Ballymena Campus Ballymena, BT43 7DF www.nrc.ac.uk 02825 652 871
Higher education college
Northern Regional College Ballymoney Campus Ballymoney, BT53 6BP www.nrc.ac.uk 02827 660 401
Higher education college
Northern Regional College Coleraine Campus Coleraine, BT52 1QA www.nrc.ac.uk 02870 354 717
Higher education college
www.swc.ac.uk 02866 322 556
Belfast, BT7 1JT
Higher education college
University of Ulster Belfast Campus Belfast, BT15 1ED www.ulster.ac.uk 02870 123 456 University
University of Ulster Jordanstown Campus
Newtownabbey, BT37 0QB www.ulster.ac.uk 02870 123 456 University
County Armagh
02844 615 815
Enniskillen, BT74 6AE
Downpatrick, BT30 6ND Higher education college
South Regional College Armagh Campus Armagh, BT61 7HF www.nkifhe.ac.uk 02837 512 820
Higher education college
South Regional College Armagh Station Campus Armagh, BT61 7NP www.nkifhe.ac.uk 02837 525 094
Higher education college
South Regional College Banbridge Campus
www.nkifhe.ac.uk 02838 397 777
www.nkifhe.ac.uk 02838 397 700
Banbridge, BT32 4AY
Higher education college
Higher education college
County Derry
South Regional College Kilkeel Campus
Limavady, BT49 0EX
www.nkifhe.ac.uk 02841 762 582
Limavady College www.limavady.ac.uk 02877 762 334
Higher education college
Newry, BT34 4BH
Higher education college
North West Institute
South Regional College Lurgan Campus
www.nwrc.ac.uk 02871 276 000
www.nkifhe.ac.uk 02838 397 800
Londonderry, BT48 7AL Higher education college
Craigavon, BT66 6AZ Higher education college
www.nrc.ac.uk 02879 632 462
www.nkifhe.ac.uk 02830 261 071
Magherafelt, BT45 6AE
Newry, BT34 2QX
Higher education vollege
Higher education college
Higher education college
Northern Regional College Newtownabbey Campus
University of Ulster Coleraine Campus
South Regional College Newry East/West Campus
www.nrc.ac.uk 02890 855 000
www.ulster.ac.uk 02870 344 141
www.nkifhe.ac.uk 02830 261 071
Coleraine, BT52 1SA University
Enniskillen, BT74 7BT Higher education college
South Regional College Portadown Campus Craigavon, BT63 5BL
Higher education college
East Down Institute of Further Education
www.nrc.ac.uk 02890 855 066
gooduniguide.co.uk
www.cafre.ac.uk 02866 344 853
Higher education college
www.cafre.ac.uk 02894 426 666
South Regional College Newry Campus
Higher education vollege
Enniskillen, BT74 4GF
Fermanagh College East Bridge Street Campus
Northern Regional College (Magherafelt Campus)
Newtonabbey, BT37 9RS
College of Agriculture
Antrim, BT41 4PS
College of Agriculture and Horticulture
Northern Regional College Larne Campus Larne, BT40 1SQ
County Fermanagh
University
www.stran.ac.uk 02890 381 271
Northern Ireland Belfast, BT1 6DJ
www.src.ac.uk 02837 512 205
Higher education college
Belfast, BT9 5DY
www.union.ac.uk 02890 205 080
Belfast Institute of Further Education
Armagh College
Newry, BT34 6JG
Higher education college
The Union Theological College
County Antrim
University
Belfast, BT12 6FE
www.west-lothian.ac.uk 01506 418 181 Higher education college
Londonderry, BT48 7JL
Newry, BT35 8DN
Higher education college
Fermanagh College Fairview Campus www.swc.ac.uk 02866 322 431
Higher education college
Fermanagh College Skills Centre Enniskillen, BT74 4EJ www.swc.ac.uk 02866 322 072
Higher education college
County Tyrone
College of Agriculture, Food & Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) Cookstown, BT80 9AA www.cafre.ac.uk 02886 768 101
Higher education college
South West College Dungannon Campus Dungannon, BT71 6BQ www.swc.ac.uk 0845 603 1881
Higher education college
South West College Omagh Campus Omagh, BT79 7AH www.swc.ac.uk 0845 603 1881
Higher education college
Wales
Carmarthenshire
Carmarthenshire College Llanelli, SA15 4DN
www.colegsirgar.ac.uk 01554 748 000
Higher education college
Trinity College Carmarthen Carmarthen, SA31 3EP www.trinity-cm.ac.uk 01267 676 767
Higher education college
AUTUMN 2015 | THE GOOD UNIVERSITIES GUIDE | 81
DIRECTORY Ceredigion
Cardiff Metropolitan University
Cardigan, SA43 1AB
Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
Coleg Menai Friars Campus
www.cardiffmet.ac.uk 02920 416 015
www.rwcmd.ac.uk 02920 342 854
www.menai.ac.uk 01248 370 125
Coleg Ceredigion
www.ceredigion.ac.uk 01239 612 032
Higher education college
University of Aberystwyth Aberystwyth, SY23 2AX www.aber.ac.uk 01970 623 111 University
University of Wales Trinity Saint David Cardigan, SA48 7ED www.uwtsd.ac.uk 03005 005 054 University
Denbighshire Coleg Llandrillo
Colwyn Bay, LL28 4HZ www.llandrillo.ac.uk 01492 546 666
Higher education college
Deeside College
Deeside, CH5 4BR
www.cambria.ac.uk 01244 831 531 Higher education college
Glyndwr University Wrexham, LL11 2AW www.glyndwr.ac.uk 01978 290 666 University
Llandrillo College
Colwyn Bay, LL28 4HZ www.llandrillo.ac.uk 01492 546 666
Higher education college
Llysfasi College Ruthin, LL15 2LB
www.cambria.ac.uk 01978 790 263 Higher education college
North East Wales Institute Wrexham, LL11 2AW www.newi.ac.uk 01978 290 666
Higher education college
Welsh College of Horticulture Mold, CH7 6AA
www.cambria.ac.uk 01352 841 000 Higher education college
Yale College
Cardiff, CF5 2YB University
Cardiff University Cardiff, CF10 3XQ www.cardiff.ac.uk 02920 874 000 University
Coleg Morgannwg Aberdare Campus Aberdare, CF44 8ST
www.morgannwg.ac.uk 01685 887 500
Higher education college
University of South Wales Pontypridd, CF37 1DL
www.southwales.ac.uk 0845 576 0101 University
University of Wales Cardiff, CF10 3NS www.wales.ac.uk 02920 382 656
Higher education college
University
Coleg Morgannwg Nantgarw Campus
University of Wales College of Medicine
www.pontypridd.ac.uk 01443 662 800
www.uwcm.ac.uk 02920 747 747
Cardiff, CF15 7QY
Cardiff, CF14 4XN
Higher education college
University
Coleg Morgannwg Rhondda Campus
University of Wales Newport
Tonypandy, CF40 2TQ www.cymoedd.ac.uk 01443 663 202
Higher education college
Gwent Tertiary College Usk, NP15 1XJ
www.gwent-tertiary.ac.uk 01495 333 333 Higher education college
Newport, NP18 3QT www.newport.ac.uk 01633 430 088
Neath, SA10 7RF www.nptc.ac.uk 01639 648 000
Higher education college
Swansea, SA2 8PP www.swan.ac.uk 01792 205 678 University
Bridgend, CF31 4DX
Higher education college
Ystrad Mynach College Hengoed, CF82 7XR
www.ystrad-mynach.ac.uk 01443 816 888 Higher education college
Llangefni, LL77 7HY www.menai.ac.uk 01248 383 348
Higher education college
Coleg Menai Parc Menai Campus Bangor, LL57 4BN www.menai.ac.uk 01248 370 125
Higher education college
Bangor, LL57 2DG University
Pembrokeshire
Pembrokeshire College Haverfordwest, SA61 1SZ
www.pembrokeshire.ac.uk 01437 753 000 Higher education college
Powys
Regent Trebinshun Brecon, LD3 7PX
www.trebinshunhouse.co.uk 01874 730 653 Higher education college
Harlech, LL46m 2PU
University of Wales Trinity Saint David
Higher education college
www.uwtsd.ac.uk 01792 481 000
Higher education college
Neath and Port Talbot College Afan Campus Port Talbot, SA13 2AL www.nptcgroup.ac.uk 01639 882 107
Higher education college
Neath, SA10 6JD
Coleg Harlech
www.harlech.ac.uk 01766 780 363
www.llandrillo.ac.uk 01341 422 827
Swansea, SA2 8PP
Dolgellau, LL40 2SW
Swansea University
Higher education college
www.swansea.ac.uk 01792 205 678
Coleg Menai Bangor Campus
University
Bangor, LL57 2TP www.menai.ac.uk 01248 370 125
Cardiff and Vale College
Neath and Port Talbot College Pontardawe Centre
Coleg Menai Caernarfon Campus
www.cavc.ac.uk 01446 725 000
www.nptcgroup.ac.uk 01639 648 100
www.menai.ac.uk 01286 673 450
Higher education college
Swansea, SA1 6ED University
Higher education college
Swansea, SA8 4EN
Swansea
Coleg Meirion Dwyfor
Higher education college
82 | THE GOOD UNIVERSITIES GUIDE | AUTUMN 2015
Coleg Menai Llangefni Campus
www.nptcgroup.ac.uk 01639 648 120
Higher education college
Higher education college
Higher education college
Gwynedd
Swansea, SA6 8QT
www.nptcgroup.ac.uk 01639 648 720
Barry, CF62 8YJ
www.menai.ac.uk 01407 765 755
Neath and Port Talbot Building Crafts Centre
Neath and Port Talbot College Llandarcy Campus
Monmouthshire
Holyhead, LL65 1UW
www.bangor.ac.uk 01248 351 151
www.west.org.uk 01656 645 411
Neath Port Talbot College
Coleg Menai Holyhead Campus
University of Wales Swansea
www.merthyr.ac.uk 01685 726 000
Higher education college
Higher education college
University of Wales Bangor
Merthyr Tydfil College Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 1AR
Bangor, LL57 2TP
University
Wales Evangelical School of Theology
Wrexham, LL12 7AB www.cambria.co.uk 01978 311 794
Cardiff, CF10 3ER
Caernarfon, LL55 2NN Higher education college
gooduniguide.co.uk
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*A number of courses are Dual accredited. ** Provided a completed application for accommodation and deposit is received by July 1 preceding year of entry.