2026 MINI GUIDE
WELCOME TO UNIVERSITY CENTRE SOUTH DEVON
I am delighted to welcome you to the University Centre South Devon prospectus for 2026. You have made an excellent choice considering us for your higher level studies.
The University Centre is part of South Devon College and, like the College, everything is centred on your experience as a student and helping you make the most of your time here. We have an unwavering passion for learning, and take great pride in our programmes of study. We offer a wide range of opportunities that enable you to progress into employment and give you the platform to excel.
In 2023, University Centre South Devon was awarded Gold overall by the Office for Students’ Teaching Excellence Framework. The University Centre was one of only three College-run Higher Education providers to receive a Gold overall, and was rated as Gold for both Student Experience and Student Outcomes, the highest level of achievement possible.
We maintain the very highest academic standards and support your personal development, as well as your wider graduate skills. As a top-ranking provider in England for student satisfaction, we work incredibly closely with our students. So you can be sure that we will meet your needs as an individual and we will take your views into account.
When you graduate, you will gain a prestigious qualification from a first-class institution that is widely recognised by employers and other universities.
The TEF inspectors’ report reviewed the student experience and identified “outstanding quality across all groups of students and for all courses and subjects”, with the student submission stating that “academic staff have a passion for what they do which makes wanting to learn contagious and fun”.
It also highlighted the outstanding quality of teaching assessment and feedback, noting the embedded employability framework within the University Centre’s programmes, designed to support students in becoming a ‘South Devon Graduate’.
On successful completion of your foundation degree, you will also have the opportunity to top-up your qualification on an associated course, either here at University Centre South Devon, at the University of Plymouth, or elsewhere.
We take great pride in the success of our students, and our tutors and lecturers find no greater satisfaction than seeing our past students go on to achieve great and remarkable things, which happens year after year.
So, please do come and visit our campus and meet our friendly and professional team by attending one of our open days or information events, and see for yourself how we can help shape your future. I’m confident that you will be impressed by everything that we have to offer, and will see that we can support you to succeed. Thank you, once again, for considering us, and I look forward to welcoming you in September 2026.
Laurence Frewin Principal and CEO
COURSES
Animal
FdSc Animal Science*
BSc (Hons) Applied Animal Science (Top-up)*
Arts
FdA Contemporary Arts Practice
FdA Music Performance and Production
Business, Law and Management
HNC Law with Business
BA (Hons) Leadership and Management (Top-up)*
Computing and Engineering
FdSc/HNC Computing*°
FdSc Engineering (Design and Development)*
FdSc/HNC Engineering (Electrical Electronics)*
FdSc/HNC Engineering (Manufacturing)*
FdSc/HNC Engineering (Marine Technologies)*
FdSc Engineering (Photonics and Optical Electronics)*
BSc (Hons) Integrated Technologies Engineering (top-up)*
Digital and Media
FdA Games and Interactive Design*
HND Esports (Production)
Education
FdA Education and Childhood
BA (Hons) Childhood and Youth Studies (Top-up)*
Health
FdSc Healthcare Assistant Practitioner°
FdSc Hearing Aid Audiology°
FdSc Nursing Associate°
BSc (Hons) Healthcare Science (Audiology)
Social Sciences
FdSc Psychology and Counselling Skills
FdSc Psychology and Criminology
FdSc Psychology and Sociology
FdA Youth Justice and Youth Studies
BSc (Hons) Social and Therapeutic Interventions (Top-up)*
Sports, Coaching and Outdoor
FdSc Sports Coaching and Fitness°
BSc (Hons) Applied Sports Coaching and Sports
Performance*
Higher and Degree Apprenticeships
Associate Project Manager
Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship
Coaching Professional
Cyber Security Technologists
Electrical or Electronic Technical Support Engineer
Engineering Manufacturing Technician
Healthcare Assistant Practitioner
Healthcare Science (Audiology)
Hearing Aid Audiology
Hearing Aid Dispenser
Learning and Skills Mentor
Learning Skills Teacher
Manufacturing Engineer
Network Engineer
Nursing Associate
Operations Manager
People Professional
Product Design and Development Engineer
Professional Accounting Taxation Technician
Software Developer
Sports Coach
Youth Justice Practitioner
Short Courses
Aptitude Test in Hearing Aid Dispensing
Photonics Systems
Professional Courses
AAT Accounting Professional Diploma
CIPD Associate Diploma in People Management
CMI Principles of Management and Leadership Diploma
Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice
Introduction to Teaching
Leading the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice
Therapeutic Counselling Diploma
YMCA Sports Massage Therapy (Soft Tissue Therapy) Certificate
TEF Gold
In September 2023, University Centre South Devon was reaccredited with a coveted Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) Gold award.
TEF is a national scheme run by the Office for Students (OfS) and is a recognition of excellent outstanding teaching and learning in higher education. The Gold accolade is the highest level that can be achieved within the TEF framework.
Of the 53 UK colleges reviewed, including University Centre South Devon, four were rated TEF Gold. The University Centre (as part of South Devon College), is in the top 10% best performing colleges and in the top 15% of all providers.
The award enables students to make informed choices about their chosen college or university, providing peace of mind that they will receive the highest quality in education provision, whilst receiving support and guidance on their future careers.
The Gold award is defined as ‘consistently delivering outstanding teaching, learning and outcomes for its students’, and it is the second consecutive Gold award received by University Centre South Devon.
*Approved by the University of Plymouth
° Higher Technical Qualification
SUPPORT
Every student should have dedicated, regular access to the support they need to graduate and achieve their goals. This is why we have an experienced team on hand to support you personally and professionally throughout your studies.
We offer a comprehensive range of services, including academic, pastoral, and financial support. From day one, you’ll know exactly who can help you and how.
Wellbeing Support
Our friendly Wellbeing team are on hand to support your mental health and wellbeing needs and to help you reach your potential here at the University Centre. They are available to help you with the following:
• Emotional/pastoral support
• Wellbeing needs
• Signposting you to external agencies
• Helping you through a HE Study and Wellbeing Review
• Counselling
• Therapeutic wellbeing sessions
We also have a range of facilities across our campus dedicated to supporting your wellbeing, including a Therapy Garden, Breastfeeding Room, Multi-Faith Prayer/Reflection Room, and Wellbeing Café.
Disability Support
We welcome students with physical, sensory, learning or mental health difficulties or disabilities. Our team can help you with financial support, reasonable adjustments and study support tailored to your circumstances.
Personal Tutors
Your personal tutor will support you with issues relating to your academic study as well as pastoral support and personal development. All our staff members are either active practitioners in their field of specialism, or have strong links within industry, making them perfectly placed to advise you on career and progression opportunities.
Employability
Employability is at the core of the design and delivery of our courses. Within your programme, there will be opportunities for you to engage with employers and gain work-related experience, through activities such as live projects, placements, and industry visits.
Workshops
Our specialist academic skills team can support you individually or in group sessions to develop academic skills such as effective reading, time-management and note-taking, planning, researching, and writing assessments.
FACILITIES
Our facilities create an exceptional learning environment, helping you to realise your full potential and achieve your goals.
All your lecture rooms are equipped for university study and you’ll have direct access to our library where we have an extensive range of learning resources.
All facilities have been designed to ensure you can study and develop at your own pace. They provide a comfortable environment to suit your learning style, with all the necessary resources available to you.
You’ll have access to the following across our campuses:
• 1,000 computers
• 25,000 books
• Campus-wide wireless network
• A comprehensive catalogue of e-books, journals, newspapers, and electronic resources
• A virtual learning portal
• A personal email account
Our wider facilities include:
• Discounted travel pass with Stagecoach
• Cafés and dining areas
• A dedicated higher education social study space
• Hairdressing and beauty therapy salon, ‘Inspirations’
• Fine dining restaurant, ‘Horizons’
• Discounted gym membership, including weekly fitness classes
• Mama Bear’s Day Nursery for students with young children
• Access to our cutting edge Hi Tech & Digital Centre
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF PLYMOUTH
The University of Plymouth is renowned worldwide for its high-quality research, teaching and innovation. With a mission to Advance Knowledge and Transform Lives, the University drives the global debate in disciplines from marine and maritime to medicine, law, computing and climate action.
A three-time winner of the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education – most recently in respect of its pioneering research on microplastics pollution in the ocean – Plymouth consistently ranks among the world’s leading universities for its innovation, research and teaching in relation to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Plymouth’s teaching and learning excellence is reflected in one of the highest numbers of National Teaching Fellows of any UK university. With over 19,000 students, a further 5,900 studying for a Plymouth degree at partner institutions in the UK and internationally, and over 190,000 alumni in 158 countries, the University has a growing global presence.
For more information, please visit plymouth.ac.uk
YOUR QUALIFICATION EXPLAINED
Higher National Certificate (HNC) - Level 4
Higher National Certificates (HNCs) are vocational qualifications designed to develop practical and theoretical skills and knowledge. They focus on equipping you with a practical understanding of your chosen subject and can lead directly to employment in specific industries. They may also count towards membership of professional bodies and other employer organisations. After successfully completing your HNC, you can progress onto the related foundation degrees at University Centre South Devon.
Higher Technical Qualifications
Higher Technical Qualifications are either new or existing Level 4 or 5 qualifications (such as Higher National Diplomas/Foundation Degrees/Diploma HE) that have been approved against occupational standards in their sector.
These qualifications have been developed by awarding bodies, who have worked with employers and businesses to make sure that students get the specific training, knowledge and skills they need for their chosen career.
The subjects available as HTQs are:
• FdSc Computing
• FdSc Engineering (Electrical Electronics)
• FdSc Engineering (Manufacturing)
• FdSc Engineering (Marine Technologies)
• FdSc Healthcare Assistant Practitioner
• FdSc Hearing Aid Audiology
• FdSc Nursing Associate
• FdSc Sports Coaching and Fitness
HTQs are suitable for:
• School leavers (18+) who are looking for an alternative to degress or apprenticeships
• Anyone looking to upskill and gain a qualification, whether you’re already in employment or looking to retrain
Foundation Degree (FdA and FdSc) - Level 5
A foundation degree is a degree-level qualification that takes two years to complete, and is equivalent to the first two years of a traditional honours degree. Foundation degrees focus on relevant, work-based skills within a particular career route or profession, and are designed to increase employability and progression opportunities.
More and more people are recognising that foundation degrees are one of the quickest and most direct routes to the high-level vocational skills required in the working world. Because employers are involved in the development of foundation degree programmes, they ensure you’re ready for employment when you complete your studies.
Bachelor’s Degree (BA [Hons] and BSc [Hons]) - Level 6
At the end of a foundation degree, you have the option to ‘top-up’ your qualification with a third year of study to convert it into a full honours degree. We offer a range of bachelor’s top-up courses for you to consider, or you may be able to progress to the University of Plymouth where you’ll be guaranteed an interview for an associated top-up courrse. Please note, there’s a deadline for progression applications and places may be subject to availablility.
A bachelor’s degree introduces you to new skills and research methods that employers will value, and is widely seen as a mark of intellectual and academic ability and potential in the employment market.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
We consider a variety of qualifications and relevant experience, and assess every application on its own merit. So, even if you don’t meet the specified requirements, you may still be able to study with us.
Bachelor’s Degrees and Top-Up Programmes
To progress to a top-up bachelor’s degree programme, you’ll need 240 credits from a foundation degree or higher national diploma in a relevant subject area.
Foundation Degree
As a guide, to receive an offer for a foundation degree, you’ll require a minimum of 48 UCAS points.* These points can be gained from A Levels, BTEC Nationals, Access to Higher Education Diplomas and equivalent qualifications. You’ll also require GCSE English at Grade 4/C and (Level 2) maths.
Recognising Prior Learning
We welcome applications from students of all ages, regardless of previous academic achievements. We assess each student’s suitability individually and take into account previous experience.
This is why we give you the opportunity to use all of your prior learning and experience when you apply for a course. You can show this through statements from employers, personal development plans, and reflective commentaries.
So, if you don’t have the formal accreditation or qualifications required, but do have relevant past experience, you could still be accepted onto your chosen degree.
*A small selection of our foundation degrees may require more than 48 UCAS points.
Access to Higher Education and Return to Learn
If you don’t feel quite ready for university study, an Access to Higher Education course may be perfect for you. These are intensive, one-year programmes that are designed to prepare you for studying at university level. They can also update your academic skills if you’re returning to education, and provide the opportunity to fill any gaps in your application, such as retaking English and maths GCSEs if you didn’t originally achieve a 4/C or higher.
Return to Learn courses take slightly less time to complete, and are suitable for adults returning to education after an extended period of time. They’re designed to build your confidence and reintroduce you to academic study in a manageable and achievable way.
This will prepare you for an Access to Higher Education course and, subsequently, university study. If you are starting a course in 2026, the UCAS entry criteria are:
FUNDING AND FEES
Studying for a university degree doesn’t have to be a financially daunting prospect. Our degrees are affordable but still offer first-class facilities and teaching, helping you to gain a prestigious degree and save money at the same time.
We offer various bursary packages, as well as the full package of loan funding available from Student Finance England, so you can be comfortable with your decision to study with us.
Bursaries
We’re committed to supporting our University students with a number of bursary packages, which you’ll receive if you meet particular criteria. Bursaries, which are not repaid, are awarded in addition to any grants, loans or funding received through Student Finance England.
You could be eligible to receive up to £1,000 bursary in your first year of study, depending on your personal circumstances.
Tuition Fees
You’re not expected to pay for your tuition immediately. Instead, your tuition is covered by a fee loan, which is paid directly to us on your behalf by Student Finance England. For students joining us in 2026, our full-time fees are as follows:
• BA and BSc (Hons): £9,000 (per year)
• Foundation Degree (FdA and FdSc): £8,825 (per year) and £9,250 for some Health Profession programmes
• Higher National Certificate (HNC): £8,825 (per year)
Please note that if you are progressing to study at the University of Plymouth after successfully completing a course at the college, the fees for the course you are progressing to will be different from your college course fees. Please check with the University for up-to-date course fees and accommodation information if required.
This funding information is for HNC, foundation degree and Bachelor’s degree programmes. For funding information on other programmes, please call us on 08000 21 31 81 or email university@southdevon.ac.uk
Maintenance Loan
The maintenance loan is intended to help you with living costs during your studies. The basic rate of maintenance loan is available to apply for by all, if you would like to apply for a higher figure this will be dependent on your household income. The amount that you may be eligible to apply for can be calculated using the Student Finance Calculator on the Student Finance England website.
Repayments
You’ll only be expected to begin repaying your Student Loans once you have completed your studies and you are earning over a certain amount. More information regarding repayments, including figures, can be found on the Student Finance England website.
Additional Funding
Disabled student allowance (DSA) is available to students who require extra support as a direct result of a disability. This includes a mental health condition or specific learning difficulty, such as dyslexia or dyspraxia. DSAs do not depend on household income.
There is also support available with childcare costs and course-related costs if you have dependent children. To check your eligibility and for more information on the extra help available, visit gov.uk/ studentfinance.
Applying for Student Finance
WINTER 2025
Find out how much funding you’re eligible for by using the student finance calculator at gov.uk/studentfinance-calculator
EARLY 2026
Apply for student finance online at gov.uk/ studentfinance. You don’t need to have accepted a place to apply.
SPRING 2026
Make sure you apply for student finance before the deadline in May to ensure you receive your funding at the start of the term.
SUMMER 2026
You’ll receive a student finance entitlement letter that details what finance you’ll get. Sign this and return your student finance declaration form.
SEPTEMBER 2026
Begin your studies and register your student finance with us- you’ll receive a payment on confirmation of your attendance.
HOW TO APPLY
1 2 3
4 5 6
Decide on your preferred course (visit ucsd.ac.uk to browse our courses).
Register with UCAS, look for University Centre South Devon, and complete your application form at ucas.com or contact us directly.
From January 2026 you’ll be informed of our decision. Some applicants may need to attend an interview prior to a formal offer being made.
Apply for student finance. You don’t need to have accepted an offer to apply, and the earlier you can do this, the better.
We’ll invite you to attend an ‘Applicant Event’. This will give you the opportunity to experience the University Centre before you start.
Once you have your results you’ll need to send a copy of your certificates to the admissions office. You’ll then receive a letter notifying you of our decision. This will also be available to view through the UCAS website.
Now you can celebrate. All you need to do is prepare and look forward to becoming a student at University Centre South Devon in September.
Admissions Timeline
NOVEMBER 2025
University Centre South Devon Open Evening
JANUARY 2026
Main UCAS application deadline
MARCH - JULY 2026
University Centre South Devon Applicant Events
AUGUST 2026
A Level results and Clearing opens
SEPTEMBER 2026
University Centre South Devon induction
Your Application
We want to make sure the process for applying is as smooth as possible for you. Admissions decisions are made by our dedicated admission team, whose job is to make fair and consistent decisions, reading and assessing each application in full. To provide the best possible service to you, you can get in touch with our team at any time.
Your Personal Statement
Your personal statement is an important opportunity for you to let us know more about you and why you’ve chosen your course of study. Our admission team will read your personal statement in detail, so it’s important you demonstrate to us why you’re interested in your course as well as the skills you’ve gained to help you to succeed. The course descriptions on our website (ucsd.ac.uk), which tell you what the course is about and what it includes, may help you decide what you want to write about and give you some inspiration to explore your chosen subject further.
Full-Time Courses
The application deadline for full-time courses is 14th January 2026. If you miss this, you can still apply until 30th June 2026 through UCAS Extra, or later through Clearing, although you may not be guaranteed a place. You can apply for up to five different courses in your UCAS application.
Part-Time and Higher Apprenticeship Courses
Applications for part-time and higher apprenticeship courses are handled differently to full-time ones, and are not made through UCAS. All applications for part-time courses should be made directly to University Centre South Devon by contacting the team on 08000 21 31 81 or emailing university@ southdevon.ac.uk
Student Profiles
Jay Hunter
Studied FdSc Computing at University Centre South Devon
Studied Computer Science at South Devon College
“For the first two years of my degree I primarily focused on software development, and continued on the progression route to the University of Plymouth where I topped off my foundation degree with a Bachelor’s degree. Pretty soon after completing my degree, I started receiving messages and phone calls from recruiters, and I’m very thankful to the recruiter that got me into my current job as a Web Developer at Yello Studio in Exeter.
Starting University study can seem quite daunting at first, but my advice would be to take your time. It definitely doesn’t feel like homework from school and it’s an open book.”
Tilly Shore
Studied FdSc Psychology at University Centre South Devon
Studied Health and Social Care, Youth Work Practice and Teaching Assistant at South Devon College
“I’ve had some amazing experiences in each course that I’ve progressed through at South Devon College and University Centre South Devon. The tutors were helpful, friendly and always there to support at any time.
I am in the first year of my degree, and plan to progress as far as I can to guide myself towards my career path. My advice to a prospective student would be not to worry if you aren’t certain of your career path yet. The University Centre has so many courses available for you to explore: ensure you choose a subject that motivates and interests you.”
Lana Head
Studying FdSc Animal Science at University Centre South Devon
Studied Level 3 Animal Management at South Devon College
“When I left school, it took me some time to figure out what I wanted to do. I started with the Level 3 course at South Devon College and then progressed onto the foundation degree.
Now I’m in the second year of the foundation degree, the learning has transitioned from being very practical to being more academic. I’m working on my research project redesigning an enclosure for our turtles, which is really interesting.
The best thing about studying here is the support you get from your teachers and the Support Hub. Everyone is rooting for you, they just want to push you to be the best you can be.”
Luke Purchon
Studied FdSc Assistant Practitioner at University Centre South Devon
“I decided to pursue a career in health as I’ve always enjoyed helping others. I’d eventually like to become a Registered Nurse.
In my role as an Assistant Practitioner I work within the renal unit. We work with dialysis patients, patients with kidney injuries, and those needing transplants. One of my main duties is performing haemodialysis on acute and chronically ill patients. It’s challenging, but rewarding at the same time, as I feel I’m giving my patients a new lease of life.
What I enjoyed the most about studying at the University Centre was meeting the people in my cohort. We helped each other and really encouraged each other. The staff were also really supportive, the help was there every day, and it made things easier for me.”