University Centre Guide 2026
HELLO
Welcome to Wiltshire College & University Centre (WCUC) – where your journey into Higher Education advances!
At WCUC, we offer exciting, flexible pathways into universitylevel study, with a wide variety of full and part-time courses delivered across our campuses throughout Wiltshire.
As the region’s largest Higher Education provider, we pride ourselves on delivering an excellent student experience. From day one, you’ll receive personalised support to help you thrive and achieve your goals, whatever they may be.
Our graduates go on to do great things. Whether launching successful careers or progressing to further study, they leave us ready to make their mark. We partner with leading universities and awarding bodies, ensuring our universitylevel programmes are respected and recognised across industry.
You’ll learn from expert tutors with real-world experience, in specialist facilities that reflect today’s professional environments - preparing you for tomorrow’s challenges.
We’d love to help you explore your options. Join us at an Open Event or book a personal visit - we’re here to help you shape your future.
We can’t wait to welcome you!
Iain Hatt Principal & CEO
OUR UNIVERSITY CENTRE
Wiltshire College & University Centre is a multi-site education facility offering a range of Further Education, Higher Education and part-time courses.
Our University Centre offers a broad range of degree-level courses validated by leading UK universities and awarding bodies, including Pearson, Oxford Brookes University, Bournemouth University and Coventry University.
At WCUC our smaller class sizes give you more contact time with supportive and highly knowledgeable staff. We focus on preparing you for your chosen career, providing high-quality facilities and equipment, a range of practical assessments, and work placements.
All of our university courses are designed to be flexible and support students to study alongside their external commitments.
Upon successful completion of your universitylevel programme, you will take part in our annual graduation ceremony.
Lackham Campus
Chippenham Campus
OUR CAMPUSES
Wiltshire College & University Centre has four main campuses across the county, located in Chippenham, Lackham, Salisbury and Trowbridge, as well as a smaller centre at Castle Combe specialising in motorsport engineering.
Each of our campuses is home to industry-standard facilities and specialist teaching equipment.
Trowbridge Campus
Salisbury Campus
QUALIFICATIONS FR AMEWORK
Higher National Certificate
A Higher National Certificate (HNC) is a highly practical qualification, normally studied over one year full-time or two years part-time, and can be used as entry to the second year of a degree course – or, more commonly, topped up to a Higher National Diploma with a further year of study.
Higher National Diploma
A Higher National Diploma (HND) is usually studied over two years full-time or three years part-time, and like Foundation Degrees, can be converted to a full degree by topping up with a final year.
Higher Technical Qualifications
Top-up Year or ‘Integrated Degree’
A top-up year is normally one year of study at Level 6, which is the final year of a full degree programme and follows either a Foundation Degree or an HND in the same or a similar subject.
Degrees
A full degree is a three-year programme which includes research projects in the final year. The course will lead to a Bachelor’s Degree. Students may also have the option to undertake a placement year.
Higher/Degree Apprenticeships
Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) are technical qualifications that have been developed by employers and awarding bodies, so you will get the right training, knowledge and skills to succeed in the workplace. They are usually studied over one or two years full-time, with part-time options available, and can be converted to a full degree by topping up with a final year.
Foundation Degree
A Foundation Degree (Fd) qualification is equivalent to the first two years of a degree course. Usually designed with input from employers, these courses ensure that, on completion, students can make an immediate contribution to their workplace. Students often then choose to top up their qualifications by either joining the third year of a degree or a specially designed ‘top-up’ qualification.
These are a great alternative to university, with many now offering training to degree and postgraduate degree level. You will receive training both on and off the job, a salary and the opportunity to move your career forward – all without tuition fees.
WCUC and partner universities set minimum entry requirements to ensure that students intending to study with us are prepared for their course.
Full-Time Applications
Applications for all of our full-time university courses are required to go through the UCAS system.
If we offer you a place, it will either be:
• Conditional – meaning you are required to obtain particular grades or qualifications in order to be accepted onto your course.
• Unconditional – meaning you have the necessary qualifications and we can accept you for your course. UCAS will notify you to confirm this and you are invited to accept or decline the offer.
Part-Time Applications
All applications for part-time courses are completed directly with us. Simply find the relevant course page on our website and click ‘apply today’.
Direct Entry
Students who have studied part of a qualification elsewhere can use this prior learning to access a course with us. Please email HEAdmissions@wiltshire.ac.uk and have your qualification transcript or statement of results ready to discuss.
Mature Applications
Applications from mature students are always welcome and considered on a case-by-case basis. Any mature applicants who have gained the relevant experience, but who may not have achieved the stated entry requirements, are encouraged to apply or arrange to speak to one of our Admissions Advisors, who are on hand to help with important career and study decisions.
OUR SUBJECT AREAS
We offer university courses across a broad range of subjects and levels. We run programmes which award Foundation Degrees, Bachelor’s Degrees, Higher National Diplomas, Higher Technical Qualifications, and Higher Apprenticeships.
We offer university-level courses in the following areas:
• Animal Conservation and Countryside Management
• Computing Cyber Security
• Crime and Criminal Justice
• Early Years Education and Childcare
• Engineering
• Film Production and Cinematography
• Healthcare and Nursing
• Motorsport Engineering
• Sport and Exercise Science
• Sustainable Business Management
A full list of courses is available on our website, where you can find more detailed information about each one. Visit wiltshire.ac.uk/university-level WANT TO KNOW MORE?
STUDENT LIFE
We know that attending university is about more than simply studying and securing your qualification. You will want to make the most of your time here and it is your opportunity to meet new friends, some of which will last a lifetime.
Campus Life
It’s likely you will have free time on campus and there are plenty of options to keep you busy. As well as our dedicated university-level study rooms and Learning Resource Centres, there are various campus events to take part in.
Off-Campus
University isn’t just about the hours you spend dedicated to your course; you will want to enjoy life beyond our teaching spaces. Besides our academic offering, there are a host of reasons why Wiltshire is a great place to study.
Salisbury is one of the most colourful locations in the county with a vibrant nightlife and you’ll find plenty of bars, clubs and restaurants in Chippenham and Trowbridge too. There are cinemas, theatres and venues hosting regular events, including music and comedy, and we’re also not too far from Bath and Swindon.
Student Alliance
We are proud to have our very own Student Alliance – an independent student-led body dedicated to representing your voice and enhancing your student experience.
The Student Alliance acts as a vital link between students and the College, ensuring that your views are heard and influence real change. The Alliance also leads on student campaigns, supports the development of clubs and societies, and organises a range of activities.
We are also excited to offer Higher Education students the opportunity to run for the role of Higher Education Student Governor. This prestigious role involves attending Governing Body meetings throughout the academic year, where you will represent the views and interests of HE students at the highest level of college decision-making. Details of how to apply for this role will be released to all HE students when the position goes live.
ACCOMMODATION
We offer student accommodation at our Lackham and Salisbury campuses. Alongside individual student bedrooms, both accommodation centres are home to communal spaces and facilities, including self-catering kitchens, TV and games lounges, and IT rooms.
The Accommodation Team provide pastoral support and supervision throughout the academic year. The staff are dedicated to safeguarding the wellbeing and safety of all residential students.
Salisbury Accommodation
The St Mary’s Halls of Residence has 80 ensuite rooms, including designated adapted units. Each room has a single bed, wardrobe, chest of drawers, desk and a bathroom containing a shower, toilet and washbasin. Each corridor has between six and nine rooms, and shares a self-contained kitchen which includes a sink, fridge-freezer, combi-oven and generous storage space.
Contact the Salisbury Accommodation Team via 01722 344398 or AccommodationSA@wiltshire.ac.uk for more information.
Lackham Accommodation
The Ridgeway Hall of Residence contains 45 ensuite rooms, including designated adapted units. Each room has a single bed, wardrobe, chest of drawers, desk and a bathroom containing a shower, toilet and washbasin. Ridgeway has a communal kitchen and dining area to be shared by residents. Breakfast is included in the price of your room and is available in the canteen Monday to Friday.
Contact the Lackham Accommodation Team via 01249 466876 or AccommodationLA@wiltshire.ac.uk for more information.
Accommodation off-campus
Students over the age of 18 who require accommodation offcampus can contact the Accommodation Team for details of options in the local area.
STUDENT
Inclusion & Support
Our teaching teams support students to achieve their potential to the best of their ability, from the moment they enrol through to their graduation and beyond.
If at any point in your study you feel you need extra support, we will create a safe and inclusive space for positive discussion and provide advice and guidance.
Tutorial
Your programme will include time for tutorials where you will discuss your academic progress. These short sessions are also the best time to discuss study options, enrichment opportunities, obtain academic guidance and ask questions relating to your modules.
Studies Support
WCUC has a vast range of high-quality facilities on each campus, so students on all of our university-level courses can be sure that their learning will be supported by the latest equipment and industry-standard technology.
Alongside this, all students have access to our Learning Resources Centres, which are equipped with the latest versions of innovative software. Our Learning Resources Coordinators are there to help with research skills, referencing, academic writing, time management, and group and one-to-one support. Our Digital Learning Advisors are also available to help students seeking information, advice and guidance with digital learning resources and technologies.
You will also have access to relevant books, industry journals, eBooks and online databases.
FEES & FUNDING
Student Loans
The Government offers financial support via Student Finance England. This funding is used to support your tuition fee payments and maintenance loans for either full or part-time courses. You can access loans for all or part of the fees, and the tuition fee will be paid directly to WCUC or the awarding university.
Further information is available from gov.uk/student-finance.
Bursaries and Scholarships
If you are studying a university programme at WCUC, please check the awarding university’s website for further information. Details of WCUC bursaries are available on our website: wiltshire.ac.uk/university-level/fees-finance-funding/bursaries.
Hardship
Additional support is available to students who find themselves experiencing extra challenges during their studies. Please contact the HE Admissions Team on 01225 756200 or HEAdmissions@wiltshire.ac.uk for information.
Maintenance Loan Entitlement
Please note that these figures are for the 25-26 academic year only.
TROWBRIDGE CAMPUS
Please note: These maps are not to scale and are for guidance purposes only
CHIPPENHAM CAMPUS
SALISBURY CAMPUS
LACKHAM CAMPUS
Trowbridge Campus
By Bus:
Trowbridge has frequent bus services from neighbouring towns and villages, including direct services from Chippenham, Bath, Melksham, Frome, Devizes, Warminster, and Westbury. Most buses stop directly outside or very near to the campus.
By Train:
Trowbridge railway station is approximately 1.2 miles from campus, around a 20-25 minute walk. Regular services include: Bath Spa, Bristol Temple Meads, Westbury, and Swindon.
Salisbury Campus
By Bus:
Salisbury has frequent bus routes from across Wiltshire, Hampshire, and Dorset. Most services stop at Salisbury city centre, which is within walking distance of the campus.
By Train:
Salisbury station is approximately 1 mile from campus, around a 20 minute walk. Direct services include: Southampton, Portsmouth, Bath Spa, and Bristol Temple Meads.
Chippenham Campus
By bus:
Chippenham is well connected by bus routes from Malmesbury, Swindon, Devizes, Frome, Trowbridge, Melksham, and nearby villages, with services stopping directly outside or within a short walk of campus.
A free Chippenham-Lackham shuttle bus also runs between Chippenham town centre, the railway station and Lackham campus, with services timed for the start and end of the college day.
By Train:
Chippenham station is located directly opposite the campus, just a 2-3 minute walk away. Regular services run to and from Bath, Bristol, Swindon and Reading.
Lackham Campus
By Bus:
Lackham has dedicated college buses and local bus routes from nearby towns, including Trowbridge, Melksham, Frome, Devizes, Bath, Marlborough, Malmesbury, and Chippenham.
By Train:
The nearest train station is Chippenham, approximately 3.5 miles away. Students can take the free shuttle bus or dedicated college buses directly to Lackham.
Car, bikes & mopeds
Free parking is available at all campuses, including EV charging points (subject to availability). All campuses also have secure bike racks and dedicated moped parking areas.
For full details on travel options and financial support, visit our website or scan the QR code.
Apprenticeships HIGHER
We work with hundreds of employers and deliver over 70 apprenticeship training programmes across a wide range of sectors and skill levels.
Higher apprenticeships are offered at level 4 and above. These qualifications are the equivalent of a foundation degree and above. Some higher apprenticeships offer the opportunity to progress to Level 7, which is postgraduate degree level.
Our apprenticeship growth has been phenomenal in the past three years and it shows no signs of slowing down. An apprenticeship gives you the opportunity to work alongside industry professionals while simultaneously gaining nationally recognised qualifications.
Why Choose An Apprenticeship
• Earn while you learn
• Build real, transferrable workplace skills
• Work alongside experienced industry professionals
• Gain a nationally recognised qualification
GRADUATION
On successful completion of your university-level programme, you will join hundreds of other graduates in a fantastic day of celebration as we mark your incredible achievements.
We Are Taking You Higher
Visit our Open Events:
Trowbridge
Wednesday 1 October 2025 5pm-7pm
Saturday 8 November 2025 10am-12pm
Wednesday 28 January 2026 5pm-7pm
Tuesday 21 April 2026 5pm-7pm
Salisbury
Thursday 9 October 2025 5pm-7pm
Saturday 22 November 2025 10am-12pm
Thursday 5 February 2026 5pm-7pm
Thursday 30 April 2026 5pm-7pm
HELLO HELLO HELLO HELLO
Lackham
Saturday 4 October 2025 10am-12pm
Saturday 15 November 2025 10am-12pm
Saturday 31 January 2026 10am-12pm
Thursday 23 April 2026 5pm-7pm
Chippenham
Tuesday 7 October 2025 5pm-7pm
Saturday 15 November 2025 10am-12pm
Tuesday 3 February 2026 5pm-7pm
Tuesday 28 April 2026 5pm-7pm
Castle Combe: Saturday 15 November 2025 9am-12pm