With HE Fairs cancelled across the country due to the current situation around COVID-19, we understand that you may have some questions about studying at University Centre Shrewsbury that have been left unanswered. Well, don’t worry, we have put together some key questions and answers to make sure you get all the information you need.
Are you a campus-based university?
Our Shrewsbury campus, Guildhall, is located in Frankwell, on the banks of the River Severn. Guildhall is home to facilities such as our library and 24-hour PC suite, student common room, fitness suite, bio labs, and Stop. Café, as well as a variety of lecture and seminar rooms. Located very close to the town centre, we are very fortunate to have the beautiful medieval town of Shrewsbury as our extended campus, with plenty of shops, bars and cafes.
Is there accommodation on site? How much does accommodation cost?
Our partnership accommodation sites, Mardol House and The Tannery, are both conveniently located in the centre of the town, just a five-minute walk from Guildhall. Comprising of a mix of self-catered en-suite cluster flats or self-contained studio apartments, the accommodation at Shrewsbury has an option for everyone. The accommodation is safe and secure with a 24-hour concierge service covering both sites.
Our cluster flats are £115 per week and our studio apartments are £140 per week*. There is more information about our accommodation available here.
*Prices may be subject to change.
What is the student experience like at Shrewsbury?
As a student of University Centre Shrewsbury, you are automatically a member of Shrewsbury’s Students’ Union (SSU). The SSU aims to enhance your student experience through social, sporting and non-sporting activities. All Students’ Union facilities are provided by the Chester Students’ Union and are built on many years of providing a fantastic student experience.
The Students' Union is also where you'll find all kinds of societies for you to get involved in - whether you're looking to spend more time doing something you already enjoy, or try something new. The SSU supports students throughout their time at Shrewsbury and offers free, impartial and confidential advice and support.
When it comes to nights out, in 2019, Shrewsbury was awarded the coveted ‘Purple Flag’ status in recognition of its night-time economy for the fourth year running. So whether you’re after cocktails and craft beers, a night to dance away, or a more relaxed night with friends, Shrewsbury provides an array of venues to enjoy.
Do you accept a mixture of A-Levels and BTEC?
Entry requirements can vary slightly from year to year, depending on the course you choose and they can differ for each degree subject. More information about the entry requirements can be found on the individual course pages on our website.
Our general entry policy requires applicants to have:
• A good level of literacy and numeracy (GCSE grade C or above in Maths and English Language or suitable equivalent).
• Experience or interest relevant to the course(s) for which you have applied.
We recognise:
• A mixture of study modes (e.g. mixes of A Level, Pearson BTEC qualifications, Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate and OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications)
• Points and grades achieved in A Level General Studies
If you are unsure about any of your qualifications, you can contact Undergraduate Admissions (admissions@chester.ac.uk) and we will be happy to discuss your options with you.
Are there any opportunities to do work placements or do a year abroad?
At University Centre Shrewsbury, we have a number of different work placement opportunities, as well as the chance to go and study abroad. Our Work Based Learning module allows you to choose a work placement anywhere in the UK and you complete the placement over five weeks in your second year. This module allows you to explore a variety of different career options, enhance your skillset and gain valuable first-hand experience.
With a number of our courses, there is also the opportunity to study abroad. With Experiential Overseas Learning, you are able to take part in a five-week project engaging with issues from business to social justice, poverty, development and the environment. With our International Exchange programme, University Centre Shrewsbury students are also able to study for a full academic year abroad at one of our bilateral exchange partners or through ISEP, a network of over 300 additional higher education institutions worldwide.
Our Study Abroad team will be able to help you make the decision of which opportunity is right for you and they will help you from the moment you apply.
What academic support is available?
If you’re completely new to your subject, don’t worry. All of our undergraduate students are assigned a Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) who can offer advice and guidance relating to your course, whenever you need it. They can also provide a reference on completion of your degree and offer help or direction to resources for any personal issues you may encounter along the way. Academic staff are also supported by the Study Skills team to embed study skills into the curriculum.
We’ve also got Study Skills Advisors who can offer advice on everything from grammar and referencing to critical thinking. They can provide a range of online learning resources, host seminars on a variety of topics or meet with you on a one-to-one basis. They are there to help each student reach their full potential.
What support is available at Shrewsbury?
UCS is a small, supportive community but students also have access to all of the support you would expect from a large institution – including mental health and wellbeing, disability & inclusion, study skills, financial support and more. If you have any questions you can reach the support team at ucs.support@chester.ac.uk.
Roughly how many hours of lectures would I have per week?
Contact time with tutors vary for each degree subject but, on average, students tend to have around 15 hours of lectures or seminars per week. However, it’s important to remember that at university, a large amount of your work will be done independently, meaning that you should factor in this additional study time before you start making too many plans!
We hope that this has answered your questions but if not, we are always happy to help. Join us tomorrow, Friday 15th May 10am, in our Live Chat event where you can ask our academic staff and students any other questions you may have. You can also reach us at enquiries@ucshrewsbury.ac.uk.
