The reasons for this high dropout rate are complex and multifaceted, but some of the most common factors include academic difficulties, financial constraints, and social isolation. Academic difficulties are a significant contributor to student dropouts. Students may struggle with the demands of university-level coursework, find it challenging to adapt to the new learning environment, or encounter difficulties with specific subjects.
**A. London Met: Excellence in Teaching and Social Justice**
**B.
London Met has a strong reputation for its teaching quality and its commitment to social justice. 2. University of Greenwich – 20.9% Overview The University of Greenwich has a strong reputation for its research and innovation, particularly in areas such as sustainability and environmental science. 3.
Click here for full profile 2. University of Bedfordshire – 21.1% Overview One of the champions of widening participation, Bedfordshire has experienced a sharp downturn in applications in recent times, with the near 8,000 who applied in the 2023 admissions cycle being around half the number that sought a place here a decade ago (and 18% down on 2022). It has invested heavily in student facilities, however, with a medical simulation suite one of the latest projects to come to fruition. The Luton-headquartered university is popular with students, scoring well consistently for teaching quality in the annual National Student Survey, but it was awarded the lowest bronze award overall and for student outcomes in the latest regulatory Teaching Excellence Framework. It did earn a silver for student experience, however. An extensive network of student support structures is in place due to the fact that its intake is made up largely of those from non-traditional backgrounds, although this is not enough to prevent around one in five students dropping out during their first year. The vast majority of students are drawn from the immediate area or from the South East, East Anglia and London.
Click here for full profile 3. Wrexham University – 20.9% Overview Owain Glyndwr, the warrior leader who briefly established an independent Welsh state in the Middle Ages, has disappeared from the name of Wrexham University in what vice-chancellor Professor Maria Hinfelaar described as a ‘momentous and exciting step’. The name change from Wrexham Glyndwr University was actioned last September in order to identify the university more closely with the newest city in Wales, which has had more than its share of headlines since Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney bought its football club in 2020. The club has enjoyed successive promotions and begins this year in League One for the first time in 20 years – the sort of ranking improvement that the university would also love to see. (This year’s 16-place improvement in our league table is a good start.) All the positive publicity might have rubbed off on the institution, with applications hitting record levels over the past two years. Students enjoy their experience here, with consistently excellent scores being recorded in the National Student Survey. An £80m campus investment programme is well under way, and a new healthcare simulation centre opened last year for Wrexham’s substantial number of nursing and allied health students.
* **Bespoke Education:** Middlesex University emphasizes personalized learning experiences, offering tailored programs and support to meet individual needs. * **International Focus:** The university has a strong international presence, attracting students from across the globe. * **Research-Led:** Middlesex University is committed to research and innovation, with a focus on developing cutting-edge solutions.
The University of Suffolk, a public university located in Suffolk, is the second-largest university in the UK by student population. It is a relatively new institution, having been established in 2007. The University of Suffolk has a strong commitment to social justice and equality, and it is actively involved in addressing issues such as poverty, homelessness, and climate change.
**UWS: Championing Social Mobility in Scottish Higher Education**
**UWS:
This commitment to social mobility is a key aspect of UWS’s mission and is reflected in its diverse student body. **Key Points:**
* UWS consistently recruits a higher percentage of students from disadvantaged backgrounds than any other Scottish university. * This commitment to social mobility is a core value of UWS’s mission. * UWS’s diverse student body reflects this commitment to social mobility.
* **Collaborative Venture:** The medical school is a result of a collaborative venture between CCCU and the University of Kent. * **Widening Participation:** CCCU has a strong track record in widening participation in higher education. * **First Graduates:** The first students will graduate from the Kent and Medway medical school next summer.
* **Financial Relief for Students: Laptop and Accommodation Discounts**
* **Access to Education:
* **Free Laptop:** All students receive a free laptop upon enrollment, eliminating the financial burden of purchasing one. This ensures equal access to educational resources and promotes digital literacy. * **Accommodation Discount:** Students can benefit from a £500 discount on accommodation costs, making it more affordable to live near the campus.
These cuts have led to concerns about the quality of education and student experience. **Key Challenges:**
* **Financial Instability:** Coventry University faces significant financial challenges, leading to concerns about its long-term sustainability. * **Staff Reductions:** The university has announced plans to reduce its workforce, impacting both teaching and administrative staff.
UCA is a public institution, offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in the arts, design, and media. The university has a strong reputation for its teaching and research, and is known for its innovative and experimental approach to learning. UCA is committed to providing students with a holistic experience, encompassing both academic and personal development.
* **Student Support:** BNU offers a comprehensive range of support services, including academic advising, career guidance, mental health support, and financial aid. * **Hidden Costs:** BNU has significantly reduced the hidden costs associated with university, such as accommodation, travel, and food. * **Innovative Support Structures:** BNU has implemented innovative support structures, such as peer mentoring, online learning platforms, and student-led initiatives.
This is a key selling point, and it’s one that resonates with many students. The university’s focus on career development is evident in its curriculum, its resources, and its overall approach to education. The university’s commitment to career development is reflected in its strong emphasis on practical skills and real-world experience.
This merger has significantly expanded the university’s size and scope, making it the largest in the UK. **Key Points:**
* Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) is the largest university in the UK. * ARU is the only university in England to have a regional presence.
It’s a core value that permeates every aspect of the institution. This is evident in the commitment to diversity and inclusion, evident in the student body, and reflected in the university’s overall culture. The University of Wolverhampton is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students, regardless of their background, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or religion.
* Teesside University’s Advance scheme provides iPads loaded with Office 365 and £100 annual credit for online learning resources.
#UniAsItShouldBe is a campaign that aims to showcase the university’s commitment to social inclusion, accessibility, and student well-being. **Key Features:**
* **Accessibility:** The university prioritizes accessibility for all students, regardless of their physical, learning, or mental health needs. * **Social Inclusion:** Bolton fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment for students from diverse backgrounds.
UCLan’s commitment to social mobility is evident in its diverse student body, with a strong representation of students from disadvantaged backgrounds. The university actively promotes equality and inclusion, fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for all students. UCLan’s commitment to social mobility is further demonstrated by its outreach programs, which aim to engage with underrepresented communities and provide access to higher education. These programs include:
The university has undergone a period of significant growth and expansion, with a focus on research and innovation. UWTSD has also been actively involved in community engagement and outreach programs. **Key Features:**
* **History:** The oldest university in Wales, with a history dating back to 1822.
It is known for its strong focus on computing, gaming, and cybersecurity. The university has a relatively small size, making it a more intimate and personalized learning environment.
Click here for full profile 20. Bishop Grosseteste University – 13.8% Overview Students like Bishop Grosseteste. They consistently put the institution close to the top of the annual National Student Survey as they have done this year. The university also finished top of the 2023 Whatuni Student Choice awards for both student support and accommodation. It is one of the smallest universities in the country, with just 540 students admitted via Ucas last year, which possibly explains the high levels of satisfaction. Students are not simply a number here. However, applications for admission in September 2023 tumbled by 22% compared with the 2022 admissions cycle to their lowest level in the past decade. The proposed name change to Lincoln Bishop University, which has been submitted to the Office for Students for approval, could help stem the decline in applications simply by putting the university’s location in its title. Bishop Grosseteste, or Bishop G, as it is affectionately known, started life in 1862 as a small Anglican teacher training college for women. There are now 43 degree choices (many with foundation year options) in addition to 10 teacher training programmes. Bishop G has enjoyed full university status since 2012. The campus mixes Victorian and modern architecture, with teaching, library and social facilities cheek by jowl.
Click here for full profile 21. University of Derby – 13.7% Overview Derby is investing heavily in its estate and reshaping its course portfolio to keep the institution at the academic cutting-edge – and to keep its graduates in demand with employers. A new business school will be open for next September’s intake – a key enhancement for a university that works closely with business and industry. Derby ranks second in our subject tables for business studies. More than 60 new courses and nine new degree apprenticeships will diversify Derby’s appeal, too. They include zeitgeisty degrees such as artificial intelligence, as well as highly relevant twin-subject courses like English and publishing, psychology and sport studies, and popular music and business management. The university has a strong regional identity, recruiting three-quarters of its students from the East and West Midlands. A mid-sized university of around 20,000 students, it is based on four sites in Derby and headquartered at Kedleston Road, with a healthcare outpost in Chesterfield. It provides a significant number of graduates to the public sector (via nursing, teaching and social work especially). This helped its strong performance in our jobs ranking, which is based on the proportion of graduates going into high-skilled jobs within 15 months of leaving.
Arts University Plymouth (AUP) is a specialist institution focused on the creative industries. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in art, design, and media. AUP’s unique selling point is its commitment to providing a hands-on, practical approach to learning.
Click here for full profile 23. Goldsmiths, University of London – 13.5% Overview Goldsmiths finds itself in the eye of the storm that is blowing through higher education as universities struggle to balance the books. Applications and admissions last September hit their lowest point in the past decade, starkly illustrating the problems that the university is facing. Proposed compulsory redundancies were averted in August only when 67 staff agreed to leave voluntarily following a cash squeeze prompted by falling student numbers and the long-term freeze of UK tuition fees. Unions and students alike are disturbed by the university’s Transformation Programme, drawn up in response to what Professor Frances Corner, Goldsmiths’ warden, describes as a ‘really serious’ financial position. All of which threatens to overshadow Goldsmiths’ reputation as a home of creatives and free-thinkers, drawn to its trendy New Cross campus by its standing in the arts, humanities and social sciences. Mary Quant, Steve McQueen, Lucian Freud, Edward Enninful and Damien Hirst are among a host of illustrious creative alumni. The college offers a full suite of courses in the creative and performing arts, as well as degrees that embrace economics, politics, law, computing, artificial intelligence and management. Two-thirds of the domestic intake come from the capital and a third of the undergraduate population are international students.
* High quality teaching is the hallmark of Plymouth Marjon University. * The university prioritizes innovative teaching methods, promoting active learning and engaging students. * Strong emphasis on research and real-world application in the curriculum. * Faculty members are highly qualified and passionate about their subject matter. * Exemplary feedback and support mechanisms for students.
The University of South Wales (USW) is a public university located in the city of Pontypridd, Wales. It is a relatively young institution, having been established in 1992. USW is a member of the prestigious Russell Group, a group of 24 leading research-intensive universities in the UK.
Click here for full profile 25 (joint). University of Sunderland – 12.7% Overview Local, national and global. Sunderland, London and Hong Kong. This is how Sunderland, our University of the Year for Student Support, likes to market itself – a vocationally focused university that has expanded from its original Sunderland headquarters to offer its brand of higher education more widely. With more than 60% of undergraduates recruited from homes where parents did not go to university, there are few institutions in this guide that can better Sunderland’s record for social inclusion. Financial support is strategically targeted to ensure these students are supported best of all, and there is a concerted attempt to diversify the intake for medicine degrees through generous bursaries, subsidised accommodation and lowered entry grades for local recruits living in areas with the lowest rates of progression to higher education. The university is also a leading provider of degree apprenticeships, with more than 900 learners on programmes as diverse as senior journalist, district nurse, engineering and social work. Overall applications last year were at their highest since 2015; more than half of the intake came from the North East and 27% from London – an indication of the buoyancy of the London campus.
* **Location:** Situated in the heart of Birmingham, a vibrant and diverse city. * **Academic Focus:** Offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various disciplines, including business, education, and social sciences. * **Student Life:** Provides a vibrant and inclusive student community with a strong sense of belonging.
Click here for full profile 28 (joint). Solent University Southampton – 12.3% Overview Solent University secured a prestigious triple gold in the latest Teaching Excellence Framework, covering an overall rating, student experience and student outcomes. A mid-sized university, Solent serves a largely local student population, with around two-thirds of the intake recruited from the South East. The university was created from a series of mergers, which brought together the College of Nautical Studies in the nearby village of Warsash, Southampton College of Art and the city’s College of Technology. Solent has seen applications and admissions fall by 50% over the past decade as competition to attract students hots up. Its maritime courses are its defining feature, and it runs cadetship open days for prospective students interested in a life at sea. Facilities are second to none and include bridge simulators and a unique ship handling centre, which features an 11-ship scaled model fleet used for training masters, senior officers and pilots. Solent’s tight portfolio of courses also covers everything from fashion and film to business and nursing.
The University of Rochdale is a public university in England, and it is a relatively new institution, having been established in 2007. It is a small university with a student population of around 3,000. The university has a strong focus on employability, and it is known for its high-quality teaching and research.
* **Triple Gold TEF Rating:** The University of Huddersfield has achieved a remarkable feat by securing a triple gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF). * **Overall Rating:** This prestigious award signifies the university’s exceptional quality in teaching and learning across all aspects.
* St Mary’s University, Twickenham, is a public university in England. * The university has a strong reputation for its student experience, consistently ranking high in national surveys. * St Mary’s University is known for its commitment to teaching excellence, evidenced by its consistently high rankings in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF).
Click here for full profile 31 (joint). University of Buckingham – 12% Overview Buckingham is the only independent university in this guide and it pioneered two-year degrees long ago as a more efficient way of delivering higher education. The cost of a two-year degree here is now the same as a three-year course in the state sector, but the saving of a year of living costs still makes going private a cheaper option. The quid pro quo is that students have to work harder – the academic year is divided into four terms with much shorter breaks between them. The numbers of applications and admissions at the university, which recently marked 40 years of Royal Charter status, have never been higher. However, it remains one of the smallest universities in this guide, with around 3,500 students. Fewer than half of these are undergraduates. Around 50% of the students come from overseas, giving the campus a cosmopolitan feel, but numbers of UK students are increasing. All courses will soon be taught in Buckingham, following the decision to close the university’s costly campus for medicine and health sciences students in Crewe, Cheshire by 2026.
This new approach to teaching involves grouping students together for longer periods of time, with the aim of fostering closer collaboration and more meaningful learning experiences. DMU also has a strong focus on entrepreneurship, research and innovation. **DMU’s Mission:**
* **To create a vibrant learning environment:** This means creating a welcoming and inclusive community where students can thrive both academically and personally.
The university is committed to providing high-quality education and research, and is actively involved in community engagement and outreach activities. The university has a strong reputation for its teaching and research, and is recognized for its commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. **Key Features:**
* **Campus Expansion:** The university is expanding its physical presence with two new campuses in the offing.
* **Social Diversity:** LSBU boasts a high level of social diversity, attracting students from diverse backgrounds and socioeconomic statuses. * **Graduate Employment:** LSBU has a strong track record of graduate employment, with a high percentage of graduates finding jobs within a year of graduation. * **University of the Year Awards:** LSBU has been recognized for its commitment to social inclusion and overall excellence in higher education.
The university is undergoing a major transformation, with a focus on creating a more vibrant and engaging campus environment. This transformation includes a significant investment in new buildings, facilities, and technology. The university is also working to improve its academic programs and research capabilities.
* University of Westminster ranks second in England for social mobility. * This ranking is based on the proportion of former students who go from receiving free school meals to being among the top 20% of earners by the age of 30. * The university’s social mobility score is 11.3%.
* **Teaching Excellence:** Hull’s commitment to teaching excellence is evident in its gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) and strong student feedback. * **Student Experience:** The university has prioritized the student experience, leading to a gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) and positive student feedback. * **Research:** Hull is a research-intensive university with a strong focus on innovation and impact.
Click here for full profile 39 (joint). Cardiff Metropolitan University – 10.9% Overview Cardiff Met, our Welsh University of the Year, is benefiting from its home city’s current status as one of the UK’s hottest student destinations. Serving a more local market than its Russell Group neighbour, with more than half of all UK-resident students coming from Wales, a record 12,500 applications were received for courses starting in September 2023. The number admitted was beaten only by the year before. Breaking records is something that comes naturally for this most sporting of universities, which regularly ranks in the top 30 for sport in the UK despite its relatively small size. (There are around 8,500 undergraduates). Its outstanding facilities include a new strength and conditioning suite and the National Indoor Athletics Centre. As well as the two teaching campuses, Cyncoed and Llandaff, there is a third residential campus, Plas Gwyn. The school of education and social policy is based at Cyncoed, to the north-east of the city centre, while the schools of management, technologies and art and design are based at Llandaff. The school of sport and health sciences is split across the two. Cardiff Met was named University of the Year by Times Higher Education in 2021.
This commitment is reflected in its diverse student body, with a significant proportion of students from disadvantaged backgrounds. The university’s commitment to social mobility is further demonstrated by its focus on outreach and engagement activities, particularly in Northern Ireland. These activities aim to inspire and encourage young people from underprivileged communities to pursue higher education.
This milestone signifies a significant step towards the establishment of a new medical school in the region. **Key Points:**
* **Government Funding:** The awarding of 50 government-funded places signifies a substantial investment in the new medical school. * **Regional Impact:** The establishment of a new medical school in the region has the potential to significantly impact the healthcare landscape.
Click here for full profile 42 (joint). Liverpool Hope University – 10.8% Overview The smallest of the three Merseyside universities, Liverpool Hope has seen a 35% rise in applications over the past ten years. Its undergraduate population is under 4,400, and this gives Hope the scope to implement a modern, student-focused approach to university education. Hope believes small teaching groups allied with strong student support services allow it to provide a personal education, ensuring that nobody gets lost in the crowd. Hope scores particularly well for student support in the National Student Survey, with student experience not far behind. The university is constantly evolving its degree portfolio and has recently added 16 new programmes to its roster. A range of courses will be delivered in the university’s new multi-million-pound i3 building which is set to open on its main Hope Park campus this year. The campus sits just four miles from Liverpool’s bustling city centre, where a second base – Hope’s Creative Campus – can be found. Aigburth Park is the university’s purely residential campus and is just a 20-minute bus journey away from the city centre.
The University of Essex was born. The University of Essex has grown significantly since its inception, becoming a leading research university with a strong international reputation. The University of Essex has a diverse student body, with a significant proportion of international students. The university is committed to providing a high-quality education and a supportive learning environment for all students.
Staffordshire University’s Here East campus is a testament to the university’s commitment to innovation and collaboration. It’s a hub for cutting-edge research, attracting top talent from across the globe. Here East is home to a vibrant community of students, researchers, and entrepreneurs, fostering a dynamic and stimulating environment for learning and innovation.
The University of Greenwich is a public university with a strong commitment to research and innovation. It is a member of the Russell Group, a prestigious group of research-intensive universities in the UK. The university has a diverse student body, with students from all over the world.
* **Location:** Situated in the heart of York, close to the historic city centre and York Minster. * **Public Institution:** A publicly funded institution, making it accessible to a wider range of students.
* **Strong Academic Performance:** Northumbria University consistently ranks among the top universities in the UK for student satisfaction and academic performance. * **Focus on Employability:** Northumbria University prioritizes student success in the job market, offering a wide range of career-focused programs and dedicated career services. * **Innovative Research:** Northumbria University is committed to cutting-edge research, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration.
The University of Bradford is a public research university located in Bradford, West Yorkshire, England. It is a member of the Russell Group, a prestigious group of research-intensive universities in the UK. The University of Bradford is known for its strong academic reputation, its commitment to social inclusion, and its focus on research.
Hartpury University is a public university, meaning it is funded by the government. It is a relatively new institution, having been established in 1992. The university’s location in Gloucestershire, a county known for its agricultural heritage, provides a unique advantage. The proximity to the city of Gloucester, with its vibrant cultural scene, also offers students a diverse range of experiences.
Click here for full profile 50. Robert Gordon University – 9.7% Overview For many years, Robert Gordon University (RGU) in Aberdeen has punched well above its weight in terms of graduate employment. It used to be easy to attribute that success to boom times in Oil City, but less so now. These are harder times for the UK oil and gas industry and Aberdeen has had some adjustments to make, but RGU sails on. If you want a university with eminently attainable Higher grade requirements that offers students outstanding career prospects, look no further. Around four in five graduates are in high-skilled jobs within 15 months of leaving, having taken courses that have optional or compulsory placement years that can introduce students to their future employers. Business and industry have input on the design of courses here, and the world of work is never far away from the lecture theatres and laboratories. RGU occupies a modern riverside campus close to the centre of Aberdeen; Garthdee is home to around 10,000 undergraduates and 5,000 postgraduates, as well as 550 graduate apprenticeship learners. The cultural, social and night-time distractions are commensurate with Aberdeen being Scotland’s third largest city. And the surrounding coast and mountains offer endless possibilities for those into the great outdoors.
Click here for full profile 51. Birmingham City University – 9.5% Overview The past two years have seen more applications for places at Birmingham City University (BCU) than ever before. This bustling, uber-urban institution is one of the country’s larger universities, with more than 22,000 undergraduates spread across several sites in central Birmingham. A rolling programme of investment has upgraded many buildings and departments. Over the summer, BCU completed its move to the Alexander Stadium, which hosted the 2022 Commonwealth Games and will now be home to the university’s sports provision. The new facilities are just the latest to benefit BCU students. The City Centre campus, near to the new HS2 station, sits within an Investment Zone, which will pave the way for future developments. The university is home to the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and the School of Jewellery, which is the largest in Europe. With 70% of students coming from the West Midlands – and many of them living at home – the relatively small number of university-owned student rooms (2,746) is not the problem it might be.
* LJMU experienced a significant decline in applications and admissions last year. * The university’s overall size remains substantial. * LJMU is a public university in the UK. * LJMU is a relatively new institution, founded in 1992. * LJMU is located in Liverpool, England.
The University of Hertfordshire is a public university, meaning it is funded by the government and is open to all students regardless of their background. It is a research-intensive university, meaning it places a high value on research and innovation. It is also a teaching-focused university, meaning it prioritizes the quality of its teaching and learning experience for its students.
Click here for full profile 54 (joint). Edinburgh Napier University – 9.2% Overview Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) is one of the most high-achieving and progressive of the modern Scottish universities, achieving both consistently strong rankings in tables such as ours and enduring success in the graduate jobs market for its students. ENU ranks sixth in the UK among modern universities for the proportion of graduates in high-skilled jobs this year, only marginally behind its Russell Group neighbour the University of Edinburgh. Student satisfaction levels captured in the annual National Student Survey remain high, too. When the success of student outcomes is being evaluated, it helps to have hundreds of graduates starting work in our hospitals and schools each year – and Edinburgh Napier has just that. However, the range of courses also spans business, the arts and creative industries, applied sciences, and computing, engineering and the built environment. Split across three campuses, ENU’s 15,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students are based on the west side of the Scottish capital. It recruits primarily from Scotland, with all bar 180 of the 2,860 UK-domiciled recruits in September 2023 coming from north of the border.
The University of Sussex is a member of the Russell Group, a prestigious group of research-intensive universities. The University of Sussex is also a member of the Athena SWAN charter, which promotes gender equality in higher education. The University of Sussex is a large and diverse institution with a strong commitment to social responsibility. It has a wide range of academic departments and research centers, offering a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
The university also provides a range of support services, including career guidance, mental health support, and disability support. ## Student Support at Sheffield Hallam University
Sheffield Hallam University (SHU) prioritizes student well-being and offers a comprehensive range of support services to ensure students’ academic, personal, and professional success. **1.
The University of Worthing has a strong reputation for its teaching and research, particularly in the fields of engineering, business, and the humanities. **Key Features:**
* **Location:** Split between Gloucester and Cheltenham, offering a diverse and vibrant environment. * **Reputation:** Strong reputation for teaching and research, particularly in engineering, business, and the humanities. * **Facilities:** Well-equipped facilities, including state-of-the-art laboratories and research centers.
* **Strong Research Focus:** Brunel is renowned for its research excellence, particularly in engineering and technology. * **Industry Partnerships:** The university actively engages with industry partners to provide students with real-world experience and career opportunities. * **Global Reputation:** Brunel’s international reputation is growing, reflected in its rising QS World University Rankings position.
Click here for full profile 59 (joint). SOAS University of London – 8.9% Overview Soas markets itself as ‘the world’s university’ owing to a unique perspective on higher education – a perspective that is much in demand presently, judging by the buoyant application figures and record recruitment last year. Everything here is viewed through the prism of Africa, Asia and the Middle East – strategically, economically and politically important, and hugely populous, parts of the world. It drills down in great detail into subjects that struggle to get a look in elsewhere. Where else would it be possible to spend a year abroad studying Swahili, Turkish, Hebrew, Persian, Arabic, Hindi, Urdu, Sanskrit, Indonesian or Vietnamese as part of a broader BA in languages and cultures? The titles of many of its degree programmes are similar to those offered elsewhere in the University of London and across the UK, but the content is not. Law has options in Islamic law and law and society in south Asia, as well as unique options such as oceans and outer space law, and topical ones such as asylum and immigration law. The course portfolio appeals to a diverse, cosmopolitan student population, with around three-quarters drawn from ethnic minorities and a similar number recruited from within the capital.
The university is also taking steps to reduce its overall carbon footprint. These include investing in renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, and implementing energy-efficient practices. UWE is committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2030. The university’s sustainability initiatives are not limited to its physical footprint. UWE is also actively involved in promoting sustainability within the wider community.
* **Outstanding Facilities:** Leeds Beckett has made significant investments in recent years to create exceptional learning and living environments for students. * **High-Quality Teaching:** The university consistently receives high praise for its teaching quality, ranking highly in national surveys. * **Student Satisfaction:** Students consistently report high levels of satisfaction with their learning experience, particularly in areas like teaching and support services.
* **Coastal Location:** Bournemouth is a coastal town, offering students a vibrant and dynamic environment. * **Strong Graduate Employment:** Bournemouth University consistently ranks among the top 20 modern universities for the proportion of graduates securing high-skilled employment. * **High Student Satisfaction:** Bournemouth University consistently ranks high in student satisfaction surveys.
The university is known for its strong academic reputation, particularly in areas like business, engineering, and the arts. It boasts a diverse student body, with a significant proportion of international students. **Academic Excellence**
* **High-quality teaching:** Manchester Met is committed to providing high-quality teaching and learning experiences for all students.
* **Specialist Arts and Design:** The university is dedicated to the arts and design, offering a wide range of courses in various disciplines. * **Real-World Focus:** Courses emphasize practical skills and industry-relevant knowledge, preparing students for careers in the creative industries. * **Creativity and Innovation:** The university fosters a culture of creativity and innovation, encouraging students to explore new ideas and develop their artistic talents.
* The West Downs Centre is a sustainable development that acts as a gateway to both the city of Winchester and the University of Winchester. * The centre has been open for four years and has seen the highest number of applications in the University of Winchester’s history. * The West Downs Centre is home to the faculty of business and digital technologies.
GCU is a large, diverse, and vibrant university with a strong commitment to social justice and sustainability. It is a public university, meaning it is funded by the Scottish Government and is open to all students regardless of their background. GCU’s commitment to social justice and sustainability is evident in its numerous initiatives and programs.
Heriot-Watt University is a public university located in Edinburgh, Scotland. It is a member of the Russell Group, a prestigious group of research-intensive universities in the UK. Heriot-Watt University is a highly regarded institution with a strong reputation for academic excellence, research, and innovation.
This is a significant milestone for Bangor University, marking a new chapter in its history. The North Wales Medical School is a collaboration between Bangor University and the University of Wales Trinity Saint David. This partnership allows for the training of future doctors in a unique and innovative way.
Click here for full profile 68 (joint). Edge Hill University – 8.4% Overview The latest piece of the jigsaw that has seen the creation of an ultra-modern, spacious, attractive campus at Edge Hill University (EHU) in Lancashire falls into place this month with the opening of a swathe of new facilities. But EHU has been making waves for some time now. It is one of eight modern universities – those gaining their university title since 1992 – to have its own medical school, which is the cherry on the cake of an extensive and respected suite of healthcare courses. It has one of the strongest records of widening access to higher education and is not afraid to stand out from the crowd by keeping prices low on campus for all rather than offering eye-catching bursaries to help the most impoverished few. The former Times Higher Education University of the Year began life as a teacher-training college. It is the biggest supplier of newly-qualified teachers in the region today and was the first provider in England to be rated outstanding by Ofsted across all three age ranges (primary, secondary and further education) under the new tougher assessments. It also supplies a large number of graduates to other areas of the public sector, notably health and social care and policing.
A. Manchester University: Diversity and Growth
B.
* The University of Manchester has seen record applications and admissions in recent years. * The university is the most diverse among the three universities in the area. * The university has a large student population, with a significant number of ethnic minority and mature students.
The University of Chester is committed to widening access to higher education and has a strong track record of supporting students from disadvantaged backgrounds. ## Widening Access and Participation
The University of Chester has a strong commitment to widening access and participation in higher education. This commitment is reflected in its strategic plan, which outlines specific goals and initiatives aimed at increasing the number of students from underrepresented groups.
## Plymouth University’s Healthcare Education: A Comprehensive Overview
Plymouth University stands out in the healthcare education landscape, boasting a unique blend of academic excellence and practical experience. This comprehensive overview delves into the university’s strengths, highlighting its commitment to providing high-quality healthcare education and its innovative approach to expanding access to these professions. **A Legacy of Excellence:**
Plymouth University’s healthcare education program boasts a rich history and a strong reputation.
Click here for full profile 73 (joint). Kingston University – 7.8% Overview Based in south-west London, Kingston University has seen a nearly 50% rise in applications since 2019. With its campuses, halls, facilities and course portfolio constantly evolving, the university is successfully attracting a significant number of prospective students. More than half of the student body is made up of first-generation students and an even greater proportion hail from ethnic minority backgrounds – both traditionally under-represented on campus. A modern university in all senses of the word, Kingston targets these groups throughout their earlier years of education and then provides ongoing support once they enrol, with dedicated careers programmes for ethnic minority students, for example. The system works – Kingston was awarded a coveted triple gold in last year’s Teaching Excellence Framework, covering an overall rating, student experience and student outcomes. The university’s main Penrhyn Road campus is undergoing refurbishment, with work expected to finish in mid-2025, and there has been a cool £55m investment in halls of residence to provide 1,330 energy efficient, state-of-the-art bedrooms. The university attracts primarily local students from surrounding London boroughs, with the South East region more widely also well-represented.
This is a big change, and it’s something that sets them apart from other universities. **This flexible approach to placements is being promoted as a major advantage for students, especially for those seeking careers in fields like engineering, design, and business. These fields often require practical experience before graduation.
* **Small Class Sizes:** QMU prides itself on its small class sizes, with an average of 20 students per class. This allows for more personalized attention from professors and a more interactive learning environment. * **Modern Campus:** The university’s modern campus, opened just 17 years ago, provides a vibrant and stimulating learning environment.
Now, the university has climbed the rankings, achieving a 7.5% increase in student satisfaction over the past year. This impressive rise in student satisfaction is attributed to a number of factors, including a focus on student experience, a commitment to research, and a strong sense of community. **Student Experience:** Aberystwyth University has made significant strides in enhancing the student experience.
* **High Graduate Employment Rate:** OBU boasts a remarkable 77% graduate employment rate, placing it among the top universities in the UK for this metric. * **GPA System:** OBU was the first UK university to introduce the GPA system, which is now widely used internationally. * **International Currency:** The GPA system allows for easy comparison of student performance across different universities globally.
