The University of Wolverhampton

Located in the centre of the West Midlands, the University of Wolverhampton is spread across four campuses, a health centre and a science park. The university plays a vital role in regional economic and cultural development and is one of the largest employers in the region.

 

Background and History

Wolverhampton has been an institution for learning for over 150 years. Established in the 19^th century, Wolverhampton initially developed classes in technical, scientific and commercial studies, as well as courses in coach building and pattern making, before becoming a polytechnic in 1969 and receiving university status in 1992. Today, the University of Wolverhampton has more than 21,000 students, is one of the top gay-friendly universities in the UK and teaches its curriculum in four continents around the globe.

Location and Accessibility

Road: The easiest way to reach Wolverhampton is via the M6. Leave the M6 at Junction 10 and join the A454 (Black Country Route). Stay on the A454 until joining the Ring Road and then follow signs for the university.

Parking by the main reception at Wulfruna Street can be difficult, but there are a number of pay parking sites that are walking distance from the university. The Civic Centre car park and long-term car park off Whitmore/Broad Street are the closest to the main reception.

Rail: Wolverhampton railway station appears on most intercity routes. On arrival at Wolverhampton, the university is just a short walk away.

The university's Disability Advisors and Enabling Technology Team advises all students with specific requirements to note them on their UCAS application form. This enables the Pre-Entry Team to assess each student and organise any relative support concerning advice, equipment, funding and accommodation.

What's on Offer

BA, BSc, BEng, MSc, MA, MEd, MEng, LLM, MPhil, MRes, DPhil, EngD, DClinPsych, PhD.

Entry Requirements

Wolverhampton uses the UCAS tariff as a basis for degree applications, acknowledging A-Levels, Scottish Highers and equivalent. In addition, the university places importance on personal/work experience, achievements, references, interviews and related assessments.

University Accommodation

Wolverhampton offers over 2,000 rooms across all four of its campuses. Rooms range from an economy room on City campus to an en-suite room in Walsall Student Village.All costs are inclusive of basic contents insurance, wireless internet access, laundry facilities, electricity and water.

Private Accommodation

The university works in partnership with the Midland Landlord Accreditation Scheme to ensure that private rented accommodation meets minimum standards for students. The University Accommodation Services, now run by the Wolverhampton Students' Union, advertises all approved private shared accommodation through the Wolverhampton Studentpad. Most private rent costs are exclusive of utility bills.

Faculties and Departments

The University of Wolverhampton is divided into eight different schools: the School of Applied Sciences, the School of Art Design, the School of Education, the School of Health and Well Being, theSchool of Law, Social Sciences and Communications, the School of Sport, Performing Arts and Leisure, the School of Technology and the University of Wolverhampton Business School.

Academic Strengths and Research Profile

Standing by its motto knowledge, innovation, enterprise' and with over 150 years of experience, the university is now a global provider of entrepreneurial education. Wolverhampton's research delves into such varied subjects as brain tumours, pharmaceutical overdose and shopping habits in the 19^th century. In the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise, Wolverhampton's efforts were recognised with a £2 million investment.  

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees vary depending on the course of study and whether you wish to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level. Fees for international students are likely to be considerably higher than those for UK/EU students. For further information it is advisable to contact the university directly or visit their website.  

Financial Support

Wolverhampton offers students a range of scholarship opportunities, including the Student Achievement Scholarship and Sports Achievement Scholarship. The university also offers a Prompt Payment Discount Scheme to international students who, by paying more than £3,000 towards their tuition before a specified date, can reduce their payable fees by 10 per cent.

Academic Facilities

Nearly £115m has been invested into Wolverhampton's campus development, providing staff and students with a high quality network of support. Wolverhampton's IT facilities stretch across the university with around 2,500 work stations in computer labs, Learning Centres and Social Learning Spaces. The university also hosts one of the largest wireless networks in UK higher education. Wolverhampton's Learning Centres act as traditional libraries while providing access to a wide range of other materials, including subject-specific collections of books, journals, DVDs and CDs, learning technology support, over 8,000 full text electronic journals and 100 databases. Students are also welcome to borrow laptops and sign up for study skills support.  

Other on-site Amenities

Besides advanced, modern teaching facilities such as its 300-seat lecture theatre, Wolverhampton's City Campus sports a food court and Social Learning Space. Within the Social Learning Space, students can grab a sandwich or coffee from the bar and then take a seat in front of one of the computers or comfy reading chairs. City's Technology Centre also holds 500 PCs for staff and students to use for work or play. The multi-million pound Walsall Sports Centre has all manner of facilities in its highly equipped sport laboratories. Students can take their pick from the 12-court sports hall, six-lane, floodlit athletics track, throws and jumps area, a dance studio, swimming pool and all-weather floodlit pitch. Every year, the university celebrates Fairtrade Fortnight with activities and events across its campuses, including football festivals, charity quizzes and global awareness stalls.  

Medical and Social Care

The Wolverhampton Students' Union is committed to representing the student community at the university. The Union helps students get involved with social and sports opportunities, as well as volunteering and finding career prospects. The SU also organises welfare campaigns runs the Activities Centre, Coffee Lounge and Juice Bar. Based at City Campus, the university's Chaplaincy Centre offers friendly advice and spiritual direction to people of all faiths and beliefs. The centre helps students meet up with like-minded individuals by organising social activities and peaceful practice and provides a prayer room.

 

What's on in the Area

Considered the UK's second happiest city after Bristol, Wolverhampton receives around 25,000 visitors every weekend. With an abundance of real ale pubs, wine bars and live music venues, nightlife in Wolverhampton is positively buzzing. Pop into The Posada for a few swift pints of proper beer before heading off to either the Civic or Wulfrun Halls, where you can catch live sets from some of today's greatest music artists and comedians. Previous acts at the halls include Foo Fighters, Gogol Bordello and Modest Mouse. Check out Wolverhampton's tourist information website for more information.

 

Moving On

Wolverhampton is proud of its reputation for graduate employability. The university adapts its courses to focus students on real-world competitions and projects and many courses offer year long work experience to prepare graduates for industry life. The university Careers and Employment Centre provides assistance in many areas, including interview and CV preparation, finding part-time work, volunteer opportunities and advertising the latest graduate vacancies.

Wolverhampton's honorary graduates include BBC broadcaster Peter Hobday, illustrator David McKean and graffiti artist Clifford Goldie' Price. Wolverhampton's Walsall Campus Sports Centre was one of the training grounds for London 2012. Wolverhampton is the second highest university in the UK for Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, a measure of support for business.

Is the University of Wolverhampton the place for you?

Come to Wolverhampton if you want to live in one of the friendliest cities in the UK and build your abilities for future career opportunities. Avoid if you're looking for a bigger city experience. Why not try Birmingham City University?