The University of Worcester

Situated over two campuses around the city, and with specialist arts and sports facilities, the University of Worcester is the fastest growing university in the UK and the only higher education institute in Herefordshire and Worcestershire.  

Background and History

Ever since its inception in 1946, Worcester has moved from strength to strength. In everything from teaching quality to annual student admittance, the university has developed and invested money, more than doubling student numbers in the process. Committed to social learning and community involvement, Worcester was given university status in 2005. In 2010, the university received research degree-awarding powers and completed the renovation of its brand new City campus.  

Location and Accessibility

Road: The quickest route to the University of Worcester is via the M5. Exit the M5 at Junction 7 and follow the A44 (London Road) towards Worcester city. Alternatively, you can take the A38 (Bath Road) north until joining with the A44 (London Road) towards Worcester. At the A449/A44 roundabout, take the A44 (Tybridge Street) and then join the A443 (Hytton Road). Follow until Hytton Road turns into Henwick Road and the university will appear on your left.

Rail: Worcester Foregate Street is the best railway station to arrive at when visiting either of Worcester's campuses. From Worcester Foregate Street, St. John's campus is a 25-minute walk away or a five-minute taxi ride. City campus, meanwhile, is just a five-minute walk from the station.

Complete with a team of fully trained staff, the Disability Dyslexia Service strives to make every student's university experience as successful as possible. Students with specific needs are advised to visit the service for an assessment. From this, the team can prepare any necessary support and distribute advice on everything from Disability Students Allowance to accommodation and facilities.

What's on Offer

BA, BSc, Foundation, Diploma, MA, MSc, MBA, MPhil, PhD

Entry Requirements

Admission to degree programmes at the University of Worcester is based on academic merit, relevant experience and previous employment, as well as individual assessments. Acceptable qualifications include A-Levels, Scottish Highers, BTEC Nationals and equivalent.

University Accommodation

Worcester offers students 1,000 rooms across its halls of residence, 358 of which were built in 2009. Rooms vary from traditional ones with a shared bathroom to more luxurious en-suite rooms.Free gym membership is included in the price and all students are allowed to apply, regardless of where they live.

Private Accommodation

There are plenty of private shared accommodation options around Worcester. The university's Accommodation Team works closely with landlords and Worcester City Council to find the best private options that meet university standards. The team advertises all private accommodations via its Studentpad.

Faculties and Departments

The University of Worcester is split into six different schools and institutes: The Institute of Education, Institute of Health and Society, Institute of Humanities and Creative Arts, Institute Science and the Environment, Institute of Sport and Exercise Science and Worcester Business School.

Academic Strengths and Research Profile

Research is essential to Worcester's overall mission as a university. The university has a strong focus on applied research, which has significant potential for the lives of teachers, health professionals, coaches, managers and artists.

Tuition fees

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

Financial Support

Worcester offers a number of scholarships to students, including AAB Scholarships, Choral Scholarships and Scholarships for International Students. The university also provides a National Scholarship Programme for students experiencing financial hardship.

Academic Facilities

Thanks to Worcester's recent £100m investment programme, the university has many improved facilities to offer prospective students, including the newly built Worcester Business School on City campus. The university's department of Information and Learning Services (ILS) provides IT facilities on both of Worcester's campuses. Staff and students are welcome to use PC workstations, printing facilities and the university's wireless connection, which is available across campus. Worcester ILS also has a library service that gives students access to thousands of books, journals, recordings and electronic media. Linked with Worcester's new Digital Arts Centre, the university Drama Studio is fully equipped with a multi-purpose space and flexible rig seating for more than 100 people. The studio also sports its own Green Room, Costume, Dressing Rooms, Properties Stores and Scene Dock.  

Other on-site Amenities

Worcester has an impressive range of sports facilities, including two cricket nets, a netball court, air conditioned aerobics and weight training facilities, three volleyball courts and a floodlit, full size football pitch. Run by the Students' Union, the Campus Shop stocks everything from stationery and lunchtime snacks to coffee, clothing and a whole range of fairtrade products. The university also provides music rehearsal rooms, a Waterstones bookshop and an in-house, Ofsted-accredited nursery, open throughout the year.

Medical and Social Care

There is no doctor's surgery on campus, though the closest one is a short walk from St. John's campus. A chaplaincy is available on site for people of all faiths and beliefs. The Students' Union, who won silver at the 2010 Sound Environmental Impact Awards, does a great deal of work for its student population. Besides the many sports teams and social clubs, the Union organises media communications, promotes the welfare interests of students, advertises volunteer opportunities and runs the university bar and coffee house.

 

What's on in the Area

With its rich history and cultural heritage, Worcester has plenty to see and do. Worcester receives tourists throughout the year, paying visits to all corners of the city, including Worcester Woods Country Park, the Pump House Environment Centre and Worcester Porcelain Museum. If it's food and drink you're looking for, why not stop for tea and cakes at the Greyfriars House and Garden, a timber-framed, old merchant's house, before moving off to the Old Chequers Inn, a 400-year old village pub serving real ales and locally sourced food. Later, head into town and catch a live band or comedy act at Marrs Bar or Huntingdon Hall.

 

Moving On

Worcester is committed to making sure its graduates have the right tools for success when going into the world of work. The university Careers Resource Centre offers students a range of information regarding employers, postgraduate study and job opportunities and gives guidance through careers workshops and consultancies.

Worcester honorary graduates include Aston Villa hero Dennis Mortimer and award-winning novelist David Mitchell. Worcester student, Neelam Rose, received an award from the House of Lords for her achievements working with the United Nations and Universal Peace Foundation. Worcester recently opened Europe's first joint university and public library.

Is the University of Worcester the place for you?

Come to Worcester if you want to escape the big city smog, study at one of the UK's fastest growing institutions and be surrounded by the beautiful countryside of Worcestershire and Herefordshire. Avoid if you're looking for a bigger university with a longer teaching record. Why not try the University of Gloucestershire?