The University of Northampton’s mission to transform lives and inspire change seeks to ensure your time at the University is fulfilling, satisfying and enjoyable. Northampton University courses are taught on a brand new campus and the University actively focuses on making sure you have all the support you need at this important stage of your life. Face-to-face teaching is enhanced by the latest developments in technology to give students flexibility in the way they learn. In addition, Northampton has a unique commitment to social impact, supporting staff and students to have a positive effect on the world. Courses and extracurricular activities are designed to promote the idea that everybody has the power to make a positive impact on society – small changes that add up to make the world a better place.

The new campus – Waterside – is located just a few minutes walk from Northampton town centre. It is purpose-built, designed to deliver a new personalised experience of teaching and learning, plus excellent opportunities to develop academic knowledge and life skills. Teaching is based on seminars or tutorials, encouraging closer interaction between students and academic staff, with more opportunities to ask questions, exchange ideas, develop teamwork and receive detailed feedback.

The University of Northampton’s acceptance rate is 20%, and its courses, including placement opportunities, will set you up for a rich and fulfilling career. A key University of Northampton ranking includes being named one of the world’s top 30 Higher Education institutions (HEIs) for tackling inequality in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings.

REF 2021 results show the University of Northampton has made significant progress in building and developing its research base, with the total percentage of research outputs to be ‘world-leading’ (4*) and ‘internationally excellent’ (3*) rising from 30.7 per cent in 2014 to 41.7 per cent this year. The University submitted research from more staff and more subject areas – known as units of assessment.

The University of Hertfordshire is a modern university based largely in Hatfield, in the county of Hertfordshire, about 35km north of London. Described as “the UK’s leading business-facing university”, Hertfordshire has more than 25,000 students enrolled from nearly 90 different countries.

The University is ranked 83rd in the Times University Guide 2025 and 75th in the Guardian University Guide 2025.

The University of Hertfordshire won the Guardian University Award for Student Experience in 2015, while 95.2% of University students are in work or further study six months after graduating.

The University has many close links with industry, and every British Formula One team has at least one Hertfordshire graduate. Degrees in healthcare science and the pioneering paramedic science BSc make Hertfordshire a preferred provider for the NHS in the east of England and the Universities Careers and Placements Service offers graduates lifelong support on employment and career development.

The University of Hertfordshire continues to be one of the top 100 universities in the world under 50 years old and is currently 71st among post-1964 UK universities. In the latest Research Excellence Framework, 90% of submitted research was judged to be of international quality, while History was rated first in the UK in terms of impact. 57% of Hertfordshire’s submitted research was judged to be of world-leading and internationally excellent quality across all 12 units.

The University of Hertfordshire made one of the biggest jumps in research impact results across the higher education sector, according to the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021). Results show that the University now ranks in the top 25% nationally at 32nd, the highest position for a post-92 university, and a huge rise of 61 places compared to the previous REF in 2014, the biggest rise of any university.

The University of South Wales (Welsh: Prifysgol De Cymru) is a public university in Wales, with campuses in Cardiff, Newport and Pontypridd. It was formed on 11 April 2013 from the merger of the University of Glamorgan and the University of Wales, Newport. The university is the second largest university in Wales in terms of its student numbers, and offers around 500 undergraduate and postgraduate courses. The university has three main faculties across its campuses in South Wales.

Shortlisted for University of the Year by the Times Higher Education (THE) Awards 2023. Top in Wales for Computer Science and Information Systems, and Marketing and Public Relations (Guardian University Guide 2024). Named Cyber University of the Year for the last four years running (National Cyber Awards 2019-2022)

Hands on for a head start

USW has a unique approach to teaching through hands-on experience and partnerships with industry leaders. It prepares you for your chosen profession, and helps you become part of it before you graduate. Most courses also provide professional accreditations, giving graduates an additional competitive advantage. It’s why 95% of USW graduates are in full time work or further study within six months.

One university, three locations

USW has campuses in and around Cardiff, the capital city of Wales. Students can experience the diversity that south Wales has to offer – the buzz of the cities, the beauty of the coast, and the calm of the countryside. Every campus is open to you and whichever campus hosts your course, you’re welcome to explore all their locations and beyond. 

Classrooms reimagined

At USW, you can gain the skills you need in environments that recreate the workplace. From equipment to software to professional practice, you can build your confidence on campus and be ready for the real world. An on-campus aircraft hangar, hospital ward, scenes of crimes house, music recording studios and international-standard sports facilities are just a few examples of their approach.

UWE Bristol is one of the UK’s largest universities with over 30,000 students studying in Bristol or at our overseas partner universities. As an ambitious, supportive university, UWE Bristol work with their industry partners to identify skills shortages, and develop courses that meet industry needs and provide fantastic career opportunities for their students. And the results speak for themselves – UWE Bristol is ranked the 24th in the UK according to Guardian University Guide 2023, ranks 116th in Times Higher Education (THE) Young University World Rankings 2023, 2nd in Education courses (2021), 7th in Architecture (2023), 14th in Graphic Design (2023), 22nd in Fine Art (2023), and 36th in Electronic & Electrical courses (2023) in the Guardian University Guide. Plus, it ranks 6th in Building courses in the Complete University Guide 2023.

Nestled in one of the UK’s most prosperous and vibrant cities, UWE Bristol is a hub of academic excellence, hosting a diverse body of students from 166 countries. The university’s campus life goes beyond the norm, delivering an exceptional student experience that has earned it a ‘Gold’ rating. More than half of UWE’s courses come with professional body recognition, while 76% of its research is acknowledged for its significant impact.

The university’s three primary faculties – Arts, Technology and Environment; Business and Law; and Health, Science and Society- testify to its comprehensive educational offerings. UWE’s practice-led teaching is designed to arm graduates with the skills needed to thrive globally, contributing to their impressive employability outcomes.

UWE Bristol distinguishes itself with initiatives like the University Enterprise Zone, the Distinguished Address Series featuring external experts, international talent programs, and practical work opportunities. These, combined with robust academic, career guidance, and pastoral care, underscore the university’s commitment to student and staff welfare.

UWE Bristol fosters a culturally rich and supportive atmosphere by embracing equity, diversity, and inclusivity. Its outstanding commitment to sustainability is integral to its 2030 Strategy, which aims to confront climate and ecological challenges while aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

The University of Huddersfield is made up of a diverse community of almost 20,000 people from all walks of life. The University is right at the heart of a vibrant town centre, and its work has been proven to make a difference within the UK and around the world. A close-knit and friendly campus welcomes people from around the world, where award-winning academics work with students at all levels of study to ensure they are well-prepared for the world of work and highly sought after as graduates.

Excellence 

Students at Huddersfield can learn from the best to help them be the best:

The University of Huddersfield was awarded an outstanding Gold rating in all three aspects of the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023. It was the only university in Yorkshire and the Humber and the North West to achieve Gold ratings in all three aspects of the TEF among those announced in September 2023.

The apprenticeship provision at the University of Huddersfield has been graded as OUTSTANDING. This is the highest possible grade that Ofsted can award, and Huddersfield is only the second university to be awarded Ofsted’s outstanding rating for its apprenticeship provision in the last four years.

Huddersfield’s global stature is growing, as it was  ranked top in the UK in the global Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2024, a ranking that lists the world’s best universities 50 years old and younger.

Its staff rank in the top three in England for the proportion who hold doctorates, who have higher degrees, and hold teaching qualifications (HESA 2024).

It is joint first in the country for National Teaching Fellowships, which mark the UK’s best lecturers in Higher Education, winning a total of 23 since 2008 (2024 data).

Its extensive Distance Learning provision enables students from anywhere in the world to benefit from the same high standards of teaching as its on-campus students, as all its distance learning courses are delivered by academics from the University of Huddersfield.

Impact

The University of Huddersfield is ranked 2nd highest in the world for Reduced Inequalities in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings for 2024. This reflects the University’s active commitment to widening opportunities for students from all backgrounds.

Three quarters of our research was classed as world leading and internationally excellent in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF) including world-leading research groups in Biomedical Sciences, Engineering and Physical Sciences, Social Sciences, and Arts and Humanities.

The University is also a major employer within the region, contributing £300m annually to the local economy. Furthermore, over £230m has been invested into the development of our campus since 2008, ensuring its students will be taught in state-of-the-art facilities.

The school has a ten-point plan for the planet and will plant one tree for every student that enrols, meaning students will be helping a sustainable institution protect the environment.

Outcomes

Huddersfield will focus on preparing students for life after study by developing skills to get students noticed as a highly sought-after graduate:

95% of its undergraduate and 97% of our postgraduate students go on to work or further study within fifteen months of graduating (HESA Graduate Outcomes 2021/22, UK domiciled, other activities excluded).

Its postgraduates have an average salary of £36,100 fifteen months after graduating (HESA Graduate Outcomes 2021/22, UK domiciled, full-time UK employment).

The University has a growing reputation as a leader in the field of enterprise, with three prestigious Queen’s Awards for Enterprise won since 2013 – two for Enterprise: International Trade (2013 and 2022) and one for Enterprise Promotion (Professor Liz Andrews).

100% of its undergraduate students have the opportunity to undertake professional work experience during their studies.