University of Suffolk

HISTORY

The University of Suffolk opened in 2007 and is one of the newest Higher Education institutions in the UK. Originally known as University Campus Suffolk.

The University of Suffolk was granted Taught Degree Awarding Powers by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education in November 2015, and in May 2016 it was awarded University status by the Privy Council. As a consequence of this, UCS was renamed The University of Suffolk on 1 August 2016.

Up until it became independent it was a collaboration between the University of Essex and the University of East Anglia which sponsored its formation and validated its degrees. UOS accepted its first students in September 2007. Until then Suffolk was one of only four counties in England which did not have a University campus.

In 2003, Suffolk County Council established a “stakeholder group” made up of representatives from the University of East Anglia, the University of Essex, Suffolk College, the East of England Development Agency, the Higher Education Funding Council for England, Suffolk Learning and Skills Council, Suffolk County Council, Ipswich Borough Council, Suffolk Chief Executive’s Group and the Suffolk Development Agency. The aim of the group was to investigate the possibility of establishing a university in the county.

The University was granted taught degree awarding powers by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education in November 2015, and in May 2016 it was awarded University status by the Privy Council. As a consequence of this, UCS was renamed The University of Suffolk in August 2016.

COURSES

The University’s teaching is split into two faculties:

• Arts, Business and Applied Social Sciences
• Health and Science

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Individual entry requirements will vary according to the course the students have chosen.

Typical entry requirements (UCAS points) are foundation degrees 200, honours degrees 280.

In order to ensure that applicants applying for Honours and Foundation degrees have sufficient depth of knowledge and understanding, they are normally required to have studied at least two subjects to A Level standard or equivalent, together with three GCSEs grade C or above.

Please note that many courses require a grade C or above in English and Maths.

ACADEMIC STRENGTHS

Two faculties, which are supported by academic departments: Applied Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities, Suffolk Business School, Nursing and Midwifery, Health and Science and Technology.

The expertise within the Departments is complemented by more than 50 Visiting Professors and Senior Fellows who contribute to research, enterprise and teaching and learning within their specialised fields.

Academics maintain strong working relationships with key employers and leading industry figures to actively promote student career aspirations and potential research and knowledge transfer.

TEACHING STANDARDS

In 2014 the overall NSS satisfaction rating at UCS was 83%.

Their courses to score 100% overall satisfaction include Business Management, Nutrition and Human Health, Sport and Exercise Science and Person-Centred Counselling.

History has achieved an average of 99% overall student satisfaction over the past four years.

In July 2014 Psychology was awarded accreditation by the British Psychological Society.

CAREERS GUIDANCE

The University of Suffolk achieved an employability rating of 92% in the Destination of Leavers from Higher Education (DHLE) Survey 2014 and ranks UCS in the top third of UK higher education institutions.

The Careers and Employability Service provides support for students with one to one careers advice and guidance, including workshops in writing CVs and applications, successful interview techniques and networking and communication skills. The service also includes access to an online JobShop advertising the latest opportunities.

They engage with a range of local, national and international employers in order to provide guidance, advice and internships for students with potential employers.

This support continues for three years after graduation, offering full access to all of these services.