University of Northampton

• Year of foundation: 1924 (foundation of the Northampton Technical College), 1975 (foundation of the college of higher education "Nene"), 2005 (university status)
• Location: Northampton, Northamptonshire, UK
• Age: From 16 years old
• Language of instruction: English
• Type of Institution: State University
• Number of students: approx. 14,000
• Teachers and staff: approx. 1000
• Accommodation: Halls of residence for 2500+ students

University of Northampton is one of the best modern universities in the UK and is leading the way in adding value to society through their commitment to social impact. They have won multiple awards for their work in this area, among others, but what matters the most to the University is ensuring that their students and graduates have the opportunity to make their mark on the World too. That’s why they were UON was first university in the UK to be named as a Changemaker Campus in 2012.

University of Northampton is a leading institution for Teaching Excellence (Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)) and Social Entrepreneurship and have achieved over 95% graduate employability in the past 10 years.

Students are offered over 400 bachelor's programs and over 50 master's programs. All programmes are carefully designed and have a clear focus on practical activities, the skills of mastering which significantly help graduates in their first steps after employment. University’s industry partners such as NHS, Silverstone, Coca Cola, Dr Martins, Avon, Burberry, Mulberry, Clarks, Church’s, Louis Vuitton, Radley, Ralph Lauren, Ted Baker, Aston Martin, Rolls Royce, AMG Mercedes, Cosworth, Microsoft, Sony, Santander, Walt Disney, Penguin Random House, Barclaycard to name a few provide great placements, internships and live project work opportunities to its students to experience the field students styding in before they graduate. 

University has a dedicated employment agency (UniTemps) to help students find part-time and vacation work on- and off-campus, delivering valuable work experience and income to support living costs.

Only an hour from London, University has recently opened a brand new 330 million £ town-centre campus which is designed to provide you with the learning experience and opportunities only a modern university can give. They offer generous international scholarships, great value for money, exciting, industry-relevant courses and excellent, passionate lecturers who will privide you with a dedicated comprehensive support throughout your university journey.

The university has the following faculties:

1. Faculty of Health, Education and Society

The faculty is not only concerned with the education of students, its goal is also to improve the health and well-being of the inhabitants of Northamptonshire. For this, innovative interdisciplinary research, various methods in education and entrepreneurship are applied. The faculty combines traditional health disciplines with courses such as biochemistry, business, computer science, which makes possible a holistic examination of the problems and tasks facing future specialists. The faculty has close ties with state authorities, medical and charitable organizations, local state hospitals and schools.

The faculty operates 4 research centres:

• Centre for Education and Research
• Centre for Health Sciences and Services
• Centre for Physical Activity and Life Sciences (PALS)
• UON Dementia Research and Innovation Centre (NDRIC)

2.  Faculty of Business and Law

The faculty is today one of the leading business schools in Britain and was shortlisted in the ‘Business School of the Year’ category of the Times Higher Education (THE) Awards three years in a row. Employees and students have close ties with the local population, helping them in solving various issues (for this purpose, a special consulting clinic operates). The faculty has the following research centres:

• Centre of Excellence in Logistics and Supply
• Centre for Sustainable Business Practices
• Centre of China and emerging economies

3. Faculty of Arts, Science and Technology

In recent years, the city of Northampton has confidently won an international reputation in the field of automotive and high-performance technologies. The Faculty of Arts, Science and Technology unites the creative and experimental spirit of this city, combining art, creative, engineering and computing disciplines in a dynamic and stimulating environment. Graduates are highly appreciated by employers and many students receive job offers even before they receive a diploma. At the faculty there are research groups:

• Environmental Research Group
• Scientific and technical research in the field of pedagogy
• Research group "Advanced Technologies"
• Institute of Creative Leather Processing Technologies.

What programs are offered?

• Pre-university courses

1. International Foundation - offered through Navitas pathway college UNIC (University of Northampton International college)

UNIC is approved to deliver the 9 Stage 1 Foundation pathway options which are recognized for progression onto specific University of Northampton baсhelor degrees. These options are:

• Accounting and Finance
• Business and Entrepreneurship
• Business Computing
• Engineering
• Fashion and Footwear
• Law and International Relations
• Leather Technology
• Marketing and Advertising
• Science and Healthcare

      2. Pre-Masters programmes – offered through Navitas pathway college UNIC (University of Northampton International college)

UNIC is approved to deliver the following Pre-Master’s programmes to the students who don’t meet the entry criteria for the direct entry onto the University’s Masters degrees.

• Accounting and Finance
• Business and Management
• Computing
• Education
• Health and Social Sciences
• Law and International Relations
• Leather Technology
• Logistics
• MBA
• Tourism

University courses

1. Bachelor's programmes: over 400 including a large variety of combined honours

2. Master's programs : 55, including 17 two-year Master courses with one-year industry placement.

3. English language programs (Pre-sessional English) – from 4 to 39 weeks duration – delivered by the University of Northampton English department.

Northampton is located in the heart of England just 1 hour from Central London by train. Birmingham, Oxford, Cambridge, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwick are also within 40 min to an hour radius so a perfect location close to many main UK attractions and within and easy reach of 5 main international airports and with excellent road and rail links to all parts of the UK and Europe.

Northampton is a charming historic medieval town dating back to 9th century, surrounded by one of the most beautiful countryside in England. Historically, Northamptonshire has played a major part in the cultural, political and economic development of England. It is now a home to more stately homes than any other County.

One of the most famous stately home in the country, Althorpe - stately home to princess Diana’s (Spencer) family for almost 500 years, and is her final resting place - is located only a few miles away from the centre of Northampton.

Last year UON have opened a brand new 330 m £ campus, in a prime town centre location on the banks of the River Nene just a short walk from the town’s Cultural Quarter, central bus and railway stations, located conveniently within Northampton’s Enterprise Zone – the home of a huge number of thriving businesses. Global fashion and make-up brand Avon and  Carlsberg’s HQs are right next to the campus.

Northampton town's main private-sector employers are distribution and finance – Barclaycard and Nationwide headquarters are located a short distance from the campus which is perfect for Business, Management, Economics, Banking, Accounting and Finance courses, as they provide our students with fantastic placement opportunities.

Northamptonshire is internationally recognized for its contribution in the shoe and boots market, entitled as ‘World leader and Global brand in footwear’, and the town has been named as a leading place start and run a business in England across a number of years from 2013 onwards, including being the third best place in the UK to start a new business in 2018.

International students have a wide range of options to choose from: 

• Advertising and Marketing
• Art and Design
• Biological Sciences
• Business studies and Entrepreneurship
• Computer Science and Computer Games Production
• Economics
• Accounting and Finance
• Education, Engineering
• English Literature
• Environmental Science and Geography
• Events
• Tourism and Hospitality
• Fashion
• Footwear and Accessories Design
• History
• International Relations and Politics
• Journalism and Media
• Law
• Leather Technology
• Management and Logistics
• MBA
• Performing Arts
• Policing and criminology
• Psychology
• Counselling and sociology
• Public and professional healthcare
• Social work and Social care
• Sport and Exercise
• Teacher training.

Kevin McDonnell

Specialist in International Students of the University of Sussex

What challenges might international students face at UK universities?

The usual challenges of adapting to a new country, culture, and teaching style are common. Homesickness and language barriers can also be issues.

However, UK universities strive to support international students. 

You can choose to live in the University halls of residence or privately-owned housing.

University Halls

There is a selection of accommodation available at 3 locations:

• Student Village at Waterside Campus
• Town Centre
• Scholars Green Student Village

University offers single and twin rooms with shared bathrooms or en-suites and complete with halls facilities and services. The rooms are all equipped with network access and WiFi, as well as 24-hour security and a dedicated support team, and all utilities such as electricity, water, gas, and council tax are included in the cost.

Private Sector Housing at UON

The University can help you to find suitable private rental properties. Their Housing Team produces a housing list that provides you with details of properties that meet their high safety standards.

If you choose to live in private rented accommodation you may need to consider costs other than rent, for example utilities, including water and electricity, council tax and car parking.

The food is not included in the accommodation fees and you should budget for it separately. Typical weekly food shopping cost in Northampton is around 35-40 £ a week and the nearest supermarket is just around the corner from the Waterside Student Village and opposite the Town Centre Halls. There is also a food shopping area within 1 bus stop ride of Scholars Green Student Village.

Subject list: Accounting, Advertising and PR, banking, biology, business, Business and management, communications, computer techologies, criminology, design, economics, Electrical engineering, engineering, Entrepreneurship, Environmental science, Fashion, Health care, Human Resource Management, International Business, international relations, investigation of crimes, law, Machinery manufacturing, marketing, maths, mental health, physics, planning, podiatry, politics, Psychology, sports science, tourism

During studying, students actively engage in various kinds of sports under the guidance of experienced coaches. There are team and individual sports. Students take part in various competitions at the university and between universities. If you want, you can train at Northampton's sports grounds. Available sports:

• Cricket
• Archery
• Hockey
• Basketball
• Netball
• Football
• Badminton
• Yoga
• Dancing
• Cheerleading
• Table tennis
• Judo.

Students are engaged in various kinds of creativity, receiving professional support and consultations from teachers. The university has a large number of study groups. Types of art and creativity:

• Acting skill theatrical productions
• Acting in the cinema
• Cinema
• Theater
• Musical Theatre
• Playing musical instruments
• Musical groups
• Singing
• Painting and Drawing
• Design
• Textile.

In their free time, students can organize their leisure activities, taking care of their hobbies. Employees of the university also organize various events and excursions for students. Activities and visits:

• Thematic evenings on campus
• Role-playing games
• Master classes
• Sport competitions
• Talent show
• Night of film screenings
• Night of dances
• Hiking and cycling tours in Northampton
• Monuments of art and culture of the city
• Excursions around the city
• Northampton Carnival
• Festivals
• Museums
• Visit the offices of the world's leading brands, such as Avon, Barclaycard and Carlsberg
• Visit Formula 1 (in the city is Silverstone - race track Grand Prix of Great Britain, Formula 1)
• Ancient castles
• Restaurants and bars
• Shopping
• Excursions to other cities and places in Britain.

• High Quality Bachelor's and Master's programs with strong practical focus
• TOP-40 UK university for Teaching Excellence (Gold Mark in Teaching Excellence Framework)
• Tutors are highly experienced and qualified practitioners in their respective field of teaching
• Multicultural student body - Students from more than 100 countries around the world
• Brand new 330 m £ campus in the town centre
• Great Location – within 1 hour from London and other major UK attractions
• Exceptionally high employability statistics - 95%  over the past 10 years.
• Affordability – overall cost of living in Northampton (rent, food, entertainment, shopping and transport costs) is 50% lower than nearby London and other bigger cities in the UK
• Smaller class sizes offering better tutor to student ratio and better quality student experience
• Active Blended Learning approach to teaching with an increased focus on seminars, practical workshops and tutorials that allow closer interaction between you, the tutor and your peers.
• Holds Changemaker University status and is accredited by Ashoka U – global network of social entrepreneurship
• A system of International merit scholarships offering up to 30% automatic discounts on the total tuition fees.

UON’s  brand new Waterside campus has been built with students in mind. It has everything you need for your studies and more.

At the centre of the new Campus is the Learning Hub building – it is the beating heart of the new University of Northampton and where the bulk of academic teaching takes place. This 4 storey building hosts 2 faculties - Faculties of Business and Law, Health, Education and society and is also a home to:

• Specialist teaching spaces for health and criminal justice professions
• Student help desk and specialist support services
• 24/7 library
• Career and Employability service – Changemaker Hub
• Learning Development team,
• Wealth choice for of flexible study areas,
• Quiet study spaces
• Restaurants and coffee shops

Creative Hub is also a four-storey building, which brings together creative and science disciplines in flexible learning space. It houses specialist teaching spaces such as:

• Microbiology and engineering laboratories
• Workshops and studios for art, fashion, print, textiles, graphic communications and illustration, 3D design.
• a music vocal booth
• an audio control room,
• TV and radio studios,
• media editing suites,
• gaming labs,
• photography industry standard facilities
• a Mac computer editing suites

Senate is a dedicated research centre. This is the place to be for guest lectures, exhibitions and events; it’s also the home to the largest Harvard-style lecture theatre.

All of the learning spaces in the Senate building are flexible, so you can work with people from different subject areas.

Engine Shed’s is the dedicated Student Union building, home to societies, sports clubs and students voice and representation.

New campus offers fantastic sports facilities featuring:

• covered Sports Dome for any indoor sport activities
• all-weather pitch for outdoor sports such as football, rugby, cricket and so on
• 3 outdoor multi-game areas
• sports pavilion with dedicated sport science labs for sport and exercise courses.

Campus Student Village which has everything you need:

• Laundry
• Post office
• Health centre
• Convenience store
• Multipath chaplaincy
• Visitors centre
• Sunley hotel for friend or relatives comping to visit student.

Please check out this 360 vide tour of the campus: https://www.northampton.ac.uk/360-Tour/

Start dates:

• UNIC Foundation Preparation Programs (University Foundation): September, January, May
• UNIC Pre-Masters preparation programs: September, January
• English courses (Pre-sessional English): Multiple start dates depending on the length of the programme needed
• University Bachelor's and Top up Programmes: mainly September
• University Masters and MBA: September and January

The academic year is divided into semesters:

• Autumn: September to December
• Winter: January to April
• Spring: May to August.

Tuition fees:

• UNIC International foundation for Bachelor's programmes = 9,400 £ / course (2 semesters).
• UNIC Preparation for the Master = 6,300 £ / course (1 semester).
• University Bachelor BA/BSc/ LLB/BENG programmes = 12,900 £ per year
• BSc Occupational Therapy / BSc Podiatry = 13,900 £ per year
• BSc Nursing (all Pathways) = 15,750 £
• BA and BSc one-year Top Up Degrees = 13,750 £
• University Masters courses MA/MSc one or two- year with Placement = 13,750 £ for program
• MBA one or two-year with Placement = 14,750 £ per program

Pre-sessional English programmes:

Additional charges:

• Registration fee
• Deposit confirming the place on the course
• Examination Boards
• Deposit for tuition
• Additional academic and language classes (optional)
• Additional leisure activities and excursions (optional)
• Guardianship (registration with the agency + guardian services)
• Air tickets in both directions
• Transfer in both directions
• Compulsory medical insurance
• Personal pocket expenses
• Visa fees and services, translation and certification of documents
• Consular fee (paid at the Embassy).

University of Northampton welcomes applications from foreign students for both Bachelor's and Master's programmes.

• To enrol onto the 1^st year of the University’s Bachelor's degree programme you will be required to hold one of the following qualifications:

1. Completed 1^st year at a foreign university

or

2. Diploma of secondary vocational education (basic level)

or

3. Successful completion of International Foundation programme. Graduates of Secondary schools holding the Certificate of Secondary (complete) general Education can complete this programme with the University’s partner pathway provider Navitas at the University of Northampton International College UNIC. 

or

4. 3 A-levels with grades BCC or  International Baccalaureate Diploma.

• To enrol onto one of the University of Northampton Master’s degree you will be required to have completed one of the following two qualifications:

1. Bachelor's degree (4 years) from any international university

or

2. Specialist Diploma (5 year programme) from a foreign university.

Students who don’t meet the entry criteria can complete a pre-Masters programme in a relevant subject area at the University’s partner pathway provider Navitas at the University of Northampton International College UNIC. 

For direct entry onto University Bachelor's programme (choose one option or another):

• Completed 1^st year at a foreign university with an average grade of 3,5 or higher
• Diploma of secondary vocational education (basic level) with an average grade of 3,5 or higher
• Successful completion of International Foundation programme (55% pass or higher)
• Graduates of Secondary schools holding the Certificate of Secondary (complete) general Education can complete this programme with the University’s partner pathway provider Navitas at the University of Northampton International College UNIC
• 3 A-levels with grades BCC or International Baccalaureate Diploma.

For direct entry onto University Masters programme – MA, MSc or MBA:

1. Bachelor's degree (4 years) from an international university or an equivalent qualification from any international university with an average grade 3.8 or higher

or

2. Specialist Diploma (5 year programme) from a foreign University or an equivalent with an average grade 3.5 or higher

• Guardianship services during the studies
• Student supervision