Warwickshire College and University Centre
Description of Warwickshire College and University Centre
- Location: Warwickshire and Worcestershire, United Kingdom,
- Founded: 1996
- Number of students: about 15,000,
- Language of instruction: English,
- Type of study: blended.
Warwickshire College and University Centre (WCUC) represents a consortium of six colleges, making it the largest of its kind in the United Kingdom. Each college within the consortium has its own distinctive character but collaborates effectively to provide a diverse range of higher education programs. WCUC specializes in technical and professional courses designed to prepare students for their future careers. The range of courses is quite extensive, spanning from animal husbandry and construction to teaching and graphic design. A key objective of WCUC is to support socially relevant and contemporary professions.
The history of this academic consortium dates back to 1996, and today it caters to over 15,000 students across six campuses in Warwickshire and Worcestershire, England. In addition to delivering competitive knowledge and recognized qualifications, WCUC offers comprehensive support, opportunities for career development and nurturing individual talents, access to cutting-edge equipment to unleash students' potential, and a welcoming, multicultural environment. With an extensive network of partners, WCUC not only provides education across its six campuses but also facilitates internships, employment opportunities, and volunteer roles with local organizations, enabling students to acquire valuable practical skills before embarking on their careers.
Faculties and colleges
WCUC has six colleges in Warwickshire and Worcestershire, England:
- Moreton Morrell College,
- Royal Leamington Spa College,
- Rugby College,
- Warwick Trident College,
- Evesham New College,
- Pershore College.
Scientific achievements
A group of educational institutions regularly publishes articles in scientific journals, covering research in the fields of agricultural technology, arachnology, and veterinary care.
Programs and prices, tuition fees in Warwickshire College and University Centre
IELTS Preparation
- Age — from 16 years old,
- The duration of the training is any.
International students have access to an IELTS preparation course and improving their English language skills for a comfortable and effective academic path. WCUC implements three types of programs:
- General English (part-time: maximum 6 hours of lessons per week) – designed for students who want to develop their speaking, listening, reading, writing, grammar and vocabulary, improve their CV.
- IELTS Academic Preparation (part-time: maximum 10 hours of lessons per week) – will give important preparation for the Academic IELTS exam. The course is designed and balanced to help students improve their testing skills and academic English.
- Combined IELTS Exam Preparation in General and Academic English (full-time: 15 hours of lessons per week) is an intensive English language program that will develop academic language skills and academic study skills. The program will also help you prepare for the IELTS exam.
Students have access to a two-week intensive language exam preparation course, suitable for those who already have a knowledge base and want to expand it.
Foundation Degree
- Age — from 18 years old,
- The duration of the training is two years.
The foundation degree program represents the first two years of undergraduate study. By enrolling in the Foundation Degree, students will be able to understand whether they like their chosen specialization and whether they are ready to continue their academic path in this field.
WCUC presents foundation degrees in the following areas:
- Computer Networks and Cybersecurity,
- Counseling and psychotherapy,
- Development and education in the early years,
- Electrical engineering
- Animation
- Filmmaking
- Graphic Design,
- Business & Management,
- Game Art & Design,
- Creation of media content,
- Performing Arts,
- Sustainable Gardening Technologies,
- Veterinary.
Bachelor's Programs
- Age — from 18 years old,
- The duration of the study is four years.
A bachelor's degree will provide students with the opportunity to gain competitive, in-depth knowledge in a specialization and prove it. Students who complete their bachelor's degree go on to further stages of higher education or start a career in their chosen field.
Some of the majors represented at WCUC are:
- Animation
- Filmmaking
- Ęčáĺđń�
- Creation of media content,
- Graphic Design & Photography,
- The Art of Games,
- Performing Arts,
- Business Management,
- Computer Networks and Cybersecurity,
- Electrical Engineering,
- Engineering
- Sustainable Horticultural Technologies,
- Veterinary Medicine,
- Therapy and rehabilitation of horses,
- Training and study of animal behavior.
The training takes four years and takes place on the campuses of all colleges that are part of the group.
Integrated Foundation Year
- Age — from 17 years old,
- The duration of the study is one year.
Foundation year programs are designed for those students who do not yet feel ready to enter their chosen degree. At the end of the preparatory stage, students move on to a bachelor's program.
The Integrated Foundation Year is available in all specializations that are represented in colleges, including:
- Animation
- Animal Training and Behavior,
- Therapy and rehabilitation of dogs,
- Computer Networks and Security,
- Early Development and Education,
- Electrical engineering
- Horse Science,
- Filmmaking.
HND&HNC Degrees, HND and HNC Degrees
- Age — from 18 years old,
- The duration of training is one to two years.
HND and HNC are the highest national qualifications with a technical and professional focus. HNC completes at Layer 4 and HND completes at Level 5. Degrees are often chosen by students already working in practical industries and professions.
Apprentices can earn HND and HNC qualifications in many specialties, including:
- Construction and Built Environment,
- Electrical Engineering and Electronics,
- Industrial Engineering,
- Industrial Engineering.
Top-Up Courses
- Age — from 18 years old,
- The duration of the study is one year.
Further training is available to students who already have some degree in vocational education. Courses are available in all areas represented at WCUC: from veterinary services and animal training to mechanical engineering and cybersecurity.
GCSE&A-Level Programmes, GCSE and A-Level Programmes
- Age — from 16 years old,
- The duration of the study is one year.
GCSE and A-Level programmes provide pupils from the age of 16 with the opportunity to obtain knowledge certification based on recognised exams.
The GCSE preparation programme allows the student to study biology and related fields. The training will take seven months and will allow the student to take two written exams and then receive a certificate.
The A-Level programmes are taught at Royal Leamington Spa and Rugby Colleges and offer students the opportunity to study four subjects for subsequent passing. The list of disciplines includes:
- Applied Law,
- Criminology
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Business Research,
- English Literature.
At the end of the A-Level program, the student will receive competitive knowledge and qualifications that will allow him to enter the bachelor's program.
Accommodation, meals, prices
Three colleges within WCUC have comfortable residences with a choice of rooms of different comfort.
Surrounded by countryside and covering 650 acres, Moreton Morell College offers students the following amenities:
- Private bedroom and study,
- Bathroom
- Self-catering options,
- Shared kitchen.
Royal Leamington Spa College is located 10 minutes from the city center and provides students with:
- Own bedroom and study,
- Private bathroom,
- Shared kitchens,
- Meals are in a self-service format,
- On-site gym.
Pershore College is located in beautiful countryside, which adds to the cozy atmosphere of the students living here. By selecting this placement option, students receive:
- Own bedroom and study,
- Private bathroom,
- Shared kitchens,
- Meals are in a self-service format.
Most living rooms do not provide meals, as residents have access to shared kitchens for preparing meals. Moreton Morell College has a cafeteria offering students hot lunches, snacks, drinks, and baked goods.
Activities Warwickshire College and University Centre
Each of the MCUC institutions hosts a variety of themed events, concerts, and sports that are open to students from all colleges within WCUC. Some of the annual events include:
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Let's Talk Games: This event takes place in the heart of Leamington Spa and features representatives from various game studios, including Ubisoft Leamington, Playground Games, Sumo Digital, and many others.
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Student Conference: This conference brings together students from all areas of higher education at WCUC, allowing them to present research presentations. Topics covered in recent years include "Interdisciplinary Connections Between Science and Art," "Technology's Impact on Future Careers and Research," "Sustainability in Personal and Professional Practice," "Creating Social Impact," and "Enhancing Employability."
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Week of the Future: This event offers career and employment advice, insights into business organization, and guidance on managing a professional online presence. Throughout the week, expert guests are invited to conduct workshops and seminars on various topics to help students enhance their professional skills.
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Extracurricular Trips: Students have had the opportunity to participate in excursions to locations such as South Africa, India, and Sri Lanka, as well as visits to places like Chester Zoo, the Natural History Museum, and the National Guide Dog Kennel. These trips offer students a broader perspective on their future professions and enrich their learning experiences.
Additionally, the Students' Union (SU) serves as a unifying body for all WCUC colleges, organizing fundraising events, environmental campaigns, and day trips to local attractions. The SU is composed of a dedicated group of students whose responsibilities include entertaining, representing the interests of, and advocating for the rights and needs of their fellow students.
While studying at one of the WCUC training centers, students have the opportunity to explore various attractions in the area, including:
- Warwick Castle
- Shakespeare's birthplace
- Anne Hathaway's Cottage (the residence of Shakespeare's wife)
- British Automobile Museum
- Jephson Gardens
- West Midlands Safari Park
- Broadway Tower
- The City of Worcester and its Cathedral
- Three Counties Exhibition Area
Advantages
- The first group of colleges in the UK to receive dual degree-awarding powers from the Office of Student Affairs,
- Strong industry ties that expand graduate employability,
- Small classes, thanks to which each student receives individual attention and support from the teacher,
- Expert teachers who have not only the highest qualifications, but also experience in their field of activity,
- Innovative approaches to teaching that combine theory and practice,
- High-quality academic resources, including specialized equipment for each technical and professional field,
- 98% of students consider WCUC to be a safe and secure place to study because of its pastoral and social support.
Facilities and equipment at Warwickshire College and University Centre
The six campuses offer a plethora of opportunities for students to excel in their studies and pursue their interests. From cutting-edge laboratories and creative studios to animal therapy departments and the latest software for graphic design and statistical analysis, the colleges have it all.
Royal Leamington Spa College boasts a modern atmosphere with excellent facilities and resources. Situated within walking distance of Leamington Spa's city center, students have access to a vibrant public life, providing ample opportunities to socialize, explore local attractions, and attend numerous concerts, productions, and scientific seminars. Campus facilities include:
- STEM Center equipped with the latest VR kit for game design testing.
- An art school with specialized studios.
- A venue for performances and events.
- Individual construction workshops.
- University-style lecture hall.
- A spacious, well-equipped library.
- Sports and gym facilities.
- Residential buildings.
- A dedicated Student Union Center for various theme-based clubs.
Rugby College is strategically located with excellent transportation links in a relatively new residential development, within walking distance of Rugby railway station and close to Junction One and Elliott's Field shopping parks. Campus amenities and resources include:
- High-quality laboratories and hands-on engineering workshops.
- State-of-the-art machining center and robotic equipment.
- Full-scale training workshops for plumbing and carpentry.
- Professional kitchens for culinary education, including a commercial, service, and educational courses restaurant open to the public.
- Comprehensive IT infrastructure with standard software and design packages.
- Purpose-built studios for art, design, and crafts.
- Four hairdressers and beauty salons offering a wide range of treatments.
- A 150-seat theater.
- Rooms for performances and dances.
- Outdoor all-weather sports facilities.
- A sports hall with four courts and a gym area.
- A well-stocked library.
- Conference rooms and meeting facilities.
The institution, funded by Advantage West Midlands, trains students for exciting roles in alternative energy production and supply. The Rugby Board has invested in the college's new facilities, and in return, the campus provides certain facilities for public use:
- Full-size artificial turf field for hockey and football.
- Four courts for various sports and games.
- Gym with cardio and weight machines.
- Venues for conferences, meetings, seminars, fairs, and presentations.
- A banquet hall accommodating up to 150 people.
- Coffee shop and canteen.
- Two hairdressers and two beauty salons offering a wide range of treatments.
The 650-acre Moreton Morrell College is located in rural South Warwickshire, conveniently connected to major transport routes and just a 10-minute drive from one of the main highways. The college's facilities include:
- An operational commercial farm.
- Stables housing over 100 horses.
- An Equine Hydrotherapy and Rehabilitation Center.
- Indoor riding school, outdoor dressage area, large outdoor riding arena, and riding area.
- Specialized workshops for floristry.
- A traditional brick blacksmith shop and a fully equipped blacksmithing training block.
- A construction site with an open workshop for masonry, carpentry, and versatile work.
- Veterinary care centers, including a large animal welfare center.
- New sports facilities.
- A library.
- On-campus accommodation.
Transportation between partner institution campuses provides convenient connections to Royal Leamington Spa.
Pershore College, located on the outskirts of Pershore in Worcestershire, offers 60 hectares of the National Horticulture Centre, providing state-of-the-art learning and leisure facilities:
- An advanced center for agrotechnical research.
- Soil Science and Plant Production Laboratory.
- Landscape design studios.
- A landscaped decorative area and arboretum.
- Commercial gardens.
- Commercial Plant Nursery with field, container, and production units.
- Modern greenhouses.
- Garden machinery and equipment for cultivating 12 hectares of protected area.
- A well-stocked library.
- Student accommodations.
- A specialized veterinary center with operating rooms, diagnostic imaging rooms, surgical preparation rooms, a reception area, a diagnostic laboratory, and a hospitalization ward.
- A specialized livestock complex housing various animal species, including small and exotic mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, goats, pigs, and donkeys.
- A grooming salon.
- A tennis club with outdoor and indoor courts.
Fun fact: The college has been producing award-winning fruit juices and craft cider for over twenty years.
Transportation to the educational institution is provided within the local districts, connecting Pershore and Evesham Colleges.
Evesham College, located within walking distance of Evesham town center, offers convenient access to bus services in the surrounding area and is just a short distance from the motorway. The college's learning centers are designed to simulate real-world work environments, equipping students with the essential skills to embark on successful careers:
- A fully equipped auto repair shop.
- Commercial training salons for hairdressing and beauty.
- Construction classrooms.
- A comprehensively equipped IT room.
- Studio space.
- A new Engineering Center.
- A Learning Resource Center.
- The Hub Lounge Area, which includes the Costa Coffee Shop.
Warwick Trident College is adjacent to the grounds of Royal Leamington Spa College and can be reached by train, bus, or taxi. Warwick Trident College offers state-of-the-art engineering workshops and laboratories for students and employers. In partnership with globally renowned companies like Jaguar Land Rover and Rolls-Royce, the college provides engineering and motorsport courses. The facilities include:
- High-quality laboratories and hands-on engineering workshops.
- State-of-the-art machining center and robotic equipment.
- Comprehensive vehicle design facilities with 1000 square meters of workshops equipped with the latest industry testing equipment and a separate 400kw mobile road.
- Vehicle diagnostic equipment, including four-wheel alignment systems, brake and suspension testers, control system analyzers, and chassis dynamometers.
- Training vehicles, including Range Rover and Jaguar S Series brands.
- A well-stocked library.
- Impressive meeting rooms and conference facilities.
Admission dates and extra charges
The dates of classes may differ for some courses, but in general, the academic year lasts from September to June-July. Students visit the campus on weekdays, rest on weekends and dates of national and international holidays.
An approximate list of additional costs:
- Accommodation and meals in the academic building,
- Annual credit for printing documents,
- Some activities not included in the program
- Trips and off-campus activities,
- Uniforms for some specializations: overalls, shoes, auxiliary materials,
- Books, stationery and laptops for personal use,
- Entrance tests,
- Finals
- Personal spending.
Enrolment process
International students can go through the regular application procedure through UCAS or go directly to the Admissions Office by completing an online application. Employees will review the application and the documents provided, and then invite candidates for an interview and possible entrance exams. Admission is based on the results of communication with the admissions committee and is based on the academic success of previous academic years.
Perspectives
Every year, WCUC graduates go on to top universities in the UK, including the London School of Economics (LSE), University College London (UCL), and Durham University. About 75% of students take places in Russell Group university courses.
Entry requirements, how to apply, what is required to enrol
Admission requirements for specialized courses may vary, but in general, prospective students should provide:
- Academic documents on past education: school certificate, GCSE or A-Level final exam results, grades in mathematics and English,
- Personal documents: passport, health insurance, visa or residence permit,
- Proof of English language proficiency at a level not lower than B2.
Scholarships Warwickshire College and University Centre
Scholarships are available to students enrolled in higher education courses at WCUC. They are awarded to those who are successful in their studies and extracurricular activities, have a difficult financial situation or special medical indicators. Some of the scholarship programs are:
- Guardianship Graduate Scholarship – available to students under the age of 25 who have been in day care for three or more months within the past five years,
- WCUC Support Scholarship, WCG Book Scholarship – Available to full-time students who receive the full set maintenance loan rate based on low household income,
- Residential Scholarship – available to full-time students who are in their first year, live in residence, receive a maintenance loan,
- The Discretionary Relief Fund is a limited funds fund administered by WCUC to support students who are struggling financially.
Financial support can be obtained from the government in the form of student loans, tuition loans, and living expenses.
Institution on the map
Residence permits, citizenship and other services
- Guardianship services during the studies
- Student supervision
Review about Warwickshire College and University Centre
Recommendations on when to apply
| Language courses, schools and children's language camps | Primary and secondary education - private schools | Preparation programmes for entering universities - higher education | Higher education (after completing accredited programs A-level, IB, High School) - Bachelor, Master, MBA |
| - we recommend to apply 6-9 months before the start of the course (some camps and schools offer discounts for early booking or for lengthy study programs) - there are some very popular and high demand children's camps, where the applications need to be submitted 1 year in advance (in particular Switzerland , Great Britain , USA , Canada , Austria) | - we recommend to apply one year before the start of the training program, - some schools have a specific time frame (September-November - please specify an individual school) - some schools require tests in several stages (UKISET, internal tests of the school: English, mathematics, logics, subjects, interview, some require a personal visit) | - we recommend to apply one year before the start of the program, - for Foundation and Pathway programs, IELTS and TOEFL certificates are usually required, respectively | - recommended submission one year before the start of the program, - the deadline normally closes in January, for TOP HEIs and, as a rule, in March in other universities - for a bachelor, a Foundation or Pathway preparatory program a completed A-level, IB, High School + IELTS / TOEFL are required - for Masters you need a graduated higher education, in some cases you need a pre-Masters program - MBA requires completed higher education, work experience preferably at least 2-3 years, etc. |
