Our University Partners
Here at University Centre Somerset, our degree programmes are validated by some of the UK’s most prestigious universities. We work closely with them on quality assurance, giving you the opportunity to achieve a widely recognised and well-respected qualification, while benefiting from our first-rate facilities and teaching.
Enjoy the best of both worlds
University Centre Somerset has several Higher Education partnerships including University of Plymouth, The Open University, Oxford Brookes and UWE Bristol (University of the West of England), which validate our foundation and honours degrees. These partnerships exist to widen participation in higher education and deliver a high standard of education to the communities we serve.
Oxford Brookes University
Oxford Brookes is one of the UK’s leading modern universities, with an international reputation for teaching excellence, exciting student life and strong links with local, national and international business and industry.
They offer innovative courses with an emphasis on exceptional hands-on learning opportunities, as well as theory. In 2020 they were ranked 2nd in the UK for teaching (THE Young University rankings).
The Open University
With over 168,000 students, The Open University is the largest university in the UK and is globally recognised as the experts in learning technologies, spearheading research that is driving innovations in teaching.
The University offers flexible part-time study, supported distance and open learning for undergraduate and postgraduate courses and qualifications. The Open University is the leading university for flexible, innovative teaching and world-leading research in the United Kingdom with alumni in 157 countries worldwide.
University of Plymouth
With a mission to Advance Knowledge and Transform Lives, Plymouth is a top 50* research university with clusters of world class research across a wide range of disciplines including marine science and engineering, medicine, cybersecurity and psychology.
A three-time winner of the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education, most recently in 2019 in respect of its pioneering research on microplastics pollution in the oceans and its impact on the environment and changing behaviour, the University continues to grow in stature and reputation.
*Fortnight Research Power League Table 2014
University of the West of England (UWE Bristol)
UWE Bristol is a large and popular university based in Bristol. With a diverse student body of over 30,000 students from over 160 countries, the University offers over 400 courses covering a wide range of subject areas. In partnership with UWE Bristol, we offer a UWE Bristol Foundation Year in Mechanical Engineering and Mechatronics here at the University Centre Somerset. On completion, you may also have the chance to progress onto an honours degree at UWE Bristol.
As a UWE Bristol student studying with us, you will benefit not only from our links but also the University’s established links with industry, so you can be confident your course will prepare you for the real world. UWE Bristol was awarded TEF gold status in 2023, so you can be sure you’ll be getting the very best standard of teaching.
Helpful information
Finance
From government-funded tuition and maintenance loans to our own targeted bursaries and grants, there are numerous ways to fund your studies.
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeship programmes provide individuals with the opportunity to train on the job, gaining a nationally recognised qualification while earning a salary.
Term Dates
Planning ahead? Our academic calendar includes key term dates, bank holidays and
scheduled breaks, so you can stay informed and
organised throughout the year.