Information Technology with Business Studies with Foundation Year

Sheffield Hallam University

Sheffield Hallam University is a large and diverse public university located in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England. It is known for its career-focused approach, strong industry links, and high employability rates. Key Aspects of the University: Career-focused Education: Sheffield Hallam has a strong emphasis on "applied learning" and provides work experience opportunities in every undergraduate course. It collaborates with over 1,000 organisations, including global companies, to offer placements. The university has also been recognised for having one of the largest portfolios of degree apprenticeships in the UK. Rankings and Awards: In the 2023 Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), the university was awarded Gold for its outstanding support for student success. It was also named the University of the Year for teaching quality in the 2020 Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide. The university is a leader in widening access to higher education for students from under-represented backgrounds. In world university rankings, it has been placed in the 801-1000 range by Times Higher Education and QS World University Rankings for 2024. Student Life: Sheffield Hallam has a diverse community of around 32,000 students and two main campuses: the City Campus and the Collegiate Crescent Campus. Sheffield is a large student city with a vibrant social scene, green spaces, and a relatively low cost of living compared to other UK cities. The university guarantees first-year undergraduate students an offer of accommodation, with various options available at affordable prices. Student Reviews (Best and Worst Aspects): Student reviews highlight positive experiences with the university's diverse and friendly community, helpful and supportive staff, and good facilities. Some students also appreciate the availability of recorded lectures and the blended learning format. However, some negative reviews mention issues with staff attendance, a perceived lack of support, and a less-than-vibrant societies scene. There have also been reports of issues with admissions and student support.

My experience at Sheffield Hallam University has been really good. The lecturers are supportive, the facilities are modern, and the campus has a friendly and inclusive atmosphere. The courses are practical and career-focused, which helps a lot in preparing for jobs. The city of Sheffield is also great — affordable, safe, and full of student life. Sometimes communication between departments could be better, but overall it’s an excellent place to study and grow.

Overall, my experience at Sheffield Hallam University was largely positive, particularly in terms of academic development, practical exposure, and cultural diversity. However, improvements in consistency of teaching delivery and administrative support would make the experience even stronger

The best aspects of my university experience include the supportive learning environment and practical approach to teaching. The university focuses on real-world skills, which helped me gain confidence and improve my knowledge in my field. The lecturers were approachable and helpful, and I also had access to good facilities such as libraries and study spaces.

Sheffield Hallam University (SHU) receives a good rating overall, particularly for teaching quality, student employability and facilities. It has achieved an overall five-star rating in the QS Stars system, obtaining the top mark in most categories (teaching, employability, innovation, global engagement, facilities). Student satisfaction is rising, with about 80% of students reporting positive experiences in a recent survey. In global rankings it is placed in the 801-1000 range worldwide, showing a solid but not leading international position. It’s a very respectable institution for many courses, especially if you value favourable teaching/support and good facilities.

Sheffield Hallam University has a really supportive and friendly atmosphere. The lecturers are approachable and genuinely care about students’ progress, often going out of their way to offer help or extra guidance. The facilities are modern and well-equipped, especially in the library and specialist labs, and the campus has a great mix of study spaces for both group and independent work. The university’s strong links with employers and placement opportunities are another highlight — they really help students gain real-world experience and prepare for future careers. Plus, Sheffield itself is a vibrant, affordable, and student-friendly city, with plenty to do and a great sense of community. One area that could be improved is the communication between departments, as sometimes information about timetables, deadlines, or placements can be inconsistent or last-minute. Some courses could also benefit from more practical, hands-on experience or updated teaching materials in certain modules. Additionally, while the facilities are great, access to equipment or study rooms can sometimes be limited during peak times, especially around exam or assignment periods.