Best specialist institution in South West England: Whatuni student Choice Awards

Best of the best 2025

Small or specialist 2025-South West England

Small universities and specialist institutions offer unique experiences to their students, allowing them to learn vital skills for their future careers in a comfortable environment. Our student reviewers have deemed these unis in South West England as doing a brilliant job at this, which is why they're getting the Whatuni Student Choice Awards (WUSCAs) shoutout.

1st

Norland

4.7

356 reviews

SOUTH WEST ENGLAND

Norland College offers students a supportive and family-like environment, with many reviewers highlighting the exceptional student support and the quality of teaching. Practical courses, small class sizes, and the hands-on placement experiences were also given plenty of praise.

Review breakdown

5 star

69%

4 star

28%

3 star

2 star

1 star

What students love most

Student Support
Teaching Quality
Job Prospects
Campus
Practical Courses

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Lea Divall

Reviewed: 16/12/2024

Early Childhood Education and Care - BA (Hons)

Norland is an amazing place to study, firstly, its location in bath is astonishing but the support that I get is amazing. I constantly feel supported and confident in the support Norland has to offer.

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Isabella

Reviewed: 12/11/2024

Early Childhood Education and Care - BA (Hons)

I love the community in this uni. The support we are provided with is outstanding and I couldn't imagine myself at any other university.

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Elizabeth Fitch

Reviewed: 12/11/2024

Early Childhood Education and Care - BA (Hons)

Norland has fantastic student support and there is always a staff member available to help with any problems that come up quickly and promptly.

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Nailde Pina

Reviewed: 12/11/2024

Early Childhood Education and Care - BA (Hons)

Love my first year here. The environment is lovely and the course too!

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2nd

Royal Agricultural University

4.2

236 reviews

SOUTH WEST ENGLAND

Reviewers of the Royal Agricultural University liked the close-knit and supportive community, the beautiful and peaceful campus location, and the engaging and interesting lectures. They also highlighted the range of extracurricular opportunities and the university's focus on career development as being great.

What students love most

Location
Community
Lecturers
Student Life
International

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5th

dBs Institute

4.2

219 reviews

SOUTH WEST ENGLAND

The dBs Institute was given lots of praise for its world-class facilities and access to industry-standard equipment by its students. The supportive and knowledgeable staff were also frequently highlighted, as they have helped to build the practical learning environment and have strong industry connections. Students were also keen on the inclusive community and opportunities for hands-on experience while studying at dBs.

What students love most

Industry Experience
Course Content
Facilities
Community
Lecturers

2025

Top 10

Submission award

The best unis by region

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Best of the best 2025

Small or specialist 2025-South West England

Norland

Review breakdown

Royal Agricultural University

dBs Institute

Make your voice heard

Best of the best 2025

University of the Year

Career prospects

Facilities

International

Lecturers and teaching quality

Postgraduate

Small or specialist institution

Student life

Student support

Students' Union

University halls

Submission award

The best unis by region

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