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Students are at the heart of University Centre Peterborough (UCP), delivering outstanding learning outcomes through its unique learning environment. The ultra-modern and contemporary £10 million University Centre located off Park Crescent in the Centre of the City, sets itself apart from other universities with smaller class sizes, flexible study options and more contact time with lecturers.
Established in 2007, the university has fast become the single most important development in providing higher education in Peterborough’s history, offering over 30 different courses across its Peterborough and Stamford campuses.
Having recently been accredited with Silver status by the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), the university are proud to have been recognised by an award that independently assesses the high quality of teaching and student experience offered by the city’s 15-year-longstanding university. Achievement of a Silver rating aligns University Centre Peterborough with some of the best institutions in the country, including the world-class Russell Group universities, Kings College London, University College London, Queen Mary University London and The University of Manchester.
The city is home to a whole of host of restaurants offering an exotic blend of cuisines, live sport including local team Peterborough United ‘Posh’ currently holding a top spot on the League One leaderboard, as well as some beautiful outdoor spaces. There is also plenty to do in Peterborough, with stand-up comedy, theatre, live music and club nights all on offer.
Students are supported every step of the way at UCP, with dedicated academic, personal and professional support to help them get the most out of their time there.
Peterborough is a major interchange train station and has direct links from the north and south, with London from 45 minutes and Newcastle from 2 hours 20 minutes away. Peterborough to Stamford by train is under 15 minutes, and trains depart at least every hour.
University Centre Peterborough currently has around 800 students, enrolled on over 30 different degree level programmes led by leading academics, including archaeology, business and accounting, computing, criminology, education, engineering, English literature, forensics, multimedia journalism, biosciences, media, performing arts and sports.
When studied full-time, the majority of courses at University Centre Peterborough have lectures timetabled as two full days a week over two semesters per year.
There are some exceptions where full-time courses are one or up to three days a week. Students can find the specific details in the course descriptions.
The length of each degree depends on what students choose to study and if they’re studying full or part-time. For example, full-time creative industry courses take three years to finish, while part-time courses will take four years. The length of education and teaching courses vary between one to two years, while some might involve a work placement within the academic year.
Interested? Order a prospectus to find out more about the uni and the courses on offer.
GET PROSPECTUSUniversity Centre Peterborough accepts several UK qualifications, such as A-Levels, BTECs, Cambridge Technicals and Access to HE qualifications. The most common qualifications are A Levels and BTEC Diplomas.
Entry requirements vary by course. The university website has a full list of course options and associated entry requirements.
Students from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply, including mature students. Those who don’t meet the published entry criteria but have other relevant experience (including students returning to education from professional roles) should speak to the university’s admissions team to find out more about the options available to them.
If English is not your first language, you will require an IELTS score of 6.0 or above or an equivalent English Language qualification.
Some courses may require additional materials or processes as part of the student’s application, such as an interview or a portfolio of prior work related to the course.
Entry requirements can change so, students should always confirm these with the university before applying.
UCAS TARIFF CALCULATORSend a message directly to the uni to learn more about their entry requirements.
ASK A QUESTIONFor many students, university life starts in student accommodation. First year students can apply to stay at University Court, which is located within walking distance to the university’s Peterborough campus and city centre. The nearby train station also makes it easy to travel for courses in Stamford.
Each five-bedroom flat is self-catered, meaning students will have access to a communal kitchen to prepare their own meals. The bedrooms are private and include a double bed, study area with a desk and an ensuite shower room. The accommodation offers a safe environment with access via an electronic gate, CCTV and a 24-hour emergency call-out.
If students would prefer to stay elsewhere, the uni will can provide in-depth advice on how to go about renting private accommodation.
The university has everything students need to succeed including a specially designed 92-seat lecture theatre, a range of multi-purpose/size seminar and teaching rooms, state-of-the-art computer rooms, a cafe and several social areas. In addition, those on the Multimedia Journalism and Media degrees have access to the state-of-the-art Media and Journalism Satellite Centre, and students on the Sports Coaching degree have access to a state-of-the-art gym facility and testing lab.
Most lectures and seminars will take place at the Peterborough campus, located in the heart of the city, or at the Stamford campus which is close to the town centre and under 15 minutes from Peterborough by train. At University Centre Peterborough, it’s all about convenience. Students can take advantage of the fully equipped classrooms and digital suites, as well as a library, gym and beauty salon.
What's it like to study at this institution? Current students and alumni share their opinion...
VIEW 7 REVIEWS WRITE A REVIEWJ Julie Reviewed 08 Jul 24 History and Archaeology BA (Hons) As a UCP alumni and now studying elsewhere I can compare small and large institutions and a small university such as UCP has much to offer over larger universities. Having people know who you are outside of your course, having support from teaching and support services without complicated... READ FULL REVIEW
S Sophie Reviewed 27 Jun 24 Business Management (Human Resources) BSc (Hons) As a mature student with children, studying at UCP has been both rewarding and practical. The course delivery, with lectures scheduled together over just two days, allowed me to also take a part-time job in the sector I am studying, gaining valuable experience meaning I could be ready to go in my... READ FULL REVIEW
University Centre Peterborough is committed to the wellbeing of its students, recognising the importance of feeling capable and happy in enabling academic achievement and a positive student experience. Students might not need any support during their study, but UCP has its own friendly student support centre to ensure students have the tools they need to succeed, both academically and personally.
Students can access essential academic support as well as practical support, such as finance advice, healthcare (physical and mental) and faith services. The university also offers dedicated support to students with disabilities, mature students and others with additional needs.
Students can access personalised support services at any time, whether that’s in person, over the phone or by email.
Students can have their say by joining the student council, becoming a student representative or student ambassador. Student ambassadors provide a friendly face from day one and can provide advice and guidance around course related and extra-curricular activities.
Find out more about the student support offered on the university’s website.
VISIT WEBSITEUCP recognises that some students want to secure part-time work alongside their degree to fund their time at university, or better their chances of employment after graduation.
Because it’s smaller than most other universities, UCP has the advantage of convenient timetabling and flexible study options. The employability hub can help students find work placements, internships and volunteering opportunities. And the on-site nursery can support with flexible childcare, and funded places available for those eligible.
Class sizes are smaller compared to larger universities, so there is more opportunity to interact with lecturers and other students through seminars and 1:1 tutorials. Academic staff will know students’ names, what they’re interested in, how well they’re doing, whether they need extra support and what their future plans are – all so they can help students succeed.
The university prides itself on its high quality of teaching and student experience. University Centre Peterborough was recently accredited with silver status by the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) in September 2023 in recognition of its achievements in this area.
Instead of a students’ union, University Centre Peterborough has its own student council, which is run by students, for students. The student council meets once a month and topics vary from teaching, facilities and general feelings about student life.
Students won’t be at a loss of things to do in Peterborough and, because of its size, it’s easy to travel around. If students would prefer to cycle there are plenty of quick, safe and easy routes to get around.
Getting around campus is easy and with direct links from the north and south, everything students need is within easy reach.
As one of the fastest growing cities in the UK, Peterborough is a thriving hub of business and opportunity which means you’ll be given a head start in landing your dream job. Degrees have been designed with the help of local employers to make sure graduates are career ready for when their course ends.
The university has excellent working relationships with big name companies such as BGL and Saffrey Champness, as well as numerous third sector organisations such as the Citizens Advice Bureau.
80% of graduates achieve a first-class honours or 2:1 degree classification. Journalism students have secured roles with BBC Cambridgeshire, Forensics and Sociology students have successfully progressed to work with the police and probation services, while early years and education students in Peterborough and Stamford continue to play a valuable role as key workers in schools which are rapidly growing in the area.
The employability hub supports all students in developing the skills they need to succeed in the future, from creating a standout CV, nailing an interview and delivering a powerful presentation.
Support doesn’t stop once students finish their studies. Lecturers are on hand to give them advice and to let them know about industry opportunities, even after they’ve graduated.
There are several bursaries available to contribute towards the payment of student fees and living costs. These are based on personal circumstances, such as household income and background. The low income and care leaver bursaries, for example, are worth £500 a year.
Some funding is available from specific subject departments. For example, The Malcolm Bradbury Scholarship for Creative Writing Students goes towards supporting a creative writing undergraduate each year. There’s also The Student Ambassador Bursary, which awards up to £1,000.
Students can find out more about eligibility criteria on the university’s financial support page or by speaking to the student support team.
The tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students starting in the 2024/25 academic year at UCP will be £8,250 per year, which is lower than many other universities. Fees for students who prefer to study on a part-time basis will vary. More information can be found on the course information section on the university website.
Students can find out more about the financial support options available to them, including tuition fee and maintenance loans, by contacting the university or by speaking directly to the Student Loans Company.
Send a message directly to the uni to learn more about their scholarships and bursaries.
ASK A QUESTIONThere are currently no undergraduate open days available to book at this university.
Take a look at open days at unis across the UK.
As well as a wide range of courses, studying at University Centre Peterborough offers you loads of opportunities to boost your CV thanks to the careers department. You might even have the chance to do a work placement or sandwich year during your degree.
As well as providing you with opportunities to develop academically and professionally, you'll have a wide range of clubs and societies to join. You'll be able to pick up a new hobby and make loads of new friends by joining some of the clubs and societies on offer at University Centre Peterborough.
The world is your oyster! Of course, the exact options open to you will depend on which subject you choose to study. Employers often look to hire graduates, so you can be sure that your degree will give you a wider range of employment opportunities.
No matter what degree you choose, however, you'll have option of going on to further study. If you want to keep studying, your undergraduate degree will enable you to go on to a master's degree or even a PhD.
If you opt to live in uni halls, you'll benefit from free WiFi and all-inclusive rent. Rent for uni halls also includes security and maintenance, so you can be sure you'll be well-looked after. There are several accessible rooms available, which are adapted for disabled students.
Halls also have communal areas such as kitchen facilities where you can meet your flatmates over a cup of tea. You'll also have access to dining facilities where you can share a meal with other students in your accommodation.