University of Huddersfield

The University of Huddersfield is based right in the town centre and at the heart of the local community. Unlike some large cities in the UK, Huddersfield offers a relatively low cost of living, allowing your pennies to stretch further.

There are seven academic schools at the University:

• Applied Sciences
• Art, Design and Architecture
• Business
• Computing and Engineering
• Education and Professional Development
• Human and Health Sciences
• Music, Humanities and Media

The University is recognised as a gold-rated University by the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF). Based on the evidence available the TEF Panel judged that the University delivers consistently outstanding teaching, learning and outcomes for its students.

In 2017, leading educationalists from around the world selected the University of Huddersfield as the first winner of the Global Teaching Excellence Award. The feedback from one of the judges said: “This University is truly inspiring and innovative.” (Higher Education Academy, 2017)

In December 2016, the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) released figures highlighting that Huddersfield has more qualified teaching staff than any other university in England, with 90% of academics holding a teaching qualification.

The University boasts world leading applied research groups across many subject areas, including biomedical sciences, engineering and physical sciences, social sciences and arts and humanities.

It is also a Top 10 University in England for work placements and boasts strong links with universities across the world. This means there are lots of opportunities to broaden your horizons through industry placements and through its many overseas exchange programmes.

Our student reviewers were largely very positive about their time studying at Huddersfield, with many commending the level of support available to them and facilities on offer.

Students say:

“Very positive! Everyone is so friendly and supportive.”

“I really enjoy my course. I find the resource availability fantastic.”

“Our University almost built a new big building and they already changed inside of library. The University provides many good services and a high quality of teaching.”

95% of graduates go on to work and/or further study within six months of graduating. The University has its own Careers and Employability Service where you can receive support and guidance on all the different aspects of the job hunt, from writing a CV and cover letter to preparing for an interview. There are also regular careers workshops and fairs, as well as a Jobshop, where part time jobs and holiday work in the area is advertised.

Budding entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to start your own business through the University’s Enterprise Team, where advice, coaching and grant opportunities are available.

All students have the opportunity to undertake a work placement in the third year of studying, allowing you to gain industry experience and contacts for after graduating.

Students were impressed with the active level of support offered to them by staff at the University.

Students say:

“I am always receiving emails regarding placements and what I can do to make myself more employable. I know where to go for help if I need assistance in increasing my employability. Tutors also give good advice on how to make your degree more worthwhile.”

“Staff have provided excellent support and advice. Good opportunities.”

“Staff make great effort to support in job applications. Great placements and facilities to support.”

Courses are practical and have been designed to teach you the required skills needed for a real working environment. Along with paid work placements, there are opportunities for you to spend part of your degree in another country – allowing you to experience living abroad, learn new skills and meet friends from all over the world.

You will be able to study the majority of the programmes on a full or part time basis, giving you the flexibility to work around your own routine and lifestyle. Assessments will vary depending on each course, but will include exams, group projects, essays and presentations.

Students found lecturers friendly and supportive, and were pleased with the ways courses were structured and delivered – particularly the emphasis on practical experience.

Students say:

“My course offers such a variety of things to learn and we have independence in what we choose as the subject focus for our projects. The staff are amazing and the facilities are great, including having a CAD module!”

“All my lecturers are friendly and approachable. I love the course and the way it's taught. I like the fact we have tutorials every other week where we have the opportunity to ask questions if we aren't sure. Lecturers also answer back to emails which is helpful. A lot of guidance is given with regards to exams and coursework requirements.”

“They teach what I really can utilise in real life. The courses are focused to make students great journalists. This is a good advantage to appeal to companies.”

The Students’ Union (SU) is led by a team of elected students. The Union works closely with the University but is an independent organisation which aims to look after students’ interests and wellbeing. The SU also organises events and activities throughout the year and oversees around 100 Sports Club and Societies.

Student feedback on the SU was almost entirely positive, with the level of support and opportunities offered by the Union being particularly valued by students.

Students say:

“The Huddersfield SU is fantastic. Being a course rep means I am heavily involved with them and the work they do. The staff are very dedicated and have the students’ best interests at heart. Fun opportunities are always happening through the SU and I feel that by being involved with them I will be able to develop greatly as an independent individual.”

“There is always something going on in the Students Union that you can be involved in, which is good. There is a good variety. I don't always take part in the Students’ Union but I liked the freshers’ fair and I enjoyed taking part in the big ideas event where I was randomly selected. The free pizza was good!”

Storthes Hall Park Student Village and Ashenhurst Student Houses are the University’s preferred, recommended and approved student accommodation, which are privately owned and operated by DIGS Student.

Storthes Hall Park

A variety of rooms are available to rent at Storthes Hall Park, all of which include an en-suite bathroom and shared living and kitchen facilities. 24-hour security and Wi-Fi are also included in the price. Along with a comfortable base to relax in after classes, you will also find a gym, launderette, supermarket and student bar onsite. Prices start at £85 a week.

Ashenhurst Houses

Located in a beautiful parkland with plenty of room for summer BBQ’s, sports and outdoor festivities, Ashenhurst Houses is known for its affordable rooms. You will share a bathroom, along with a living and kitchen area with fellow students. Living here you are also able to access all the facilities at Storthes Hall Park. Wi-Fi and an on-site launderette are included in the price, which starts at £70 a week.

If you want to do your own thing when you arrive, Huddersfield Students’ Union has a dedicated service for prospective and current students. HudLets provides impartial advice about housing options and offers support and guidance when you are looking for accommodation.

The quality of accommodation was often remarked upon by our student reviewers, many of whom also appreciated the proximity to local amenities.

Students say:

“Nice and modern. Three-quarter size bed with posh en-suite. Staff are friendly. However, very expensive, but as are most similar properties in the area. Short walk to the University which is handy, and near supermarkets and fast food places. Great that all bills are included. Wi-Fi can be quite slow.”

“Very good quality.”

“It’s pretty good, the community of students is the best aspect.”

The University boasts impressive on-site sports facilities, including a sports hall, two dance studios, a sports and conditioning room and a fitness suite with over 80 stations. Elsewhere on campus you’ll find a recording studio, law court, radio studios, a Panasonic HD TV studio for media students and the award-winning Canalside studios – where games are produced for paying clients.

When you need to study, the 24/7 library has an impressive range of books and online material. This is something that’s been praised by student reviewers, and many also mentioned the range of accessible and modern facilities available to them across campus.

Students say:

“Fantastic! We have an amazing print work room, an embroidery workshop, a weaving shed, industrial sewing machines, CAD suites and so much more - and that's only in my building.”

“Good sports facilities Good education buildings, support and facilities.”

“When they are all built they will be incredible - library brilliant and always helpful.”

Huddersfield boasts an impressive array of shops, from high street favourites to independent boutiques. You will also find plenty of bars, restaurants and pubs to unwind and relax in after a hard day’s study session, from Turtle Bay to Vodka Revolution.

Over at the Lawrence Batley Theatre, you will be able to enjoy everything from comedy shows to opera, while the Town Hall has seen the likes of Jimmy Carr and Abba walk through its doors.

Huddersfield is known for its live music scene, with popular venues being The Rock Café (an American themed bar with live performance nights), and Five Bar, which has regular DJ nights. During the evening, students flock to Student Unions’ associated venue Zetland, just across the road from the University, while Tokyo and the Camel club are popular night clubs.

For those who enjoy long walks in the country, Huddersfield is close to the Peak District National Park and the Yorkshire Dales. Sitting between Leeds and Manchester, there will always be somewhere new for you to explore when you want to venture out from the town.

Many of our student reviewers noted that while small, Huddersfield has plenty to offer – and the transport links to bigger cities make it easy to explore elsewhere on the weekends.

Students say:

“Huddersfield has good links to Leeds, Sheffield and Manchester, so it's a great city to be located in.”

“Huddersfield is very peaceful and clean place. I think this is a good place to study hard.”

“Always feels safe. Good nightlife. Close to Leeds and Manchester.”

Getting involved in a club or society at university is a great way to meet new friends, learn a new skill and even enhance your job prospects. Societies at Huddersfield range from Belly Dancing and Musical Theatre to 3D Printing. There is also the HudMovies group, which regularly meets up to watch classic blockbusters while indulging in popcorn and other sweet treats.

Sports fans will be able to enjoy taking part in one (or several) of the University’s clubs, including cheerleading, rugby, boxing and horse riding.

The many options of clubs and societies was something our reviewers were particularly positive about, with there being something on offer for all.

Students say:

“There are such a wide variety of clubs and socs. I am a part of musical theatre, the lost needle guild (student branch of the embroiderers' guild) and the archery club, showing how wide the variety of activities offered are.”

“Excellent range of sports, clubs and societies.”

“Good strong variety.”

The University of Huddersfield has a number of services available for students seeking additional support to help them through their studies, including a Counselling Service and Disability Office. Students who need access to these services can talk to the Student Support Office.

Our student reviewers were very happy with the support available to them at every level, and for every need – whether additional academic support from their tutors, or the services available for particular needs.

Students say:

“Support offered at the University is incredible. Both disability support and counselling are exceptional.”

“Tutorials with tutors can be arranged whenever a student needs them, as can counselling and mentoring sessions.”

“So far I have received great feedback from my tutors for my coursework. I know what I need to do to improve. Lecturers have also been very supportive to those who have got lower grades to help them do better in their work. I haven't used any personal counselling support, but tutors are very friendly and approachable if you have any problems.”

Fees for UK students: £9,250 for 2017/18 entry

Fees for International students: £13,000 - £14,000

The University offers a range of scholarships and bursaries, including:

University of Huddersfield Scholarship Programme – where £1,000 is awarded to students in their first year or study, for those who have 120 UCAS points or more and whose family income is less than £25,000 a year.

Applied Sciences Academic Scholarship – where £1,000 is awarded to students who achieve ABB at A level or equivalent in a relevant subject who have a place on an Applied Sciences programme. The payment is given in the first year of study.

Journalism

85% of graduates go on to find work in the media industry, at the likes of BBC, ITV, Daily Mirror and Team FA. The course is accredited by the Broadcast Journalism Training Council (BJTC), while the department has links to several national media outlets. You will also have access to a HD TV studio, video editing suites, five digital radio studios and the latest video camera equipment.

Biomedicine

The University is a leading centre for biomedicine studies, and students undertake work placements in institutions including the Edinburgh Cancer Research Centre, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, and the European Molecular Biology Laboratory in Germany. Teaching staff are educated to doctoral level and students receive training in specialist, modern biological science labs.

Music

The University offers a wide range of music courses aimed at a range of careers. This includes Music Journalism, Music Performance, Music Production and Secondary Music Education for those of you wanting to go into teaching. In 2015 Huddersfield was awarded the Queen's Anniversary Prize for ‘world-leading work to promote, produce and present contemporary music to an international audience'.

Pharmacy

Teaching you the knowledge and skills to help you into any area of the pharmaceutical industry, this four-year course will have you focusing on medicine and patients from your very first week, with the chance for placement visits from the outset. You’ll also work in the University’s formulation laboratory where medicines are made, alongside taught lectures and workshops and directed personal study. 

Entry requirements vary from course to course. Here are some examples:

For a place on the Journalism programme, you will be looking at obtaining BBC at A level, or 112 UCAS tariff points.

Those looking to study Biomedicine will need to achieve BBC at A Level including a grade B in a relevant Science subject.

Want to study Music? You’ll need 120 UCAS points, including a B at A Level (or equivalent) in Music or Music Technology. Points from practical and theory music grades will also be accepted.

To get onto the Pharmacy course you’ll typically need AAB/ABB in A Levels (or equivalent), with Chemistry being one of them.

To find out more about the different courses available to study at the university, along with the required entry grades, check out their website.