The West London Institute of Technology (WLIoT) is a specialist higher education institution for Level 4 and 5 courses across science, technology, English and maths. Students can gain university-level qualifications, with the opportunity to progress onto a Level 6 degree at university or transition directly into employment.
The West London Institute of Technology was established in 2019 in partnership with Brunel University London, West London Business, Fujitsu and Heathrow Airport. It is based out of Harrow College and Uxbridge College’s Uxbridge Campus. It was one of the first 12 specialist Institutes of Technology (IoTs) in the UK.
Students can sign up for high-quality technical programmes that are all tailored to developing industry-ready education as well as the required skills for university enrolment. At WLIoT, students can choose from a range of affordable courses packed with top-class technical study and support.
Specialist facilities with dedicated classrooms, workshops and highly technical kit, as used in industry, give students the environment and equipment they need to thrive. Classes are kept small to ensure more focused learning time, dedicated to developing the specific skills that businesses require. Students also have their own new building exclusive to WLIoT, with a lounge area and study pods to encourage group work and meeting like-minded people.
Courses and lecturers
West London IoT focuses on delivering higher technical education at Level 4 (HNC) and Level 5 (HND), with progression to Level 6 and beyond. Its HNC and HND courses combine practical skills with theory, giving students knowledge and hands-on experience to prepare them for progression to university or direct entry into the workplace. Subjects offered include computing, computing security, games development, construction and the built environment, civil engineering, building services engineering, electrical and electronic engineering and mechanical engineering.
Apprenticeship frameworks allow students to combine their study with a job in construction, digital and IT or engineering.
Students are taught by industry specialists who are experts in their fields and have inside knowledge how their industries operate. Brunel University London is an anchor partner of West London IoT, meaning students can progress to top-up degrees to take their technical education further.
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For students who want to study a Level 4 HNC qualification, the completion of a Level 3 qualification in a relevant subject and a good attendance record is needed. Those looking to start a Level 5 HND qualification should have a relevant Level 4 qualification that covers specific modules and units. Students can check the specific course page of their chosen programme for details on the entry requirements.
Mature students with relevant industry experience in lieu of formal qualifications, as well as students with equivalent overseas qualifications, are encouraged to apply. Admission is subject to meeting specific requirements and the Careers Team can talk students through the options available to students, along with advising on individual circumstances.
WLIoT works with a home stay organisation to help with accommodation for international students only. This helps to place students with a local family when they first arrive in the UK until they are settled. While WLIoT does not then offer any further accommodation, the team can be contacted all year-round to provide advice on where to find student residences.
Facilities
WLIoT has brand-new, state-of-the-art facilities which include high-level technical kit and equipment housed in a specialist centre in the Uxbridge Campus. To enable the cultivation of technical knowledge and practical skills students can make use of engineering workshops, electrical testing areas, high-spec computing suites, specialist workshops and practical spaces with the software and hardware, kit and equipment used in industry. Alongside this, students learn theory in well-equipped classrooms.
There are a lot of social spaces where students can enjoy some much-needed rest and relaxation, meeting others on their course in a more social environment.
Student support
The Student Services Team provides support around financial, welfare or personal issues, including mental health support. Services are also in place to assist students with disabilities. They are available to assist students across a wide range of topics, including how to balance working and studying, finances and looking after family members both in the UK and back home.
The Careers Team offers advice and guidance on looking for part time work whilst students are enrolled, as well as helping them to navigate the options available upon completion of their course. These services are available at all campuses.
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Find out more about the student support offered on the university’s website.
The West London Institute of Technology is a specialist, technical institution focusing on computing, engineering and building services and many of their staff have masters or PhDs.
It is part of HCUC (Harrow College & Uxbridge College) – the number one college in London for 16- to18-year olds’ achievement (based on Department for Education’s most recent achievement data for 16-18 provision in 2018/19, published in March 2020).
Student progression is strong with most students going on to higher level study, many of which is at Russell Group universities, or into good employment opportunities.
They are also the largest college provider of apprenticeships in west London, with the highest college success rates in offering Level 2 to 4 apprenticeships across the digital, construction and engineering industries.
Although the college doesn’t have an official students’ union, they do have a student council. The council is made up of tutor reps who are elected by students, whose job it is to represent them to the governing board and ensure any issues are addressed and resolved. Students can also join the National Union of Students and get a Totum card for student discounts. Higher Education (HE) students can also feed into the college’s plans for HE and there is student representation on the HE academic board.
Postgraduate
The WLIoT prepares students to continue their studies or professional development, building valued skills for the workplace. There are opportunities to extend learning further with specialised courses at Level 6 and beyond, made possible through the institute’s work through key university and employer partnerships. Students in work can develop specific HE skills through small, modular that lead to a recognised qualification.
City life
WLIoT, based at its Uxbridge Campus, is a 10 minute walk from Uxbridge town centre which boasts a range of traditional high street stores, two shopping centres, a multiplex cinema with IMAX cinema and a host of local pubs, restaurants and cafés. Uxbridge is well connected with excellent transport links. It is served by two underground tube lines, the Metropolitan and the Piccadilly, providing a 40-minute ride into central London. There’s also a range of buses connecting students to other London boroughs and neighbouring suburbs.
For international connections, the institute’s campuses are located close to Heathrow Airport and have direct bus routes to each.
Job prospects
West London IoT helps to address the STEM skills gaps at both a local and regional level. Students benefit from an education that will give them the real-world training and experience employers are looking for. With WLIoT’s close links to universities and employers, students can enhance their skills and knowledge and gain real work-based experience, including links to employers through work on projects and live briefs.
Students can progress onto higher level qualifications and gain a clear route to technical employment.
The Student Services Team can provide information on the financial help that may be available to students at the West London Institute of Technology, depending on their individual circumstances. The Bursary Scheme provides financial support to students who meet the eligibility criteria, which are varied.
Fees
Fees at the West London Institute of Technology are below the average for equal higher education courses in the UK, giving students a cost-effective option for their tuition without compromising on the quality of teaching.
Studying an HNC or HND course before progressing to a degree also gives students the benefit of additional qualifications, helping their money goes further. Fees vary depending on the course, so students should visit university website for more details.
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Frequently asked questions
Why go to West London Institute of Technology?
Many courses at West London Institute of Technology offer an opportunity to do a work placement or sandwich year. These opportunities will help you develop your employability skills, and the careers department is also on hand to offer personal support.
As well as a wide range of courses on offer, West London Institute of Technology also has loads of clubs and societies you can join during your studies. Joining societies is just one of the many ways you can tailor your experience at West London Institute of Technology to suit you.
What can you do with a degree from West London Institute of Technology?
With a degree in a subject you love, you'll find more doors opening to jobs you'll love. Studies have also shown that graduates earn more on average compared to non-graduates.
If you want to continue to pursue education, you'll be able to progress to postgraduate study once you've got your undergraduate degree. You could opt to study a master's, or even get a PhD.
What accommodation does West London Institute of Technology offer?
Living in uni halls means you'll have access to communal areas including kitchen and dining facilities. These facilities offer you plenty of opportunity to socialise with the students you're living with.
You'll also find all bills are included in your rent, and yes, that includes WiFi. Rent also covers security and maintenance. There are accessible rooms available in halls that have been adapted for disabled students.