Staffordshire University

Staffordshire University is named ‘University of the Year' in the Midlands region

The University of Staffordshire has been awarded the prestigious title of ‘Midlands University of the Year 2020' in the annual Midlands Business Awards.

The University is one of the foremost institutions in the UK when it comes to delivering innovative apprenticeship pathways. It has also recently completed planning for a new, state-of-the-art facility which will provide for over 6,000 apprentices through modern equipment and teaching spaces. Through this and other initiatives, such as a new Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship in partnership with four regional police forces, the University has committed to cultivating prosperity and economic innovation in the region.

The Vice-Chancellor of Staffordshire University, Professor Liz Barnes CBE said, ''Being recognized as winner of Midlands University of the Year is testament to the hard work of our staff and our talented students who graduate with the skills that enable businesses in our region to grow and prosper.''

Harjinder Singh Sandher, the managing director at UK Special Events which has organized the awards since their inception, said: ''We're delighted to see Staffordshire University pick up this award. Its achievements show that the higher education sector will have a vital role in equipping the UK for the challenges of the future.''

Staffordshire University is highly reputed for its teaching quality. Many of the University's lecturers are experts who pride themselves on staying ahead of the 21^st century industry curve and strive to help equip students with relevant skills as a result. The University's schools and faculties consist of a number of reputed academics who have authored notable publications and have conducted world leading research, among other industry forwarding achievements.

78 per cent of research at the university is leading on a global level (Research Excellence Framework 2014). Its interdisciplinary research centres drive the university's publication of papers in hundreds each year.

Students will benefit from the university's numerous qualifications that are accredited by professional bodies and recognized internationally. Whichever course students choose to study, the university offers them a wealth of expertise.

Student Speak

''My course lecturers are so passionate about what they do and are so engaging. They've worked in the industry and really know their stuff.''- Benita Nantume, BA (Hons) Radio Production.

Staffordshire offers study options across five academic departments:

School of Digital, Technologies and Arts

The school recently invested over GBP 12 million and has built innovative facilities for its courses. Students can choose from leading study opportunities in areas including esports games design and programming engineering computer science and a variety of arts subjects including fashion.

This school develops the designers artists actors engineers poets writers historians civic leaders diplomats teachers geographers entrepreneurs and international humanitarians of the future.

Students will benefit from staff with industry experience who can help them gain work-related exposure and the school's well-equipped studio spaces allied to its excellent academic resources.

School of Health and Social Care

The school works with employers to help students gain the best practical exposure possible for the workplace in this subject area.

School of Law, Policing and Forensics

Staffordshire offers degrees accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Science, the Law Society, and Skills for Justice. It is home to specialist facilities including mock law courts, forensic science laboratories, and more all of which offer a learning experience that is hands-on.

School of Life Sciences and Education

The school delivers its study options with partners in areas including sport and exercise, psychology, education, and biological sciences.

Staffordshire Business School

Staffordshire Business School works in partnership with various businesses in over 17 countries. From its graduate students, the school has produced CEOs, government ministers, and many more high ranking business professionals.

Students applying to the University should check their chosen course's profile for course-specific academic requirements. Applicants to Staffordshire University must demonstrate a minimum competency in English Language in order to qualify for entry onto their chosen course. There are a variety of different tests which students can utilise as evidence of competency. For undergraduate and postgraduate study at degree level, the minimum entry requirements include, but are not limited to:

• IELTS - 6.0 overall score and a minimum of 5.5 in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
• TOEFL - minimum scores of 18 in reading, 17 in listening, 20 in speaking, and 17 in writing.
• Pearson PTE Academic - minimum scores of 51 in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
• Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English - ISEII: 'Pass' in reading, writing, speaking and listening.

Some exceptions to the above requirements are:

• Postgraduate law (LLM): Minimum overall score of IELTS 7.0 and no equivalent.
• Undergraduate and postgraduate journalism: Minimum overall score of IELTS 7.5 and no equivalent.
• BA (Hons) Social Work: Minimum overall score of IELTS 7.0 and 6.5 in all bands.
• Undergraduate BA (Hons) Creative Writing and Postgraduate MA Creative Futures: Minimum overall score of IELTS 6.5.
• All courses in psychology need an overall score of IELTS 7 in all domains or its equivalent.
• Postgraduate Research Degree: A minimum range of IELTS 6.5 to 7.5, with 6.0 or more in each of its components.

There are also country specific entry requirements for international students.

For students who require additional support with their English language skills, Staffordshire University offers many different options to help in preparation for their degree study.

Staffordshire University prides itself on continually investing in its facilities and university buildings to ensure that students are able to access a state-of-the-art learning experience. Students at the University will find that the facilities and opportunities available to them during their studies will reflect the industry standards that await them after graduation. Through this attention to quality and long-term investment, Staffordshire University offers one of the most well-rounded and value-for-money campus experiences.

The new Smart Zone facility is another jewel in Staffordshire University's crown, offering up a vibrant hub of creativity and innovation across two floors of bespoke workshops, digital technology and state-of-the art computing facilities, which can be accessed by students of any speciality.

Staffordshire University London's Digital Institute, opened in 2019 in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, and is the ultimate choice of campus for students who are looking to join the rising wave of digital and technological advancement. With a dedication to innovative, specialised courses with digital at their core, outstanding facilities, and an unbeatable central location in the UK capital.

The University also maintains a huge array of other technical, social and support facilities to a high standard. These buildings, ranging from the Catalyst Building to the Science Centre, Sports Centre to Film Theatre, and many other specialist technical facilities, form the core of Staffordshire University's student experience and are invaluable assets to their success.

The University's friendly and safe campuses are located just 25 minutes apart, but remain closely connected to form a single vibrant, multicultural student community. Staffordshire University also offers accommodation of different types to suit every student's needs across its campuses or can support students in locating accommodation across the cities in which they are based.

Gregor Porzel/ MSc Computer Science

Project Manager at Thomson Reuters

"I chose Staffordshire University because of the high standard of its computing courses and because of the computing faculty's excellent reputation. A friend who had previously studied at the University also rated it highly.

Staffordshire University teaches you things that are more important than just knowledge. They are exceptionally career-focused and have a great way of making you more aware of your chosen career area and help you to develop clear views about where you want to go in life. It is also rewarding to be able to work alongside students from other countries.

The University has an excellent Careers Office, in fact the careers team provided valuable help and guidance when I applied to join leading business information company, Thomson Reuters.''

Jia Ying Gnoh/BA (Hons) Graphic Design

Graphic designer for top brands like Nestle and Unilever

''I graduated from Staffordshire University with great employability skills and an excellent portfolio, something that's essential in graphic design.

I worked to real challenges and live briefs, developed great communication and presentation skills and won the London-based brand agency, Coley Porter Bell, Shine Award. This meant a GBP 3,000 cash prize and a three-month work placement.

I now work for Coley Porter Bell full-time as a graphic designer. It's proper work, with real commercial value, for global brand owners like Unilever and Nestle.''