University of Staffordshire

The University of Staffordshire's history starts in 1906, when classes in mining were first held on College Road in Stoke-on-Trent. After evolving through several technical colleges, the institution was renamed North Staffordshire Polytechnic in 1970, then Staffordshire Polytechnic in 1988, and achieved university status in 1992. For over three decades it was called Staffordshire University, and in September 2024, with the approval of the Office for Students, it took its present name.

Some 17,000 students are spread across a London campus located at Here East in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, which focuses on business, education, computing, games and esports; the Centre for Health Innovation in Stafford; and the principal campus in the University Quarter of Stoke-on-Trent. Programmes are designed in collaboration with industry and are strongly career oriented. The university has a particular reputation for ceramics, forensic science, nursing and midwifery, computing, and games design and development. In 1990 it launched the first single honours degree in the UK in Film, Television and Radio Studies. Substantial investment in the Stoke-on-Trent campus has included the Catalyst building and a large Student Village on site.

Information for International Students

International applicants are supported by the International Recruitment Team before they travel, and after arrival by the International Student Support Team, whose staff help them settle, understand their visa conditions and adjust to UK life. For most courses the requirement is IELTS 6.0 overall with 5.5 in every component, or a recognised equivalent. Many alternative tests and pathway qualifications are accepted, including foundation certificates from CEG, Study Group, Kaplan and NCUK. An integrated foundation year is available on many degrees, and students can attend free English classes and individual tutorials during their studies.

A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies is issued only after the university's own compliance checks, which involve a credibility interview and a review of financial evidence. Every new student is guaranteed a room, whether in university accommodation or through a trusted third-party provider; on the Stoke-on-Trent campus, the Student Village provides over 1,000 rooms. International students are helped to settle through welcome events, and every non-UK student must enrol in person, bringing their passport and eVisa details. International students receive a scholarship as part of their welcome package, and guidance on the Graduate Route is provided.