University of Worcester

The University of Worcester has its origins in an emergency college for training teachers, opened in 1946, and developed gradually. In 1976 it became Worcester College of Higher Education, and in 1997 University College Worcester, by then holding its own degree awarding powers. Full university status came in 2005, with research degree awarding powers following in 2010. Most of its roughly 8,700 students are undergraduates.

The University is based in Worcester, a cathedral city just over two hours by train from London. St John's Campus is the principal academic site, and Worcester Business School occupies City Campus, on the former site of Worcester Royal Infirmary. Riverside Campus contains sports facilities and the Worcester Arena, while Lakeside Campus, set in rural Worcestershire, provides watersports and outdoor pursuits. The Hive, which Queen Elizabeth II opened in 2012, is a sizeable library and learning centre and a city landmark. Programmes cover business, the sciences and the arts as well as teacher education, the field in which the institution began. Graduate employment is a particular priority, backed by more than 200 partnerships with employers, and hundreds of students hold on-campus jobs while they study.

Information for International Students

Enquiries and applications are handled by Worcester's International team, while the International Experience Team supports students after arrival. Undergraduate courses ask for IELTS 6.0 and postgraduate courses for 6.5, in each case with every component at 5.5 or above, although certain professionally accredited programmes set higher scores. During the degree, students can strengthen their English through academic English modules and in-course sessions run by the Centre for Academic English and Skills. Some subjects include an integrated foundation year, such as Biological Sciences with Foundation Year.

The CAS is issued when every offer condition has been met and the place confirmed; a credibility interview may be part of this stage, and the admissions and international teams keep in touch throughout the visa application. The nearest major airport, Birmingham International, has direct trains to Worcester. New residents of University halls, which are located on St John's and City campuses, are welcomed on St John's Campus at Main Reception. An International Welcome and induction programme then introduces the city, the campus and the support services. International scholarships are offered, and graduates may apply for the Graduate Route.