University Centre Shrewsbury welcomes its first students

The first students have embarked on courses at Shropshire’s new University Centre and are benefitting from the expertise of both academics and industry professionals.

University Centre Shrewsbury has welcomed a small intake of pioneering postgraduates who are studying Certificate in Management Studies (CMS) and Certificate in Public Health (CPH) courses.

The chance to study the Master of Business Administration (MBA) at University Centre Shrewsbury is also being offered from this autumn (2014), with more postgraduate courses available from early next year.

University Centre Shrewsbury is being established by the University of Chester and Shropshire Council after research showed there was strong demand and interest in a new institution to serve the needs of the county.

The CMS is designed to support graduates wishing to accelerate their management careers, by enhancing their leadership, entrepreneurial, problem solving, and creative thinking skills.

The CPH is a professional development programme for people currently working in the field of public health and health improvement, and those interested in improving health and well-being, preventing disease and reducing health inequalities in the population.

The curriculum has been designed with health providers and local businesses while industry specialists are joining academics to teach at University Centre Shrewsbury.

As planned, about 20 postgraduate students have started the first CMS and CPH courses.

Professor Tim Wheeler, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Chester, said:

“Welcoming our first students is a landmark moment for University Centre Shrewsbury. From here, we can grow as an institution and increase opportunities for students and the county.

“We are giving all of our students a substantial amount of time with both academics and business experts.  By offering this close support and broad range of knowledge, we can help to ensure that our students succeed in their chosen field, and that the region can benefit as much as possible from the skills and research developed at the University Centre.”

Keith Barrow, Leader of Shropshire Council, said:

“I’m delighted that our first students have now started their studies at University Centre Shrewsbury and I wish them all every success.

“The new University Centre is a brilliant thing for Shrewsbury and Shropshire, and welcoming our first students is an exciting and hugely important step, showing everyone that the University Centre is already a reality.”

Shari Thompson, Managing Director of Green Jelly Marketing, who is teaching sessions as part of business postgraduate courses, said:

“I am thrilled to be involved with University Centre Shrewsbury; the opportunities for students, businesses and the area as a whole are enormous.

“The vision of a vocational university, which is not only involved with commercial enterprises but the community as a whole, to equip students fully for a good grounding in industry, is not only unique, but also very much needed.  Although new, it is clear that University Centre Shrewsbury will make a real statement and put Shrewsbury firmly on the map as a top choice for study.”

Kristan Pritchard, Health Improvement Practitioner, Herefordshire Council, added:

“I am extremely pleased to have the opportunity to develop my skills through completing the Certificate in Public Health.  I know this qualification will support me in my existing public health role and ultimately contribute to improving the health of residents.”

Postgraduate courses planned to be offered from early 2015 are:

• Shrewsbury Business Masters
• Diploma in Management Studies
• Master of Science (MSc) in Museums Practice
• MSc Sustainable Heritage Practice
• MSc History of Science.

Teaching sessions for the first postgraduate students are being held at Rowley’s House in Shrewsbury town centre.

Undergraduate courses are due to start at University Centre Shrewsbury in autumn 2015.

For further information on courses and to register an interest, go to www.ucshrewsbury.co.uk or email enquiries@ucshrewsbury.co.uk.

More information is also available at:

• Facebook – /ucshrewsbury
• Twitter – @ucshrewsbury

In the photo: Tutors, support staff and students on the Certificate in Management Studies course.

Back row, left to right: Dr Tom Williams; Dr Kate Julian; Sue Benson; Jon Britten; Darren Edwards.

Front row, left to right: Ian McKay; Shari Thompson and Caroline Wakefield.