A new intake of students from Shropshire, the UK and overseas is getting ready to start courses at University Centre Shrewsbury (UCS).

With applicants from Pulverbatch to Pakistan, preparations are underway for the arrival of the institution’s third cohort of undergraduates on Sunday 24 September 2017, including final touches being made to the Welcome Week programme. A Civic Reception, to introduce students to community members and vice-versa, is among the varied activities being organised to welcome UCS’s newest undergraduates to the town.

At this stage, a total of around 100 new undergraduate students have successfully applied and are due to embark on courses at UCS in the 2017/18 academic year.

Applicants have chosen subjects from History, Geography and English to Applied Psychology, Medical Science and Medical Genetics, reflecting both traditional Higher Education programmes and the county’s scientific history, environmental and social challenges.

Undergraduate applications continue to be received through the Clearing process so the final figure could change slightly up until the start of term, and postgraduate applications are being made to UCS through the usual admissions process throughout the year.

Combining both undergraduate and postgraduate students already studying at UCS, this year’s new undergraduates and a fourth cohort of postgraduates beginning courses in September, it is anticipated that this will bring the institution’s total student community to around 350 from a standing start in 2014. This marks an increase of more than 60% from 2016/17.

Professor Anna Sutton, Provost of UCS said:

“We are excited to be welcoming our new undergraduates and postgraduates, and look forward to welcoming back our current students for their next academic year.

“In the three years since we welcomed our first postgraduates, and two since our first undergraduates joined us, so much has happened. It has been an amazing time, with many firsts, from lectures to work placements to sporting milestones.

“Again it is an honour to introduce our new intake to Shrewsbury, their new home, and have the opportunity to offer degrees in this fantastic town and county.

“Our new students will join our current undergraduates and postgraduates in enjoying a personalised experience, tailored to their needs and interests in their academic studies, personal welfare, and extra-curricular choices.”

Prof Sutton continued to say that the activities had taken staff and students beyond the main learning and research site at Guildhall in Frankwell Quay, the historic Rowley’s House, and the student accommodation at nearby Mardol House, as well as brought members of the public into UCS sites.

“It is important for staff and students to be a part of wider Shrewsbury and Shropshire life, and to share our facilities with the community.

“Our students have represented us at civic events, have joined local clubs and groups and supported local and national causes with fundraising activities. These have included the shoebox campaign for Shrewsbury Ark; a charity quiz, cake sales and a raffle for Children in Need and a rowing challenge for Pengwern Boat Club, to raise money for adaptive rowing equipment.

“In addition we are always on the lookout for local schemes and partnerships that will enhance the county’s prospects. As part of this we have strengthened links with groups and organisations such as Team Shrewsbury, the Marches Growth Hub and Shropshire Chamber of Commerce, as well as signed a memorandum of understanding with the newly-formed Shrewsbury Colleges Group.

“Meanwhile our public events, which again have been open to everyone and free wherever possible, have proved popular and we’ve hosted well-attended conferences and community events.”

Prof Sutton added that it was only possible with the contribution of councillors, businesses, residents and others.

“It is a privilege to be part of such a vibrant community – thank-you to everyone who has supported us in our development. We’re looking ahead to the coming academic years with great enthusiasm, whether it’s seeing our new students settle into university and community life, welcoming the public to more events, breathing new life into The Tannery site in the town with the construction of new student accommodation, expanding the courses we offer, or sharing our research.”

UCS is a partnership between the University of Chester and Shropshire Council, with the long term aspiration to grow steadily over the next five to 10 years, to the point where it can become an independent University.

For further information, go to www.ucshrewsbury.ac.uk, call 01743 297185 or email enquiries@ucshrewsbury.ac.uk.

For details of UCS public events go to www.ucshrewsbury.ac.uk/public-events.

For Clearing enquiries please call 0808 164 2710 or email clearing@chester.ac.uk.