University Centre Weston

Last updated

University Centre Weston
University Centre Weston logo.png
Established2016
Parent institution
Weston College
Principal Pat Jones
Students862
Location,
England
CampusUrban
Affiliations University of the West of England, Bath Spa University
Website www.ucw.ac.uk
University Centre Weston

University Centre Weston, also known as UCW, is a university centre based in the town of Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, England. [1] The centre was formed by Weston College in 2016 following the college's announcement of university centre status with UWE Bristol and Bath Spa University in November 2015. [2] [3]

Contents

UCW is currently based at Weston College's Knightstone Campus, with some degree level provision based at its Knightstone, South West Skills and Loxton Campuses. [4]

History

Weston College has delivered higher education courses since 1993. The college expanded its degree-level provision and gained university centre status first with Bath Spa University in May 2014. [5]

In November 2015, at Weston College's annual business breakfast, The college announced that it would further expand its university-level provision through university centre status with UWE Bristol. [6] This partnership was further developed with the announcement of the creation of an Institute of Professional Education in July 2016. [7]

UCW's new logo was debuted on the hoarding surrounding the seafront portion of Weston-super-Mare's Winter Gardens Pavilion, part of which will house the organisation when it is reopened in 2017. [4]

The university centre scored 88% in the National Student Survey's 'overall satisfaction' survey, above the national average of 86%. [8]

Campuses

The Winter Gardens building, where many UCW courses are taught Weston College Winter Gardens.jpg
The Winter Gardens building, where many UCW courses are taught

UCW is primarily based at the Winter Gardens Campus. Courses are also taught on the 5th and 6th floors of the Weston College Knightstone Campus. Courses in specialised areas are also taught at Weston College’s Loxton and South West Skills Campuses. [9]

Courses

University Centre Weston runs many courses at levels 5 and 6 of the UK's National Qualifications Framework. It is the only educational establishment in North Somerset that provides higher level qualifications in engineering. [9]

UCW has courses in the following subjects: animal , environment and biological studies, art, film, game and graphic design, business, accounting and operations, computing and digital technologies, counselling, healthcare, education and early years, engineering and construction, criminology, performance and production arts and music. [10]

Assessment

In 2023, over 80% of learners achieved First Class or 2:1 Degree. 95 per cent of UCW students progress to employment or further study within six months of graduating. [11] [12]

In 2025, UCW was rated above average in all nine areas of the National Student Survey, with UCW’s mental wellbeing services being rated at over 95%. [13]

Awards

In 2023, UCW was ranked among the best places to study at university level in the UK by the Teaching Excellence Framework. UCW stated when receiving this certification: “This achievement represents a significant milestone for our region, confirming the excellence of our institution for higher education. Furthermore, it underscores the Weston College Group’s positive impact on learners both locally and nationally.” [14]

References

  1. "University Centre Weston". UCAS. Retrieved 14 September 2016.
  2. Yong, Michael (26 November 2015). "University Centre status for Weston College paves the way for town's regeneration". Bristol Post. Retrieved 14 September 2016.
  3. "Weston College awarded University Centre status - North Somerset Council". North Somerset Council. Retrieved 14 September 2016.
  4. 1 2 Robins, Sheridan. "NEW: Latest from Weston College's Winter Gardens development". Weston Mercury. Retrieved 14 September 2016.
  5. Evans, Bethan. "New university centre for Weston after college's successful Government bid". Weston Mercury. Retrieved 14 September 2016.
  6. Prideaux, Sophie (25 November 2015). "Weston-super-Mare step closer to becoming university town as college given University Centre status". Bristol Post. Archived from the original on 29 December 2015. Retrieved 14 September 2016.
  7. Burlison, David. "College and UWE Bristol to launch Institute of Professional Education | Weston College". www.weston.ac.uk. Retrieved 14 September 2016.
  8. "University Centre Weston-super-Mare improves in survey". Weston Mercury. Retrieved 14 September 2016.
  9. 1 2 Booth, Dominic. "College rolls out engineering courses". Weston Mercury. Retrieved 14 September 2016.
  10. "Courses". University Centre Weston. Retrieved 15 September 2016.
  11. Robins, Sheridan. "Weston-super-Mare's star students celebrate University Centre graduation". Weston Mercury. Archant. The Weston mercury. Retrieved 31 October 2016.
  12. "Quality and standards - University Centre Weston". 6 March 2020. Retrieved 18 September 2025.
  13. chris.editor (15 July 2025). "UCW Above Average in All NSS Survey Areas - University Centre Weston" . Retrieved 18 September 2025.{{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  14. Dibble, Jonny (28 September 2023). "University Centre Weston Earns Coveted Gold Rating in 2023 Teaching Excellence Framework - University Centre Weston" . Retrieved 18 September 2025.

51°21′03″N2°58′53″W / 51.350896°N 2.981486°W / 51.350896; -2.981486