Peterborough College Higher Education Fair 2026: Student Guide

HIGHER EDUCATION FAIR STUDENT GUIDE

24 March 2026

ASKING QUESTIONS

Choosing your next path is a big deal, and there’s no better way to weigh your options than by attending a Higher Education (HE) Fair.

This event brings together lots of university representatives ready to chat one-on-one, answer your specific questions, and show you exactly what their campuses have to offer. Not sure if university is for you? We also have Apprenticeship and Career specialists on hand to discuss alternative routes to your dream job.

While it’s tempting to just grab the “freebies” and head for the exit, the real value is in the conversation. You’ll gain far more insight by talking to the experts at each stand and asking them about the opportunities, from placements, to student life, that could define your future.

3 Tips to Make the Most of the Fair

Ask about the “Extra”

1

Don’t just ask about the course; ask about industry placements, study abroad options, accommodation bursaries and clubs.

2 3 Explore Alternatives

Ask each university if they have Apprenticeship offers.

Collect Contact

Info

If a representative impresses you, grab a business card or QR code so you can follow up with more questions later.

About the course:

1. I am currently studying [Subject] and want to work as a [Career]. Which specific modules or pathways in your courses will help me get there?

2. What are your typical entry requirements, and do you offer Contextual Offers (lower grades) for students from certain postcodes or college backgrounds?

3. What percentage of graduates from this course are in ‘High Skilled’ employment 15 months after finishing?

4. Which specific local or national companies do you have strong links with for this course?

5. What specific evidence do you want to see in the three UCAS questions: Motivation, Academic Prep, and Extracurricular Prep?

6. If I apply for two similar courses at your university, will it affect my chances of getting an offer for either?

7. What are the assessment methods on this course?

8. Is this course taught purely in person, or a mix of online lectures and face-to-face seminars?

9. How many hours of ‘Guided Learning’ will I have per week, and will I have a dedicated Personal Tutor to help me settle into University?

10. What are the expectations for personal study?

Student

facilities and campus:

1. Beyond the library, what other co-working spaces are available for students to work on group projects?

2. Does the university have 24/7 mental health and wellbeing hubs, and can I access support through an app or online portal?

3. What support is available to me if I have a disability?

4. Which bursaries are automatic (based on my postcode or household income) versus those I have to apply for?

5. Does the university offer a ‘Cost of Living’ support package, such as subsidised campus meals or emergency loan funds?

University and living:

1. Do you guarantee accommodation for all firstyear students, including those who apply through Clearing?

2. Are your halls eco-friendly, and do they include all utility bills to help with budgeting?

3. Is the campus integrated into the town centre, or is it a selfcontained ‘bubble’ where I’ll need to travel for shops and nightlife?

4. If I bring a bike, are there secure, CCTV-monitored storage areas and maintenance stations on campus?

5. For students living at home, is there a dedicated Commuter Hub with lockers and a kitchen for me to use between lectures?

6. If I need to drive for a part-time job or placement, how much is a parking permit, and are there enough spaces during peak hours?

7. Can you tell me about social interest groups, clubs and volunteering?

PRESENTATIONS

Why progress onto Higher Education?

9.30am - 10.30am Enterprise Lounge

This talk clarifies the benefits of university, covering career prospects, personal growth and specialised knowledge.

Students will understand how a degree leads to success, dispel misconceptions and discover diverse opportunities.

Writing

an effective Personal Statement

10.45am - 11.30am Enterprise Lounge

Getting UniversityReady!

1.30pm - 2.15pm Enterprise Lounge

This talk provides practical, actionable advice on crafting a compelling UCAS personal statement.

Students will learn how to effectively showcase their skills, experiences, and passion, maximising their chances of securing a place at their chosen universities.

Navigating the Personal Statement, uni search and the Summer!

This talk is a complete guide to getting university-ready over the summer. We’ll cover how to write a personal statement, how to research and choose the right university for you, and what to expect from student life.

EXHIBITOR OVERVIEW

Here you will find the list of the universities in attendance. Research them and explore the courses they offer, then think about the questions you would like to ask them.

Anglia Ruskin University

Named University of the Year 2023, ARU is a leader in blending academic excellence with practical, real-world experience. As one of the UK’s largest providers of Nursing, Midwifery, and Health training, it is equally renowned for its Business, Law, and Creative Arts programmes.

Students benefit from a “Triple Gold” teaching rating and industry-standard facilities, such as Bloomberg Labs and mock courtrooms. With campuses in Cambridge, Chelmsford, and Peterborough, ARU offers a highly supportive environment focused on turning students’ passions into successful professional careers.

Aston University

Aston University is a powerhouse for employability, located in the heart of Birmingham. Renowned as the pioneer of the integrated placement year, Aston consistently produces graduates who rank among the highest-paid in the UK. The university holds an elite Triple-Crown accreditation for its Business School, placing it in the top 1% globally.

Beyond business, it is a national leader in Health Sciences, particularly Optometry and Pharmacy, and is celebrated for its Engineering programmes. With a “Triple Gold” rating for teaching excellence, Aston is the ideal choice for students seeking a direct, high-impact route into the professional world.

Buckinghamshire New University

Buckinghamshire New University is a vibrant, employment-focused institution renowned for its commitment to student success and practical, hands-on learning. Recently ranked in the UK Top 20 for “Value Added” (Guardian University Guide 2026), BNU excels at supporting students to exceed their expectations and achieve strong career outcomes.

The university is particularly celebrated for its creative and vocational programmes, including its award-winning Pilot Training, Nursing, and Music Business degrees. With deep industry links to major organisations like Sky, the NHS, and the Pinewood Studios hub, BNU ensures its students gain real-world experience. Beyond the classroom, the university is famous for its “Big Deal” initiative, which provides students with free access to diverse societies, sports, and professional workshops, contributing to its consistently high rankings for student satisfaction.

De Montfort University

Based in Leicester, DMU is celebrated for its innovative “block teaching” model, which allows students to focus on one subject at a time for deeper learning and a better study-life balance. It is a global leader in Fashion and Textiles (ranked Top 10 in the UK) and holds world-renowned status for its unique Footwear Design degree.

DMU also excels in Cyber Security, Law, and Business, with courses designed alongside partners like IBM and Rolls-Royce. Recently named the UK’s Best University for Work Experience (RateMyPlacement 2024 and 2025), DMU prioritises career readiness through its award-winning careers team and the DMU Global international travel programme.

Falmouth University

Located on the stunning Cornish coast, Falmouth is a world-class hub for creativity and technology. It is nationally renowned for its Games Academy, ranked #1 in England for Game Design, and is a premier destination for Film, Fashion, and Illustration. Falmouth also holds the #1 spot in the UK for Hospitality and Tourism (Guardian 2026). With a professional-standard environment and a strong focus on entrepreneurship, Falmouth ensures graduates are career-ready innovators. It is the perfect choice for students looking to turn artistic passion into a sustainable career within the global creative economy.

Hartpury University

Recently named Specialist University of the Year 2026 by The Times, Hartpury is a world-leading destination for Agriculture, Animal, Equine, Sport, and Veterinary Nursing. Its 360-hectare Gloucestershire campus features elite facilities, including an international-standard equine arena and a commercial farm. With a “Triple Gold” teaching rating and a 95% graduate employability rate, Hartpury is ranked among the top in the UK for student satisfaction. It is the perfect choice for students seeking hands-on, specialist training within a close-knit, high-performance community.

The Institute of Contemporary Music Performance and SAE Institute (ICMP)

Located in the heart of London, ICMP is a pioneer in contemporary music education with over 35 years of industry experience. It is renowned for its Popular Music Performance, Songwriting, and Music Production degrees, alongside its CMI-accredited Music Business programme. Students benefit from 24/7 access to industry-standard studios and a dedicated live music venue across two London campuses. With a faculty of active professionals and exclusive industry partnerships, ICMP provides a personalised, smallgroup environment that ensures over 90% of graduates are career-ready within months of finishing their studies.

Inspire Education Group

Apprenticeships Team

Kickstart Your Career with an IEG Apprenticeship! An Apprenticeship is a unique opportunity to earn while you learn, combining real-world employment with structured technical training. Instead of sitting in a classroom full-time, you’ll spend the majority of your week gaining handson experience in the workplace, supplemented by expert-led study sessions that lead to a nationally recognised qualification.

At IEG, we don’t just provide the training; we act as your dedicated partner throughout the entire journey. From matching you with the right employer to providing one-on-one mentorship and industrystandard facilities, our team ensures you have the support needed to bridge the gap between education and a professional career. Whether you are looking to take your first step into a trade or want to upskill in a specialist sector, IEG provides the foundation for your future success.

Recently renamed from Bishop Grosseteste, this historic institution was named University of the Year for Student Support (2026). It holds a #1 UK ranking for Teaching Quality and is a national leader in Education and Teacher Training, with a heritage spanning over 160 years. Also highly regarded for Psychology and Sociology, the university offers a close-knit, community-focused campus in the heart of historic Lincoln. With some of the highest graduate employability rates in the country, it is the premier choice for students seeking a supportive, person-centered learning environment.

Norwich University of the Arts

Voted Arts University of the Year 2025 (Daily Mail), Norwich is the highestranked arts university outside London. It holds a unique “Triple Gold” TEF rating for excellence in teaching and graduate outcomes. A world leader in Games Art and Design, the university also excels in Animation, Visual Effects, and Architecture. Students benefit from a professional “studio culture” and 100% project-based learning with no exams. With cutting-edge facilities like a Sony Virtual Production Studio, Norwich is the premier choice for students looking to lead in the global creative economy.

Nottingham Trent University

Recently jumping to 25th in the UK (Guardian University Guide 2026), NTU is a top-performing modern university celebrated for its student experience and employability. It was named Sports University of the Year 2026 (Daily Mail) and is the most sustainable university in the UK. NTU excels in Forensic Science (ranked #1), Business, Law, and Design, with its Confetti Institute providing world-class training in music and live events. With a “Gold” TEF rating and a promise of a paid internship if you aren’t employed within a year of graduating, NTU is a powerhouse for students who want a vibrant city life combined with serious career results.

Ranked in the top 25% of global institutions (QS 2026), Oxford Brookes is renowned for its industry-aligned education. It is world-famous for Motorsport Engineering and Architecture, alongside high-ranking programmes in Business Enterprise and Entrepreneurship. The university also offers specialist expertise in Biodiversity and Wildlife Conservation, supported by a Silver TEF rating for teaching excellence. Based in one of the world’s most iconic student cities, Oxford Brookes is the premier choice for students seeking a balance of academic prestige and practical, real-world preparation.

University Centre Peterborough

University Centre Peterborough is Peterborough’s long-standing university provider, celebrated for its personalised and supportive learning environment. It holds a “Silver” TEF rating and consistently ranks high for Teaching Quality and Academic Support. Specializing in career-led degrees like Criminology, Digital Marketing, Engineering, and Biological Sciences, many of its courses are validated by the Open University. With small class sizes, 24/7 library access, and competitive tuition fees, UCP is the premier choice for students seeking a community-focused experience with strong local industry links.

University of Bedfordshire

Rising 19 places in the Guardian University Guide 2026, Bedfordshire holds a “Gold” TEF rating for outstanding teaching. It is ranked #1 in the UK for Mental Health Nursing (Guardian 2026) and is a top-5 national leader in Education. The university follows a “Career-Powered Education” model, integrating placements into every course to boost employability. With standout programmes in Criminology and Computer Science, it is the premier choice for students seeking a supportive, diverse community with a strong focus on real-world skills.

University of Derby

Ranked #7 in the UK overall and 2nd for Employability (Uni Compare 2026), Derby is a “Gold” TEF-rated institution known for its industry-aligned education. It is a national leader in Hospitality, Forensic Science, and Nursing, featuring a specialist Nuclear Skills Academy that delivers innovative Higher Degree Apprenticeships. Derby offers extensive industry placements and has been awarded “Best University Housing” for four consecutive years. Supported by a “Three-Year Career Promise,” it is the premier choice for students seeking a high-impact, practical education.

University of East Anglia

Ranked 26th in the UK (Complete University Guide 2026), UEA is a research powerhouse on a stunning parkland campus. It holds a “Gold” TEF rating and is a global leader in Environmental Sciences, Creative Writing, and Pharmacy. As a founding member of the Norwich Research Park, UEA offers unique access to one of Europe’s largest collaborative research sites. Ranked in the UK Top 10 for work experience (Rate My Placement 2025), the university combines elite academic prestige with a commitment to being 100% net zero by 2045.

University of Exeter

A prestigious Russell Group member, Exeter is ranked 11th in the UK (Complete University Guide 2026) and holds a rare “Triple Gold” TEF rating. It is a global leader in Environmental Science, Business, and Psychology, with its Business School ranking in the top 1% worldwide. Spanning stunning campuses in Devon and Cornwall, Exeter is the UK’s fastest-growing research university and ranks 8th for graduate recruitment by the UK’s top employers. With a 92% employment rate and a focus on a “green future,” it is the premier choice for students seeking academic prestige in a world-class setting.

University of Hertfordshire

Breaking into the UK Top 50 for the first time (Guardian 2026), Hertfordshire is a powerhouse for creative and vocational excellence. It is officially the #1 Creative Arts School in the UK (The Rookies 2026) and ranks 1st nationally for Animation, Game Design, and Occupational Therapy.

The university is deeply integrated with industry, offering innovative Higher Degree Apprenticeships and industry placements across almost all sectors through partnerships with brands like Disney and Rolls-Royce. With a “Silver” TEF rating and a top-tier ranking for student satisfaction, it also provides award-winning campus accommodation just 25 minutes from London.

University of Hull

Ranked 81st in the UK (Complete University Guide 2026) and holding a “Gold” TEF rating, Hull is a pioneer in teaching excellence. Its Marine Biology programmes are world-renowned, benefiting from a global top-100 ranking for “Life Below Water.” The university is equally famous for Politics, specifically its unique 12-month placement at the Westminster Parliament, which boasts a powerful alumni network in London. Furthermore, the Double-Accredited Business School (AACSB and AMBA) offers industry-aligned courses focused on authentic, real-world assessment.

University of Leicester

Ranked 25th in the UK (The World University Rankings 2026), Leicester holds a rare “Triple Gold” TEF rating. It is a world leader in Space Science, Medicine, and Archaeology, famously pioneering genetic fingerprinting. From September 2026, the university will launch its Work-Related Learning Guarantee, ensuring every undergraduate completes at least 100 hours of employer-informed experience. Combined with its status as one of the UK’s most affordable student cities, Leicester is the premier choice for students seeking research prestige with a practical edge.

University of Lincoln

Ranked top 15 in the UK for student satisfaction (Guardian 2026), Lincoln holds a “Gold” TEF rating and is a national leader in Sport and Exercise Science, Psychology, and Biomedical Science. The university is famous for its “Student as Producer” initiative, where undergraduates collaborate on high-level research using state-of-the-art laboratories. With a top-20 ranking for graduate prospects, Lincoln combines elite academic support with a modern, scenic campus in the heart of a historic city.

University of Northampton

Climbing 23 places to rank 90th in the UK (Guardian 2026), Northampton holds a “Silver” TEF rating for high-quality teaching. It is a national leader in Health Professions (ranking 3rd for Occupational Therapy and Podiatry) and Graphic Design. Based on the £330 million Waterside Campus, the university offers innovative Higher Degree Apprenticeships in Nursing and Policing. With the “Northampton Employment Promise” and guaranteed first-year on-campus accommodation, it provides a modern, career-focused student experience just an hour from London.

University of Suffolk

Suffolk is officially the #1 institution in Britain for Teaching Quality (Times and Sunday Times 2026) and was named “University of the Year” at the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2025. Rising 27 places in national league tables, it is a powerhouse for Nursing, Midwifery, and Computer Science, ranking 8th in the UK for Graduate Prospects in healthcare.

The university’s unique “Block and Blend” teaching model allows students to focus on one module at a time, supported by specialist hubs like the DigiTech Centre at BT’s Adastral Park. With its stunning Ipswich Waterfront campus and a top-tier rating for student support, Suffolk offers a personalised, high-impact education.

AstraZeneca UK

Discover Your Future at AstraZeneca UK! Join a global science leader dedicated to life-changing medicine. From R&D and Data Science to Business and Engineering, our early talent programmes, including Apprenticeships and placements, offer you the chance to do meaningful work from day one.

Stop by our stand to see how your skills can help us push the boundaries of science and kickstart your career.

USEFUL LINKS

Additional links and resources for Young Carers, Young Adult Carers, and Student Carers:

UCAS: Care Experienced Students

A comprehensive guide on why “ticking the box” on the UCAS form is a superpower, it triggers automatic alerts to the university’s support teams without it being a “label.”

The Unite Foundation

Offers a specific scholarship that provides three years of free year-round accommodation (no rent, no bills) at several partner universities.

UCAS: Students with Caring Responsibilities

Explains how to disclose caring roles to access flexible deadlines and specific “Carer Bursaries.”

Carers Trust

Provides a directory of support and explains the “Carer’s Passport” scheme, which helps students communicate their needs to tutors without repeating their story.

Propel (by Become)

Students can search for any UK university to see exactly what bursaries, 365-day accommodation and transition support they offer.

The

Children’s Society

Excellent for Young Carers moving from college to university, with advice on transition rights.

NOTES

www.ucp.ac.uk