Undergraduate Guide 2027-28 Peterborough & Stamford
WELCOME T
As our region grows and evolves, University Centre Peterborough is proud to offer a fresh approach to higher education, one designed to fit around your life, not the other way around. Choosing to pursue higher education
are known by name, challenged to
is a powerful investment in your future.
achieve your best, and valued as
Degree-level study does far more than
an individual.
earn you a qualification; it transforms how you think, sharpens your critical and analytical skills, expands your intellectual horizons, and opens doors to higher-level professional careers. Whether you are stepping up straight from school or college, returning to study to elevate your career, or balancing degree-level study alongside work and family commitments, UCP offers an empowering, flexible environment where ambition is nurtured and potential is realized. Our courses are co-designed with regional industry leaders and delivered across compressed two-to-three-day weekly timetables. Combined with research-informed teaching and
This commitment to academic quality and personal guidance is reflected in our 2026 National Student Survey (NSS) results: UCP achieved 96.0% for Academic Support (against a UK average of 89.3%), 94.1% for Teaching Quality, and an incredible 99.0% for staff actively supporting student learning. We remain dedicated to ensuring every student gains the academic depth, confidence, and practical experience needed to make a lasting impact in their chosen career. Welcome to your future, we look forward to supporting your higher education journey every step of the way.
dedicated academic guidance, you benefit from rigorous study without
James Whybrow
putting your life on hold. Here, you are
Vice Principal Apprenticeships and
never just a face in a lecture hall—you
Higher Education
2 | Welcome
TO UNIVERSITY
CENTRE PETERBOROUGH
Choosing where to study is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make. At University Centre Peterborough you’ll find more than just a degree, you’ll become part of a supportive community where your ambitions matter. Whether you’re taking the next step after college, changing career or returning to education, we’re here to help you succeed. With smaller class sizes, industry-focused teaching and excellent employer links, we’ll help you build the knowledge, confidence and experience to achieve your goals.
Welcome | 3
Your Local University Experience
WHY CHOOSE UCP? Become part of a welcoming and inclusive community in the heart of Peterborough. Build connections both on campus and across the local community through volunteering, networking events, inspiring guest speakers and opportunities to join the Student Council. There’s something for everyone, with a wide range of sports teams, clubs and societies to get involved in, including our Esports Team, Inside the Box Editorial Team, Creative Writing Society and Crime and Justice Society, helping you meet new people, build your local network and feel part of the city you study in.
4 | Why Choose UCP?
Employer partnerships and employability support Dedicated employability support from day one. UCP Futures offer support with CVs, placements, volunteering, employer networking, plus graduate support for up to 18 months post graduation.
94.1%
Teaching Quality 94.1% overall satisfaction for ‘Teaching on my Course’ (NSS 2026)
Career-focused degrees
Outstanding student support You might not need any support during
99%
Staff Support 99% of students say teaching staff support their learning effectively (NSS 2026)
your time studying with us, but if you do, it is reassuring to know there is someone
Our courses have been designed with
available and willing to help.
local employers to ensure graduates are
96%
Academic Support 6.7 percentage points ACADEMIC above the UK national average SUP (NSS 2026)
‘career-ready’ and graduate with more than just a certificate.
Timetables that fit around you Your time is valuable, which is why we
As a smaller institution, we provide
help you make the most of it. When
strong personal support ensuring you
studied full-time the majority of our
can transition into HE study more easily.
courses are still two days per week over
Our student support team can
two semesters per year. This convenient
help with:
timetabling enables students to better
• Funding and fees
plan their time for independent study
• Grants and allowances
and fit the course around personal
• Student accommodation
or work commitments. Allowing you
• Mental health and wellbeing
to gain part-time work to fund your
• Emotional support
time at university, or work placements
• Course extensions and mitigations
or volunteering to enhance your
• Arrangements for learning support
employability after you graduate. Why Choose UCP? | 5
LEICESTER STAMFORD
PETERBOROUGH
CAMBRIDGE
LONDON
OUR CAMPUSES
NOTTINGHAM
GETTING HERE!
6 | Our Campuses
As the majority of courses are timetabled as two full days a week, our students often choose to commute from home. Our campuses are close to the city/town centre and are a short walk away from main bus or train stations. If you’re driving, you can benefit from free parking on both sites. If you’re using public transport, our buses stop directly at our campuses. Visit www.peterborough.ac.uk or www.stamford.ac.uk.
Peterborough Peterborough is one of the fastest growing cities in the UK, particularly due to excellent road and rail links. It has a thriving hub of businesses, including head offices for some of the UK’s top companies.
Stamford Our Stamford campus is located in the heart of Stamford, one of the best places to live in the UK! Stamford is rich in culture and is only a short drive
Parcs Nursery on our Peterborough
in
campus provides high-quality childcare for children aged 3 months
gibility
Sca n m e
h
Childcare
eli
rc
are f u n ildc d
g
fo
from Peterborough.
to 5 years. Our team can also advise on childcare funding eligibility. www.parcsnursery.co.uk
Our Campuses | 7
FLEXIBLE LEARNING 8 | Flexible Learning
Whether you’re starting your higher education journey, returning to education or developing new skills for your career, there are a range of funding options available to help make university more accessible.
cost of tuition, with many also able to
New Flexible Funding with the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE)
access a Maintenance Loan to help
From 2027, the Lifelong Learning
with living costs while studying.
Entitlement (LLE), a new government
Most eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan to cover the full
funding initiative will give you greater Our Student Support team is
flexibility to access higher education
available to guide you through
throughout your career.
the funding process and help you understand the financial support
Instead of studying a full degree all at
available, so you can focus on
once, you’ll be able to access student
achieving your goals.
finance for individual modules or complete qualifications at Levels 4–6,
ls u p p o r
r
d o ut m o
pace that works for you.
c ia
t
Fi n
allowing you to build your skills at a
a c . u k /f in an
e
p. uc
Whether you’re:
• Upskilling in your current role • Reskilling for a new career • Returning to study after time away • B uilding qualifications alongside work The LLE will make it easier than ever
FLEXIBLE FUNDING
to learn throughout your career.
Flexible Funding | 9
ANIMAL STUDIES
Choose a subject area and explore the range of university courses available in Peterborough and Stamford.
BUSINESS MANAGEMENT CHILDCARE AND EDUCATION COMPUTING AND IT COUNSELLING CRIMINOLOGY DIGITAL ARTS DIGITAL MARKETING ENGINEERING ENGLISH LITERATURE AND CREATIVE WRITING ESPORTS FORENSIC INVESTIGATION JOURNALISM
SPORT
10 | Subjects
Fi n d o u
SOCIOLOGY
u c p. a c
.u
k
b je c ts
PSYCHOLOGY
m
o re
u /s
PERFORMING ARTS
t
MEDIA
SUBJECTS
Subjects | 11
BE BOLD, BE BRAVE, BE EXCEPTIONAL • Priority Clearing & Application At Inspire Education Group Support: Fast-tracked guidance (IEG), your educational journey through the UCAS application doesn’t just start and end process and priority status during with a single course. As part Clearing. of Inspire Education Group, University Centre Peterborough • Familiar Support Systems: Continue your studies in an provides a seamless, supportive environment designed around pathway from further small class sizes, personalised education straight through academic tutoring and local to degree-level study. convenience.
If you are currently studying at
• Cost-Effective Higher Education:
Peterborough College or Stamford
Achieve a full university degree
College, transitioning to higher
close to home without the added
education at University Centre
expense of relocating.
Peterborough couldn’t be simpler. You’ve already started your journey with IEG. Fast-track your next step with University Centre Peterborough.
LASTING CONNECTIONS As a University Centre Peterborough graduate, you can become a member of our Alumni Community, helping you to stay connected as you take your next steps
12 | Student Success
STUDENT SUCCESS
“Studying at University Centre Peterborough felt like a natural next step” Name: Ella White Course Progression: Level 3
“It’s honestly just a privilege to be here, the combination of stellar teaching and emotional support was crucial.”
Animal Care at Peterborough College
Name: Joseph Tierney
to HND in Animal Management at
Course Progression: Level 3
UCP (Stamford Campus). “ Studying Animal Management
Extended Diploma in Performing Arts (Dance) at Peterborough College to
at college gave me the confidence
HNC Dance at UCP.
to take my next step and progress
“ My time across Peterborough
to the HND at University Centre Peterborough. Continuing within Inspire Education Group felt like a natural choice, and I’ve really enjoyed the supportive, friendly environment here. The smaller classes mean you get to know your tutors, while building on the skills and experience I gained at college.”
College and UCP has been a wonderful experience. The combination of stellar teaching, emotional support, and gradual technique training helped me step out of my comfort zone and grow as an artist. Without the guidance of my tutors, I wouldn’t have reached where I am today.”
Student Success | 13
HIGHER EDUCATION There’s no single route into higher education. Whether you’re taking your first step, returning to study or looking to advance your career, University Centre Peterborough offers flexible qualifications that can be studied individually or built together to help you achieve your goals.
Foundation Degrees combines academic study with practical workplace skills, making it ideal if you’re looking to gain a recognised higher education qualification while preparing for employment or progressing to a full bachelor’s degree. PROGRESSION Foundation Degree Top-Up Degree BA/BSc (Hons)
YOUR WAY 14 | Higher Education Your Way
Higher National Certificates (HNCs) and Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) are highly respected vocational qualifications developed with employers. They provide the specialist knowledge and technical skills needed to progress within your chosen industry. PROGRESSION HNC HND Top-Up Degree
Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) provide the higher technical skills employers are actively looking for. Designed in partnership with industry, they offer a direct route into skilled employment or further study.
EMPLOYERS! Discover our recommended progression pathways to effectively upskill and develop your team!
Look out for the official HTQ Quality Mark across our course listings on pages 10–17. Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) are technical degrees co-designed with leading industry employers, offering a direct, hands-on route into high-demand careers.
Top-Up Degrees – If you’re looking to upskill, a Top-Up degree allows you to gain a full bachelor’s qualification in as little as one year. Bachelor’s Degrees – Our careerfocused honours degrees include practical projects, employer
PROGRESSION
engagement and opportunities
HTQ (HNC)
to prepare for postgraduate study or employment.
HTQ (HND) Top-Up Degree Higher Education Your Way | 15
DEVELOP YOUR WORKFORCE
WITH UNIVERSITY CENTRE PETERBOROUGH
Higher education designed around employers and working professionals. • Part-time degrees • Modular learning with the new
CASE STUDY
Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) • Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) • Continuing Professional Development (CPD) • Leadership and Management
When global engineering
• Degree Apprenticeships
company Howden wanted to strengthen its leadership capability, it partnered with
Why employers choose UCP • Flexible learning around work • Upskill existing staff • Retain talented employees • Build future leaders • Access graduate talent There are many different ways to raise the profile of your organisation on campus, promote your recruitment opportunities and engage with our graduates, such as hosting networking events, working with students on live briefs, or advertising current vacancies.
16 | Develop Your Workforce
University Centre Peterborough to upskill staff with the CMI Level 5 Certificate in Management and Leadership! The cohort completed the programme while continuing in their roles, developing practical leadership, strategic management and decisionmaking skills that could be applied immediately in the workplace!
ANGLIA PROFESSIONAL TRAINING Anglia Professional Training offers a variety of short courses and workshops to help you achieve your full potential.
you a full study programme into these specialised accountancy areas.
As a fully accredited AAT exam and
If you are looking to develop a
study centre, APT can offer the full
career in Law and Legal services or
range of Accountancy qualifications,
Leadership and Management, then
from foundation level to professional
APT is accredited with CILEx and
level. APT is also accredited with
CMI, so can also help you achieve the
CIMA, ACCA and ICAEW, so can offer
qualifications you will need.
READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP? Whether you’re looking to develop your workforce or invest in your own career, we’re here to help. Learn about the Lifelong Learning Entitlement Discover how the LLE could help fund flexible higher education from 2027. Learn more about the LLE ucp.ac.uk/lifelong-learning-entitlement/ Explore Professional Development with APT Browse professional qualifications, leadership programmes and workforce development opportunities through Anglia Professional Training. Discover APT apt4u.training/ Develop Your Workforce | 17
DISCOVER..
UNIVERSITY CENTRE PETERBOROUGH
Whether you choose to study in Peterborough or Stamford, you’ll find a place that’s easy to call home. Both locations offer welcoming communities, excellent transport links and everything you need to make the most of student life, without the cost and pace of a large city. Peterborough is a vibrant and
If you’re looking for somewhere
diverse city that’s continually
with character and charm, Stamford
growing. With cafés, restaurants,
offers a different kind of student
shops, leisure facilities and green
experience. Renowned for its
spaces all within easy reach, there’s
beautiful Georgian streets,
always something to do when
independent cafés, boutique shops
you’re not studying. Its excellent
and welcoming atmosphere, it’s a
rail connections also mean you’re
town where you’ll quickly feel part
less than an hour from London and
of the community. With picturesque
within easy reach of Cambridge and
surroundings and easy access to
the East Midlands, giving you the
the countryside, it’s the perfect
freedom to explore while staying
place to find inspiration, unwind
connected to home.
between lectures and enjoy a balanced lifestyle.
18 | Discover
KEEP IN TOUCH
.. Whichever campus you choose, you’ll benefit from affordable living, a supportive learning environment and strong connections with local employers. From gaining real-world experience through placements to discovering opportunities right on your doorstep; you’ll be studying
Follow our socials to keep up with everything going on. Have a question for us? Give us a call, send us an email or visit our website to Live Chat with our friendly team.
in a place that’s designed to help you build the skills, confidence and connections for a successful future.
Discover | 19
www.ucp.ac.uk hello@ucp.ac.uk 01733 214466 Peterborough Campus
Stamford Campus
Park Crescent
Drift Road
Peterborough
Stamford
Cambridgeshire
Lincolnshire
PE1 4DZ
PE9 1XA
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained within this prospectus is accurate at the time of publication. University Centre Peterborough reserves the right to alter or withdraw courses, entry criteria, or facilities where necessary. For the most up-to-date course information, please visit www.ucp.ac.uk.