Future Student FAQs
Choosing where and how to study is a big decision, and you’re bound to have questions. Below you’ll find answers to some of the most common things future students ask — from teaching and facilities to applications, fees, and student life.
Studying with us
Learn how your course is delivered, how you’ll be assessed, and what facilities and support are available during your studies.
Most courses at University Centre Somerset focus on work experience and practical assessment, however, teaching and assessment varies across the board. To learn more about how you will be taught and assessed, go to your course page or read more about learning and teaching.
Learning Resources Centres are available at all University Centre Somerset campuses. Areas are set aside for quiet study or group work, with access to networked computers, printing, scanning, and photocopying.
Resources include books, journals & magazines, film and foreign language DVDs, music and audio books. National and local newspapers are also provided. These are further supplemented by our online resources.
Our Autumn Term begins in September. Go to our term dates page for more.
You will need to have applied and accepted an offer to your course before starting. Enrolment will take place online before term starts. You must have enrolled before beginning your studies.
At University Centre Somerset, we offer a range of part-time options and varied pathways, we can help you navigate a way through your programme, while creating space for home life, ongoing employment or other commitments. Have a look at our courses, or contact us, for more information.
Accommodation, fees, and finance
Learn how your course is delivered, how you’ll be assessed, and what facilities and support are available during your studies.
University Centre Somerset offers accommodation in Tauntonand in Cannington. For students who wish to live in shared accommodation in one of our local towns or villages, or rent a room in a private house, our accommodation office collates a list of suitable properties. Find out more on our accommodation page.
Student fees vary from course to course, so it’s always best to check your individual course’s online page for up-to-date fee information. Potential and current students can also seek support and advice around fees, loans, bursaries, and grants from the Student Support Team. Find out more on our fees and funding page.
Your application
Learn how your course is delivered, how you’ll be assessed, and what facilities and support are available during your studies.
When applying for a full-time undergarduate degree programme, if you are ONLY applying to study with UCS, you can use the direct entry application form at this link.
However, If UCS is one of multiple choices for your full-time undergraduate degree programme, you MUST apply via UCAS.
Applications to Level 4 Certificates, Level 5 Diplomas, Apprenticeships, or part-time degree programmes can be made via the Apply Now button on each course page here on this website.
There is no limit to how old you can be to study higher education. We welcome students of any and all ages, as long as you have the desired entry requirements.
For many of our courses, applicants will be invited to interview. During interview, you will need to demonstrate relevant skills and enthusiasm so that we can confirm your suitability to study on your chosen course. For creative courses, you will be expected to bring a portfolio displaying pieces of your original work along with evidence of drawing ability and creativity. Please be prepared to talk about these at your interview.
We generally ask for four GCSEs, or equivalent, at Grade 4/C or above, to include English Language and maths. For many courses, we accept any combination of old and new GCSE grades and recognised equivalent subjects such as Functional Skills. However, please check that this is the case with your course before applying by emailing info@somerset.ac.uk
Yes. Our entry requirements tend to be based on UCAS tariff points and we accept alternative Level 3 qualifications. Please see entry requirements on your individual course page for more.
If the qualifications you hold don’t meet our entry requirements, please do reach out to us and ask whether you might still be eligible to apply. We have a dedicated Admissions Team who will do what they can to help you. Finding a course through Clearing is another way of getting a place if you didn’t achieve your expected grades.
We do consider accredited prior learning. It may be that your application has to go through a process with one of our university partners for this to be approved. If you have any questions about this, please do ask by emailing info@somerset.ac.uk.
For most courses, you will be able to defer your place. Our university partner for the nursing degree programmes, however, does not offer deferred applications. If you are concerned about deferring an application, don’t hesistate to reach out.
Other questions
Still have questions? Here’s how to get in touch and find further support.
If you have any questions that have not been answered here or on our website, please go to our contact page.
However, If UCS is one of multiple choices for your full-time undergraduate degree programme, you MUST apply via UCAS.
Applications to Level 4 Certificates, Level 5 Diplomas, Apprenticeships, or part-time degree programmes can be made via the Apply Now button on each course page here on this website.