Getting to Know University Centre Somerset
Throughout the year, we will be introducing Somerset Members to some of our valued Official Partners in order to give you an insight into what they do and what their values are.
Today it’s the turn of University Centre Somerset.
Who are University Centre Somerset and what do you do?
University Centre Somerset (UCS) offers university-level education designed with real life in mind. Based in Somerset, we provide degrees, higher technical qualifications and professional courses that help people develop the skills, confidence and experience employers are looking for.
We pride ourselves on combining academic excellence with practical learning, ensuring our students graduate ready to make an impact in their chosen careers. Whether someone is leaving college, changing career, progressing from an apprenticeship or returning to education later in life, UCS provides flexible opportunities to achieve their ambitions.
Where are you based and who can study with you?
Our campuses are located across Taunton, Bridgwater, Cannington and Street, making higher education accessible to people across Somerset and the South West.
We welcome students from a wide range of backgrounds and at every stage of life. Many join us straight after college, while others are balancing study alongside work or family commitments. We also work closely with employers to support apprentices and professionals looking to upskill.
What courses, qualifications and opportunities do you offer?
We offer a diverse range of university-level qualifications across areas including business, engineering, healthcare, education, construction, animal management, creative industries, sport and more.
What makes studying at UCS different is the emphasis on learning through real experiences. Students benefit from industry placements, employer projects, guest speakers and partnerships with organisations across the region, giving them valuable experience alongside their studies.
What makes University Centre Somerset different from other universities?
At UCS, students are much more than a number.
Our smaller class sizes mean students receive personalised support from lecturers who know them as individuals and who bring extensive industry experience into the classroom. We create an environment where students can build confidence, develop professionally and achieve their goals.
Our recent National Student Survey results reflect this approach, with students rating UCS above the national benchmark across all seven themes measured, demonstrating the quality of the experience we provide.
Most importantly, everything we do is focused on helping students succeed in the real world. That’s why our promise is simple: Degrees for Real Life.
Why did you choose to partner with Somerset County Cricket Club?
Somerset County Cricket Club is one of the county’s most recognisable and respected organisations, sharing many of the values that matter to us: ambition, community, teamwork and developing local talent.
The partnership provides a fantastic platform to raise awareness of the opportunities available through higher education while creating meaningful experiences for our students. It’s about much more than brand visibility, it’s about connecting education with one of Somerset’s most important community organisations.
How will this partnership benefit your students and the local community?
The partnership will create opportunities for students to gain first-hand experience within a professional sporting environment, supporting their development alongside their studies.
It also strengthens our links with businesses, employers and the wider community, helping ensure our courses continue to reflect the skills and experiences that today’s workplaces need.
By working together, UCS and Somerset County Cricket Club are investing in local people and encouraging more individuals to develop their potential without having to leave the county.
How can Somerset supporters or local businesses engage with University Centre Somerset?
Whether you’re considering university study, looking to develop your workforce or interested in collaborating with us, we’d love to hear from you.
We regularly host open events where prospective students and their families can explore our campuses, meet lecturers and current students, and discover what studying at UCS is really like. Businesses can also work with us through placements, apprenticeships, guest lectures, collaborative projects and recruitment opportunities.
What does the future look like for University Centre Somerset?
We’re continuing to grow our portfolio of career-focused courses, strengthen our employer partnerships and create even more opportunities for students to gain real-world experience while they study.
As higher education continues to evolve, our focus remains the same: providing accessible, high-quality education that supports individuals, employers and the Somerset economy. We’re excited about what comes next and proud to be helping shape the future of our county.
