Higher Education students starting at University Centre Sparsholt this coming year will be able to look forward to a new £5m dedicated Higher Education facility which will be exclusively for the use of our students studying degrees up to PhD.
The new facility due to open November 2024 will provide a modern and fit for purpose learning environment built upon sustainable values; incorporating green technologies and improving environmental protection, both integral components of the degree course the college will deliver from this building. HE students will be able to take advantage of new laboratories and specialist teaching facilities along with facilities to promote social learning. The University Centre is also welcoming a new Vertical Farming Facility to add to the wide range of green technology available at Sparsholt. The vertical farming unit is expected to be of particular interest to those interested in researching sustainable agriculture and ecology at all levels including those interested in studying for research degrees including MRes and PhD.
This new addition to UCS will continue to extend the specialist facilities already on offer which showcase how green technology and sustainable working methods can be successfully integrated into training and the workplace, ensuring graduates are fully prepared for the ever-changing global employment landscape. This investment follows on from the creation of the Animal Health and Welfare Research Centre , opened by HRH the Princess Royal, last year , which was the result of a further £2.5 million in investment in facilities supported by Enterprise M3 the Local Enterprise Partnership.
Our Higher Education programmes are validated by the University of Portsmouth, UCS offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses in Agriculture, Animal Science and Zoo Biology, Equestrian Science and Performance Management, Fisheries, Aquaculture and Marine Studies, Veterinary Nursing Science and Wildlife Ecology and Conservation. These sits alongside our recently introduced first Higher Apprenticeship Standard, Countryside Ranger, which supports our commitment to widening access to higher education.
Susan Lapworth, chief executive of the Office for students said:
“Investing in modern buildings and innovative equipment will help universities and colleges in England prepare students for their future careers. Modern laboratories and state of the art technology mean students learn with the best facilities. Our investment will also increase the provision of short courses that offer flexibility to boost the skills of the workforce.
Julie Milburn, Sparsholt College Group Principal said:
“This new facility has been made possible from investment from the Office for Students and Enterprise M3 Local Enterprise Partnership. It is an exciting time for University Centre Sparsholt to continue to create a learning environment for Higher Education students built upon our sustainable values and that actively explores future green technologies. Sparsholt College Group is grateful for this investment from the Office for Students which will provide for continued investment in the modern industry standard facilities that our learners need and deserve.”