At University Centre Sparsholt, we have put together just a few frequently asked questions that may help in your decision making. We are adding to this page all the time, but if you would like to get in touch with another question, please email degree-enquiries@sparsholt.ac.uk
Do you offer accommodation?
Yes – UCS students can apply for accommodation both onsite and in Burma Road (University of Winchester).
Do I have to attend an interview?
For most courses we will make an offer based on your application, grades and personal statement. Should the tutors want to speak to you, this will be by telephone.
Do you accept applications from international students?
Yes – we welcome applications from all nationalities and currently have students enrolled with us from many countries, including China, Ireland and South Africa. Please contact us if you have a question about your country and any specific entry requirements: email degree-enquiries@sparsholt.ac.uk
When is the deadline for applications?
We will consider applications right up to when degrees start (subject to spaces being available) in September. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible, so you are included in offer holders events and we can keep in touch as we prepare for the start of session.
I am applying for Veterinary Nursing but don’t have five GCSEs – can I still apply?
When applying for Veterinary Nursing, it is an RCVS requirement for students to have five GCSEs. We may accept equivalent Level 2 qualifications – please contact degree-enquiries@sparsholt.ac.uk.
I don’t have GCSE English and/or Maths. Do you accept Functional Skills?
Yes – we will accept Level 2 Functional Skills in lieu of GCSE English or Maths.
I don’t have GCSE Science – can I still apply?
We may accept equivalent Level 2 qualifications, or if you have a Level 3 or higher qualification in science, we may waive that requirement.
What can I do if I don’t have a Level 3 qualification, e.g. A Levels, in science or a relevant subject?
If your qualifications do not meet the requirements, e.g. they are in the arts or social sciences, then you may want to consider doing an Access to HE (Land-Based Studies). This is a one-year full-time course designed to bring your skills and knowledge up to the required standard for your chosen degree at UCS.
I don’t meet the minimum entry requirements – what are my options?
If you don’t quite meet the minimum entry requirements, in terms of grades or subject relevance, we’d recommend looking at our Access to HE (Land-Based Studies).
This one-year full-time programme is designed to help students bring their knowledge and skills up to the standard required to study at degree level, and subject to grades may meet the entry requirements for our own degrees and that of other institutions.
For further details see here
Can I bring my horse to University Centre Sparsholt?
Yes – the Equine Centre offers industry-accredited facilities, expert staff and a range of livery/stabling options. Your horse will enjoy a modern, well-equipped yard featuring 60+ stables (all with rubber mats and hay bars) and stalls, as well as indoor and outdoor arenas, a horsewalker, weighbridge, hot shower and solarium with infra-red heat lamps, grass rides and cross-country schooling, all set in the beautiful Hampshire countryside.
How much riding is involved in the equine course?
Students spend two to three hours per week riding for the practical element of the equitation modules taught in Years 1 and 2.
What level of riding do I need to join the equine degree?
It’s recommended you are able to safely control a horse at walk, trot and canter. The equitation modules are marked according to how much your riding progresses through the module.
Do I have to pay tuition fees?
If you are a UK national, you may be eligible to apply for student loans to both pay tuition fees and help with living costs. For further information, please visit Student Finance England. This includes information for students who may be from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland or live in the the Channel Islands.
What financial support is available to students?
All our undergraduate and postgraduate courses qualify for student finance available in the form of student loans. Please check your eligibility here
UCS also offers some additional financial help to students from low-income families or low-participation areas in the form of bursaries. Find out more
Are there opportunities to volunteer in the Animal Health and Welfare Research Centre or Equine Centre, thus gaining experience?
Yes – there are sometimes opportunities to help out and work alongside staff in both the AMC or Equine Centre. These opportunities are very much subject to availability and training.
Do your degrees include work placements?
All our undergraduate degree courses include two weeks of industrial placement each year – except the FdSc Vet Nursing Science course, which requires students to complete a 52-week work placement in Year 2. These placements offer students the opportunity to gain valuable practical experience, as well as build industry contacts. For details of organisations with which we work closely, please see industry links.
Do you offer your degrees on a part-time or distance learning basis?
Our postgraduate MSc and our BSc Applied Animal Behaviour (top-up) are offered on a part-time basis. We hope in future to offer more of our degrees through distance learning.
How many days/hours teaching do your degrees involve?
Our full-time degrees (BSc/FdSc) involve three days of guided learning/teaching, plus independent study. Our Master’s degrees involve one to two days of teaching, depending on whether you take the part-/full-time course. Teaching is a delivered through a combination of onsite and online lectures, seminars and practicals.
What are the class sizes on your degree courses?
As we are a smaller HE Provider, students have the benefit of smaller class sizes, i.e. eight to 10 on average, so have greater access to teaching staff and ability to communicate with their peers in a small group setting than may be possible at larger institutions.
What are the term dates?
Term dates are published here. Dates for the next academic year are usually published by Easter – please check back then.
What days will I be attending?
Timetables are dependent on student numbers, and are not usually confirmed until several weeks before a course starts.
What hands-on experience is offered on your degrees?
In addition to practical work, all our degrees offer students the opportunity to undertake work experience. This allows students to build on their practical skills and make industry contacts.
What proportions of teaching are made up of practicals and theory?
It is different for each course! Normally our students have around 12 hours of theory and three hours of practicals as core per week, so around 25% of their time is spent on practical skills including live animal handling (companion and farm), lab skills and IT skills.
What transport is available to students not living in halls?
The Sparsholt Campus is an approximately 10-minute drive from Winchester city centre, which is just over 1 hour from London by train.
There is ample student parking for students who have their own vehicles, and we offer a range of other options for students who need to use a campus bus or public transport.
Do you offer postgraduate study?
Yes – we offer an MSc Applied Zoo Biology and an MSc Equine Behaviour, Performance and Training, to students who have completed their BSc and been awarded a 2:2 or above.
We also collaborate with University of Portsmouth in supporting some of our students who want to study for an MRes.