Why US?
Stay local and benefit from expert tutors, outstanding facilities and globally-recognised awards, right here in Bury St Edmunds.
Affordable degrees on your doorstep
The ability to study without leaving your home, family or job keeps things more manageable and less costly. We have made our degrees lower cost than most universities and ensure our students have access to financial support where eligible.
Studying closer to home also means that you can stay connected with friends and family without the need to relocate, save on expenses associated with student accommodation, and eliminate costly travel expenses between your hometown and university.
Flexible study options
Study to life balance is important to our students, so with that in mind, we have scheduled lectures as closely as possible, making it easier for you to work around your existing commitments. For full-time study, this means lectures are typically over 2 days per week, and for part-time study (where applicable), over 1 day per week.
Globally-recognised awards
All our degree programmes are accredited by the University of East Anglia (UEA), which is a UK Top 25 University (Complete University Guide 2024) and World Top 30 University (The Times/Sunday Times University Guide 2024). This means that upon completion of your studies with US, your degree certificate will bear the name of the University of East Anglia.
Our HNC and HND courses are awarded by Pearson, the UK’s most recognised provider of Higher National qualifications. Developed in conjunction with employers, students and professional bodies, HNC and HND courses provide you with a comprehensive qualification that will benefit your chosen career.
Smaller class sizes
We pride ourselves in offering an intimate learning environment with smaller class sizes and a higher-than-average ratio of lecturers to students. This creates a calm setting where you can focus on your learning and thrive under our mentorship, and an environment where everyone encourages and uplifts one another, fostering a community of support and growth.
Cutting-edge facilities
Our University and Professional Development Centre is home to the first and only Extended Reality (XR) Lab in East Anglia, bringing together the very latest XR technologies. The XR Lab provides an environment where extended reality technology is accessible to all, and it equips our students with highly sought-after skills.
Our goal is to ensure that every student gets hands-on experience with extended reality as part of their learning journey. By immersing our students in this immerging field, we’re positioning them at the forefront of technological advancements, ready to meet the evolving demands of businesses across all industry sectors.
Outstanding student support services
At University Studies at West Suffolk College, our focus is on you. Our mission is simple: to help you find, follow and fulfil your aspirations.
No matter your age, background, or responsibilities – whether you’re fresh out of college, a caregiver, starting anew, or transitioning careers - we’re here to ensure that you have access to excellent academic expertise within a supportive environment. We recognise that many learners require additional support to navigate higher education, and we celebrate the diversity and individuality of our students. We’re #ProudToBeUS.
That’s why we have carefully developed a robust Student Support Framework, that firmly places you at the centre. We’re dedicated to nurturing every learner, helping you to find your feet, uncover your talents, and carve out your path to success.
Careers, not courses
Employability is at the core of all our courses, and we work collaboratively with employers across the region to develop our career-focused curriculum, guaranteeing its workplace relevance and maximising your chances of achieving your dream career.
Many of our courses allow you the opportunity to gain experience through work placements and internships at leading companies and organisations. These opportunities allow you to apply your academic knowledge and newly acquired skills in real-world settings, while also acquiring transferable skills and valuable work experience that will give you a competitive advantage in the job market after graduation.
Different pathways to success
It’s our goal to make higher education possible for anyone who has the commitment and desire to achieve. Life isn’t ‘one size fits all’, and we understand that there isn’t one route to success. If you don’t have the traditional qualifications needed to apply to university, we provide alternative routes to help you reach your goals. Options such as an Access to Higher Education Diploma or Level 3 Apprenticeships are available to support your journey towards higher education. We also offer Functional Skills and GCSE English and Maths.
Hear from Sadie, one of our students who progressed from Access to Social Sciences to BA (Hons) Psychology and Criminology with US: