Rooted in industry — this is, perhaps, the best way to describe the University of Salford. After all, few universities can claim to have origins in the Industrial Revolution or to have played a large role in educating and training a growing workforce. Since then, the University of Salford has used its extensive history in becoming a global institution that serves the needs of industry, commerce, and education.
It’s this history that informs the university’s main mission: to get students work-ready. In this regard, the University of Salford has designed a range of affordable and exciting degree programmes. They’re taught by industry experts and supplemented by a host of experiential opportunities, including live projects, placements, field trips, and visits from guest speakers — all of which ensure that by the time students are ready to graduate, they’ve got the experience and expertise to thrive in their chosen fields.
An added perk for students is the chance to study on a campus that’s just minutes from Manchester, a city that’s known as one of the UK’s biggest economies. This means countless opportunities to gain real, hands-on exposure to in-demand jobs and industries encompassing technology, business, science, and more. The setting? A lush, green environment, complete with a park and river to visit between lectures. It’s the perfect balance between city life and a supportive campus environment.
However, every successful student has to start somewhere — and the University of Salford understands this better than most. With this in mind, it offers a comprehensive International Foundation Year for students who need an extra year of education to be able to start a UK undergraduate degree.
The International Foundation Year is designed to equip you with everything you’d need to thrive in your future programme. You begin by taking two subjects related to the degree pathway you’re aiming to study at undergraduate level. Alongside this, you’ll learn in an environment that prepares you for your future studies, including lectures, small classes, seminars, tutorials, workshops, or laboratories.
The university has incorporated additional and comprehensive English lessons as part of the International Foundation Year. Here, students have the privilege of learning from a Centre of Excellence and one of the top 10 best University English Language Centres in the UK. By the end of the year, they’ve adapted to the UK education system and have mastered enough of the English language to continue onto their chosen undergraduate degree — with a range of free academic English support classes available throughout the duration of their degree.
It’s a tried and tested formula that works. The University of Salford has attracted over 3,000 international students from all over the world, making up a thriving total student population of 20,000. Most importantly, it makes for a friendly and diverse community that only lifts each other up in all aspects of their university life, within and outside of classes.
Students who pass their International Foundation Year with the right grades are guaranteed automatic progression to one of the university’s undergraduate degrees — and with more than 80 different programmes offered, they’re spoilt for choice.
For example, students passing the University of Salford’s Business International Foundation Year can automatically progress to a range of degree programmes including a selection of BSc (Hons) Business Management pathways, alongside options to specialise in Economics, Finance, Marketing, Law, and Sport; a fully industry-accredited BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance; BSc (Hons) International Business Management; and more.
Expect to work on business simulations and live projects set by industry partners in the field, with the option to implement what you’ve learnt in a paid placement year. Programmes are designed to give you all the hard and soft skills employers are looking for — and connect you with professionals worldwide through the university’s impressive alumni network at the same time.
Another popular area of study is that of cyber and computer sciences, of which the University of Salford offers many. From BSc (Hons) Computer Networks and a range of flexible BSc (Hons) Computer Science with options to specialise, to BSc (Hons) Media Technology and BSc (Hons) Software Engineering, there’s an appropriate pathway for everyone.
These programmes are designed to get students ready for their careers. Students collaborate with industry, including a placement year to boost their career prospects, and take part in hacks and industry events such as HackManchester and the Ada Lovelace Colloquium — there’s no limit to what you can accomplish here.
The university offers a range of degree programmes in the Life Sciences as well. Graduates of the Biological Sciences International Foundation Year can progress to the BSc (Hons) Biological Sciences, BSc (Hons) Biochemistry, BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science, and BSc (Hons) Pharmaceutical Science. Learning is hands-on and takes place in its advanced, integrated teaching laboratory known as the Bodmer Labs and using the latest technologies.
BSc (Hons) Biochemistry student Mahmudul Hasan describes his experience thus far as filled with “opportunity, knowledge, and fun.” “The university not only creates job opportunities but also opportunities for making new friends and connections all over the world,” he says. “This university is turning me into a totally grown-up intellectual.”
His success would not have been possible without the support he’s received every step of the way. “I was once stuck with one part of my assessment. That was very stressful for me,” he says. “I was trying to solve the problem, but it was creating more confusion instead. Then I went to the library where there was a wonderful, energetic team supporting students. They showed me to solve the problem easily.”
As an Engineering student, you will have access to an aerodynamics laboratory, two different flight simulators, The Maker Space complete with 3D laser cutters, vinyl cutters, and the Morson Engine Room with heavy-duty, industrial-grade machinery. This, along with specialist computing suites, networking laboratories, a dedicated final year lab, Cisco-enabled facilities offer only a taste of the millions the University of Salford has invested into its modern campus. Ensuring students across all fields have access to industry-standard equipment to make their learning relevant to their future careers.
That’s not to distract from everything else the campus has to offer. Here, students have access to a dedicated support team that provides advice on health and wellbeing, visas and careers; a welcoming on-campus faith centre; and over 100 different societies and sports to get involved in.
All in all, there’s no doubt that University of Salford graduates leave with the right skills, attitude, and experience needed to thrive in their future careers — along with a host of memories that are set to last a lifetime.
Ready to take the next step? Find out more about the University of Salford.