We are delighted to announce that our Public and Environmental Health course has been reaccredited by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health! Accreditations last for five years. This impressive achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work of all the team in this area! We caught up with Minakshi, one of our brilliant lecturers on the course who said: “We are delighted that our Public and Environmental …
We caught up with Gill, one of our amazing lecturers on our BSc (Hons) Animal Conservation, Behaviour and Welfare course to talk all about why this course could be perfect for you! This is a 3-year programme that equips you to work in the fields of animal conservation, animal welfare and animal behaviour. Working in partnership with Bath Spa University and Puxton Park, this degree only requires you to attend 1 …
Students, staff and partners gathered this week to celebrate achievement and excellence at the University Centre Weston (UCW) Awards 2026, marking both an outstanding year of success and ten years of higher education at UCW. The annual awards recognised exceptional academic performance, personal resilience and outstanding contributions to the UCW community, alongside national accolades achieved by UCW students over the past year. …
Several of our BSc. Animal Conservation, Behaviour and Welfare students have been on an incredible international trip to South Africa, visiting the Welgevonden Game Reserve to take part in the conservation efforts for the animals living there. This reserve is packed with exciting species, meaning our students could see incredible animals like rhinos, giraffes, elephants, zebras, wildebeest, impalas, warthogs and elephants …
Our Animal Conservation, Behaviour and Welfare, BSC (Hons) students visited Exmoor Zoo recently, turning classroom learning into real-world experience. Students had the opportunity to get up close with an impressive range of species, from feline and canine predators to birds, invertebrates and exotic animals. As they explored the zoo, students encountered species many had never seen before, including the legendary …
Our Environmental Health learners have recently been taking part in several important community outreach exercises! Tutors Minakshi and Vicki ran a lab session for young students from Mead Vale Primary School. This session covered germs and how they can be found, where they appear most and how to clean them up properly. The group swabbed surfaces and then used ATP Meters to determine how dirty the swabbed area …
Our Environmental Health course recently had an excellent guest lecture from industry expert Gary Welsh! Gary is the Head of Market Access Assurance at the Food Standards Agency (FSA). In his time in this role, he has led the development and implementation of new systems to assess, audit, and manage food safety risks associated with market access requests from trading …
UCW Animal Conservation, Behaviour and Welfare students are gaining valuable insight into real-world conservation through their studies of Steep Holm, a unique island & nature reserve located in the Bristol Channel. Managed by the Kenneth Allsop Memorial Trust, Steep Holm is home to a wide range of wildlife and rich history. The trust works closely with organisations such as Natural …
After graduating from her course in Animal Conservation, Behaviour and Welfare at UCW, Grace applied for an Animal Care Assistant position at the RSPCA! We caught up with her to find out all about how it’s going. As part of the application process, she was invited to an interview and asked to prepare a short presentation about the history of …
University Centre Weston (UCW) held its 2025 graduation ceremony on Saturday the 20th of September. Students, staff, friends and family all came together to celebrate everyone’s hard work and achievements! After getting into their robes and donning their caps, graduands lined up for a procession through the Italian Gardens to the Winter Gardens Ballroom. Here they heard speeches from our …
Several of our amazing Environmental Health lecturers have recently published a book highlighting the important issue of air pollution. This book covers the topic of air pollution on both a global and local level. The book gives gravity to the weight of this issue, with this health crisis being responsible for over 6.5 million deaths annually worldwide, contributing to lung …
Eve, a second-year BSc (Hons) Animal Conservation, Behaviour and Welfare student, was shortlisted for Sciences Student of the Year in recognition of her outstanding academic progress, commitment, and enthusiasm. Eve has consistently demonstrated a deep passion for her subject, which is reflected in the high standard of her coursework and the breadth of her engagement both in and beyond the …
The results are in, and UCW has received brilliant feedback in the National Student Survey for 2025! UCW is now above the national average in all nine areas of the survey! This is a reflection of the incredible amount of work put in by our academic and support staff. UCW’s academic support continues to stand out as a key highlight …
Samantha Barnett, a BSc (Hons) Environmental Health Practitioner student at University Centre Weston, has demonstrated unwavering dedication and excellence throughout her degree apprenticeship. Balancing full-time employment at Mid Devon District Council with her studies, she has consistently excelled academically while also supporting her peers. Her outstanding attendance, commitment to learning, and professional contributions have earned her a well-deserved nomination for …
This Thursday (1st of May) was a night for celebration at the UCW Awards! Hosted at the Winter Gardens, it was a chance to look back on and celebrate the amazing achievements of our students, staff and partners! The evening began with a speech from our Vice Principal for Higher Education, Sadie Skellon, welcoming everyone to the evening and celebrating …
We’re celebrating Animal Conservation, Behaviour and Welfare student MJ! Since starting at UCW they developed skills and experience in industry. We caught up with MJ to hear all about it. A key highlight of MJ’s time at UCW was working with Puxton Park’s boa constrictor snake. This was an unforgettable experience, and always impresses friends! This highlight will likely be …
Students at UCW have been putting their ecological skills to the test as part of their Conservation and Wildlife Management unit. As part of this module, they have been conducting ecological survey work with a focus on conservation, gaining valuable hands-on experience in the field. A key aspect of their studies has taken place at Puxton Park, home to a …
UCW is pleased to announce that our BSc (Hons) Public and Environmental Health, and BSc (Hons) Environmental Health Practitioner courses are now IOSH accredited! This accreditation has been a project involving dialogue between IOSH and UCW, with extensive mapping exercise to show that the degree programmes aligned with IOSH’s learning outcomes and standards. Lecturers were required to submit CVs and …
UCW is very proud to launch our brand-new prospectus for 2026! Our prospectus is the best place to find out about our courses, with sections for all of our subject areas including Art, Media and Design, Business and Professional Services, Computing and Digital Technologies, Counselling and Healthcare, Education, Inclusive Practice and Criminology, Engineering and Construction, Performance and Production Arts and …
We’re celebrating success on our Environmental Health Practitioner Degree Apprenticeship! Sara from Cornwall Council spoke about how the degree apprenticeship had benefitted her employees and her whole department. She highlighted apprentice Tracey who had gained confidence along her course. Tracey prepared a presentation about her career path which she presented outstandingly to over thirty people, including the Chief Executive …
Students on UCW’s Animal Conservation, Behaviour and Welfare course enjoyed an unforgettable session this week all about animals that can survive in extreme environments. Students collected moss from just outside the classroom, added a single drop of water, and were able to discover three different species of tardigrades using microscopes. The tardigrades, also known as “moss piglets” or “water bears” are capable …
Last week our Technical Demonstrator in Science, Vicki was invited to be a judge in Manchester at the WorldSkills Laboratory Technician Finals! This exciting competition invites lab technicians working across both academia and industry. There were competitors and judges from many different types of organisations including chemical, biomedical, pharmaceutical, biotechnology and other scientific sectors. The attributes that Vicki was carefully …
At UCW, the heart of our academic success lies in the remarkable dedication and expertise of our lecturers. UCW’s teaching staff are not just educators; they are mentors and specialists in their respective fields. Known for their positive teaching methods, real-world experience, and commitment to student achievement, our lecturers consistently go above and beyond to create a transformative learning experience. …
Courtney Phillips, a dedicated mother of three and an exemplary student from the Foundation Degree in Biological Laboratory Sciences, is University Centre Weston’s Student Ambassador of the Year. Courtney’s commitment to her role as a student ambassador has been exceptional. She has actively participated in every open day and school outreach programme, aiming to inspire others to consider the Biological …
Lauren has been thriving in her Animal Management course, gaining valuable skills and knowledge that are setting her up for a bright future. Reflecting on her time at UCW, Lauren shares how the institution has profoundly impacted her educational journey and personal development. “UCW has helped with my knowledge a lot by allowing me to discover my own ways of …
UCW is proud to spotlight alumna Luiza, who has found her stride as a Student Veterinary Nurse. Luiza’s journey from UCW’s Animal Management programme to her current role exemplifies our commitment to nurturing talent for success in diverse fields. In her role as a Student Veterinary Nurse, Luiza works alongside vets, contributing to various facets of animal care, including anaesthesia, …
Students pursuing BSc (Hons) Animal Conservation, Behaviour and Welfare, and FdSc Animal Management degrees recently embarked on an enlightening excursion to Horseworld, a prominent equine charity based in Bristol. This visit was a pivotal opportunity for those aspiring to work professionally in this industry to delve deeper into the intricate realms of animal welfare and equine management, aligning seamlessly with …
Jack and Susan, two dedicated learners at UCW, are making waves in their respective fields of study, showcasing the impact of UCW’s programs on their knowledge and career prospects. Jack, currently on the BSC in Public and Environmental Health, highlights the invaluable networking opportunities facilitated by UCW. “The range of guest lectures from both private and public sectors has been …
Today we’re meeting Animal Management alumni Hannah! Hannah studied the Animal Management Foundation Degree, now the BSc (Hons) in Animal Conservation, Behaviour and Welfare. Since graduating, she has gone on to become an Animal Care Assistant at the RSPCA branch in Brent Knoll! Hannah’s job is a busy one, looking after the animals in her section of the branch. Hannah …
Great Western Railway (GWR) has announced industrial strike action that will affect GWR and CrossCountry rail services on Thursday 7 December – Potentially impacting trains to Weston-super-Mare on this day. On Thursday 7 December, a reduced, revised timetable will operate across several train operators, including GWR. Many parts of the GWR network will have no service at all and trains that are running …
University Centre Weston (UCW) student, Kam, was successfully named the Association of College’s (AoC) Higher Education Student of the Year winner this week, in front of a packed crowd at the ICC, Birmingham. The annual AoC Student of the Year Awards celebrate students who stand out from the crowd, and have gone above and beyond, whether in college or their …
We are proud to share that UCW’s programme Co‑ordinator for the Environmental Health Practitioner degree apprenticeship and BSc (Hons) Public and Environmental Health Mark Hardwick was recently interviewed by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) on the benefits of studying an Environmental Health Degree! Within the article, Mark comments: “Qualified Environmental Health Practitioners are constantly in demand, both in …
Join us at UCW and embark on an incredible journey as an Apprentice Environmental Health Practitioner. Take a look at this new and exciting Apprentice Environmental Health Practitioner role at Royal Borough of Greenwich. Offering a unique opportunity to earn while you learn, this role combines practical work experience with a comprehensive study program in Environmental Health. Organisation: Royal Borough …
Last week saw two very exciting sustainability events take place. The student-led Sustainability Society is comprised of students from Business Management and Sustainability BA, Biological Laboratory Sciences FdSc and Access, alongside lecturers Elena, Jason, Jo, Caroline, Jess and Joe. The team all worked enormously hard on the events, which included sustainability workshops at the Tropicana in Weston-super-Mare and a beach …
Recently, our Environmental Health Practitioner Degree Apprentices swapped their usual online studies to attend a series of exciting in-person practical sessions in the laboratory at our Knightstone Campus. This was a particularly momentous occasion as our BSC (Hons) Environmental Health Practitioner Degree Apprenticeship is taught exclusively online, with our students based all over the UK. However, our personal …
After successfully participating in ‘Great Big Green Week’ Students of Business are collaborating with Biolab in a new collegiate Sustainability Society. Great Big Green Week took place in October last year, with students and staff from all across University Centre Weston taking part. The UK’s biggest ever celebration of community action to tackle climate change and protect nature, the week …
Last week year 1 and year 2 Biological Laboratory Sciences (BioLab) students attended a live post mortem event. Although the body being dissected on stage was not a real human cadaver, with all samples dissected being porcine, the model was incredibly realistic. This was a great for our students to see, helping them enhance their anatomical knowledge for their Anatomy …
I was happily working in radio when I stumbled across the advert for an Environmental Health Apprentice, if I’m honest, I hadn’t even considered a career in the field. I did lots of research before I applied for the position and knew I would absolutely love it! I work in the Environmental Protection Team at North Devon Council, while I …
When I left school, I worked in my local council’s environmental health department admin team over the summer before completing my A-Levels. I got a job as an estate agent but sadly the office I worked for closed during the financial crisis of 2008. I found myself suddenly out of work until I spotted an advert for maternity cover in …
Recently our Animal Management students took a trip to the Cotswold Wildlife Park. Located on the A361 – 22 miles east of Cheltenham, Cotswold Wildlife Park is committed to conservation through it’s trust. This was formed to raise funds for the conservation of animal species and endangered environments and to educate and inform the public, including visitors to the Wildlife …
Recently, we welcomed Dr Ian Redmond to our Animal Management Education Centre, at Puxton Park. The students were treated to a fascinating talk from Dr Ian Redmond, who is a Tropical Field Biologist, Conservationist, Dian Fossey’s assistant and the first person to introduce David Attenborough to Mountain gorillas! He talked all about his work with great apes and elephants. He …
Are you interested in pursuing a degree in Biological Laboratory Sciences but not sure where it will take you? Well, when it comes to career paths and opportunities post-graduation, with a Bio Lab degree, only the sky is the limit! Biosciences are broad and all-encompassing; the study of all life itself! This diverse degree explores all aspects of biological life, from genes …
With the summer holidays well underway, students with offers from universities are eagerly awaiting those all important college exam results. The question we always get over the summer break though is… “Is it too late to apply”?! To that we say: Not at all! We can consider applications throughout the summer for most of our courses through the process called …
Who doesn’t love a trip to the aquarium?! To mark the end of term, FdSc Animal Management students visited the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth. This trip offered learners the opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge gained over the last academic year by observing a range of species in a marine setting. They had the opportunity to observe natural behaviour …
This week our North Somerset Children’s University members took part in an Animal Management Workshop at Puxton Park Tourist Attraction. This initiative encourages children to engage with Higher Education and consider what they want to do in the future through fun and engaging extracurricular activities. The North Somerset Children’s University helps primary school age children to raise their aspirations and develop a …
A Bear-illiant trip! (sorry, that was a bad one) Our Animal Management degree learners had a great time visiting Wild Place Project recently as part of their Introduction to Animal Welfare module. Getting out of the classroom and getting some real hands-on knowledge is a great opportunity and will help these learners visualise for the rest of the course. Seeing …
The lovely greyhound Shadow has been on tour! After well as popping in to the Winter Gardens for some much-deserved strokes from our students last week, the gorgeous Greyhound also visited our Animal Management learners. In a workshop led by Shadow’s owner Wendy, the class learnt all about how greyhounds’ bodies are adapted to meet the demands of greyhound …
Our Environmental Health Practitioners BSc (Hons) Degree Apprenticeship learners have made it onto the front cover of Environmental Health News magazine! Degree apprenticeships allows students to work in the professional field whilst studying for a degree at the same time. Students (i.e. apprentices) are usually full time paid employees who spend 20% of their week studying, and the rest of …
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Public and Environmental Health, BSc (Hons) OverviewCourse DetailCareer ProspectsMeet the TeamPartnersStudent SpotlightApplyPublic and Environmental Health, BSc (Hons) Title goes herePublic and Environmental Health, BSc (Hons) Title goes herePublic and Environmental Health, BSc (Hons) Public and Environmental Health, BSc (Hons)OverviewCourse DetailCareer ProspectsMeet the TeamPartnersStudent SpotlightApplyOverviewCourse DetailCareer ProspectsMeet the TeamPartnersApplyIt’s still not too late to join us this year!Need Help Applying? Apply …
Two University Centre Weston (UCW) students are undertaking unique work placements in Gibraltar. Emma Pottle and Connor Thompson study Public and Environmental Health at UCW and are currently working with the Gibraltar Environment Agency. They have been in the British Overseas Territory for the past week. As well as getting the chance to see the famous rock, the pair have …
