University of Northampton International College

University of Northampton International College

United Kingdom

Int. Fee Range

£12,000

Overview

The University of Northampton International College (UNIC) is a reputable Associate College of the University of Northampton, conveniently situated on its campus.

UNIC offers students foundation programmes, first year and pre-master's programmes enabling them to achieve academic success within an environment designed to work with students.

It also offers an exciting, valuable and dynamic educational experience, helping them maintain excellence in their studies. Students can achieve academic success and an incredible learning experience by taking a UNIC pathway.

Extended Overview

UNIC, also known as the University of Northampton International College, has been carefully designed to meet the distinctive needs of international students through tailored pathway programmes leading into the University of Northampton (UoN).

UNIC is a bridge between these students and their degree programmes, preparing them academically and culturally for the degree programmes of their choosing.

The University of Northampton's agreement with Navitas, an internationally recognised organisation with a proven commitment to student success, helps provide this connection and support.

As the College is situated in the University itself, students are able to access high quality teaching, recreation and sporting facilities. Students will also receive guaranteed entry to a degree at University of Northampton if they pass their pathway course at the necessary level, and with good attendance.

In addition, UNIC has a dedicated Student Services team based within the College. As well as dealing with queries or questions you may have, they organise regular social activities such as film nights, football tournaments and quizzes.

Mission Statement

UNIC aims to provide an educational experience based on practical and study skills, allowing international students to achieve their personal best. And it delivers customised pathway programmes to get international students ready to progress to degree programmes at the University of Northampton.

History

For a proper understanding of the history of the University of Northampton International College (UNIC), we need to first examine the history of the underlying institution, the University of Northampton.

The UNIC acts as a pathway provider for the university, so its institutional development is directly related to the history of the University of Northampton.

The University has a history that has incorporated properties of various educational institutions that have joined together throughout time. Its artistic history extends back to the early 20th century.

Its earliest beginning includes the establishment of the Northampton Technical College in 1924, providing structured higher education to the area. The college experienced many significant changes with the emergence of Nene College of Higher Education in 1975, which integrated several colleges into one.

It later became University College Northampton in 1999 and finally, in 2005 achieved full university status as the University of Northampton.

Key Milestones:

  1. 1924: Northampton Technical College was established.  
  2. 1975: Nene College of Higher Education was formed.  
  3. 1999: Nene College became University College Northampton.  
  4. 2005: The University of Northampton was granted full university status.  
  5. 2018: The University of Northampton moved to its new Waterside Campus.

In summary, UNIC aims to bridge the gap for international students by providing programmes for the development of both their academic and language skills, as well as ensuring their preparation for the demands of higher education in the UK.

Accreditation

In light of the clarification now that UNIC is a pathway provider of the University of Northampton, and here are the particulars of accreditations or recognitions that belong mostly to the University of Northampton, which would indirectly apply to practicing any of the educational processes related to UNIC:

  1. Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)
  2. Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT)
  3. Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) (Exemptions)
  4. Global Degree Recognition
  5. Changemaker Campus Designation
  6. Times Higher Education Impact Rankings
  7. QS World University Rankings

Campus Facilities

Since UNIC operated as a pathway college within the University of Northampton, its students had access to the University campus facilities. Following are the university's Waterside campus facilities:

  1. Learning Hub (Library and Learning Services)  
  2. Student Union Facilities  
  3. Sports Facilities (Gym, Sports Halls, Pitches)  
  4. Accommodation (On-Campus Residences)  
  5. Food and Beverage Outlets (Cafes, Restaurants)  
  6. Performance Spaces (Theatre, Studios)  
  7. Art Studios and Workshops
  8. Science Laboratories  
  9. Computing Labs
  10. Multimedia Studios
  11. Business School Facilities
  12. Health and Social Care Facilities  
  13. Student Support Services  
  14. Multi-Faith Centre  
  15. Accessible Facilities
  16. Outdoor Social Spaces
  17. Lecture Theatres
  18. Seminar Rooms
  19. Bookshop
  20. Medical Centre  
  21. Counselling Services  
  22. Career Services
  23. International Student Support  
  24. WiFi Access
  25. Parking Facilities

Courses

The UNIC has many programmes in many levels, here is the breakdown:

  1. First Year Pathway in Accounting and Finance
  2. First Year Pathway in Business and Entrepreneurship
  3. First Year Pathway in Marketing and Advertising
  4. Foundation Pathway in Accounting and Finance
  5. Foundation Pathway in Business and Entrepreneurship
  6. Foundation Pathway in Computing
  7. Foundation Pathway in Education
  8. Foundation Pathway in Engineering
  9. Foundation Pathway in Law and International Relations
  10. Foundation Pathway in Leather Technology
  11. Foundation Pathway in Marketing and Advertising
  12. Foundation Pathway in Science
  13. Foundation Pathway in Science and Healthcare
  14. Foundation pathway in Business Computing
  15. Pre-Master's Pathway in Accounting and Finance
  16. Pre-Master's Pathway in Business Management
  17. Pre-Master's Pathway in Computing
  18. Pre-Master's Pathway in Education
  19. Pre-Master's Pathway in Health
  20. Pre-Master's Pathway in Hospitality and Tourism
  21. Pre-Master's Pathway in International Relations
  22. Pre-Master's Pathway in Leather Technology
  23. Pre-Master's Pathway in Logistics
  24. Pre-Master's Pathway in MBA
  25. Pre-Master's Pathway in Sport & Exercise

Foundation Courses:

  1. BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance
  2. BSc (Hons) Banking and Financial Planning
  3. BSc (Hons) Economics
  4. BSc (Hons) Business Computing (Systems)
  5. BSc (Hons) Business Computing (Web Design)
  6. BA (Hons) Business Entrepreneurship
  7. BA (Hons) Business Studies
  8. BA (Hons) Events Management
  9. BA (Hons) Human Resource Management
  10. BA (Hons) International Business
  11. BA (Hons) International Development
  12. BA (Hons) International Tourism Management
  13. BA (Hons) Management
  14. BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  15. BEng (Hons) Electromechanical Engineering
  16. BSc (Hons) Engineering
  17. BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering
  18. BA (Hons) Fashion
  19. BA (Hons) Footwear and Accessories
  20. BA (Hons) Fashion, Promotion and Communication
  21. BA (Hons) Fashion (Textiles for fashion)
  22. BA (Hons) Leather for Fashion
  23. BA (Hons) Criminology
  24. BA (Hons) Investigative Practice*
  25. BA (Hons) International Relations and Politics
  26. LLB (Hons) Law
  27. BSc (Hons) Leather Technology
  28. BA (Hons) Advertising & Digital Marketing
  29. BA (Hons) Fashion
  30. BA (Hons) Fashion (Textiles for Fashion)
  31. BA (Hons) Fashion Promotion and Communication
  32. BA (Hons) Leather for Fashion
  33. BA (Hons) Footwear and Accessories
  34. BSc (Hons) Marketing Management
  35. BSc (Hons) Biology
  36. BSc (Hons) Environmental Science
  37. BSc (Hons) Human Bioscience
  38. BSc (Hons) Mental Health Nursing
  39. BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy
  40. BSc (Hons) Podiatry
  41. BSc (Hons) Psychology and Counselling
  42. BSc (Hons) Psychology
  43. BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science

First Year Degree Courses:

  1. BA (Hons) Management
  2. BA (Hons) Business Entrepreneurship
  3. BA (Hons) Business Studies
  4. BA (Hons) International Business
  5. BA (Hons) Events Management
  6. BSc (Hons) Marketing Management
  7. BA (Hons) Advertising and Digital Marketing
  8. BA (Hons) Fashion Marketing

Pre-Master’s Courses:

  1. MSc International Banking and Finance
  2. MSc Accounting and Finance
  3. MSc Corporate Governance and Leadership
  4. MSc International Marketing Strategy
  5. MSc Management
  6. MSc Project Management
  7. MSc Project Management (with optional work placement module)
  8. MSc Computing
  9. MSc Computing (Computer Networks Engineering)
  10. MSc Computing (Software Engineering)
  11. MA Special Educational Needs and Inclusion
  12. MA Special Educational Needs and Inclusion (Autism Pathway)
  13. MSc Psychology*
  14. MSc Public Health
  15. MA Social Work†
  16. LLM International Commercial Law
  17. LLM International Criminal Law and Security
  18. MA International Relations
  19. MSc Leather Technology (Professional)
  20. MSc International Logistics
  21. MBA
  22. MBA (with optional work placement module)
  23. MA International Tourism Development

Divisions and Departments

As the University of Northampton International College is under the University of Northampton, it is structured into faculties, which house various departments. Here's a general overview:

Faculty of Arts, Science and Technology: Departments within this faculty include areas like:

  1. Computing
  2. Engineering
  3. Creative Media
  4. Art and Design

Faculty of Business and Law: Departments include:

  1. Business
  2. Law
  3. Accounting and Finance
  4. International business.

Faculty of Health, Education and Society: Departments include:

  1. Health
  2. Education
  3. Social Care
  4. Psychology.
  5. Nursing.

Student Life

While the University of Northampton International College (UNIC) is now closed, during its operation, the student life was designed to integrate international students into the University of Northampton community and provide a supportive environment for their academic and personal development.

Here's a general overview of what student life at UNIC was likely like:

Integration with the University of Northampton:

  1. Access to University Facilities: UNIC students had access to The University of Northampton campus facilities at the Waterside Campus, including the Learning Hub (Library), sporting facilities, student union, cafes, restaurants, and social spaces, helping to foster a sense of belonging to the broader university community.  
  2. University Events and Activities: UNIC students were encouraged to engage with university-wide events, clubs, and societies, allowing for the opportunity to interact and socialise with domestics and other international students.
  3. Shared Learning Spaces: While UNIC may potentially have its own classrooms and study spaces, the students would have also been using the university's facilities for lectures, seminars, and independent study.

Dedicated Support for International Students:

  1. Smaller Class Sizes: UNIC classes were smaller than university lectures, thus, students received more personal interaction and attention from their instructors.  
  2. Academic and Language Support: There were dedicated support services designed for international students adjusting to higher education in the UK and supporting their English language development, including additional tutorials, workshops, and language advisors.  
  3. Pastoral Care: The UNIC staff provided pastoral care and support to students to assist with personal and cultural adjustments they may experience.
  4. Social and Cultural Activities: UNIC probably held its own events and activities accompanying international students, such as welcome activities, cultural events, and excursions to local attractions. These activities were designed to allow students to interact with other students and gain a sense of UK culture.

Building a Community:

  1. International Student Cohort: UNIC mainly served international students, establishing structural support that was partly based on peers at UNIC who were in similar situations and had faced similar challenges.
  2. Peer Support: Students formed bonds and generally looked out for each other academically and socially.
  3. Links to the University: UNIC aimed to bridge the gap between international students and the university, facilitating their transition into degree programmes and encouraging their involvement in university life.

Transportation

UNIC is under the University of Northampton; therefore, the following are the primary transportation options for accessing the University of Northampton's Waterside Campus:

  1. Bus Services: Northampton provides a good bus network with a number of routes serving the Waterside Campus directly, with Stagecoach being the main operator in the area. Students would be able to use this service from many locations around Northampton and the surrounding area. Specific bus numbers and timetables will be available on their website or local travel information sources.
  2. Train Services: Northampton has a mainline train station that connects to London Euston and other major cities. From the train station, students could then link to the Waterside Campus via bus or taxi.
  3. Cycling: The Waterside Campus has limited provision for cyclists, including some bike storage faculties. Cycling is a popular mode of transport for students getting to and around Northampton.
  4. Walking: If students live in close proximity to the Waterside Campus, they could reasonably walk.
  5. Taxis: Taxis are easily accessible in Northampton. They provide a door-to-door service to the Waterside Campus.

Housing and Accommodation

The college aims to get students as comfortable and content as possible, providing a range of accommodation options to ensure students have the best arrival experience in Northampton.

Once students have accepted and confirmed their offer, the Student Services team can assist to arrange accommodation for students suited to their needs.

Many students elect to stay in halls of residence, as they are low-cost and convenient, as well as a safe and easy way to make friends. Currently, a number of UNIC students happen to live in the officially endorsed halls of residence, Moulton Residence.

This location is approximately a ten-minute journey to the University by a free bus service, with a supermarket, post-office, and range of restaurants and cafes/walkable distance.

All bedrooms in Moulton Residence are spacious, modern, and offer an en-suite bathroom. The accommodation offers a kitchen/living area shared with six to seven flatmates.

There is access to a student social area, sports facilities, study rooms, and an on-site convenience store. UNIC's Moulton Residence is an incredible price for all of that at £130/week, and also includes:

  1. 24/7 security
  2. On-site café, restaurant and bar
  3. Laundry facilities
  4. On-site parking, subject to availability
  5. Gym and swimming pool, subject to additional cost
  6. FREE Wi-Fi internet
  7. FREE utilities
  8. FREE weekly room cleaning service
  9. Free security card for flat access

On-campus accommodation:

There may be rooms available on-campus for UNIC students, depending on availability. If you want to have a look at this option, please make contact with the UNIC Accommodation Team.

Private accommodation:

Although the college encourages its students to remain in UNIC recommended accommodation, they are aware that not everyone will wish to live in a Student Residence, so they also provide students with information that they can use to assist them in their search.

Northampton has a plethora of letting agents that specialise in student accommodation. The Student LETS Team in the Students' Union provides a service to assist students with their home or flat search.

Extracurricular Activities

Because of the University of Northampton International College (UNIC) is now closed, following  are some examples of the types of extracurricular activities that were likely available to UNIC students through the University of Northampton:

  1. Sports Clubs: There are many different sports clubs accommodated to various interests and skill levels including football, rugby, basketball, netball, hockey, tennis, badminton, and others.
  2. Societies: There are many student-led societies based on academic interests, hobbies, nationalities, cultures, and social causes including academic societies, cultural societies (such as international student societies), societies for gaming, film societies, debating societies, and societies for volunteering.
  3. Student Union (SU) Activities: The Students' Union typically organises different events including social events, parties, movie nights, quiz nights, and trips; they also support student interests and welfare.
  4. Volunteering Opportunities: The university and the Students' Union frequently provide volunteering opportunities within the local community.
  5. Arts and Culture: There are opportunities to be involved in drama groups, music groups, creative writing groups, and art societies and the university may offer performance space and cultural events.
  6. Academic and Professional Development: Some societies or departments provide workshops, guest speaker events, and networking opportunities that are relevant to students' academic interests and future careers.
  7. International Student Support Activities: While UNIC will have organised some events for international students, the university's international student support services and relevant societies will have organised activities and support networks for international students.

Partnerships and Collaborations

Given that UNIC operated as a pathway college in partnership with the University of Northampton and the Navitas Group, its partnership and collaboration landscape would have been primarily structured through these entities.

Here are potential areas of partnerships and collaborations, keeping this structure in mind:

Academic Partnerships (Likely through the University of Northampton):

  1. Navitas Group (Primary Academic Partner)
  2. Partner Universities for Study Abroad Programmes (UoN)
  3. Collaborative Degree Validation Partners (UoN)
  4. Joint Research Institutions (UoN)
  5. Articulation Agreements with International Colleges (UoN)
  6. Erasmus+ Partner Universities (UoN, if applicable during its operation)
  7. Specific Departments within Other Universities (UoN)
  8. Professional Accreditation Bodies (e.g., for specific programmes UoN offered to UNIC graduates)
  9. Quality Assurance Agencies (e.g., QAA - indirectly)
  10. Educational Technology Providers (used in UoN and potentially UNIC)
  11. Language Testing Organisations (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL - for admissions to UoN)
  12. Library and Resource Sharing Networks (UoN)
  13. Collaborative Online Learning Platforms (if used by UoN/UNIC)
  14. Teacher Training Partnerships (UoN, if applicable)
  15. Visiting Scholar Programmes (UoN)

Industry Partnerships (Likely through the University of Northampton, benefiting UNIC students for progression and potential internships):

  1. Local Businesses in Northamptonshire
  2. Regional Development Agencies
  3. Specific Companies Offering Internships to UoN Students
  4. Industry Advisory Boards for University Departments (UoN)
  5. Professional Associations Relevant to UoN Degree Programs
  6. Sponsorship Partners for University Events (UoN)
  7. Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) with Businesses (UoN)
  8. Graduate Employer Networks (UoN)
  9. Companies Involved in Research Collaborations (UoN)
  10. Sector-Specific Businesses Relevant to UoN's Academic Strengths
  11. Technology Companies for Joint Projects (UoN)
  12. Creative Industries Organisations (relevant to UoN's arts programmes)
  13. Healthcare Providers (relevant to UoN's health programmes)
  14. Educational Technology Companies (for curriculum development with UoN)
  15. Alumni Networks working in various industries (UoN)

Charitable Organisations (Likely through the University of Northampton, with potential indirect involvement for UNIC students):

  1. Local Charities in Northamptonshire
  2. National Charities Relevant to UoN's Research or Social Impact Areas
  3. Organisations Supporting International Students (potentially)
  4. Charities Involved in University Fundraising Initiatives (UoN)
  5. Student-Led Volunteering Organisations (linked to UoN)
  6. Charities Related to Specific Academic Disciplines at UoN
  7. Organisations Promoting Social Enterprise (aligned with UoN's Changemaker status)
  8. Charities Focused on Education and Access
  9. Community Development Organisations
  10. Arts and Cultural Charities
  11. Environmental Charities
  12. Health-Related Charities
  13. Organisations Supporting Specific Student Groups
  14. Charities Involved in Research Funding (for UoN projects)
  15. Alumni-Supported Charitable Initiatives (UoN)

Career Services

The UNIC students would have had access to the career services offered by the University of Northampton. These services were designed to support all University of Northampton students, including those who entered through pathway programmes like UNIC, in their career development and job search. Here's a general overview:

  1. Career Advice and Guidance: One-on-one appointments with experienced career advisors to discuss career options, explore different industries, and develop personalised career action plans.
  2. CV and Cover Letter Development: Workshops and resources to help students create effective and professional CVs and cover letters tailored to UK standards.
  3. Interview Skills Training: Workshops and mock interviews to prepare students for various interview formats, including competency-based and situational interviews.
  4. Job Search Strategies: Guidance on how to find and apply for internships and graduate jobs, utilising online job boards, networking, and speculative applications.
  5. Employer Presentations and Careers Fairs: Opportunities to meet with potential employers from a range of sectors, learn about their organisations, and explore job opportunities.
  6. Networking Events: Events designed to help students connect with professionals and alumni working in their fields of interest.
  7. Online Career Resources: Access to online platforms with job listings, career advice, assessment tools, and employer information.
  8. LinkedIn Profile Development: Workshops and advice on creating a strong professional profile on LinkedIn for networking and job searching.
  9. Placement and Internship Support: Assistance in finding and applying for internships and work placements relevant to their degree programmes.
  10. Sector-Specific Career Advice: Advisors with knowledge of different industries and career paths to provide tailored guidance.
  11. Alumni Network: Access to the University of Northampton's alumni network for mentoring and networking opportunities.
  12. Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Support: Advice and resources for students interested in starting their own businesses.

Rankings and Achievements

11th in the UK for Health Profession Subjects Guardian 2017

Location

Though the UNIC's operations are closed now, its former address was St George's Avenue, Northampton, NN2 6JD, United Kingdom.

UNIC students primarily utilized the facilities, which is:

  1. Lecture Halls: Various sizes of lecture theatres equipped with audio-visual technology for teaching.
  2. Libraries: Students had access to the University of Northampton's library services, including the physical library at Avenue Campus (though the main Learning Hub at the newer Waterside Campus would have been a key resource for more advanced study). These libraries housed a collection of books, journals, and digital resources.
  3. Laboratories: Depending on the pathway programmes offered at UNIC (which prepared students for various undergraduate degrees), students would have had access to relevant laboratories on the Avenue Campus, such as science labs or computer labs.
  4. Residential Area: The Avenue Campus was located in a more suburban setting, surrounded by residential areas. This provided a quieter environment compared to a city centre campus.
  5. Nearby Park: There were local parks and green spaces in the vicinity of the Avenue Campus, offering areas for relaxation and recreation. Abington Park, a large and popular park with historical features, gardens, and a museum, was likely within a reasonable distance.
  6. Historic Landmarks: Northampton itself has historical significance, with landmarks such as the Northampton Guildhall and All Saints Church being accessible from the campus via local transport. The stunning countryside of Northamptonshire also holds numerous historic houses and villages.
  7. Iconic Structures: While the Avenue Campus buildings themselves might not have been considered iconic structures in a major architectural sense, they were functional and served the educational needs of the university and its pathway college.
  8. Variety of Recreational Facilities: UNIC students, as part of the University of Northampton community, would have had access to the university's broader recreational facilities, which might have included sports grounds, gyms, and student union-organized activities. The newer Waterside Campus boasted more modern and extensive sports facilities, which students could likely access.
  9. Dining and Entertainment: The Avenue Campus had its own catering outlets and social spaces. Additionally, being located within Northampton, students had access to the town's wider range of restaurants, cafes, pubs, and entertainment venues, accessible by bus or a short journey.
  10. Riverbank: The River Nene flows through Northampton. The newer Waterside Campus is notably situated along the river.
  11. Stunning Landscapes: The wider Northamptonshire countryside offers stunning landscapes with rolling hills, picturesque villages, and historic estates, providing opportunities for exploration outside of the immediate campus area.

Frequently asked questions

UNIC or the University of Northampton International College was a pathway college in partnership with the University of Northampton and the Navitas Group. It provided programmes designed to prepare international students for successful entry into undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses at the University of Northampton.