Fully Supported
At UCS you’re not just another student in a lecture theatre. Smaller class sizes mean you’re more than just a number – you’ll have our individual attention and support.
Students of all backgrounds will feel at home in our inclusive
learning environment. We have a study coach system where
senior students have regular timetabled sessions with first
year students to help and guide them through the first year
of study, as well as a specialist Academic Skills and Learning
Support team who offer a variety of support services to
enhance your learning experience, helping you achieve
your full potential in your studies and beyond.
Meet the team
“My name is Beth; I am part of the HE Learning Support and Academic Skills Advice Team at University Centre Sparsholt. With personal experience of studying at Higher Education, and having worked in Education settings, I look forward to using my knowledge and skills to provide all things academic support to the HE students here at Sparsholt. So, if you are looking for academic advice, please get in touch!”
Beth Dellow
HE Learning Support and Academic Skills Advisor
“Hello! I’m Charlie, I will be working alongside Beth as your Learning Support and Academic Skills Advisor, I have worked in Education for 10 years and look forward to supporting you on your academic journey. I achieved my Batchelor of Science Degree later in life so I understand first-hand how life and studying can be a challenge! If you have any questions no matter how big or small, please get in touch!”
Charlie Graham-Smith
HE Learning Support and Academic Skills Advisor
Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA)
Our onsite Learning Support and Academic Skills team can assist students through applying for their Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) with support in filling out the forms. However, it is recommended that students complete the process before starting a degree with us.
Student Harassment and Sexual Misconduct
We believe that all sexual violence, harassment, domestic abuse, hate, stalking, discrimination, bullying and other forms of harmful behaviours are never acceptable. Any person can be affected by sexual violence in any form, and anyone can be affected regardless of gender, age and sexuality.
Taking the first step when asking for support can be difficult which is why we want to provide you with all the information you need to know on seeking support and reporting.
Academic Tutor
You will have a dedicated Tutor who will support you through your studies. You will meet regularly to discuss your academic progress and support your personal development.
Student Study Coach
The Study Coach is a second or third-year learner who provides an hour a week of academic coaching to a first-year group. They are usually studying the same subject as the group that they are coaching so have the experience of being a first year, what it’s like to be a degree student, and the associated challenges of studying at Higher Education. They provide support and guidance on a range of academic skills, as well as working through assignments and any other aspects of the course that first-year learners are finding tricky. Having been first years themselves, they are some of the best people to support new learners as they embark on their chosen course of study.
Residential Support Wardens
The Residential Support team are available at the Sparsholt site 24/7 (there are slightly different arrangements for our Winchester City accommodation). The Sparsholt team offer first line welfare support for learners living in our halls of residence. They can be contacted on the duty warden mobile number, by email or by popping to the wardens’ office at any time. Outside the wardens’ office is a yellow phone that connects to their mobile should they be away from their desk.
Wardens are there to support and respond to any emergency situations. They can support queries between residents, offer tea and toast at any time for a chat and can signpost to other services as needed. Our team are here to encourage you to live healthy, independent lives and form a safe, inclusive community for living and learning at UCS.
Student Services
For frequently asked questions about travel, funding, lost property, locker hire etc. along with support information, please visit the student services and wellbeing page, available 24/7 through Ledge. Alternatively, you are welcome to come to Wellbeing in the support hub, where staff would be pleased to help you or signpost you on to those that can.
The Wellbeing Team
The team can support you with your wellbeing and provide a welcoming space with mindful activities available such as self-help resources, colouring, sand garden, origami, puzzles and much more.
- Wellbeing host two clubs for higher education learners and their allies: Spectrum for neurodiverse learners, and Queer Corner for LGBTQIA learners.
- We have online resources in Ledge for self-help, apps, videos, websites, resources and information. Available 24/7, it is accessible in A-Z format for ease and includes crisis support information.
- UCS has a free counselling service that is available to all learners who feel this would be of benefit to them. See their page on Ledge for full details and how to self-refer.
- You will be sent information about Disabled Students’ Allowance when applying, but for more information please visit Ledge – or Wellbeing can send you some information.
- If you have a diagnosed mental health condition, we encourage you to share this with us through the registration process. There is an opportunity for you to tell us how you would like to be supported, so that you can come to Sparsholt and achieve your chosen qualification.
- If you have an unspent criminal conviction, this does not necessarily prevent you from studying at Sparsholt, but we do require you to declare it. We can usually agree a support plan for you to attend so that you can come to Sparsholt and achieve your chosen qualification.
- We can give confidential information and support on sexual health matters. There is also an onsite sexual health clinic held once a week. Clinic and condoms are free for those up to 24 years of age.
- We have a college nurse onsite for our residents or for those with complex medical needs.
If you would like to discuss any of the above, please get in touch or pop in and see us.
Email wellbeingsparsholt@sparsholt.ac.uk
Key Information
Fees & Finance
Student life
Accommodation
Transport
