At Staffordshire University, we’re driving forward the Next Generation of Education, giving students the opportunity to embrace the future and thrive in a rapidly evolving world. Our commitment to excellence and innovation prepares you for the industries of tomorrow, equipping you with next generation education, environments, experience, and engagement opportunities to succeed in the modern workplace.
With a wide selection of modules, our courses allow you to shape your education according to your interests and career aspirations. Our state-of-the-art facilities and digital technologies provide hands-on learning experiences that mirror real-world work environments. With us, you’ll gain practical skills and valuable insights that will give you an edge in the competitive job market.
We’re committed to affordability, with our cost-of-living initiatives we ensure that studying at Staffordshire University is accessible and provides long-term benefits. We invest in your success by offering a range of support that keep you motivated and empowered throughout your educational journey.
Next generation education
At Staffordshire University, we foster a sense of belonging within our vibrant and inclusive community. Our three campuses – Stoke, Stafford and London offer a diverse range of cultural study destinations. Immerse yourself in an environment where you feel at home, surrounded by like-minded individuals who are driven by creativity and innovation.
Beyond the classroom, our campuses provide a vibrant social life, offering numerous activities, clubs, and societies. Stoke and Stafford campuses are located in low-cost, cultural and thriving areas, while our London campus extends our reach to the heart of the European capital of technology. With us, you’ll have access to a range of opportunities, further enhancing your student experience.
These are just a few reasons why our students rated us as a Top 5 UK University.
Whether you’re applying for the first time or are exploring other options, Staffordshire University welcomes you to embrace the Next Generation of Education.
After my first degree in Nigeria, my next step was to proceed with a Master’s degree and UK was my first and only choice. Before coming to the UK, the only country I had visited was South Africa. Although that is an African country, I still had the culture shock, for example, their cars are right-hand drive, and the weather was very cold. Let’s proceed to me arriving the UK for my Masters; the first thing that greeted me was the cold weather in October and the confusion on how to cross the road. Regarding the weather, South Africa was a learning ground for me. First advice for students, come prepared with winter wears because the weather will be cold for those starting in September or January.
Dr Itoro Ekpo –
In my first class, I addressed my lecturer as Sir, and he told me to call him Nick. I was shocked by that because back home you are not allowed to call your lecturer by name. Now as a lecturer in a UK University, I understand when student address me as Ma or anything else because I was once in their shoes. I encourage them to address me by my first name. Some students tend to adjust immediately, while some can’t just accept it. The second advice for the students is it is okay to call your lecturers/tutor/teacher by their first name and you will not be penalised. For academics, don’t be fussy about how you are addressed as the international students are from different environments, give them time and grace.
I resumed late for my MSc programme; hence, I needed all the support to be able to submit my first formative assessment but what did I do? I went to my colleagues for help, although my lecturers had told me to contact them for support since they were aware that I resumed late. I submitted my first assessment, and the feedback made me realise that my writing style needed to change, I needed to be critical and avoid copy and paste. I realised that I had a long way to go as I was use to producing what I was taught word for word and give back what I read from a textbook or article word for word without paraphrasing. The third advice for students is never copy and paste as you will be penalised, you need to paraphrase your work to avoid plagiarism. Now as a lecturer, I encourage students from the first class to start the practice of paraphrasing because they can easily plagiarise their assessment.
One of the comments on my first feedback was to ask for support from the tutor. While I was trying to figure out how I was going to approach my tutors for support I was surprised when one of them requested to see me after the class and mentioned that he had still not received my support session request. This made me realise that the necessary support is there, but I just needed to ask and that my tutors are approachable. The fourth advice is, always ask for help and do not leave it to the last minute (submission deadline)
All work and no play makes Itoro a dull girl. I signed up for school trips and networking events on campus to widen my network and make friends with people from other cultures. As a lecturer, I noticed that international students tend to walk and work with colleagues from the same country. Final advice is get out of your comfort zone and make friends with people from other countries. The new friend may be the person that will take your project/ work/ business to the next level. Expand your circle but ensure to do that wisely.
Stoke-on-Trent is a city located in the central region of England, specifically in Staffordshire County. As of the 2021 census, the city’s population exceeds 258,400 individuals. “The Potteries” is the collective name for the city’s five towns: Tunstall, Burslem, Hanley, Stoke, Fenton, and Longton. This name originates from the city’s rich history in pottery production.
The city is the World Capital of Ceramics. For centuries, the city has been moulded by its pottery production, fostering a globally renowned reputation for innovation, science, art, culture, and entrepreneurial spirit. Even today, the city remains an irresistible destination for pottery enthusiasts!
With engaging factory tours, exceptional visitor centres, and captivating museums, you’ll be immersed in the rich history and tradition of this time-honoured craft. Moreover, you can get hands-on experience, trying your hand at the potter’s wheel for a truly entertaining insight.
Make your university experience even more exciting in Stoke-on-Trent city as we show you four interesting places to visit in the city that will make your experience more unique!
The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery
One of the top attractions for Art and History lovers is the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery. Located in the Town of Hanley and within a walking distance of 20 minutes from Staffordshire University. A major highlight of the Museum is the impressive Spitfire Gallery, dedicated to the renowned aircraft.
Back in 1972, the City of Stoke-on-Trent received a generous donation of Spitfire RW388. This exceptional plane serves as a tribute to Reginald J. Mitchell, the brilliant mind behind the Spitfire’s design, who hailed from North Staffordshire and became one of the most illustrious aeronautical engineers of his time. After a meticulous three-year restoration project, the iconic Spitfire has been restored to its former splendour and now commands the 3800 sq ft, glass-fronted gallery, offering the privilege of 24/7 viewing. Alongside the RW388 Spitfire, the permanent exhibition also showcases captivating displays that celebrate the life and achievements of the iconic designer, Reginald Mitchell.
Step into Stoke-on-Trent’s rich history at the Local History Gallery. Explore recreated room settings, from a nostalgic schoolroom to a charming pub and a cosy chip shop, immersing yourself in the past.
Nature lovers will be captivated by the Natural Science gallery’s vivid depiction of the Potteries’ geology and wildlife. Discover the beauty of moorlands, forests, and wetlands with meticulous detail. Don’t miss the interactive Discovery Zone, where you’ll learn about preserving our diverse natural world.
Trentham Estate Gardens
The Trentham estate, located in Staffordshire, England, became a showcase of Brown’s genius, featuring sweeping lawns, serene lakes, and strategically placed groves of trees that seamlessly blend with the surrounding countryside. Capability Brown, a renowned English landscape architect of the 18th century, left an indelible mark on Trentham Estate gardens.
Trentham Gardens
Fast forward 250 years, and today you’ll witness one of the most remarkable garden restorations of the past half-century. The great Italian Garden has been lovingly restored by Tom Stuart-Smith, boasting an array of plants, fountains, and enchanting walkways. Alongside, a pergola adorned with diverse rose varieties adds to the charm. Visitors can either enjoy a circular walk around the lake or opt for boat trips to savour this natural masterpiece.
Factory Tours and Shops
Being the World Capital of ceramics, the city has many factories and shops Observe the fascinating process of crafting products, as 20 skilled pairs of hands meticulously contribute to the creation of each item. Step into the shops, where you can find a splendid collection of fully sustainable, UK-made fine bone China items.
For a mere £7.50, the Moorcroft Heritage Visitor Centre offers an unforgettable experience, encompassing a captivating factory tour, the exploration of a Grade II listed bottle oven, delightful shopping, and an enriching museum visit.
The factory tour is a mesmerizing journey, revealing the intricate processes behind each unique, hand-crafted Moorcroft piece. Remarkably, these time-honoured techniques have remained unchanged for over a century. Crafted by hand for collectors worldwide, the designs boast rich, deep colours, resulting in stunning works of art available for viewing and purchase at the Moorcroft shop.
Looking for some wildlife experience? Trentham Monkey Forest is your place to go.
The enchanting Trentham Monkey Forest is a haven for 140 free-roaming Barbary macaques. Nestled in the serene woodlands of Staffordshire, this extraordinary sanctuary allows the monkeys to thrive without cages or bars. Embark on a mesmerizing 3/4-mile woodland path, where you can witness these playful creatures living freely, just as they would in the wild. Be captivated as they frolic on the ground and swing from the trees, displaying their natural behaviours in all their glory. Don’t be surprised if they venture right in front of you!
The statistics from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) reveal that 19% of students in the UK are enrolled in business and management courses, making it the most popular field of study. In response to this demand, Staffordshire University’s business school has launched new undergraduate and postgraduate programs. But first, let’s explore why this university has become a sought-after destination for both local and international students.
Next-Gen Business
The Business School aims to become a leader in business education by providing Next Generation Business Education, Experience, Environment and Engagement. The business degrees in the university have been designed with the careers of tomorrow in mind and developed in collaboration with leading industry partners.
The university guarantees the opportunity to undertake work placements both in the UK and abroad along with your studies to get you the real-world working experience that sets you apart and enhances your academic journey. The university has a state-of-the-art new £40m Catalyst building designed to emulate real-world working environments. The building is equipped with high-quality, digitally enabled spaces that foster collaboration, creativity, and Engagement with the business community.
Some of the current international students on a visit to a major business
Good Connectivity to Metropolitan Cities
The university is situated in Stoke-on-Trent, a central location in the UK. This advantageous geographic location provides easy access to other parts of the country, such as Manchester and Birmingham, with only a one-hour train ride from Stoke-on-Trent railway station. This is especially beneficial for business students who may not be able to afford living in those cities for work, as they can find more affordable living and commuting options here.
Low Cost of Living
Staffordshire University is located in Staffordshire, within the West Midlands region of England. It is situated in the city of Stoke on Trent, which makes it one of the most affordable places to live and study in the UK. However, managing finances has become challenging due to the increasing inflation and interest rates. This location provides cost-effective rental housing compared to other regions in the country, making it a preferred choice for numerous national and international students to pursue their studies. As a result of the affordable property rates, food and other expenses are also comparatively cheaper than other parts of the UK. Despite the UK’s economic cost of living crisis, where several shops and businesses are shutting down, Stoke-on-Trent is thriving with the emergence of new businesses, establishing itself as a powerhouse for SMEs and startups.
Visitor Attractions & Parks –
In the central part of England, there are several visitor attractions that students can visit, including Alton Towers and Peak District National Park. Alton Towers is the UK’s largest theme park, and students can benefit from discounted rates to enjoy its rides and attractions. Although it may be a small town, there are two city centres located just a few miles from the University, where students can indulge in a variety of leisure activities, such as watching movies, clubbing, and shopping.
If you are an international student considering studying Business in the UK, Staffordshire University may be your top pick.
Below are the new business courses the university has introduced for the year 2023-24 that are available in Clearing.
I hated school. I’ll probably be the oldest person here.
Having applied for an apprenticeship with trepidation, the accidental manager arrives at the University prepared with notebooks, charged laptop and a full pencil case.
What on earth was I thinking? This isn’t for me…
As they sit down and look around the room, imposter syndrome kicks in.
This room is full of real managers. People who know what they’re talking about.
But it’s too late to leave now. And the lecturer seems friendly enough.
I’ll leave it til the end of the day, and then I’ll let my manager know we’ve made a terrible mistake.
The students introduce themselves and start with an icebreaker
Please don’t ask me anything, please don’t ask me anything
The students are asked to anonymously give one word to describe their feelings, right there in that very moment on Day 1.
Figure 1 – student feelings on day 1
Unsure, average, apprehensive, nervous…. That’s how I’m feeling too. Well that makes me feel better. Yet I’m curious, and I’m excited. I want to be the best manager I can, I want to motivate my team and improve performance.
The lecturer discusses what we will learn in Module 1 and how this will be applied in our roles. Starting with motivation and team performance.
Maybe this is for me…..
Defining an accidental manager
An accidental manager refers to an individual who finds themselves in a managerial position without necessarily having the formal training, experience, or intention to become a manager. This situation often arises when someone excels in their technical or specialized role and is promoted to a managerial position due to their expertise or tenure, rather than their leadership or management skills.
However, being an accidental manager doesn’t mean that a person cannot grow and develop into an effective leader. With the right support, mentoring, and training, they can acquire the necessary management skills and become successful in their new role. Organizations can provide resources, such as leadership programs or workshops, to help accidental managers enhance their managerial capabilities and improve their overall performance.
Full time employment alongside a Level 5 apprenticeship brings its own challenges, but also provides an excellent opportunity to learn as you earn, removing the financial concerns that a traditional University route can bring.
Working with other managers from a range of industries, you will be encouraged to share your experiences and learn from others within a blended setting of face to face and online learning forums.
We believe that our success stems from the support available through the student journey, including our passionate and supportive academic team who are industry experts in leadership and management. You can see some of our student feedback below.
You will also be assigned a Work Based Education Officer who will mentor you throughout the course to ensure that you are reaching your full potential and have access to any support services you may require. Speaking of support services, we recognise that for those from a practical background, the academic life can feel a little daunting. To coach you through the world of academia, we have a specialised academic support team who can provide one to one coaching, or tutorials around referencing, citation or academic writing.
Student feedback
Our apprenticeships offer a well-rounded learning experience that combines practical skills development, mentorship, industry-recognized credentials, and a smoother transition into management careers or promotion. These advantages make apprenticeships an appealing option for individuals seeking to kick-start their careers or acquire new skills in leadership.
2 Years Later….
I did it. I can’t believe I did it. I never thought I’d graduate. Me! Graduate!
Getting the call with my results was a proud moment for me and has given me the confidence to know, that I am a manager, but am no longer accidental.
Staff and students from the Business School have volunteered at this festival for many years. It has provided very useful training for the students in research methods and also in providing practical training for events and tourism students. Visitor surveys have been carried out to help produce information for sponsors and to evaluate how well the event has performed. This is a fantastic event and it scores very highly on customer satisfactionwe would say that it is the best food and drink festival in Staffordshire!
Despite moving from its ‘spiritual’ home of Westbridge Park this year to nearby Kibblestone Scout Camp due to development work, the team behind Staffordshire’s original gastronomic gathering is determined to put on a great show.
With one of its core aims being to celebrate Staffordshire as a foodie destination, this year’s Demonstration Kitchen, sponsored by Aston Marina, features an impressive line-up of homegrown heroes. Heading up the bill is the youngest ever 2 Michelin Star chef and 2020 Great British Menu champion, Niall Keating who, born and bred in Staffordshire, will be joined on stage by the Head Chef from his flagship Lunar Wedgwood restaurant, Craig Lunn. The pair will headline at 2pm on Saturday 12th; showcasing dishes inspired by their joint love of food, travel, life, sustainability, local produce and working with some of the finest restaurants in the world.
Top chefs – Niall and Craig will be demonstrating their skills
Other chefs taking the stage on Saturday include Adam Smith, who heads up the kitchen at the Dog & Doublet Inn at Sandon; Ben Manifold, Senior Sous Chef at No.26, Aston Marina; Jake Lowndes of Stone’s Michelin Guide-listed Little Seeds and BANT Registered Nutritionist Eva Humphries, otherwise known as the Wholefood Warrior. Sunday’s line-up includes James Cracknell, Head Chef at The Moat House in Acton Trussell; Head Chef at Aston Marina’s No.26 Lee Lawson; Sous Chef Stuart Bruce from The Woodlands Restaurant at The Chase Golf & Country Club; Amarpal Harrar of iCookIndian and Oksana Harris from COOK! Ukraine. All cookery demonstrations are included within the festival’s gate price, with no need to pre-book.
Get a taste of Staffordshire – and beyond…
In addition to Live Cookery Demonstrations, there’s a packed programme in the festival’s Talks & Tastings Tent, sponsored by local engineering specialist IEIS. Here you’ll find everything from local brewery beer tastings to cocktail making masterclasses, tips on foraging, the art of creating authentic Indian dhals – and pretty much everything in between. There’s also the chance to learn the stories behind some of the festival’s fabulous producers, with lots of tasting opportunities along the way.
The Talks and Tastings tent is always very popular
When you’ve worked up an appetite, you’ll find a host of Street Food stalls proffering global flavours, as well as the Butcher’s Block pop-up restaurant for those seeking a more refined dining experience. Drinks wise, a host of pop-up bars serving coffee, gin, cocktails and fizz alongside great local breweries and artisan cider producers will ensure you remain well-watered whatever your favourite tipple.
Shop till you drop – then party! The festival’s Gourmet Marquee will once again feature a host of gastronomic delights – from cheese and savoury snacks to exotic rubs and cooking sauces, enticing spirits and sweet treats. Meanwhile, a new Home & Garden Marquee will see a hand-picked selection of traders showcase luxury goods for the home and garden.
Lots of stalls in the Gourmet Marquee
When you’re done shopping, head to the Live Music Stage, jointly sponsored by Granville’s of Stone and Barlow Motors, where a great line-up of local bands will entertain the crowds. Saturday’s acts include local performing arts students from Rooftop Studios, The Black Tie Bandits, Legends of Sound, Rock Choir and Brass Monkeys. On Sunday, Vibealicious, Block Jeans, Rock Choir and Hello Felix will provide the party soundtrack.
Families with young kids, meanwhile, will also find plenty to keep them entertained – the Little Foodies’ Zone includes a Children’s Farm stand and Panic! Family Circus, both of which offer free activities over the weekend, with circus rides, face painting and slushie-building fun also on offer.
To make getting to the event as easy as possible, free shuttle buses, sponsored by Stonegate Wealth Management, will ferry visitors from several stops around Stone town centre to Kibblestone, while on-site parking and a nearby Park & Ride service are also on offer.
The 2023 Stone Food & Drink Festival will take place on Saturday 15th & Sunday 16th July. Tickets are now available online at www.stonefooddrink.org.uk – £12pp/day (£10pp online before 30th June) or £20pp for a 2 day pass (£18pp online before 30th June) – accompanied under-16s get in free.
Kieron Chadwick has switched from his role as External Examiner for the School of Justice, Security, and Sustainability at Staffordshire University, to join the team permanently as a Lecturer in Business.
Kieron’s working background is in apprenticeships. Starting out as an Assessor/Coach, he progressed to Internal Quality Assurer, End-Point Assessment Manager, and most recently Head of Work Based Learning for Derby-based provider Workpays; alongside his freelance role as an External Quality Assurer for the awarding organisation, QNUK.
In May 2019, Kieron founded education start-up Academy of Assessors Limited, winner of SME News’s ‘Best Distance Learning Training Provider – 2020’ award. He later exited the business as part of its sale to a consultancy group. Kieron is also a self-published author, his book ‘Intrapreneurship – a guide for stakeholders’ explores the competencies needed to achieve transformation as part of a multi-stakeholder approach.
Having been an apprentice four times in the past and about to embark on his fifth (academic professional), Kieron has a keen research interest in apprenticeships. Being from a local working-class background, Kieron aims to further the social mobility of academic study through non-traditional entry routes, accessibility, and programme design.
A new research centre is being launched at Staffordshire University that brings together internationally-recognised academics with a commitment to applied impactful research that engages with policy and practice. Its work analyses:
inequalities, employment and welfare;
innovation and leadership;
and regional economic development, regeneration and foundational economies.
Reflecting the civic mission of Staffordshire University, the Centre has collaborative partnerships with leading public and private organisations in the UK and abroad.
Arianna Giovannini is Associate Professor/Reader in Local Politics and Public Policy at De Montfort University. Arianna has published widely on devolution, levelling up and the changing landscape of local government. Between July 2019 and February 2020 , she was seconded to to the Directorship of IPPR North, the leading think-tank for the North of England.
Steven Griggs is Professor of Public Policy in the Business School at Staffordshire University. Steven has published widely on local government, collaboration and the new municipalism. He recently chaired the Executive of the Association for Public Service Excellence’s Local Government 2030 Commission whose Local by Default final report was published in 2021.
Dr. Susan Sisay is the new Course Director Entrepreneurship at the Staffordshire Business School. She holds a PhD in International Entrepreneurship from Wrexham Glyndwr University, Wales. Susan has worked in academia for over a decade, both in the UK and internationally developing and delivering across a range of subjects.
Dr Susan Sisay
More recently, her focus is around entrepreneurship and related subjects, such as innovation, and small business management. Susan joins Staffordshire University from Birmingham City University, where she taught across a range of provision including apprenticeships, funded programmes for small businesses and also led the DBA programme.
Prior to academia, she was a legal practitioner. Alongside her practice, she delivered bespoke executive programmes for government and commercial organisations as well as initiate and/or participate in several justice and legal reform projects, specifically around women’s rights and access to justice. The experience of leading and managing these projects culminated in her doing her MBA (specialising in Law and Management) at Bangor University, Wales.
Her current areas of research interest are entrepreneurial education, ethnic minority businesses and international entrepreneurship, specifically entrepreneurship within the African context. She currently supervises doctoral students in these areas. She is also interested in exploring the intersection of faith and entrepreneurship and open to explore opportunities to collaborate across the stated areas of interest.
Here at Staffordshire University we are extremely proud of our Visitor Attraction and Resort Management degree programme. The course is designed in accordance with guidelines published by the Events, Hospitality, Leisure, Sport and Tourism (EHLST) network, and delivered in close association with Alton Towers Resort.
The course is unique to the UK, with only one other similar course worldwide taught at Bowling Green State University in Ohio, USA – who have their unique partnership with Cedar Point amusement park.
On the 21st April 2023 we met our siblings who were on a field trip to the UK……!!! This is their experience….
The two sets of students initially met at the teaching facility at Alton Towers. They chatted all things course related, life experiences, ambitions and ‘marmite’ – apparently a preferred food of the students! It was amazing to watch like minds instantly connect, it only took a matter of minutes, and the chatter began to grow…..
Taking the students away from their conversations we were lucky enough to all jump on a ride (Galactica) and enjoy the thrills…
We then had a ‘behind the scenes’ tour after the park closed. We were escorted by Kirsty (the Learning and Development Assistant with the Human Resources department) who took us to the (usually restricted) top of the historical ruins of Alton Towers stately home and are the source of the park’s name.
Seeing the surrounding area was breath-taking and we could see the vast expanse of the park itself. If you look closely you’ll see the ‘Wicker Man’ eerily peering between the trees!
Following this we had an escorted tour of the various accommodations on offer such as the themed ‘Gangsta Granny’ and ‘Ice Age’ rooms which were a feast to the eyes!!!!
It was all too brief – so much so by the end of the day, students were sad to part ways and contacts were quickly shared:
“I’ve been speaking with some of the students… and they seem incredibly passionate about how attractions operate outside of the UK, and considering how many laws and regulations differ between countries. The opportunity allowed us to keep growing our network with the other course and open new opportunities in the future” (Kenzie – Level 4 VARM student).
“an incredible opportunity to network with the Ohio students more and get a better sense of the theme park landscape of USA and how it’s different to the industry in the UK… it was a great experience and gave us an ‘in person’ perspective of the industry worldwide and will help us with our studies and writing our assignments” (Sam – Level 4 VARM student).
Moving forward we are to expand upon the relationship, BGSU are due to visit again next year, and we are already planning on collaborating again in the form of a incorporating a VARM/RAAM student project.
WATCH THIS SPACE!!!!
Courses and projects such as these are vital: the visitor attractions sector is experiencing tremendous growth both in the UK and overseas with tourism, hospitality and events recognised as major contributors to the UK economy.
As an indicator of THE’s value, travel and tourism contributes significantly to the economy in the United Kingdom (UK) and in 2021, an estimated £131.5 billion of GDP was generated, directly and indirectly, by this sector.
To achieve and sustain this level of economic contribution it is critical that the sector is able to access highly qualified, skilled graduates who can become the leaders of tomorrow.
So, if you’re looking to establish a career in visitor attractions that growth is great news. But if you’d like to give yourself an edge when it comes to seeking employment, our Degree in Visitor Attraction and Resort Management, developed in partnership with Alton Towers Resort, could be for you…
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