Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Social and Cultural History with Foundation Year

at Wrexham Glyndwr University - Wrexham Campus United Kingdom

Develop your material and design skills through Ceramics, wood, Metal, plastics, Jewellery and Silversmithing. This Applied Art course focuses on the high quality craft skills needed to be a professional maker.

The BA(Hons) Applied Art programmes enable students to understand the importance of high quality making, of originality and how to generate personal responses to materials and processes.

We encourage creativity, innovation and entrepreneurial skills to produce graduates who can combine their conceptual and technical skills in Applied Art with the professional skills needed to be a successful maker.

Designers who can respond creatively to applied art and design problems remain in high demand. We place a strong emphasis on the language of design through exploration and expression of ideas and use of materials processes and practices.

Our courses promote excellent communication skills and professional aspects of practice and encourage innovative and interdisciplinary use of media and materials. There is also a strong emphasis on developing interpersonal skills through collaborative projects and teamwork.

Key Course Features

• Includes a foundation year to prepare you for further years of study.
• Excellent gallery and commercial links, with the focus on craft skills to enable you to become exceptional makers.
• Focus is placed on developing your business skills in areas such as pricing, publicity and marketing; we are consistently praised by external examiners for how well prepared our students are for professional life.
• You will be taught by a dedicated team of research-active practitioners who exhibit their own work both nationally and internationally.
• Work on live projects, exhibitions, competitions and commissions for public and private clients; this will give you confidence for your future career, for example, when approaching galleries and retail outlets with your work.
• * the course is rated 94.4% for learning opportunities (WGU analysis of unpublished NSS data 2020)

You can also choose to study this course as a three-year programme without the foundation year BA (Hons) Applied Arts 

From sharp force trauma to spectra, from bones to bugs... Wrexham Glyndwr University will prepare you for an exciting career in science.

This degree has been designed to provide a detailed knowledge of numerous scientific disciplines and how they can be applied to investigate a wide range of crimes. The programme has been tailored to train students to become competent and skilled scientists, able to conduct the analysis of materials, interpret complex results, and present their evidence as expert witnesses.

Students will

• Be trained in a wide variety of fields, including crime scene investigation, biology and chemistry
• Use our dedicated laboratories, crime scene house, and taphonomic facility (body farm) to test and hone your scientific skills
• Benefit from our long-term collaborations with partners including North Wales Police, companies specialising in areas such as search dog training and the analysis of human remains, as well as analytical companies that provide students with opportunities to perform frontier research and publish papers
• Take part in our annual real-time training exercise:

You can also choose to study this course with a foundation year BSc (Hons) Forensic Science (four years including foundation year)

Key Course Features

• Highly specialised facilities including a  dedicated crime scene investigation house, located right on the campus, and the first, and only, licensed body farm in Wales for taphonomic study and research
• Highly experienced, research and case active staff delivering hands-on practical session with modern laboratory equipment
• Opportunities to attend a number of course-related trips and events including conferences in forensic science and eligibility for Student Membership of The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences (additional costs apply)
• Inclusive and supportive teaching with tutorial support available through the medium of Welsh
• Established partnerships with a number of industries in the areas of forensic, chemical, analytical and materials science including collaboration with North Wales Police on research projects in forensic investigation
• *The subject area is top in Wales for overall satisfaction and 2nd in the UK for satisfaction with teaching (WGU analysis of unpublished NSS 2020 data).
• Top 20 in the UK for student satisfaction, Complete University Guide 2020.

Studying Social and Cultural History at Wrexham Glyndwr University will introduce you to themes such as family, fashion, crime, art, politics and propaganda – from the Roman era through to the modern age. 

Alongside regular class-based teaching, there are also visits to country houses, historical archives, and sites of historical importance.  These provide a strong practical element to the degree and encourage engagement with a wide range of sources and experiences. We also offer a work placement module in a historical setting of your choice. 

Our degree is designed to be diverse and enjoyable, with a focus on the investigative and analytical elements of historical study.  This focus opens up a wide range of careers.  Our students have gone on to work as teachers, writers, researchers, financial analysts and members of the legal profession. 

Key Course Features

• Our history subject area is rated 1st in Wales and in the UK top ten for student satisfaction in the Complete University Guide 2021.
• Our history subject area rated 1st in the UK for overall satisfaction, National Student Survey 2020.
• Wide-ranging degree – from Ancient Rome to Modern Britain - connected by important social and cultural themes
• Work experience opportunities - Placements are available in archives, libraries and heritage centres
• A blend of theory and practice -  Visits to aristocratic homes and other sites compliment class-based learning
• Develop your research, analysis, interpretation, communication and presentation skills
• Analyse primary documents from the past
• Study local, national and international history

An MBA qualification continues to be the flagship qualification for post-graduate business students seeking to increase subject knowledge, build a portfolio of management skills and enhance future career prospects in a competitive and increasingly global arena. 

The MBA suite consists of a number of routes (see above) all of which encompass three core topics, which provide the foundation for a successful business, namely strategy, finance and leadership. 

MBA - There is a mix of traditional ‘hard core’ academic business Master’s modules consisting of Strategy, Finance, Marketing and HRM which continue to be the foundation for this type of programme. The programme routes offer other modules, drawing on a wide range of bodies of knowledge, which reflect the context within which an organisation is required to trade. The outcome is a rounded business outlook with insights into corporate governance, environmental concerns, marketing and HRM perspectives within a framework of effective and critical reflective practice.

MBA (Marketing) - The inclusion of the Marketing route is particularly distinctive and is readily embedded within the programme. The overarching teaching and learning strategy which encompasses current business and marketing issues together with issues arising within the students’ workplaces if, and where, appropriate. This ensures the three-fold framework of skills, mind-set and knowledge are oriented towards this particular body of knowledge throughout the duration of the taught element of the programme for students electing to take this route. When progressing to the dissertation route there would be a clear expectation for the student’s research questions to focus on a topic that would benefit from research into Marketing.

MBA (HRM) - Similarly, the HRM route is of increasing relevance where people are the foundation of a vibrant world economy and requires a mind-set that is supported by an understanding of HRM practices where transferable business knowledge and key management skills are important. During the generic taught modules students will be encouraged and supported to bring HRM issues into classroom debate as a pre-curser to including and emphasising current issues in their assignments. When reaching the dissertation stage, again there would be a clear expectation that HRM students would base their dissertations on a research topic that is of international relevance.

Key Features

• Focus on career development skills and knowledge in a supportive environment.
• MBA modules are aligned to the Institute of Directors Competency Framework which encompasses a range of skills, knowledge and mind-sets.
• Access to a network of aspiring business managers drawn from various sectors and organizations.
• Opportunity to attend Wrexham Glynd?r University on campus business related events.
• The research element of the programme enables students to identify, investigate, analyse and propose sound solutions in relation to a business problem. 
• Teaching is interactive and, where possible, based on contemporary business issues throughout the programme.

This course will give you the experience and knowledge of a broad range of graphic design skills enabling you to successfully produce a portfolio to gain employment in the design industry.
Students will:

• have opportunities to work on 'live briefs' in the local community
• build their confidence, presentation skills and abilities to work with real clients
• undertake placements with our extensive alumni network
• enjoy visits to design exhibitions and museums, and conferences

You can also choose to study this course as a four-year integrated masters option MDes Graphic Design  or as a foundation year BA (Hons) Graphic Design (four years including foundation year)

Key Course Features

• Small, friendly community of staff/students at our Regent Street campus.
• High contact time with the programme team.
• Develop ongoing relationships with our alumni network.
• Offer advice and resources beyond graduation.
• Contacts with top design companies throughout the UK, benefiting our students after graduation.
• Teaching staff who are practitioners and research-active in the Creative Industries.
• Visits to design exhibitions and museums, attendance at conferences.
• Opportunities to work on real life, client-based project work.
• Visiting principal cities in Europe attending conference, design exhibitions and galleries.
• Close relationship with our careers team to develop students employability prospects.

With its special focus on comics, this degree will provide you with the technical and creative skills to develop both your illustrative style and flair for storytelling. The programme introduces a broad range of creative skills, from the generation of ideas to their technical production through printmaking, bookbinding, 3D materials, life drawing, traditional and digital media, with an emphasis on drawing and the development of a unique personal style.

Students will

• Work with experienced and industry active staff, learn how to write stories, draw comics and produce a professional portfolio
• Have opportunities to explore visual sequencing, narrative imagery, anthropomorphism and character development
• Gain personal, professional and entrepreneurial skills, learning about the business of working as a freelance artist
• Be encouraged to working on live briefs and competition

Key Course Features

• You will be part of a vibrant and creative community of commercial artists including children’s book artists, illustrators, animators, game artists and designers.
• You will be taught by a teaching team with a broad range of experience working professionally in the comics and illustration industries.
• We encourage our students to self-publish and learn how to produce high-quality production prototypes to pitch to the publishing industry through the use of our in-house Bindery.
• Our students have won illustration prizes and awards such as the Oxford University Press Illustration competition, the Macmillan Children’s Book competition, the Caldecott Society and D&AD awards and been nominated for prestigious Eisner and Silver Reuben Awards.

Would you like to play a key role in enabling people to improve their health, wellbeing and quality of life? Our BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy programme may be the perfect course for you.

This course equips you with the knowledge and skills required by physiotherapists to

• Work with people to identify and maximise their ability to move and function
• Work with people to promote, maintain and restore physical, social and psychological wellbeing
• Diagnose and treat a variety of clinical problems

Students will

• Be taught by skilled staff who are all registered Physiotherapists with specialist clinical interests
• Access joint teaching sessions with Occupational Therapy students
• Develop excellent problem-solving skills
• Develop professionally and personally over the course of study, benefiting from a combination of academic study and 1000 clinical hours on placement.

On completion of the programme, you will be eligible to apply for initial registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and for full membership of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP)

Key Course Features

• A small intake of students every year
• Membership of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy is provided for all students, giving access to a huge range of resources and networking opportunities
• We have some commissioned places programme, therefore, your tuition fees can be paid and you can be eligible for a one-off annual payment, financial support to cover placement costs and you can apply for a means-tested bursary. (Conditions apply)
• Health and Care Professions Council accreditation
• Chartered Society of Physiotherapy accreditation

The Football Coaching and the Performance Specialist degree is an innovative programme which integrates football coaching awards into an academic course. 

The degree is designed in partnership with the Football Association of Wales (FAW) to prepare students who want to work as a coach or performance specialist (Physiologist, Psychologist, Performance Analyst or Development Officer) in the world of football. Students on the programme will develop practical coaching skills in addition to developing an understanding of the application of sport science (physiology, psychology, performance analysis) and the social context of the sport of football.

Students on the programme will work towards the Football Association of Wales (Level 1) Football Leaders Award, (level 2) C Certificate and (Level 3) UEFA B coaching licence. Students completing the programme will develop the skill to work with youth and senior football teams at grassroots and a high-performance level.

You can also choose to study this course as a three year degree (without a foundation year) BSc (Hons) Football Coaching and the Performance Specialist

Key Course Features

• Includes a foundation year to prepare you for further years of study.
• Students will work towards Football Association of Wales (Level 2) C Certificate and (Level 3) UEFA B coaching licences.
• The dynamic lecture environment will support and challenge students to engage with all aspects of the coaching process including hands-on practical coaching, physiology, psychology, performance analysis and coaching pedagogy.
• Engage with research-active lecturers and industry professionals.  
• Lecturers are research active, which means that the curriculum is engaging, current and relevant.
• The staff team includes specialists who have extensive applied knowledge and practical experience of working across the performance range from grassroots to the elite environment.
• Additionally, students have the opportunity to gain applied experience working within a variety of football settings. Extensive links with partners provide students with the opportunity to develop vocational and industry-relevant skills.
• Excellent student support from approachable staff. Students engage on a journey which takes them from personal development in the early part of their degree to professional development as they progress through the course.

This new idea-driven skill based course is about everything from concept art to 3D Modelling, 3D Sculpting character development and level creation.
You’ll be part of a degree with innovation, creativity and employability at its heart as you bring concept to reality; the perfect preparation for a career in an exciting, fast-paced industry worth billions each year.
You will:

• see you gain experience in the design skills and techniques used to bring projects from concept to screen through digital painting, 3D modelling, 3D sculpting, 3D animation and game engine
• develop a mix of design and technical skills like environment/character design and creation, 3D modelling, texturing, level design, level creation, live briefs, and games production
• gain a sound knowledge of game and concept art, with an emphasis on innovation, design and creativity rather than the programming and technical aspects of the gaming industry
• use the latest industry standard software
• have the opportunity to get hands-on work with industry professionals on real-world projects to help develop your skills and experience

You can also choose to study this course as a foundation year BA (Hons) Game Art (four years including foundation year) or with an Industrial Placement year BA (Hons) Game Art (with Industrial Placement)

Key Course Features

• Strong links with industry and professional bodies such as Skillset, NAHEMI and various associations. Our Creative Futures student conference plays host to a large range of visiting guest speakers from the creative industries.
• There are Industry-focused visits to gain first hand insight into how creative media companies function and the variety of employment opportunities that are available in the development of your career aspirations. There are also other study trips to festivals and Video Game expos.
• Opportunities to enter competitions.
• Our purpose-built Centre for the Creative Industries features specialist facilities, such as our TV studio with green screening, and software such as software such as Maya, Mudbox, Unreal Engine 4, Substance Painter/Designer and Creative Cloud for creating Game Art and playable levels.
• There is strong pastoral care within a friendly creative community with an emphasis on team building and collaborative work. Contact hours with tutors is high with enthusiastic and supportive sta? who are knowledgeable, research-active practitioners.
• *1st in Wales and 10th in the UK for overall satisfaction in the area of Cinematics & Photography. (WGU analysis of unpublished NSS 2019 data).

This is an exciting course, specially designed for those wanting to work positively with children, young people, marginalised groups and communities. *It has been ranked first in Wales for learning community in the National Student Survey 2019 (WGU analysis of National Survey of Students 2019).

Successful completion of the Foundation Year will also lead to an Agored Cymru Level 2 & Level 3 Youth Work accreditation.

Through this course, you can gain a professional youth work qualification endorsed by Education Training Standards Wales with over a third of your time in placement activities.  Successful completion of the course will allow you to register with the Education Workforce Council in Wales as a Youth Worker. There is also the option to study a faith-based route in the first year and exit with a Certificate in Higher Education Youth and Community Work (faith-based), or to top up the full degree and JNC Qualification*.

As well as placement opportunities in Wales and the UK, there are also opportunities for a part-funded placement through the Erasmus programme with a university in Europe.
The youth and community department at Wrexham Glyndwr University is regarded as the “home of youth work in Wales”, having offered education and training to the youth and community sector for more than 43 years. As such the department has excellent links with employers across North Wales, North West England, and the Midlands, and it works in partnership with organisations across the statutory, voluntary and third sector.
Please be aware it may be necessary to work outside of normal working hours, e.g. during evenings or over weekends, whilst on placement due to the nature of this profession.

You can also choose to study this course as a three-year degree (without a foundation year) BA (Hons) Youth and Community Work (JNC)

Key Career Features

• Includes a foundation year to prepare you for further years of study.
• A degree programme with professional endorsement, and course content aligned with National Occupational and Professional Standards in the sector.
• Opportunities for continuing professional development through additional training opportunities and professional networking on a course with strong links with employers and local training providers.
• Learn and gain experience with 800 hours of supervised fieldwork practice, with a placement in each year of study. This can be in a variety of settings either in the UK or internationally.
• Start the academic year with a learning experience with a partner project to see youth work skills in action.
• Develop skills in teamwork, positive communication, working with groups and individuals, reflective practice and leading others.
• Develop knowledge and core skills for youth work practice and informal education that are transferable to work with children, young people and adults in a range of different settings.
• *1st in Wales for learning community in the National Student Survey 2019 (WGU analysis of National Survey of Students 2019).