What is headstart?

The Headstart programme is the start of your UCW student journey. Headstart offers a range of activities designed to introduce new HE students to the support, staff and learning environments available at UCW and to explore the skills required of UCW Higher Technical Qualifications and degree level studies.

Who is Headstart for?

Headstart is for all new fist year students starting a UCW course in September. Content is designed and delivered by the HE Academic Development team in partnership with HEART, Academic and Specialist Support staff, LibraryPlus and Learning Technologists.

Why attend Headstart?

Higher level study requires students to develop and demonstrate a range of academic and professional attributes. You may be progressing from a recent Level 3 qualification or returning to education from industry or a break in your studies. Whatever your circumstances, Headstart enables you to:

Get ahead in your subject area – meeting lecturers and peers
Experience some of the academic skills required for your course
Explore essential digital tools and skills
Seek individual advice and support
Understand the requirements of independent and collaborative blended learning
Plan a healthy work-life-study balance from the start of your UCW journey.

How is Headstart delivered?

Headstart is series of workshops with embedded bitesize activities. These are intended to give students an opportunity to assess the level of their academic and digital skills and to try some of the tasks required for university level study. ‘Get ahead’ activities are common at many universities and are designed to encourage students to engage with their discipline prior to starting. Students are also enrolled onto Headstart Online. This hosts resources for self-directed study and details of further support at this stage of your journey.

When is Headstart?

Headstart happens at the start of July every year. Typically, live forums and sessions are between 10.00am-2.00pm. However, accompanying online resources and support will be accessible throughout the summer and induction period so that students can revisit or engage in asynchronous learning around their own commitments.

Headstart - Event for 2022 Applicants