UCOL – Universal College of Learning
Age: UCOL has combined the traditions of tertiary, trades and technology training begun by the Wanganui Technical School of Design in 1892, Masterton Technical School in 1896 and Palmerston North Technical School in 1906.
Campuses: Palmerston North, Wanganui, Masterton, and online courses for distance and blended delivery education.
Chief executive: Paul McElroy.
Student population: 18,000 students (full and part-time).
Signature courses: Arts and design, information systems and computing, hospitality and tourism, nursing, health and science, sports and fitness and technology, trades and industry.
International standing: One of Australasia’s leading schools of photography; nursing and medical imaging graduates readily get overseas registration. Culinary students can apply for a Swiss- based European exchange programme.
Industry links: UCOL has links with ITOs, manufacturers, local government, iwi, health providers, sporting and community organisations to meet skills, training, and academic requirements.
Course costs: Vary from free to $4000, depending on whether course is certificate, diploma or degree. Specialist, honours and masters fees are higher. Some scholarships available.
Cost of living: An ACNeilsen survey placed Palmerston North as the cheapest major tertiary centre for student living and study. Suburban bus services are free for UCOL students in Palmerston North and Wanganui. Whanganui student accommodation facilities charge $100 per week, including power.
Student services: AS@U is the resident and nationally affiliated student association; full creche, student health, welfare and counselling services; personal education plans course guidance; full learning assistance and services; scholarships and study support; campus disability co- ordinators; inter-linked libraries; intranet resources; marae and whanau space.
Clubs and sports: Rugby, soccer, netball, basketball, table tennis and pool. Christian, Maori, and Pacific Island groups.
* Webwatch: www.ucol.ac.nz
* Phone: 0800 GO UCOL (0800 46 8265)
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