Our University

Situated at the heart of the historic and regenerated Ipswich waterfront, with cutting-edge facilities, highly rated teaching, and excellent graduate prospects, the University of Suffolk embodies the principles of transformation, collaboration and choice.

Gaining independent university status in 2016, having previously operated as University Campus Suffolk, our growing University is challenging longer-established institutions, climbing 68 places in the Complete University Guide over the past three years.

We encourage students to make their university experience their own. The majority of our undergraduate courses operate on a pioneering ‘block and blend’ teaching method', allowing students to focus on one module at a time so they can study in a way that suits them. Our classes have strong student-to-staff ratios, meaning lecturers and tutors can get to know their students and provide them with more tailored support. Placement opportunities allow students to engage with employers and the local area, connecting with the community and learning through experience.

Our University also has a transformative role in the Ipswich and Suffolk community, working with partners to enhance economic, social and cultural growth as part of our Civic University pledge. We have growing partnerships with Premier League Ipswich Town Football Club and the Ipswich-based Brighten the Corners music festival.

Ipswich is the perfect location for taking university life at your own pace. Beaches and countryside are within easy reach; the town centre is full of quirky cafés, lively bars and independent shops; and the iconic cities of London and Cambridge are just a train ride away.

At Suffolk, the choice is yours.

Strategy and Vision 2020-2030

Our mission is to transform lives and our region, through education, training, research, business and community engagement,

View Strategy

Close-up of student in their cap and gown

How we are Governed

The team ensures the effective organisation, direction and management of the university and its deployment of resources.

EXECUTIVE TEAM

The responsibilities of the Board of Directors include the determination of the educational character, mission and corporate plans of the University and for oversight of its activities, including ensuring the effective and efficient use of resources.

DIRECTORS

A key part of the role of the Senate is to advise the Vice-Chancellor and the University of Suffolk Board on the development of the academic activities of the University and the resources needed to support them and to advise on such other matters as the Board or the Vice-Chancellor may refer to the Senate.

WHAT THEY DO

In October 2022, the University Board agreed to establish a dental social enterprise, the University of Suffolk Dental CIC (CIC), alongside dentistry-affiliated academic programmes in a new Centre for Dental Development.

The proposal is a joint development with Suffolk and North-East Essex ICB (SNEE) as part of a wider programme to address issues surrounding the shortfalls in NHS dental provision in Suffolk. The CIC will provide NHS-only dental appointments with no private provision. The University will initially provide a BSc in Dental Hygiene and Therapy, with plans to expand to dental nursing and technician apprenticeships, and ultimately undergraduate dentistry.

The CIC starts operating in spring 2024, gradually phasing to full operating capacity over the year. Services are delivered under contract by SNEE, awarded after a competitive bid process.

Articles of Association - University of Suffolk Dental CIC

Professional, statutory and regulatory bodies (PSRBs) is the term used for a group of different bodies that recognise, approve or accredit courses. Some PSRBs have a statutory or regulatory responsibility to set minimum standards of entry into a particular profession.

FIND OUT MORE

There are a number of policies and reports in operation to ensure the smooth and effective running of the University.

View documents in the Publication Scheme

Governance Structure

The University of Suffolk is bound to act in accordance with its Articles of Association which define the University's structure and the way in which the University is governed by the Board of Directors. Reporting to the Board of Directors, formal decision-making within the University is conducted through academic and executive governance structures.

Governance structure chart

A group of students gathered with guests at the Arts Degree Show

Civic University Agreement and Economic Impact Assessment

Our Civic University Agreement is an initiative that will harness the work, influence and energy of the students, staff and alumni of the University to promote societal, economic and environmental advancements in, and for, the people of Suffolk.

Civic University Agreement

The Economic Impact Assessment is a comprehensive analysis, which has taken economic data from the 2021–2022 academic year, stands as a testament to the significant influence and impactful contributions the University of Suffolk has made in our communities in Ipswich, Suffolk and beyond.

Economic Impact Assessment