Rethinking the prospectus for a digital-first audience

Looking at the student journey differently

For more than a decade, the University of Worcester relied on a traditional high-pagination prospectus designed to last an entire recruitment cycle.

As student behaviour evolved and digital channels became increasingly important, the university wanted to rethink how its prospectus supported prospective students and parents throughout their decision-making journey. The challenge was to create a more flexible, cost-effective solution that could work alongside the university website, allow content to be updated throughout the year and reduce the need to dispose of outdated printed materials.

The university needed a partner that could look beyond print and help shape a prospectus experience that reflected the way prospective students consume information today.

Bringing together insight, creativity and fulfilment

Our Create team worked closely with the university to analyse its messaging strategy and how printed communications could support the wider digital journey.

Together, we developed a modular prospectus pack built around a concise Mini Guide, a Uni Life magazine and a series of supporting publications including accommodation, city and parents’ guides. The new format allowed the university to personalise communications, tailor content to individual audiences and update information throughout the year without reprinting an entire prospectus.

The pack has continued to evolve in response to student needs and now consists of a Mini Guide, Uni Life magazine and personalised letter. Throughout the design process, our creative, print production and fulfilment teams worked together to optimise paper selection, format, weight and mailing efficiencies.

Today, we receive prospectus request data twice a week and manage the fulfilment process through Linney Activate, mailing packs directly to prospective students in compostable mailing materials.

A solution designed to evolve

The new prospectus pack successfully delivered the flexibility the university was looking for while creating a more sustainable and adaptable recruitment tool.

Moving away from a single high-pagination publication meant the university could refresh content more regularly, tailor information to individual audiences and better align printed communications with its digital channels.

The project demonstrates the power of bringing together insight, creativity, production and fulfilment into one connected solution. It has also created a model that continues to evolve as student expectations and recruitment priorities change.

Whether producing your prospectus to an established format or looking for a more flexible way to connect print and digital channels, we’re here to help.

From insight and creative development through to print production, fulfilment and distribution, we create connected solutions that support student recruitment and deliver results.

Ready to rethink your prospectus? Let's talk.