Bristol UWE - In Depth

Founded: 1969 as Bristol Polytechnic, from technical, commerce, art, education and health colleges; university status 1992.

Site: 4 campuses and 3 regional centres (faculty of health & social care).

How to get there: City well-served by rail (mainline west to Bristol Parkway) and coach; close to M4 (for London, Heathrow and South Wales) and M5 (Birmingham, the North and the West Country). Buses from Bristol city centre to all campuses and free intersite transport.

Awarding body: University of the West of England.

Main undergraduate awards: BA, BA(ITE), BSc, BEng, LLB.

Length of courses: 3 years; sandwich 4 years.

Library & information services: 8 service points, total of 662,000 books, 10,000 periodicals (60+% electronic), 2258 study places, electronic information retrieval facilities in all libraries; faculty librarians run introduction and in-depth information retrieval skills sessions for new students. Annual expenditure on information provision, £74 per (FTE) student. Separate IT service: 1700 networked PCs with access to library catalogue, internet and email.

Study abroad: Many students incorporate a language in their course and some spend a period abroad (language modules available on many degrees; self-tuition facilities accessible to all). Formal exchange links in a range of subjects with a number of european and US universities and colleges (some taught in english).

Careers: Information, advice and careers events.

Student advice & services: Student welfare and counselling services, nursery (student discount); chaplaincy centre; advice centre.

Amenities: Bookshop, insurance centre, bank, SU shop on 4 campuses; centre for performing arts, snooker hall, TV rooms, activities centre. media production unit, job shop, print shop, 6 bars, 100+ clubs and societies.

Sporting facilities: Artificial pitch (hockey and football), gym, recreation centre containing 2 squash courts, weights room, cv room, conditioning room, playing fields (soccer and cricket).

Accommodation: 75% of first years in university accommodation. 3400 self-catering places available, £48-£65 per week, Sept-July. Students live in privately owned accommodation for 2+ years: rents £50-£70 pw self-catering. Demand high for the first term of the year.

Living expenses budget: Minimum budget of £5500 pa (excluding tuition fees) recommended by university (for students who go home in vacations).

Term-time work: Students advised not to work more than 14 hours pw (average) during term-time. SU Jobshop offers (free) part-time job seeking service. Vacancy noticeboard in SU.

Financial help: Over £1 million government funds; plus short-term loans, £30,000 international students' hardship fund; awards range from £100-£6000 pa. Special help for student parents. Apply for help to Student Advice & Welfare Services.

Tuition fees: Home students up to £1200 pa for first degrees (in 2005). International students pay £6780 pa (classroom), £7166 (lab-based).