Cranfield University - In Depth

Founded: 1946 as College Aeronautics, subsequently merging with National College of Agricultural Engineering at Silsoe and working in partnership with Royal Military College of Science at Shrivenham. Royal Charter in 1969.

Site: Main campus at Cranfield, including an airfield; also at Silsoe and Shrivenham.

How to get there: To Cranfield, by road from M1 (10 mins); by coach and rail to Bedford or Milton Keynes. To Shrivenham, train, coach or by road (M4) to Swindon. To Silsoe, by coach or train to Bedford or Luton or by road (A6).

Awarding body: Cranfield University. Main awards: MBA, MEng, MSc, PhD, EngD.

Library & information services: Library and information service with books, 5000 electronic journal titles, 100 databases, subject gateways to the internet. Annual expenditure on information provision, £295 per (FTE) student. Separate IT service, access 24 hours/day. Ratio 1:2 workstations to students, all with access to internet and library (library catalogue on internet); specialist IT support in normal working hours. Orientation on library and information services for new students, further course-related sessions on searching skills and databases; on-going courses on eg specific databases (eg Inspec), information sources on internet (eg patent information) and general course on how to manage references for theses.

Other learning facilities: Wind tunnel, airfield, extensive networked computer facilities and various specialist facilities.

Study abroad: Many 'double degree' programmes with institutions in France, Belgium, Germany, Greece, Spain and China. Careers: Information, advice and counselling service.

Student advice & services: Welfare office and medical centre; creches.

Amenities: Many and varied student societies and student association.

Sporting facilities: Gym, sports hall. multi-gym, tennis/squash courts and playing fields.

Living expenses budget: Minimum budget of £6500 pa (excluding tuition tees) recommended by university.

Accommodation: University accommodation, 167 half-board places at £84 per week and 426 self-catering rooms at £40-£66 pw. Flats/houses for couples and families: £220-£316 per month (3-bed). At Silsoe, college accommodation for all.