Buckingham University - In Depth

Founded: 1976 as an independent university.

Site: 3 sites near Buckingham town centre.

How to get there: By train to Milton Keynes, then taxi; by air to Heathrow (then 1 1/2, hours drive); by car close to M1 (junction 13/15 and follow signs to Buckingham) and M40 (junction 10 and follow signs for Northampton then Buckingham). Buses from Aylesbury, Milton Keynes, Oxford and Bicester (all with railway stations).

Academic features: High staff:student ratio.

Special features: Britain's only independent university receives no direct government financial support. 2-year degree courses, and a range of cross-disciplinary supporting courses. Academic year is 4 terms long and runs January-December. Entry to courses is available in January, July & October. Applications welcomed from mature students.

Awarding body: Buckingham University.

Main undergraduate awards: BA, BSc, LLB.

Length of courses: 2 years (8 terms); others 2 1/2 years.

Library & information services: 2 libraries; 95,000 volumes in total, 500 periodicals, computerised catalogue, 240 study places, short loan collection. Annual expenditure on information provision, £266 per (FTE) student. Separate IT service, access 24 hours/day. 130 points with access to internet (ratio workstations to students 1:6). IT support from helpdesk, open 8 hours/day. One-to-one and small group instruction.

Other learning facilities: Audio-lingual language labs; satellite TV viewing room for live broadcasts in 6 european languages; video facilities; library of audio and video recorded materials in over 12 languages, laptops and multi-media projectors available for use in presentations. Computer labs with microcomputers, peripherals connected to Orion minicomputer. Full-time support available for students with disabilities, particularly dyslexia.

Careers: Information and advice service, full-time careers adviser.

Student advice & services: University medical officer, advisory system, counsellor.

Amenities: Student social centre; concert hall. Oxford 23 miles, Milton Keynes 12 miles away.

Sporting facilities: Varied sports and recreational facilities.

Accommodation: All first years in university accommodation (guaranteed), 60% of all students. 450 self-catering places available, £71-£115 per week in term-time (half that in vacations). Students live in privately owned accommodation for 1 year, from £115 pw for 1-bed flat self-catering.

Living expenses budget: Minimum budget of £6000 pa (excluding tuition fees) recommended by university.

Financial help: Limited funds available for severe hardship during the course. Financial help primarily aimed at helping students with living expenses. Apply for help to Admissions Office. Scholarships available to well-qualified students.

Tuition fees: Full-time undergraduate fees £11,580 pa (2 year course).