Central England University - In Depth

Founded: 1971 as Birmingham Poly, from colleges of art, commerce, education, music and PE; university status in 1992.

Site: Split on eight campuses (plus conservatoire).

How to get there: Birmingham is at the centre of England's rail, coach and road networks: mainline stations (New Street and Birmingham International); coaches connect directly from 500 destinations; many motorway links; Birmingham International Airport close by. For university, buses and trains from Birmingham city centre.

Awarding body: Central England University.

Main undergraduate awards: BA, BSc, BEng, BMus, MEng, LLB.

Length of courses: 3 years; others 4 years.

Library & information services: Main library containing 375,000 volumes, 1250 journals, 380 study places, course books on reference; also 7 specialist libraries and digital library. Extensive information on other media eg CD-Rom, slides, videotape. Annual expenditure on information provision, £67 per (FTE) student. IT service converged with library, ratio 1:20 workstations to students (access 13+ hours/day). 90 points with access to internet and thence to library catalogue. Additional open access computing facilities available within faculties. IT support from technician in library opening hours; faculty librarians give induction for new students; electronic information workshops throughout the year.

Specialist collections: Rare books collection; collection of children's books; large collection of sheet music.

Study abroad: Formal exchange links with universities and colleges in 10 EU countries.

Careers: Information and advice, employer contact and vacancies. Mentoring scheme for ethnic minority students.

Student advice & services: SU student advice service; student services: chaplaincy (3 full-time Christian, 2 part-time Jewish, 1 part-time Sikh, Muslim prayer room). Counsellors, doctors, nurses, disability service, personal assistance scheme, financial advisers. Part-time job bureau.

Amenities: Bookshop, general shop, bank, insurance broker, 2 nurseries.

Accommodation: Most first year students in university halls. 2200 places in halls, £49-£80 (ensuite) per week self-catering. Many students live in privately owned accommodation from second year: £45-£75 per week self-catering, £70 half-board. 65% of first degree students live at home.

Living expenses budget: No university-recommended minimum.

Term-time work: University guideline of 15 hours/week for full-time students. Some part-time work on campus and course related work.

Financial help: Total available £939,000 government hardship funds. Fundfinder package for help from trusts and charities; own hardship fund for those not eligible for government funds. Special help to self-financing students, those from low income backgrounds, those with childcare costs, special needs, unexpected financial commitments, mature students etc.