Bournemouth University - In Depth

Founded: 1992 as a university; previously Dorset Institute (1976) from merger of various colleges of technology and education.

Sites: Talbot Campus, 2 miles from centre of Bournemouth, and Lansdowne Campus, near town centre (plus partner colleges in Bournemouth, Poole, Weymouth, Salisbury, Dorchester, Cannington and Yeovil).

How to get there: By rail, National Express or road to Bournemouth. Unilinx bus service plus good local bus network link campuses and accommodation; limited parking but extensive cycle routes in town.

Academic features: Placement year in 70% of degree programmes. Awarding body: Bournemouth University.

Main undergraduate awards: BA, BSc, BEng, LLB, Fd.

Length of courses: 3-4 years (full-time): 4 years (sandwich); 4-5 years (extended programme).

Library & information services: Libraries on each site plus large library and learning centre; total of 230,000 titles, 2000 periodicals, 1200 study places, restricted loan collection. Annual expenditure on information provision, £97 per (FTE) student.

Separate IT service: 1300 points with internet access, some open 24 hours (ratio workstations to students 1:10). IT support from helpdesks in term-time; some IT skills included in courses, some self-managed learning packages available.

Other learning facilities: Internet radio station, musical centre with music rooms, product design computer studios and workshops; national centre for computer animation.

Study abroad: Wide range of opportunities for a period abroad as part of course. Links with over 50 european universities and colleges.

Careers: Information, advice and placement. Student advice & services: Doctors, nurse, counsellors, chaplains, accommodation staff, family planning advisers, SU welfare officer.

Amenities: Large SU entertainment facilities, with nightclub (in refurbished fire station), 3 bars, bistro and two smaller refreshment areas including internet cafe. Nursery (30 places).

Sporting facilities: Good resort amenities, especially for sailing and other water sports; all-weather pitches and good sports hall on Talbot campus, with squash court, weights room, climbing wall (275+ metres of rock climbing space), large gymnasium, golf simulator. Sport scholarship & performance scheme. County standard cricket ground.

Accommodation: All first years who apply are housed. 1400 self-catering university places: 1150 near town centre at £61-£72 per week for 40 weeks; 250 places in Talbot Campus student village, £68 pw for 34 weeks. Other first years housed in groups of 6-50 in local hotels/guest houses at £70-£92 pw for half-board. The UNILET house share scheme places students in privately owned accommodation: £60-£70ppw self-catering (incl utilities).

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

Term-time work: Some work on campus in bars, library, help with open day tours; off-campus in retail, hotels etc (local temping agencies keen to place students).

Financial help: Total available £448,000 government funds, £10,000 own funds (average award £850).

Special help: students with additional needs/disability, students with childcare needs, mature students and those with high travel and housing costs. Some scholarships for disadvantaged media students. Apply for help to Student Advice Centre at the SU.

Tuition fees: Home students up to £1200 pa for first degrees (in 2005). International students pay £7400-£7900 pa.