School of Pharmacy - In Depth

Founded: 1842, joined London University in 1925.

Structural features: A school of London University.

Site: Single site in London University area of Bloomsbury.

How to get there: Russell Square underground station very close, easy walk to King's Cross, St Pancras, or Euston stations; many buses.

Awarding body: London University.

Main undergraduate awards: MPharm.

Length of courses: 4 years.

Library & information services: 50,000 volumes, subscriptions to 200+ periodicals plus electronic access to 100s more, 75 study places; recommended books in reserve collection. Annual expenditure on information provision, £229 per (FTE) student. Students also have borrowing rights at University College London. Separate IT service (open late using keycard system). Ratio workstations to students 1:9, access to the internet and library from 70 (plus students' own laptops). 4 IT support staff; 90-minute induction to library and information services for new students; weekly online searching seminars; other ad hoc IT courses.

Other learning resources: Computer-assisted learning packages, English language and study skills.

Study abroad: Undergraduates can study abroad (2nd semester of 3rd year) at partner university in the EU or USA.

Careers: Information, advice and placement.

Employment: Pharmacists in community (retail) practice, hospitals and industrial organisations.

Student advice & services: London University health service.

Amenities: SU runs JCR. ULU, British Museum etc nearby.

Accommodation: All first years from outside London allocated a place in intercollegiate halls of residence. Approx 100 catered places (60 for first years) at £110 per week (£92 it sharing a room), contract 38 weeks. Most students live at home or in privately owned accommodation (£90-£120 pw for self-catering locally; down to £70 pw in Zones 2-3 involving 30+ mins travel). University vacancy list and advice service.

Living expenses budget: Minimum budget of £5800 (excluding tuition fees) recommended by School for 38 week academic year.

Term time work: Many students work part time in local pharmacies (more than 10-12 hours pw not encouraged).

Financial help: Total available £47,000 government funds, 79 students helped.

Tuition fees: Home students up to £1200 pa for first degrees (in 2005). International students pay £10,800 pa.