Goldsmiths College - In Depth

Founded: 1891. Became a full school of London University in 1988.

Site: Campus in south-east London.

How to get there: Buses; New Cross Gate and New Cross stations (rail and underground).

Academic features: Extensive evening study programme (open to all students). Many degree courses available part-time: many in combined subjects.

Awarding body: London University.

Main undergraduate awards: BA, BA(Ed), BMus, BSc.

Length of courses: 3 years; others 4 years (eg those involving languages, work experience, foundation year and extension degrees).

Library & information services: Information services building combines library, computer services and language resource centre. Over 250,000 volumes, 1400 periodicals, audio visual collections with facilities, 470 study places. Annual expenditure on information provision, £57 per (FTE) student. Ratio 1:24 workstations to students. 430 computers, of which 230 networked in library. IT facilities open 12+ hours/weekday (8 hours at weekends): staffed IT helpdesk. Tours and demonstrations of equipment in library and information service for new students; IT skills courses.

Other learning resources: language laboratories, computer-enhanced learning facilities, satellite reception, audio and video cassettes.

Study abroad: Foreign language students usually spend third year abroad. Formal exchange links with some 9 EU universities and colleges.

Careers: College and University careers services.

Student advice & services: Doctors, counsellors, solicitor (via SU), chaplains, nursery (20 places).

Amenities: College bookshop, refectory and bar; audio visual facilities, theatre; SU building with facilities centre, coffee bar etc.

Sporting facilities: Sports grounds and playing fields near Sidcup (30 minutes); tennis courts, gymnasia and practice field on site; swimming pool nearby.

Accommodation: Approx 35% of first years housed; guaranteed for first years from outside London Zone 6. and for international students for whole course (subject to conditions). 1000+ self-catering places available (510 for first years) at £72-£94 per week, September-June. Some students live in privately owned accommodation for whole course; house share from £60 pw + bills, bedsit from £100 pw.

Living expenses budget: Minimum budget of £7000 pa (excluding tuition fees) recommended by College.

Term-time work: Careers service helps students find part-time work with weekly Job Opportunities Bulletin (JOB) and noticeboard of local vacancies.

Financial help: Total available £387,000 government funds, over 700 payments made; small amount of own funds for hardship loans, available subject to student's circumstances.

Special help: students who hit unforeseen crises; some part-time students. Apply for help to Student Support Office.

Tuition fees: Home students up to £1200 pa for first degrees (in 2005). International students pay £8325 pa (classroom), £10,585-£11,305 (lab/studio).