Greenwich University - In Depth

Founded: University status in 1992. Formerly Thames Poly (founded 1970), an amalgamation of Woolwich Poly (1890) and a number of colleges of building, art, education and healthcare.

Site: 3 main campuses: Maritime Greenwich Campus (Old Royal Naval College and adjacent buildings, Greenwich), Avery Hill Campus (Eltham) and University of Greenwich at Medway (Chatham).

How to get there: To Greenwich by DLR (close to Cutty Sark station), by tube (Jubilee line to North Greenwich then 188 bus), or by train (to Greenwich from London Bridge, Cannon Street or Charing Cross). To Avery Hill by road (A2 off the M25, then A210) or by train (from Waterloo East, Charing X and London Bridge to Falconwood or New Eltham, 20 mins' walk). For Medway, M26, M20 or A/M2 to Chatham, or train from London, Ramsgate or Dover.

Special features: Mature students may be admitted without normal entry requirements. Considerable transferability between courses allowed.

Awarding body: Greenwich University.

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

Length of courses: 3 years (full-time), 4 years (sandwich), 4-6 years (part-time).

Library & information services: 3 libraries developed into learning centre; 600,000 volumes, 3000 periodicals. 1000 study places; short loan for course texts; photocopying; online information services; access 60+ hours/week. Library and IT services converged. Induction to library and IT tutorials; IT support staff. Annual expenditure on information provision, £57 per (FTE) student.

Other learning facilities: Computer centre and PC facilities on all sites.

Study abroad: 6% of students spend a period abroad. Exchange programmes with many universities in Europe and USA.

Careers: Jobshop and careers centre for information, advice and support. Student advice & services: Mentoring, counsellors, advisers (including disability adviser), nurses, medical officers and consultant psychiatrist, Anglican and RC chaplains.

Amenities: Students' union, stationery and bookshop; dance and drama hall; creche at Avery Hill.

Sporting facilities: Multi-gyms, heated indoor swimming pool, playing fields, tennis, netball, squash courts, fitness rooms, sailing, sub-aqua, many varied sporting clubs.

Accommodation: All first years that apply by the deadline are in university accommodation (unless they live within 20 miles), 20% of all students. 2100 places available + 200 at Medway: £66-£95 per week (£96-£98 ensuite), all on 40-week contract; student village still being developed near Greenwich campus. Some university-managed accommodation.

Privately owned accommodation rents: £50-£80 pw for self-catering, £55-£75 B&B, £60+ half-board.

Living expenses budget: Minimum budget of £6300-£7400 pa (excluding tuition tees) recommended by university.

Financial help: Some Government funds.

Tuition fees: Home students up to £1200 pa for first degrees (in 2005). International students pay £7750 pa (classroom-based), £8300 (lab-based).