Northampton University College - In Depth

Founded: 1975 as Nene College, from existing colleges of education, art and technology. University college from 1999.

Site: 2 main sites, 2 miles apart: Park Campus on northern edge of Northampton; Avenue Campus 2 miles from town centre; plus hospital sites.

How to get there: 5 miles from M1; good rail links (1 hr from London Euston or Birmingham New Street); coaches to Greyfriars bus station and then bus (26 for Park Campus, 25 to both). Free bus between campuses.

Academic features: Combined and single honours degrees. Unique international leather technology centre.

Awarding body: Northampton University College.

Main undergraduate awards: BA, BA(QTS), BSc.

Length of courses: 3 and 4 years.

Library & information services: 2 libraries; 240,000 volumes, some 1100 periodicals +3900 via internet, 850+ study places. Annual expenditure on information provision, £51 per (FTE) student. Resource centres at both campuses; IT and library services separate. 800+ computers with access to library, 800 to internet; ratio 1:10 workstations to students. 24-hour access to IT facilities; staff support up to 9pm weekdays. New students have introduction, tour and register with both library and IT services; IT skills courses on eg internet, spreadsheets, literature searching etc.

Other learning facilities: Media services; language labs, performance studios, professional practice unit, workshops and gallery space.

Study abroad: 2% of students spend a period abroad. Formal exchange links for european business students with 20+ european universities and business schools. American intern programme and exchanges on some courses.

Student advice & services: Doctor, chaplain, counsellors, dyslexia support tutor, disabled students' office, mental health office, and system of personal tutors and student peer support.

Amenities: SU buildings and rooms, bookshop, mini-supermarket, computer shop, restaurant on both sites, snack bar, bars, cashpoints.

Sporting facilities: Sports hall, access to all-weather pitch, tennis courts, playing fields, dance studio.

Accommodation: 98% of first year students who require it in college accommodation (all who are not local and make UCN first choice). 1630 self-catering places available (1130 en-suite), £33-£66 per week, for academic year. Students live in privately owned accommodation for 2+ years: rents £40-£48 pw self-catering, plus bills. 25% of first degree students live at home.

Living expenses budget: No College recommended minimum.

Term-time work: College allows term-time work for first degree students (60% believed to work). Some work available on campus (eg bar, security, shop, tour guides, libraries); plenty of local temporary work; college jobshop.

Financial help: £540,000 total funds available. Special consideration to students with additional financial commitments. Apply for help to Financial Guidance Services.

Tuition fees: Home students up to £1200 pa for first degrees (in 2005). International students pay £6250-£7600 pa.