Newcastle University - In Depth
Founded: Early 19th century. Formerly Newcastle Division of Durham University, present title dates from 1963.
Site: 45 acre site, close to city centre.
How to get there: Coach (St James Boulevard) and railway (Central) stations both with good links from all major cities; by road via A1, junction A167 to Newcastle, follow signs to universities; also ferry services (from Scandinavia and Holland); airport 7 miles outside city (services from european and british cities). University adjacent to Haymarket bus station, 15 mins' walk or short metro ride to coach and rail station.
Academic features: 220 different degree courses.
Structural features: Medical school partnership with Durham University.
Awarding body: Newcastle University.
Main undergraduate awards: BA, BSc, BEng, MEng, MPhys, MMath, MChem, LLB, MBBS, BDS.
Length of courses: 3 and 4 years; 5 years dentistry, medicine.
Library & information services: 1 million books, 5500 periodicals, 2000 study places, computerised online catalogue.
Specialist collections: History of medicine; agriculture; mathematics & education; 19th & 20th century political & social history; english and scottish literature & history; local history; middle eastern culture; music. Annual expenditure on information provision £137 per (FTE) student. Separate IT service; ratio 1:8 workstations to students. 1500 computers with access to library and internet; some available for extended hours and weekends. IT support from helpdesk and training packages; some IT skills courses run as part of degree courses.
Other learning facilities: Espin Observatory (largest telescope in north of England), Museum of Antiquities, Shelton Museum of Greek Art and Archaeology, Hatton Gallery, language centre, 2 farms, marine biology station, Moorbank Botanic Gardens.
Study abroad: Approx 170 students spend a period abroad each year. Formal links with universities and colleges in 20+ countries including USA. Canada, East and South East Asia and Europe.
Careers: Careers advisory service, wide range of facilities including personal interviews, careers education programmes, talks, seminars, library and information service, employer contact and a graduate service.
Student advice & services: Student advice centre, services for counselling, for mature students and for disability support: union society welfare; chaplaincy.
Amenities: SU one of largest in UK (building owned by the students themselves); wide range of facilities including 13 food and drink outlets, shops, sporting and cultural facilities. Excellent local shops, theatres, cinemas, bars, music venues etc.
Sporting facilities: 2 sports centres, 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, extensive outside sporting facilities, including all-weather pitch. Elite Athletes Squad provides support for outstanding athletes; sports bursaries available.
Accommodation: First year students guaranteed university accommodation (subject to certain criteria), 4300 places available at approx £69-£94 per week half-board, £44-£70 self-catering; contracts Sept-June. Most students live in privately owned accommodation after first year: average £35-£50 pw for self-catering.
Living expenses budget: University estimates approx £5500 pa needed to cover living costs (excluding tuition fees).
Term-time work: No university policy on students working part time. Some jobs on campus; careers service helps find work in holidays; Job Shop in SU.
Financial help: In addition to government funds, approx 500 bursaries/access scholarships in 2005. Apply for help to Student Welfare Service Administration.
Tuition fees: Home students up to £1200 pa for first degrees (in 2005). International students pay £8500 pa (classroom), £11,200 (lab/studio), £20,740 (clinical).
