Coventry University - In Depth

Founded: 1970 as Coventry Poly, from Coventry College of Design (founded 1843) and other colleges of engineering technology and art; university status in 1992.

Site: Coventry city centre; 33-acre modern campus.

How to get there: 5 miles M6/M1 intersection; 20 mins Birmingham by train, 90 mins London Euston; adjacent to bus and coach station.

Academic features: Courses are modular; credit transfer possible.

Awarding body: Coventry University.

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

Length of courses: 3 years; 4 years, sandwich.

Library & information services: State-of-the-art library: 350,000 volumes in total; 2000 periodicals; 1200 study places (400 connected to electronic information sources via university network). Annual expenditure on information provision, £77 per (FTE) student. 800+ open access PCs around the university, sometimes 24 hours/day (workstation ratio to students 1:7). IT support from advisory service and helpdesk in library; full induction to library and computing services for all new students.

Study abroad: Several courses (eg law, environmental sciences) have european routes with year abroad. 100+ formal exchange links across Europe, which are given full credit, including some open to non-language specialists.

Careers: Information and advice service.

Student advice & services: Medical service, nursery, disabilities office, multi-faith chaplaincy; dedicated prayer room for Muslim students; international office; counselling service; SU advice centre; sports bursaries and support.

Amenities: SU shops, restaurants, bars, sporting and social societies.

Sporting facilities: 37-acre playing field, sports centre. City sports centre and olympic-standard swimming pool adjoin campus.

Accommodation: 98% of first years who apply are in university accommodation. 2200 places available, mainly for first years (most with internet access points for own PC): catered places at £81 per week, Sept-June; self-catering places £45-£79. Coventry is well-off for student accommodation.

Living expenses budget: Minimum budget of £4750 for academic year (excluding tuition fees) recommended by university, £6500 for full calendar year.

Financial help: Total available £667,000 government funds, payments range from £100-£3500; own funds of £20,000 used for eg emergency loans up to £100. Apply for help to Student Funding Office.