Worcester University College - In Depth

Founded: 1946.

Site: Single campus, set in parkland 2 miles from Worcester city centre.

How to get there: To Worcester by rail or road (close to M5). Bus service to college from city centre.

Special features: Centres for early childhood, special needs and pollen research, county archaeological service. Welcomes mature students and international students.

Academic features: Foundation year for mature students without formal entry requirements.

Awarding body: University College Worcester.

Main undergraduate awards: BA, BSc.

Length of courses: 3 years.

Library & information services: Over 130,000 volumes, 800+ periodicals, 3000 audiovisual items. 620+ study places, 100 access computers. Annual expenditure on information provision, £54 per (FTE) student. Separate IT service. 350+ points with access to library and internet; ratio 1:30 workstations to students. IT facilities open 12 hours/weekdays, with helpdesk and other support. Induction sessions to library and information services for all new students; specialist advisers at other times.

Other learning facilities: Media services, dance and drama studios, computer centres, sports centre. Modular scheme advisers.

Study abroad: Opportunity for students to spend a year or semester in USA, Canada or Europe.

Careers: Information and advice service.

Student advice & services: Health centre, chaplaincy, counselling, careers, students' advice centre in SU, advisory tutor system; equal opportunities centre; creche.

Amenities: SU bar, shops, newspaper.

Sporting facilities: Playing fields, tennis courts, gymnasia, all-weather pitch, floodlit hard playing area on site, sports centre.

Accommodation: 90% of eligible first years in college accommodation, 20% of all students. 500+ places in halls, at £45-£58 per week self-catering (£64 ensuite), 35 week minimum let. Students live in private accommodation for 2+ years: £45-£50 pw self-catering or B&B. 10% of students live at home.

Living expenses budget: Minimum budget of £6250 pa (excluding tuition fees) recommended by College.

Term time work: College allows part time work for students. Some work available in college out of term-time: jobs centre and ads displayed for jobs off campus.

Financial help: Access fund available; also emergency and hardship loans. Some scholarships and bursaries available.

Tuition fees: Home students up to £1200 pa for first degrees (in 2005). International students pay £7500 pa.