Ulster University - In Depth

Founded: 1984, from merger of New University of Ulster (1968) and Ulster Polytechnic (1971).

Site: 4 campuses: Main campuses at Jordanstown (7 miles NE of Belfast) and Coleraine (on north coast, 50 miles north of Belfast). Also campuses in heart of Belfast and Magee in Londonderry.

How to get there: All campuses have road and rail connections. Air and sea routes from mainland.

Academic features: New courses in architecture, chiropractic, marine science, criminology, marketing strategy & entrepreneurship, internet & communications engineering. property investment & development, leisure events & cultural management.

Awarding body: Ulster University.

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

Length of courses: 3 years; 4 years (eg sandwich; courses including period abroad); 5 years (MEng).

Library & information services: Library on each site; main libraries at Coleraine and Jordanstown; 667,000 volumes in total; 4600 periodicals. Annual expenditure on information provision, £104 per (FTE) student.

Other learning facilities: Education technology unit; computer services; social skills training centre.

Study abroad: 5% of students spend a period abroad. Formal exchange links with 22 EU universities/colleges and in 20 Erasmus/Lingua exchange programmes, most open to non-language specialists. Some dual awards available.

Careers: Information, advice and guidance. Assistance with work experience and placements.

Student advice & services: Counsellors, psychologist, doctors, nurses, chaplains. Support for students with disabilities incl. adapted residences. Creches (for under-5s) on all campuses. Joint universities deaf education centre (with Belfast University).

Amenities: SU with extensive leisure facilities.

Sporting facilities: Sports centres on Coleraine and Jordanstown sites with full facilities including swimming and diving pools at Jordanstown.

Accommodation: 2600 campus places available (60% for first years): 400 halls places at Coleraine (£39-£63 per week), 700 at Jordanstown (£39-£63 pw), 650 at Magee (£43-£53 pw); many rooms ensuite and with telephone and internet connections. Plus some university-leased at Coleraine and Jordanstown. Students live in privately rented accommodation for 2 years: rents from £35 pw for self-catering, £35-£40 pw for B&B.

Living expenses budget: Minimum budget of £100 pw (excluding tuition fees) recommended by university.

Financial help: Total available £190,000 government funds; £5500 endowment and other funds. Special help for unanticipated need; crisis loans available, up to £50.

Tuition fees: Home students up to £1200 pa for first degrees (in 2005). International students pay £7535 pa.