Queen Margaret University College - In Depth

Founded: 1875.

Site: 3 main sites in Edinburgh: Corstorphine Campus (24 acres site, 4 miles from city centre); also Leith Campus and The Gateway Theatre (both in Leith on the edge of the city).

How to get there: Edinburgh easily accessible by train, coach from all over the UK, to Waverley railway station and central bus station (St Andrew's Square); airport 8 miles. College reached by bus: Corstorphine bus nos 26, 86; Leith bus nos 1, 12; for Gateway several.

Awarding body: Queen Margaret University College.

Main undergraduate awards: BA, BSc.

Length of courses: 3 years; 4 years (Honours degrees).

Library & information services: 121,000 books, 1200 current periodicals, 370 study places; books in heavy demand also held in reserve. Separate IT service: 300 points with access to library, 340+ to internet (ratio workstations to students 1:8). Annual expenditure on information provision, £95 per (FTE) student. Library and IT facilities open up to 12 hours/day in term time; IT help desks at main sites (16 staff and 16 part-time student assistants). Induction on use of online catalogue and other services; computer workshops.

Study abroad: Erasmus links in hospitality & tourism management.

Careers: Information, advice and placement service, careers adviser.

Student advice & services: Doctor, nurse, student counsellor, accommodation officer, finance advice, jobshop.

Amenities: 3 restaurants, licensed bar; theatre; bank; shop; bookshop run twice a week at Corstorphine.

Sporting facilities: Swimming pool, tennis courts, all-weather sports surface, squash court, multi-gym, games hall (all at Corstorphine).

Accommodation: 62% of first year students in college accommodation, in single study rooms: half-board places at £85 per week, self-catering at £55-£67, term time only. Many students live in privately owned accommodation for whole course: rents approx £55-£75 pw for self-catering, £80 B&B, approx £90 for half-board.

Living expenses budget: No College-recommended minimum.

Financial help: £233,500 government funds, 250 students helped (awards range from £500-£2000). Special help given to mature students, those with dependants, low income, disabled, health problems and final year students. Apply for help to Student Services.

Tuition tees: Scottish and EU students pay no fees during course; other UK home students pay up to £1200 pa for first degrees (although tuition for a number of healthcare courses is free) - in 2005. International students pay £7250-£8000 depending on the course.