Bournemouth University (Detailed Info)

Founded: 1992 as a university; previously Dorset Institute (1976) from merger of various colleges of technology and education.

Sites: Talbot Campus, 2 miles from centre of Bournemouth, and Lansdowne Campus, near town centre (plus partner colleges in Bournemouth, Poole, Weymouth, Salisbury, Dorchester, Cannington and Yeovil).

Getting there: By rail, National Express or road to Bournemouth. Unilinx bus service plus good local bus network link campuses and accommodation; limited parking but extensive cycle routes in town.

Academic features: Placement year in 70% of degree programmes. Awarding body: Bournemouth University.

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

Length of courses: 3-4 years (full-time): 4 years (sandwich); 4-5 years (extended programme).

Library & IT facilities: Libraries on each site plus large library and learning centre; total of 230,000 titles, 2000 periodicals, 1200 study places, restricted loan collection. Annual expenditure on information provision, £97 per (FTE) student.

Separate IT service: 1300 points with internet access, some open 24 hours (ratio workstations to students 1:10). IT support from helpdesks in term-time; some IT skills included in courses, some self-managed learning packages available.

Other learning facilities: Internet radio station, musical centre with music rooms, product design computer studios and workshops; national centre for computer animation.

Study abroad: Wide range of opportunities for a period abroad as part of course. Links with over 50 european universities and colleges.

Careers & Jobs: Information, advice and placement. Student advice & services: Doctors, nurse, counsellors, chaplains, accommodation staff, family planning advisers, SU welfare officer.

Amenities: Large SU entertainment facilities, with nightclub (in refurbished fire station), 3 bars, bistro and two smaller refreshment areas including internet cafe. Nursery (30 places).

Sporting facilities: Good resort amenities, especially for sailing and other water sports; all-weather pitches and good sports hall on Talbot campus, with squash court, weights room, climbing wall (275+ metres of rock climbing space), large gymnasium, golf simulator. Sport scholarship & performance scheme. County standard cricket ground.

Accommodation: All first years who apply are housed. 1400 self-catering university places: 1150 near town centre at £61-£72 per week for 40 weeks; 250 places in Talbot Campus student village, £68 pw for 34 weeks. Other first years housed in groups of 6-50 in local hotels/guest houses at £70-£92 pw for half-board. The UNILET house share scheme places students in privately owned accommodation: £60-£70ppw self-catering (incl utilities).

Living expenses budget: Minimum budget of £6000 pa (excluding tuition fees) recommended by university.

Term-time work: Some work on campus in bars, library, help with open day tours; off-campus in retail, hotels etc (local temping agencies keen to place students).

Financial help: Total available £448,000 government funds, £10,000 own funds (average award £850).

Special help: students with additional needs/disability, students with childcare needs, mature students and those with high travel and housing costs. Some scholarships for disadvantaged media students. Apply for help to Student Advice Centre at the SU.