Bradford University (Detailed Info)

Founded: Royal Charter in 1966; originally Bradford Technical College founded in 1860s.

Location: Main campus close to city centre; school of health studies 10 minutes' walk from main campus; school of management in parkland 2 miles away.

Getting there: Good rail and coach links to Bradford Interchange; well connected to motorway network via M62 and M606; also Leeds/Bradford Airport. For university, 576 bus from Bradford Interchange and nos 610/1/2/3/4 from city centre.

Academic features: Non-standard and mature applicants encouraged; engineering & science courses foundation year for those with non-standard qualifications. Many courses have a practical orientation and 21% of students are on sandwich degree courses. Distinctive courses include chemistry with pharmaceutical and forensic science, archaeological sciences, robotics with artificial intelligence, virtual design & innovation, peace studies.

Awarding body: Bradford University.

Main undergraduate awards: BA, BEng, BSc, MEng, MPharm, MChem.

Length of courses: 3 years; 4 years (some sandwich courses and those with foundation year); 5 years (sandwich).

Library & IT facilities: 3 sites: 544,000 volumes, 2000+ print and 3000+ electronic subscriptions, 960 study places. Annual expenditure on information provision, £124 per (FTE) student. IT and library services converged. 1114 workstations with access to library and internet (plus dial-in lines for off-campus users and data points in student bedrooms; ratio workstations to students 1:8 (plus many students have own machines). IT facilities open 24 hours/day; support from advisory service, PC and network clinics. All new students offered introductions to library and information resources; more advanced help with information retrieval for most students; IT core skills integrated into all appropriate academic programmes.

Study abroad: 1% of first degree students spend period abroad. Formal exchange links with 50 european universities and colleges plus many departmental links.

Careers & Jobs: Guidance, advice and substantial careers information library (including overseas section); website; careers information events; employer recruitment visits and fairs; regular vacancy bulletins; vacation work.

Student advice & services: Counselling service, international student advisers, information service, health service. 69-place day nursery. SU welfare office, disability office.

Amenities: Communal building with 4 bar/cafe areas, dance floor, disco bar; shop, bank, bookshop on campus; studio theatre, music centre, art gallery, campus radio.

Sporting facilities: Indoor sports centre, with sports halls, dance/aerobics studio, solarium, sauna. 4 squash courts, fitness suite, swimming pool (25m, recently refurbished). Artificial turf areas; 35 acre sports ground (3 miles away); further squash courts at halls of residence.

Accommodation: All first years guaranteed accommodation (if Bradford is their firm choice and they do not live within travelling distance) and all international students. 1768 self-catering places (some ensuite) at £46-£72 per week, 39 week contracts; all rooms have points for voice and data communications, most with free internet access. Most 2nd and 3rd years live in privately owned accommodation, rents typically £30-£50 pw self-catering plus bills.

Living expenses budget: Minimum budget of £460 per month (excluding tuition fees) recommended by university.

Term-time work: Job Shop helps students find part-time and summer work. on and off campus.

Financial help: Total available £457,000 government funds (average award £800); £45,000 own funds.

Special help: students incurring childcare costs; mature students; self-financing students; own funds available as loans for international students with unexpected financial difficulties. Apply for help to Student Financial & Information Services (Tel: 01274 236500).