Glasgow Caledonian University (Detailed Info)

Founded: University status in 1993, following merger of Queen's College (founded 1875) with Glasgow College of Technology.

Location: Glasgow city centre.

Getting there: Glasgow well connected to all regions of the UK by train (5 1/2 hours from London to Glasgow Central, under an hour from Edinburgh), by coach (8 1/2 hours from London to Buchanan Bus Station), by air (1 hour flight from London to Glasgow Airport) and by road (M8). University in walking distance of Buchanan Street bus station and of Central and Queens Street stations; well served by local buses and underground (Cowcaddens/Buchanan Street); 7 miles from Glasgow Airport, 22 from Prestwick Airport.

Awarding body: Glasgow Caledonian University.

Main undergraduate awards: BA, BSc, BEng, BN, BM, LLB.

Length of courses: 3-5 years.

Library & IT facilities: 350,000+ volumes, 11,000 periodicals, 1800+ study places in new learning centre. Annual expenditure on information provision, £92 per (FTE) student. Separate IT service, access 12 hours/day. Ratio 1:8 workstations to students, 1500 desktop computers. Induction to library and IT skills training provided, as well as specialised subject-based information-seeking skills training.

Other learning resources: Effective learning centre and audio visual services.

Study abroad: Exchange programmes established on many programmes.

Careers & Jobs: Information, advice, guidance.

Student advice & services: Student counsellors, disability advisers, funding advisers, international student advisers and chaplaincy.

Sporting facilities: Sports & recreation centre with 2 games halls, 2 multi-gym areas. Range of classes and sports teams.

Accommodation: 15+% of first years in university accommodation (priority given to first years from some distance, particularly international students or those with special needs). 660 self-catering places available (340 ensuite): £67-£77 per week Sept-June. Most students live in privately owned accommodation, from £60 pw self-catering plus bills. Many first degree students live at home.

Living expenses budget: Minimum budget of £5500-£6000 pa (excluding tuition fees) recommended by university. On-line money manager allows students to create their own budget (www.gcal.ac.uk/money/).

Term-time work: Student Association Jobspot helps find work locally.

Financial help: Total of £783,000, 1600 students helped (£410,000 hardship, £133,000 childcare, £240,000 mature students). Apply for help to Student Funding Office on Tel: 0141 331 3873 or email: funding(at)gca.ac.uk.