Staffordshire University (Detailed Info)

Founded: 1970 as North Staffordshire Polytechnic from merger of Stoke-on-Trent College of Art with various colleges of technology (founded from 1914). University status in 1992.

Structural features: Strong links with local FE colleges through Staffordshire University's Regional Federation (SURF); Lichfield Centre is joint project with Tamworth & Lichfield College, offering range of FE and HE courses for students of all backgrounds and incubator unit for new business start-ups.

Location: 3 main campuses: Stoke Campus, in city centre of Stoke-on-Trent; Stafford Campus, 1 1/2 miles from Stafford town centre; Lichfield Campus, purpose built in Lichfield town centre.

Getting there: Stoke: easy access by road (M6 junctions 15/16 and A50) and rail (2 hours to London, 45 mins to Manchester). Stafford: short bus ride from town centre; well served by rail and road links (M6 junctions 13/14). University minibus between two main campuses. Lichfield: 11 miles by road from Stafford. University close to Birmingham, Manchester and East Midlands airports.

Academic features: Degrees from football technology to media, health, design, computer games design, broadcasting & film production, e-commerce, deviance & society. Flexible study modes eg bite-size courses, distance e-learning options. Work-based learning.

Awarding body: Staffordshire University.

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

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

Library & IT facilities: Libraries on Stoke and Stafford sites; total of 327.000 books, 2000 periodicals, networked CD-Rom workstations, 1330 study places. Separate IT service (open 12-14 hours/day); 2000+ computers with access to library and internet. IT support desks in all computer labs; new students have induction session; drop-in IT advice; IT skills courses in various subjects.

Other learning facilities: Computing facilities: language, science and engineering laboratories; design and fine art studios. Study skills support.

Study abroad: Opportunities for study or work placement abroad. Links with universities across Europe, USA & China in many subjects.

Student advice & services: Counsellors, health and chaplaincy service, support for disabled students, careers service; nurseries at both main sites (0-5 years).

Amenities: SU bar and office at Stoke and Stafford; snack bars, restaurants, bars, live music venues, shops, minibus service, banking facilities on both campuses; film theatre at Stoke. Easy access to Peak District.

Careers & Jobs: Advice service. 86% of students in full-time or further study.

Sporting facilities: Sports centres at Stoke and Stafford: fitness suite, dance/aerobics studio, sports hall (badminton, fencing, tennis); outdoor all-weather tennis courts, sports pitches for football and rugby; additional fields at Lichfield.

Accommodation: 100% of first year (and all overseas) students who apply in university-managed accommodation (guaranteed). 2300 places available in halls, flats. shared houses or head tenancies at £44-£67 per week self-catering, 40-week contract. Students live in privately owned accommodation for 2+ years: average £33-£45 pw for university registered self-catering (plus bills); university runs landlord registration scheme. 30% of first degree students live at home.

Living expenses budget: No university-recommended minimum but relatively low cost of living in Staffordshire.

Term time work: University supports term-time work for full-time students; 35% believed to work. Some work available on campus in SU bar, library etc. WorkBank helps find jobs.

Financial help: £909,000 government funds; also scholarships (£500-£750 pa). Special help for those facing difficult circumstances (financial, social, illness etc) and particularly those who have already overcome difficulties to achieve educational success.