Stirling University (Detailed Info)

Founded: 1967.

Location: 360-acre site 2 miles north-east of Stirling.

Getting there: By air to Edinburgh or Glasgow airport; by rail (5/ hours from London, 45 mins from Edinburgh, 35 mins from Glasgow); by road (A9; M9, J11 to Bridge of Allan, through town and university on left). Regular buses direct to campus from Stirling town centre and station.

Special features: Semester system (2 semesters of 15 weeks each): continuous assessment policy. Concurrent secondary education (teacher training) courses.

Awarding body: Stirling University.

Main undergraduate awards: BA, BSc, BAcc.

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

Library & IT facilities: 500,000 volumes, 2400 periodicals, 1000 study places; reference collection. Computerised catalogue and issue system.

Specialist collections: Rare 19th century books; government publications. Annual expenditure on information provision, £118 per (FTE) student. Converged library and IT services. 400 computers with internet access (open 24 hours/day); ratio workstations to students 1:15. Staffed IT helpdesk for system and software problems; workshops for new students on eg Windows, email; credit-based IT skills courses for students of any discipline.

Study abroad: Up to 20% of students spend a period abroad in their third year. Formal exchange links with 100+ universities/colleges across Europe, Australia, USA and Canada. Wide and increasing number of European-orientated course options.

Careers & Jobs: Information and advice. 4 careers advisers.

Student advice & services: Doctor, dentist, chaplains, counsellors and academic advisers on site; other services available locally. Limited residential facilities for married and disabled students.

Amenities: Bookshop on campus, chaplaincy centre, students' association with shop and travel service; bank, supermarket, chemist, post office; MacRobert Arts Centre (including cinema/theatre); good facilities for disabled students (wheelchair routes, paraplegic toilets).

Sporting facilities: Gannochy sports centre with wide range of indoor and outdoor sports; 50m swimming pool, golf course and indoor tennis centre all on campus.

Accommodation: 80% of first (and fourth) years in university accommodation (guaranteed), 60% of all students. 2150 self-catering places on campus at £53-£68 per week; contracts term time or longer. More accommodation available off campus. Students typically live in privately owned accommodation for 1-2 years, average rents £180-£280 per month. 20% of first degree students live at home.

Living expenses budget: Minimum budget of £5000 pa (excluding tuition fees) recommended by university.

Term time work: University allows term-time work. Some work available on campus in catering, bars, arts centre, SA bars. Careers Service Jobshop advertises outside part-time jobs; SA has Jobsboard.

Financial help: Some government funds for students domiciled in Scotland or EU (outside UK). Apply for help to Student Information and Support Service (01786 467080).