Swansea Institute (Detailed Info)

Founded: 1976 from colleges of art, technology and education.

Structural features: An associated college of Wales University.

Location: 2 main campuses: Mount Pleasant Campus in town centre, Townhill Campus just outside; also Alexandra Road (architectural stained glass) and music technology campus, both close to Mount Pleasant.

Getting there: Mainline rail from London Paddington (2 hrs 50 mins), also frequent services to eg Cardiff, Bristol, Birmingham; close to M4; coach services to Quadrant Bus Station in Swansea, then bus nos. 12/13 to Graiglwyd Square (for Townhill campus). Also 40 mins drive from Cardiff International airport; ferry services to Swansea from Cork.

Awarding body: Wales University.

Main undergraduate awards: BA, BSc, BEng.

Length of courses: 3 years; 4 years eg MEng, courses with year abroad.

Library & IT facilities: 3 libraries (Mount Pleasant and Townhill sites): 130,000 volumes in total, 1300 periodicals, 660 study places. Library and information services converged. Annual expenditure on information provision, £65 per (FTE) student. Ratio workstations to students 1:25; access to internet from 50; IT facilities open 12 hours/weekdays. Technicians and computer unit provides IT support; new students have library tours, individual study sessions on eg internet; further IT skills courses to suit individual needs.

Other learning facilities: Visual aid centre, print room and resources centre.

Study abroad: 5% of students spend a period abroad. Some European exchange links.

Careers & Jobs: Careers counsellors.

Student advice & services: Student financial adviser, counsellors, doctor, chaplains.

Amenities: Student centre, SU bar, fitness centre.

Accommodation: 50% of first years in Institute accommodation. 300 self-catering places available (40 ensuite), £43-£52 per week, term time only. Students live in privately owned accommodation for 1-4 years: £35-£40 pw for self-catering or B&B, £45-£55 for half-board. 40% of first degree students live at home.

Living expenses budget: Minimum budget of £4500 pa (excluding tuition fees) recommended by Institute.

Term time work: Institute allows term-time work for students; no work available on campus.

Financial help: £420,000 government funds, 200+ students helped; plus emergency fund.

Special help: single parents, mature students, disabled, self-financing students. Also bursaries and loans (can apply prior to starting course). Apply for help to Student Services.