Luton University - In Depth

Founded: 1957 as Luton College. University status in 1993.

Site: Main campus in town centre; Putteridge Bury site (business) 4 miles from main campus.

How to get there: 5 mins from M1, bus and railway stations; 10 mins from Luton Airport.

Special features: Specialises in career-related education.

Academic features: Courses in music technology, sport & exercise psychology.

Awarding body: Luton University.

Main undergraduate awards: BSc, BA, LLB.

Length of courses: 3 years; 4 years (sandwich).

Library & information services: Resources on 6 sites: 210,000 volumes, 4000 journals (3000 electronic), 1160 study places; audiovisual resources eg slides, microforms, DVD/videos. Annual expenditure on information provision, £70 per (FTE) student. Library and IT services converged in learning resources centre. 350 networked PCs for student use, most with internet access (ratio 1:10 workstations to students), 24 hours/day at peak periods; guidance via helpdesks, printed guides through internet (www.lrweb.luton.ac.uk). Information skills embedded in curriculum; IT skills workshops.

Other learning facilities: Psychology and sports therapy labs; centre for media arts.

Study abroad: 7% of students spend 6 weeks of their course abroad. Formal exchange links with EU universities/colleges - open to non-language specialists.

Careers: Information and advice service for up to 3 years after graduation. Online career management skills (CMS) programme; graduate fair.

Student advice & services: Subject-based academic advisers, chaplaincy, student health centre (incl doctors, nurses and clinics); student services advice on eg welfare, housing, finance, childcare support service, disability advisory service.

Amenities: Luton has shopping centre, theatre, cinema, restaurants, bars, pubs and clubs.

Sporting facilities: Fitness suite, sports massage clinic, Vauxhall recreation club (including tennis and squash courts, football and hockey arena, sauna, sports bar, snooker and pool tables).

Accommodation: All first years guaranteed a place. 1600 places in halls, mostly for first years, £55-£70 per week. Most students live in privately owned accommodation for 2+ years: average £45 pw self-catering.

Living expenses budget: Minimum budget of £4500-£5500 pa (excluding tuition fees) recommended by university.

Term-time work: University allows Term-time work for full-time first degree students. Some work available on campus in SU bars. offices, library, recruitment fairs, admissions etc. Job Shop helps students find local part-time, vacation and temporary employment.

Financial help: Government funds available. Special help for mature students, international students. those with disabilities, local students, ethnic minorities, women returnees, unemployed. Awards £100-£3500. Apply for help to Student Finance Unit (tel 01582 743157; or Student Resources & Services link on website).

Tuition fees: Home students up to £1200 pa for first degrees (in 2005). International students pay £6700 pa (classroom), £7400 (lab/studio).