University of Cambridge UK

University of Cambridge UK

The University of Cambridge (informally known as Cambridge University or simply as Cambridge) is a public research university located in Cambridge, England, United Kingdom. It is the second-oldest university in the English-speaking world (after the University of Oxford), and the third-oldest surviving university in the world. In post-nominals the university's name is abbreviated as Cantab, a shortened form of Cantabrigiensis (an adjective derived from Cantabrigia, the Latinised form of Cambridge).

The university grew out of an association of scholars that was formed in 1209, early records suggest, by scholars leaving Oxford after a dispute with townsfolk. The two "ancient universities" have many common features and are often jointly referred to as Oxbridge. In addition to cultural and practical associations as a historic part of British society, they have a long history of rivalry with each other. Today, Cambridge is a collegiate university with a student population in excess of 18,000. Its faculties, departments and 31 colleges occupy different locations in town including purposely-built sites and the student life thrives with numerous opportunities in the arts, sport clubs and societies.

Cambridge has performed consistently in various league tables over the years, achieving the top spot in the world according to the QS World University Rankings in both 2010 and 2011;[5] in 2012, the same editors ranked Cambridge second.Other results include a sixth place in the world in the 2011 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, and a fifth position in the world (and first in Europe) in the 2011 Academic Ranking of World Universities. Furthermore, Cambridge regularly contends with Oxford for first place in UK league tables. In 2011, Cambridge ranked third, after Harvard and MIT, in the Times Higher Education World Reputation Rankings. Graduates of the university have won a total of 65 Nobel Prizes, the most of any university in the world.

Cambridge is a member of the Coimbra Group, the G5, the International Alliance of Research Universities, the League of European Research Universities and the Russell Group of research-led British universities. It forms part of the 'golden triangle' of British universities.

The Colleges of the University

There are 31 Colleges in Cambridge. Three are for women (Murray Edwards [the current trading name of New Hall], Newnham and Lucy Cavendish) and two admit only graduates (Clare Hall and Darwin). The remainder house and teach all students enrolled in courses of study or research at the University.

The role of the Colleges in student life

A College is the place where students live, eat and socialise. It is also the place where they receive small group teaching sessions, known as supervisions. The supervision system is one of the main reasons for the University's success in the external reviews of learning and teaching.

The Colleges and the University support access initiatives to encourage applications from able students from both state and independent schools. The most successful of these is the summer schools programme.

In addition to resources provided by the University, each College has its own library and sports facilities, and some have their own bar and theatre. Most Colleges have their own clubs and societies, offering a variety of non-academic activities for students to take part in.

 Address: The Old Schools, Trinity Lane, Cambridge CB2 1TN, United Kingdom
Phone:+44 1223 337733

London School of Economics and Political Science UK

London School of Economics and Political Science UK

 
History

    Founded by Fabians, Beatrice and Sidney Webb, Graham Wallas and George Bernard Shaw in 1895 to specialise in the advanced study of the social sciences.
    Subjects pioneered at LSE include anthropology, criminology, international relations, social psychology and sociology.
    LSE has produced 34 world leaders and heads of state, and 16 Nobel Prize winners in economics, peace and literature.

Location and transport

    Located in the heart of central London, LSE's departments and institutes are concentrated on one campus.
    Communication and travel links are excellent, with access to multiple bus routes and tube stations.

Entry standards

    Entry standards are high and LSE encourages applications from all students with the best academic potential, irrespective of background.
    Excellent grades at A level (including A* for some subjects) are required in traditional academic subjects plus good GCSE grades.
    There are many widening participation activities including: LSE Choice, Pathways to Law, summer schools and student tutoring, mentoring and shadowing.

Student mix

    There are 4,200 full-time undergraduates and 5,000 full-time postgraduate students, representing around 150 countries and thereby making LSE one of the most international universities in the world.
    There are roughly equal numbers of male and female students.
    Around 17,000 applications for 1,200 undergraduate places were received in 2011.

Course flexibility

    There are 38 programmes that often allow the combination of different social science subjects.
    They cover subjects including economics, politics and government, history, management, law, accounting, finance, international relations, philosophy, geography, social policy and sociology.
    New areas of study are frequently introduced to keep pace with changes in the social sciences.
    A new undergraduate exchange programme with Sciences Po allows around 10 LSE students per year to study for a year at one of the Sciences Po campuses in France.

Teaching standards

    Departments have achieved outstanding results in external assessments.
    A variety of rigorous internal systems help to maintain teaching quality.
    Student views are important as a measure and are sought by the School each year and are acted upon.

Research standards

    The highest percentage of world leading research of any university in the UK and topped or came close to the top of a number of other rankings of research excellence. LSE came top in the rankings for Economics, Law, Social Policy and European Studies.
    Over 90% of eligible staff were returned to the Research Assessment Exercise.
    The School currently has sixteen formal research centres focusing on a broad range of social science activities, including well-known groups such as the Centre for Economic Performance and the Financial Markets Group established in 1987 by Mervyn King, the current Governor of the Bank of England. In addition, the School hosts the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment, chaired by Professor Lord Nick Stern, author of the influential 2006 Stern Review. In the last three years, the School has established the International Growth Centre, a £100-m programme funded by the Department for International Development to promote economic growth in developing countries.
    From its foundation, the School has sought to disseminate its research to fellow academics, the media, opinion formers and the general public. Its website, which includes an Experts Directory, invites audiences to join the global debate at LSE. Research Online - the institutional repository - provides access to a diverse range of research produced by the School. Everyone is welcome to attend the LSE's public events, where some of the most influential figures in the social sciences and humanities can be heard for free.
    Academics are in continual demand as commentators, analysts and advisers to governments, policy makers and charities, both in the UK and internationally.

Academic strengths

    LSE is a specialist university with an international intake and a global reach. Its research and teaching span the full breadth of the social sciences, from economics, politics and law to sociology, anthropology, accounting and finance. The School has one of the largest concentrations of applied economic, financial and social researchers in the world.
    Close partnerships with other universities include Columbia University in New York, Sciences Po in Paris, Peking University in Beijing, National University of Singapore and the University of Cape Town.
    LSE attracts some of the most influential figures in the world to give public lectures, including Kofi Annan, Bill Clinton, Nelson Mandela, Mary Robinson and George Soros, with free access for all students.
    LSE attracts some of the most influential figures in the world to give public lectures, including Kofi Annan, Bill Clinton, Nelson Mandela, Mary Robinson and George Soros, with free access for students.

Student facilities, including library and computing

    The Library is the major international library of the social sciences providing access tounique electronic and print collections.
    The Library building holds over 4 million printed items, and we have electronic access to around 80,000 ejournals and ebooks.
    In 2012 our Digital Library was launched, containing outputs from our digitisation programme, unique born-digital archives, institutional records and personal artefacts.
    The Library has earned 'Designation' status for its pre-eminent collections of national and international importance by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA).
    The Library has achieved user satisfaction ratings in excess of 90% for the past five years.
    Zoned study areas allow silent study as well as group work in the Library.
    The 'i-roam' scheme allows students and staff to borrow laptops for use in the Library.

Disability services

    The LSE is committed to promoting equality and diversity in order to deliver the best possible service to its students, staff and the wider community. Find out more about the disability services at LSE on the website.

Students' union

    There are over 190 student societies covering most countries in the world and specialist interest.
    Students can also get involved in the School's Media Group, student magazine and radio station.
    Union general meetings are held weekly, where every student can attend and vote.

Sport

    Facilities include a fitness centre, badminton and squash courts and a gymnasium.
    There are football, rugby and cricket pitches, with tennis during the summer at the sports ground.
    Students can also access the University of London's sports facilities.

Recent/prospective new builds

    The School purchased the Land Registry building overlooking Lincoln's Inn Fields and took vacant possession in May 2011. It will be used for academic, research and teaching purposes.
    A new student centre unifying many student services within a single location is due for completion in 2013.

Availability of part-time work

    The 'My Careers Service' function of the LSE Careers Service advertises part-time jobs at LSE and with outside employers.
    Opportunities are frequently advertised at the LSE for internships and voluntary work experience.
    The LSE Careers Service provides a varied and comprehensive careers guidance and employment service for students.

For further information
Web    
    www.lse.ac.uk

Email    
    ug-admissions@lse.ac.uk

Phone    
    +44 (0)20 7405 7686

Address    
    LSE
    Houghton Street
    London
    WC2A 2AE

UCAS Code L72

University of Oxford UK

University of Oxford  UK
History
    Oxford University is the oldest university in the English-speaking world. Teaching has been taking place in Oxford since 1096.
    Former Oxford students include 26 British Prime Ministers; at least 30 international leaders; 26 Nobel Prize winners; seven current holders of the Order of Merit; at least 6 kings, 12 saints and 20 Archbishops of Canterbury; some 100 Olympic medal winners.
    Read more facts and figures about the University of Oxford online.

Location and Transport

    About 100km (62 miles) north-west of London, with excellent links to the capital and the rest of the country.
    Oxford is a lively medium-sized city with a total student population of over 40,000 (including students at both Oxford and Oxford Brookes).
    Most University and college buildings are located in the centre and are easily reached on foot or by bike.

Entry standards

    Conditional offers for students studying A-levels range between A*A*A and AAA (or 38–40 points in the International Baccalaureate including core points, or another equivalent) depending on the subject. Each course page will detail the requirements necessary.
    Specific A-level (or equivalent) subjects may be required to apply for some subjects, especially in the sciences.
    Some subjects require applicants to sit a written test and/or submit written work.

Applying

    For a comprehensive guide on applying to Oxford, see here.

Student mix

    All students: 55% male, 45% female (undergraduates 54% male, 46% female).
    All students: 63% home, 37% overseas (undergraduates 85% home, 15% overseas).
    State school intake (undergraduates): 55.4%.
    Around five applications per place overall, though this varies between subjects.

Course flexibility

    Most subjects include compulsory courses for the first year, and then give students the opportunity to choose options in subsequent years.

Teaching standards

    Tutorials are at the heart of teaching at Oxford. A tutorial is a lesson with a tutor usually taking place once or twice every week. Tutors are experts in their field and often world-leaders. Students usually have to prepare work in advance, for example an essay or some mathematical problems, which they then discuss in the tutorial.
    Through tutorials, students develop powers of independent, critical thought; analytical and problem-solving abilities, and written and oral communication skills.

Research standards

    Oxford has more world-leading academics (rated 4* in the 2008 national Research Assessment Exercise) than any other UK university.
    Oxford consistently has the highest research income from external sponsors of any UK university, and receives the highest level of quality research funding from HEFCE.

Academic strengths

    Oxford has a world-class reputation for academic excellence and courses have an academic rather than vocational focus.
    Many Oxford academics are international experts in their chosen fields in all disciplines of the sciences and arts.

Student facilities, including library and computing

    The Careers Service offers all students a comprehensive range of CV and interview workshops, ten fairs (attended by 60+ employers at each one), hundreds of employer presentations throughout the year, and the opportunity to book a 1:1 careers guidance meeting with a professional adviser.
    Every college has its own library which provide core material with multiple copies of the most popular books and other key works.  Most are open around the clock. There are also departmental and major research libraries including the world-famous Bodleian which can claim a copy of every book published in Britain.
    The University is well equipped with IT facilities with most departments and colleges providing computer rooms, network access and computing support. The central Oxford University Computing Services also offer computer facilities and free training.
    All students may use the Language Centre, which offers courses, computer-based learning and audio-visual study rooms.
    The University has a professionally staffed confidential Student Counselling Service.



Disability services

    The University welcomes applications from disabled students and makes reasonable adjustments to facilitate their access to its courses. Colleges and departments view applications from students with disabilities on exactly the same academic grounds as those from other candidates.
    For more information on disability services at Oxford University, telephone 01865 280459, email disability@admin.ox.ac.uk or visit the website.

Students' union

    The Oxford University Student Union (OUSU) campaigns on matters affecting students and offers a range of services, including advice and club nights.
    Each college has its own student group which organises entertainment, provides welfare support and represents its students.

Sport

    The University of Oxford boasts some of the best sporting facilities in the university sector including a gym, all-weather running track, Olympic standard artificial hockey pitch, sports hall and 25-metre swimming pool.
    Colleges also offer sporting facilities of their own, ranging from in-college squash courts or fitness suites to cricket grounds.

Availability of part-time work

    Opportunities for a limited amount of paid work within college, for which you may need your tutor's permission.
    Colleges may also offer some employment during the summer conference season.
    The University Careers Service facilitates summer internship and work opportunities through the Oxford University International Internship Programme and employer events and fairs.

Distinguished alumni
    26 Nobel Prize winners including Oliver Smithies (Medicine, 2007), V S Naipaul (Literature 2001) and Aung San Suu Kyi (Peace, 1991).
    26 UK Prime Ministers including David Cameron and Tony Blair.
    At least 30 international leaders, including Bill Clinton, Benazir Bhutto, Dr Manmohan Singh.
    Some 100 Olympic medal winners, including Matthew Pinsent and Stephanie Cook.
    Scientists including Edmond Halley, Edwin Hubble, Dorothy Hodgkin, Stephen Hawking.
    Poets and writers including John Donne, Oscar Wilde, Iris Murdoch, Julian Barnes, Monica Ali.
    Actors and film-makers including Kate Beckinsale, Hugh Grant, Ken Loach.

For further information
Web    
    www.ox.ac.uk

Email    
    undergraduate.admissions@admin.ox.ac.uk

Phone    
    +44 (0) 1865 270000

Address    
    University of Oxford
    University Offices
    Wellington Square
    Oxford
    OX1 2JD

UCAS Code O33

Imperial College London UK

Imperial College London  UK
History

    Imperial College London was established in 1907.
    In 2007 the College celebrated its 100th year of academic excellence and became independent from the University of London.
    Breakthroughs associated with the College include the discovery of penicillin, the development of holography and the foundations of fibre optics.
    Today Imperial research foci include interdisciplinary collaborations to improve global health, tackle climate change, develop sustainable sources of energy and address security challenges.

Notable alumni

    Cecil Balmond (MSc Civil Engineering 1970) – award winning architect, including CCTV in Beijing.
    Emma Townshend (MSc Humanities 1992) – writer/journalist.
    Simon Dennis (Biology 1997) – Olympic gold medallist.
    Louis Attrill, (MEng Civil Engineering 1997) – Olympic gold medallist.
    Keith Duckworth (Mechanical Engineering 1957) – designer of the Cosworth DFV (Double Four Valve) engine.
    Brian May (Physics 1968, PhD 2007) – lead guitarist of Queen.
    Declan Curry (Chemistry 1992) – BBC presenter.
    Jessica Hsuan (Materials 1992) – TV actress in Hong Kong.
    Narinder Kapany (PhD Physics 1955) – father of fibre optics.
    Andreas Mogensen (Aeronautics 1999) – first Danish astronaut (European Space Agency).
    Nicholas Tombasiz (PhD Aeronatics 1993) – chief designer at Ferrari F1.
    Cyrus Mistry (Civil Engineering 1990) – Chairman-elect of Tata Group.
    Roger Bannister (St Mary’s Hospital Medical School 1954) – first person to run a mile in under a minute.
    Simon Singh (Physics 1987) – writer/journalist.

Location and transport

    Eight campuses in and around London. The main campus is in South Kensington, in central London.
    South Kensington is an area long established as a cultural centre for the arts, sciences and music. Imperial's neighbours include the Royal Albert Hall, the Science Museum, the Natural History Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum.
    There are excellent transport links with the underground, buses and Paddington (Heathrow Express) and Victoria (Gatwick Express) mainline train stations nearby.

Entry standards

    Entry requirements for undergraduate courses range from A*A*A to AAB at A level, or equivalent qualification, depending on the course.
    Specific A-level (or equivalent) subjects may be required to apply for some subjects.
    Find out more about entry requirements at Imperial on the website.

Student mix

    In 2010–11 there were approximately 14,500 undergraduate and postgraduate students of which 36% were women.
    29% of students are from outside the European Union.
    Students come from more than 125 countries.
    On average, undergraduate applications to admissions ratio for 2010 entry was approximately 6.0:1.

Teaching standards

    Acknowledged worldwide as a centre of excellence for teaching.
    Departments assessed by external agencies for teaching have scored between 21 to 24 points out of 24.

Research standards

    Consistently recognised as one of the top UK university institutions for research quality.
    Research income is one of the largest in the UK – £299.2 million for 2010–11.
    In the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise, 72.9% of Imperial's research activity was judged as world-leading or internationally excellent, the highest proportion of any UK university.

Academic strengths

    Amongst the top tier of scientific, engineering and medical research and teaching institutions in the world.
    Pays particular regard to the practical application of science, engineering and medicine in industry, commerce and healthcare.
    Fosters interdisciplinary working internally and collaborates widely externally.

Student facilities, including library and computing

    The Central Library at the South Kensington campus houses a large proportion of the taught course materials and offers extensive study space.
    Offers 24-hour access during the summer examination period.
    More than 3,000 PCs are available for student use in libraries and departmental areas.

Disability services

    Find out about the Disability Advisory Service at Imperial on the website.
    Contact the Disabilities Officer Mary Brown (m.bown@imperial.ac.uk), or see the Disabilities Statement for more information.

Students' union

    Imperial College Union has over 300 clubs and societies, amongst the highest number in the UK.
    Union venues play host to club nights, comedy nights, and other entertainments regularly throughout term. Union facilities at the South Kensington campus include three bars and two catering outlets, all at student value prices.
    Imperial College Union voted to disaffiliate from the National Union of Students in June 2008.

Sport

    Sport Imperial's facilities offer free gym and swimming to all students, both at the state-of-the-art Ethos Sports Centre in South Kensington, and at facilities across the College's other campuses.
    Other facilities include: boathouse at Putney and sports grounds at Harlington and Teddington (football, rugby, lacrosse, cricket, tennis and netball).
    There is no timetabled teaching on Wednesday afternoons, giving everyone the chance to take part in a wide range of activity.
    Imperial College Union has a wide range of sports clubs for students of varying abilities. Many compete at a high level.

Recent/prospective new builds

    In 2009 the College acquired a seven-acre site from the BBC in Wood Lane, west London, close to its Hammersmith Campus. Plans to build 606 postgraduate studio apartments on the site have been approved and, subject to permission, teaching and research facilities will also be developed there.
    Griffon Studios, new postgraduate accommodationin Battersea, will open in October 2011 and provide 452 studio apartments. A further block of 114 studio apartments is scheduled to be completed on the site in October 2012.
    The Wolfson Education Centre at the Hammersmith Campus has been redeveloped to provide a home for Imperial's new graduate entry Medicine course launched in 2008.
    The Central Library ground floor was refurbished in 2008 to provide state-of-the-art computer workstations and group study zones, as well as a café.
    The 410-bed Southside halls of residence at the South Kensington Campus opened in October 2007, and the new Eastside halls of residence opened in October 2009, providing an additional 453 beds as well as two common rooms and a cafe bar.
    The Ethos sports centre at South Kensington Campus opened in 2006 offering excellent sporting facilities which are free to students.

For further information
Web    
    www.imperial.ac.uk

Phone    

    +44 (0)20 7589 5111
Address    
    Imperial College London
    London
    SW7 2AZ

Durham University UK

Durham University  UK

History

    Established in 1832, Durham University is England's third oldest Higher Education Institute after Oxford and Cambridge.
    In 1987 Durham Cathedral and Castle became a World Heritage Site, of which the university is a joint guardian.
    In 2012 the opera singer, Sir Thomas Allen was appointed as the university's Chancellor.

Location and transport

    The university operates in two locations: in the city of Durham and at Queen's Campus, Stockton-on-Tees, both of which have excellent transport links to the rest of north east England.
    Both are located 2¾ hours from London and have two international airports close by: Newcastle International and Durham Tees Valley.
    Local amenities are within walking distance at both locations.

Entry standards

    Durham asks for a range of different entry requirements, depending on the programme applied for.
    More information on entry standards at Durham University is available on the website.


Student mix

    50-50% split of  female and male.
    59% of undergraduates are from state school.
    Overseas students make up 21% of the total student body.
    Applications to places ratio 7:1.

Course flexibility

    Over 200 undergraduate degree programmes in arts, health, humanities, sciences and social sciences.
    Several degree routes including Single or Joint Honours, named routes in Natural Sciences, Combined Honours and four-year honours programmes in some sciences.
    The modular degree system enables students to tailor degrees to meet their needs by combining subjects or studying one or more subjects in depth.

Teaching standards

    In the 2011 National Student Survey, 90% of Durham's students said they were satisfied with their Durham University experience (sector average 83%).
    5th in The Complete University Guide 2012.
    The UK Quality Assurance Agency external review praised the university’s comprehensive approach to defining and developing research-led teaching.
    Ranked 15th globally for employer reputation in the 2011 QS World University League Rankings following an extensive survey of 17,000 organisations across the world.
    98% of our undergraduates successfully complete their degree – the second highest completion rate in the UK.

Research standards

    90% of our staff are carrying out research that of international quality (RAE 2008).
    Durham is among the Top 20 institutions in the UK for research income, despite being one of the smallest.
    Leading staff have been awarded Fellowship of Royal Society, and Fellowship of the British Academy as well as many other bodies which recognise scholarly excellence.

Academic strengths

    English, History, Mathematics, Chemistry, Geography, Theology and Religion, and Archaeology.
    Durham attracts the high quality students, bucking the trends for recruitment in areas such as Modern Languages and core Sciences.

Student facilities, including library and computing

    A wide range of support services, including student financial support, Careers, Employability and Enterprise Cenre, Durham University Service for Students with Disabilities and the University Nursery.
    Libraries are located throughout the university with generous opening times, seven days a week.
    The Computing and Information Services offer networked services in both campuses, with over 1,200 personal computers in classrooms and open access locations.

Disability services

    For information on disability services at Durham University, telephone 0191 334 8115, email or visit the website.

Students' Union

    Cafés, shops and events on both campuses.
    As well as representing students, the union organises social events, including the Freshers Fair and Ball, live music, BBQs and comedy.
    The union Advice Centre, staffed by professional advisors and the student Education and Welfare Officer, offers academic, financial, personal and health related support.

Sport

    Durham was 4th in the 2010–11 BUCS Sport League Table.
    92% of Durham's students participate in university sport, learning vital skills such as leadership, which enhance employability.
    Durham is a hub for community sport at all levels and has the largest outreach programme in the UK, for which it is highly acclaimed.
    There are over 50 affiliated clubs, from rowing to croquet, football to trampolining.
    A £1-m powered rowing tank – one of only three in the UK – was installed in 2011, offering a safe environment to train beginners.
    Durham graduates who havegone on to the highest levels of achievement in sport include Will Carling, Phil de Glanville, Will Greenwood, Andrew Strauss, Nasser Hussain and Jonathan Edwards.

Recent/prospective new builds

    The Durham Project: £60 million project that will transform and enhance the university and the city. A brand new student services building, with a library extension, and a new Law School are currently under construction adn are due for completion in the summer of 2012. The project also incorporates the pedestrianisation of the science site.
    Sports Centres: a new, multi-million pound Sports Centre opened at Queen’s Campus in 2011, with a fully-equipped fitness suite and an impressive range of state-of-the-art facilities. New and enhanced facilities were also opened at Maiden Castle in Durham City, including a performance analysis suite, an indoor rowing tank and fencing stiles.

Availability of part-time work

    Our Student Employment Service assists students with securing part-time work during study.
    Guidelines are provided and agreed between the service, students and employers to ensure that work does not affect academic performance.

Notable alumni

    Richard Adams
    George Alagiah
    Biddy Baxter
    Will Carling
    General Sir Richard Dannett
    Jonathan Edwards
    Sir Harold Evans
    Will Greenwood
    Paul Hawkins
    Lorraine Heggessey
    Chris Hollins
    Nasser Hussain
    Vice-Admiral Tim Laurence
    Tony Laithwaite
    Gaby Logan
    Mo Mowlam
    Mark Pougatch
    Kate Silverton
    David Sproxton
    Andrew Strauss
    Jeremy Vine

For further information
Web    
    www.durham.ac.uk

Email    
    admissions@durham.ac.uk

Phone    
    +44 (0) 191 334 2000

Address    
    Durham University,
    University Office,
    Old Elvet,
    Durham,
    DH1 3HP