Northampton

Transforming lives, inspiring change

InternationalUndergraduate Prospectuswww.northampton.ac.uk/international

The University of Northampton International OfficePark Campus, Boughton Green Road, Northampton NN2 7ALUnited Kingdom

Tel +44 1604 735500 Fax +44 1604 710703 Email [email protected] www.northampton.ac.uk

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ContentsWelcome 01

Why choose The University of Northampton 02-03

Which Course? 04-05

Joint Honours 06-07

Campus Life 08

Living in Northampton 09-10

Teaching Excellence 11

Employability 12-13

Student Profiles 14-15

Supporting You 16

Settling In 17

Campus Facilities 18-19

Accommodation 20-21

Working in the UK 22

How much will it cost 23

Course Guide 24-25

Courses 26-64

Entry Requirements 65

How to Apply 66

Location 67

Index 68

Every effort has been made to ensure that all of the informationcontained in this prospectus is correct at the time of going topress. Please note that The University of Northampton acceptsno liability for the accuracy of statements in this and othermarketing publications.

01

The University of Northampton welcomes international students. We value the richness andcultural diversity you bring to our academic community. We now have over 1,000 studentsfrom more than 100 different countries studying with us and provide for them a high-qualityuniversity experience with well-structured courses, top-quality teaching and a first-classenvironment. We are committed to supporting our students throughout their time with us– from your first enquiry to graduation and beyond.

I look forward to welcoming you to The University of Northampton in the near future.

Yours sincerely,

Delia HeneghanDirector, International Office

We are delighted that you have expressed an interest in studying at The University of Northampton.This prospectus has been compiled to meet yourparticular needs and interests. We hope it answers all your questions. However, if you require any furtherinformation before making your decision, please donot hesitate to contact the International Office at ourdedicated e-mail address: [email protected]

Welcome toThe Universityof Northampton

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Programme choice

We offer a wide variety of courses and ourqualifications are particularly tailored to meetthe needs of industry and commerce. We haveestablished links with a number of professionaland industrial bodies and constantly review ourportfolio to ensure that it meets our students’requirements and employers’ needs.

International Scholarship Scheme

The University of Northampton is very pleasedto offer a generous scholarship to internationalstudents with a strong academic background.Scholarship awards are based on academicmerit. All undergraduate courses fall within thescheme and all students are, therefore, eligibleto apply. Full details of the application processand deadlines can be found on the‘International Students’ section of our website www.northampton.ac.uk

02

With a well established reputation as a forward thinking and modern university, The University of Northampton offers a vibrant and stimulating environment tofurther your studies. Our undergraduate programmes are designed to meet your educational need to study a subject or group of subjects in greater depth and to extend your knowledge and skills thus enabling you to pursue your career ambitions.

As an undergraduate student at The University of Northampton you will find a great combination of high quality academic provision, first-class resources and a friendly supportive learning environment.

Why Choose The University of Northampton?

xx03

Employability

We make sure that our graduates are equippedwith the knowledge and skills required for a successful career in their chosen field. We constantly review and tailor our qualificationsto meet the needs of industry and commerce.Input is provided from researchers, currentpractitioners, professional bodies, commerceand industry to ensure that the curriculum and content is up-to-date and relevant.

Value

Thanks to the low cost of living and studyinghere, The University of Northampton proves tobe great value. Course fees are competitive andNorthampton is one of the least expensiveplaces to live in the UK. You will also benefitfrom the very high level of academic andprofessional support we provide and from theexcellent modern facilities which create anenvironment designed to enable you tomaximise your achievements.

Facilities

Our two campuses offer the perfect setting for you to achieve your full potential. In recentyears we have invested £73m in our estates and learning resources. This has enabled us to extend our specialised teaching areas and to provide a purpose-built Student Centre.

Support

We support students through effective learnerinformation, advice, guidance, counselling andother services. The Student Centre provides aone-stop-shop for all student support needs. In addition to the general services accessedthrough the Student Centre, individual courseteams offer in-depth support pertaining toparticular programmes of study. Our studentsoften comment on the friendly, approachablenature of our staff.

Location

Northampton is centrally located and withineasy travelling distance of London, Birminghamand other major centres. We are served by 5international airports and excellent road and rail links to all parts of the UK and Europe.

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BA/BSc (Honours)

We offer a wide range of undergraduatedegrees, most of which take three years tocomplete. The two most common degreeformats are Bachelor of Arts (BA) whichincludes subjects such as Business, English,History and the Arts; and Bachelor of Science(BSc) encompassing subjects such as Biology,Computer Science, Engineering etc.

In the UK the designation of your degree as either BA or BSc is determined by the subject (or subjects) you study. It is not anindication of the status or value of the award.All undergraduate programmes in the UKsystem are equal in terms of academic level and status whether titled BA or BSc.

Many of our degree courses offer opportunitiesfor students to gain work experience. Thismight involve a one-year full-time workplacement, a shorter placement or individualwork-based learning modules. For a full list of all available Single Honours courses please refer to pages 24-25.

Joint Honours Degree Programme

We also offer an extensive Joint Honours degreeprogramme where students can choose tostudy two subjects together. For full details,including available course combinations, pleasesee pages 6-7.

Higher National Diploma

If you wish to study a work-related subject,then a two-year Higher National Diploma(HND) could be the right choice. HNDs have a vocational focus and, when completedsuccessfully, can be ‘topped-up’ to an Honoursdegree with an additional year of study. For fulllist of all available HND courses please refer topage 65.

BA/BSc Top-Up Degree

Top-up degrees are one-year courses, modelledon the final year of our BA/BSc undergraduateprogrammes. They are designed to enablestudents to progress from courses such asEDEXCEL, Higher National Diplomas (HND),Foundation degrees or Advanced Diplomas as offered by ABE or NCC, or from similarqualifications in other countries, and to obtain a BA or BSc (Honours) qualification. They arealso suitable for students whose qualification is assessed as not equivalent to a UK HonoursBachelors degree. Students who successfullycomplete a top-up degree at an appropriatelevel can progress to a Masters degree. Top-up courses can have two intakes a year. You can start in either September or January.For full details of all available Top-up coursesplease refer to page 65.

Choosing the right course is one of the most important decisions studentswill make, so we are committed to making this process as straightforwardas possible with an extensive range of study options and combinations tochoose from.

Which Course?

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Flexibility, breadth and adaptability are the main features of our Joint Honoursprogramme. You can build a course that suits your particular needs, plays to yourstrengths and/or prepares you for the career of your choice.

The structure within which you make your choice ensures that your degree is acoherent and credible award and that it will provide you with a breadth of expertiseleading to a flexible and valuable qualification.

Joint Honours

The focus of your degree is two named subjects. They can be either closely related or contrasting subjects – the choice is yours. The table (on page 7) lists the 50+ subjectsavailable and you can choose any pair ofsubjects, provided they are shown in differentblocks. Your degree may emphasise one of thesesubjects more than the other or you may studythem more equally. However, you don’t have tomake this decision until the second year of thecourse (stage 2) and our staff are on hand toguide students through all the possible choices.

On graduating with a BS or a BSc (Honours) in two named subjects, you will be eligible toenter a wide range of careers or postgraduateprogrammes. There are also opportunities to

acquire employment related skills as part of your degree and many subjects offer workexperience modules or involve students in careerrelevant project work. Joint Honours graduatesare very attractive to employers, being able todemonstrate flexibility and strong organisationaland communication skills.

The programme is designed to offer studentsmaximum flexibility to capitalise on theirpersonal strengths and interests, with options to acquire vocationally relevant skills andexperience if desired.

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KeySubject Choice 1

Subject Choice 2

Elective Module Choice 1



Stage Tw

o

Stage Three

Stage One

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Subject BlocksThe choice is yours – just pick twosubjects from different blocks andwe can provide a joint degree inthose subjects with a range ofoptions to suit you.

Stage OneCombine your subjects in any one of a range of options to suit you.

Stage TwoDepending on your stage one modulechoices there are three options tochoose from at stage two.

Stage ThreeDepending on your module choices atstages one and two you will completeyour Degree at stage three to gaineither a Major/Minor or Joint Degree.

Block ABusiness Computing Systems

Creative WritingEconomics

Equine StudiesGerman

Physical GeographyPolitics

Popular MusicPsychology

Social Enterprise DevelopmentWastes Management

Web Design

Block BAdvertisingComputing

EnglishInternational Development

LawMarketing

Media ProductionSport Studies

Tourism

Block CBiological Conservation

BusinessDrama

Educational StudiesEvents Management

Film and Television StudiesHealth StudiesManagementPhilosophySociology

Block DAccounting

Business EntrepreneurshipCriminology

DanceFine Art Painting and Drawing

FrenchHistory

Human BiologyHuman Geography

Human Resource ManagementJournalism

MathematicsMedia StudiesSocial Care

Option 1Choose two subjects, each from a

different block and study two‘compulsory’ modules in each

subject. Add in any two ‘elective’modules of your choice selected

from the module catalogue.

Option 2Choose two subjects, each from a

different block and study two‘compulsory’ modules in each

subject. Add in two ‘compulsory’modules from a subject in a thirdblock for flexibility at Stage two.

Option 3Study three modules from each of two subjects from

different blocks.

Option 4Study four modules from one

subject and two from a subject from a different block.

Option 1Study three modules from one ofyour subjects, two from the other

and choose one free elective modules from another subject.

Option 2Study three modules from two of

your chosen subjects.

Option 3Study four modules from one of your subjects and two from

the other.

Option 1Study three modules from each of your two subjects to gain a

Joint Honours Degree.

Option 2Study four modules from

one of your subjects and two from the other to gain a

Major/Minor Degree.

Subject Blocks

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Based on two campus sites set in attractive green open spaces, The Universityof Northampton offers an exciting and vibrant environment in which to furtheryour studies.

Both campuses have a library, 24-hour IT suite, bookshops, restaurants, barsand a convenience store. A frequent bus service links the campuses and bothare within easy reach of shops, entertainment and leisure facilities.

Campus Life

Avenue Campus

Avenue Campus provides the best of bothworlds. It is surrounded by green spaces whilst being close to a thriving urban area. The town centre is within walking distance and the campus is situated adjacent to one of Northampton’s largest parkland areas.Recognised regionally as a major centre forcreative arts and technology, students benefit

from state-of-the-art facilities and anestablished innovative environment. The University has recently invested in amultimillion pound Technology Realm enablingour computer programmes to benefit from astate of the art facility in 3D visualisation andimmersive technology. The Campus hosts artgallery viewings, with theatre performances andexhibitions taking place throughout the year.

An impressive range of creative andtechnological facilities are available to students,including workshops, laboratories, computer-aided design suites, television and radio studios,dance and drama spaces, a cinema and digitalmusic studios.

Park Campus

Set in over 80 acres of open, green park andwoodland, Park Campus is the larger of the twocampuses. Integrating beautiful landscapes withbrand-new facilities, the campus provides avibrant and exciting atmosphere in which tostudy and live. You will find everything you needfor studying and socialising on campus, from anextensive library and modern IT facilities tobars, a nightclub and sports facilities. ThePavillion, a dedicated bar and catering facilityfor students and staff, is also on campus andprovides the ideal opportunity to socialise with other like-minded people. The Universitycontinues to invest significantly in the campusand recent developments include a new StudentCentre and specialised teaching areas.

09

Situated at the heart of England, Northampton has excellent sports and leisurefacilities, great entertainment and shopping and is easily accessible via acomprehensive transport network.

Living in Northampton

Northampton is one of England’s most attractive towns, steeped inhistory but with a 21st century outlook. Situated at the heart of England,it has excellent sports and leisure facilities, great entertainment andshopping and is easily accessible via a comprehensive transport network.

The history of Northampton dates back to the 7th century. The countyhas a diverse mixture of architecture; from the Saxon church at Brixworthto the neo-gothic Town Hall and England’s largest market square whichdates back to 1235, Northampton is full of character and charm. The town was described by Daniel Defoe, author of ‘Robinson Crusoe’, as “the handsomest and best built town in all this part of England”.

The last century has seen substantial expansion as Northampton hasgrown into the country’s largest town with a population of almost aquarter of a million. New buildings and developments have appeared,reshaping the town’s skyline. The town is home to a number ofinternational companies: Carlsberg, Barclaycard and Avon Cosmetics have all located their headquarters here.

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Art and Culture

Northampton is home to a number of galleries,museums and creative organisations, with theUniversity playing a central role in the risinggrowth of the creative industries in the region.Avenue Campus has established an excellentreputation as an open, regional ‘arts centre for all’. The campus is a venue for film loverswith our cinema showing both art house andcommercial films. There are also art galleryviewings, theatre performances and exhibitionstaking place throughout the year. Theatre loverswill be spoilt for choice in Northamptonfollowing the recent £14m redevelopment of the Royal and Derngate theatre complex. The University and Theatres have a closerelationship. Graduation ceremonies and theannual Fashion Show are held in the mainauditorium. The town offers two multi-screencinema complexes.

Sport

If you are interested in sports then why notwatch world class rugby at the NorthamptonSaints’ ground, or cheer on our local footballteams: the Cobblers and Rushden & Diamonds.Cricket fans will enjoy national andinternational matches at the County Ground.Northamptonshire is the home of British motorsport. Both the world famous Silverstone racetrack and Rockingham Motor Speedwaystadium are within easy travelling distance fromthe town. For adrenalin junkies the surroundingarea offers access to flying, sky diving, gliding,skiing and snowboarding, not to mention a vastselection of water sports.

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One of the main reasons why international students choose to study in the UK isthe high quality of teaching and research. All UK universities are subject to verystrict quality controls on course curriculum, academic standards, teaching staffand on facilities and resources. The QAA (Quality Assurance Agency) is the UKGovernment body which oversees academic standards and the overall qualityof Higher Education in UK universities.

Teaching Excellence

As a student of The University of Northamptonyou will have the benefit of academic staff whoare experts in their field and who are activeresearchers in their particular area. Many of ourstaff are also engaged as consultants, workingboth within the UK and internationally forprivate companies, voluntary and charitableorganisations as well as for local and nationalgovernment departments such as the QualityAssurance Agency (QAA), Department for theEnvironment, Farming and Agriculture (DEFRA),HM Treasury, the European Union and overseas governments.

The University consistently performs in the top 10 of UK universities for the quality of ourteaching in the i-Graduate InternationalStudent Survey.

Teaching, learning and assessment styles

At the University of Northampton yourteachers will use a variety of teaching styles andmethods, many of which may vary from thoseused in your home country. The main focus ofour methods is to develop you to think andwork independently. We will teach you how to research and source information, how toanalyse and question ideas and how to thinkcreatively and construct logical argumentsbased on evidence to support your conclusions.Above all we will ensure that you learn how toapply your knowledge and solve problems in the real world. You will have the opportunity towork in groups, deliver presentations, conductresearch, write reports, use case studies, developyour communication skills and exchange ideasand experiences with students from a variety of backgrounds and countries.

Teaching Excellence

The University of Northampton has alwaysprided itself on teaching excellence. This hasbeen recognised nationally in the UK NationalTeaching Awards. Since these awards wereestablished, five of our university staff havebeen recognised as National Teaching Fellows.This prestigious award recognises thecontribution of individuals to the developmentof innovative teaching at the highest levelnationally and internationally.

As a student of The University of Northampton you will have the benefit of academic staff who are experts in their field.

Our dedicated team ofcareers advisors are onhand to assist you todevelop the skills neededto be successful in theemployment market.

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UK qualifications are recognised world-wide as a bench-mark of quality andemployers throughout the world recognise and have confidence in the highstandards which underpin our postgraduate qualifications. They also appreciatethat undertaking a postgraduate qualification in the UK demands a high level ofmotivation and commitment as well as a very significant investment in terms oftime and resources.

Employability

During your time with us you will gain a wealthof experience which employers will value highly:the experience of living, studying and workingin the UK, the opportunity to enhance yourEnglish language and communication skills to a high standard and the chance of meeting and interacting with fellow students from all corners of the world. Many of our alumni findthe network of contacts which they establishduring their time with us is invaluable whenthey return to full-time employment.

Many courses at The University ofNorthampton have a strong practical andvocational orientation with opportunities to visit local, national and multi-nationalcompanies and organisations, to meet with

local and regional employers and to apply theknowledge and skills which are embedded in the course curriculum to the real world of work.Our dedicated team of careers advisors are on hand to help you to develop your careermanagement skills, to assist you in acquiringthe skills needed to be successful in theselection process and to provide advice andguidance through the process of job search and career planning.

All types of work experience can enhance your employability; volunteering or even yourpart-time job can show an employer what youare capable of achieving. The University has adepartment which is dedicated to helping youfind voluntary work if you are interested in

pursuing that opportunity. Under the terms ofyour student visa you will be able to work forup to 20 hours per week during term time andfull time during University vacations.

Current UK immigration regulations mean that international students, after successfulcompletion of their degree, will be eligible to extend their stay in the UK for an additional 2 years and to undertake full-time paidemployment. This will provide an excellentopportunity to gain valuable experience and insight into the world of work and will significantly enhance your CV and future prospects.

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We appreciate that coming to study in the UK involves a significant commitment onyour part in terms of finance, time and change of lifestyle. We are, therefore, alwaysdelighted by the many messages we receive from our students, both past andpresent on how they have found their time with us. Here are a few profiles of ourstudents which show how they feel they have benefited from studying at TheUniversity of Northampton.

Student Profiles

There are a number of important reasons I chose to study at The University of Northampton. Thecombination of subjects really appealed to me as wellas the scholarship I was offered. I applied directly tothe University, and although there was quite a bit ofpaperwork, I found it quite an easy process, and theUniversity office in Karachi was really helpful.

Living in the UK can sometimes seem expensive forinternational students new to the country, but I foundNorthampton to be a more cost effective place to livethan many other towns and cities in the UK. Moststudents have a job at the same time as studying and I would definitely recommend this approach to otherinternational students. The University itself is a goodplace to find work, especially for student ambassadorroles or working at one of the campus shops.

Naomi Alesworth, PAKISTANBA (Hons) Sociology and Third World Development

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Abdul came to Northampton through a scholarshipto study for a BSc (Hon) in Paramedic Science.Before starting this programme Abdul studiedThe University of Northampton InternationalFoundation Programme for a year. Now in thesecond year of his BSc, Abdul is full of praise forthe courses which he has studied.

“The International Foundation Programme gaveme the skills I need to succeed in my BachelorsDegree and the teacher gave us lots of support.”

“My course is really great because it gives methe knowledge I need to be a paramedic as wellas the experience through my placement at a local ambulance station. My experience at The University of Northampton has been reallypositive and the staff at The International Officehave been very helpful throughout my time here.”

I have been studying at The University ofNorthampton for more than two years. In thesetwo years, I have made lots of friends come frommany different countries, including France,Germany, Turkey, Ghana, and Nigeria. It isamazing that we have different cultures,different mother languages, differentbackgrounds, and everyone likes to share the experiences, we are just like a big family. The environment in Park Campus is wonderful,there are many green spaces, and you can walkwherever and whenever you want, it just feelslike home. The lecturers and tutors are veryhelpful and they answer all of my questionswith great patience and understanding.I just want to move ahead with an incrediblestudent life here, I received a lot of help and I’m very grateful.

My experience at The University of Northamptonwas one of the most exciting and memorableyears of my life. The English tuition and supportat the University helped me to overcome thechallenge of study in a country with a verydifferent culture to my own. The enthusiasmand teaching methods of the tutors improvedmy skills and, most importantly made me more confident.

I came from a background of accounting andauditing KPMG Vietnam. This prior experiencehas helped me a lot when I became a studenton the MSc Accounting and Finance. Basic andadvanced book keeping, auditing, the globalfinancial strategy are key areas that I havegained knowledge in through studying at The University of Northampton.

Finally, I would like to give special thanks to allof the enthusiastic lecturers and helpful staff at the Business School for the added value I got when studying here.

Abdul Al-Oudah, SAUDI ARABIAInternational Foundation Programme; BSc Paramedic Science

Ming Zheng, CHINABA (Hons) Information Systems (top up)

Tuan Phan, VIETNAMPre-sessional Academic English

Studying in the UK is a great experience interms of the level of education and also theadvantage that a UK university Degree is goingto give me wherever I apply for employment.

I chose the BA Fashion Marketing course due tothe popularity and therefore good quality of thecourse at the university. It is one of the onlyuniversities that offer this course in a quicklyexpanding and important career area.

The application process for the University wassimple and when I arrived here the process ofaccommodation and settling in was madesurprisingly easy by the International Officeteam, who provided an easy-going and safeenvironment where I felt at ease to ask for any help needed.

One of the main reasons which put The Universityof Northampton on top my list was the interviewI had with the International Officer and Director.They were very forthcoming, honest about theUniversity and also had no qualms in repeatingor re-iterating a few points or queries which I had in mind. Northampton not only focuses on the academic aspect but also encompassesmany others such as the creative one.

The benefits of living in Northampton is becauseeverything is not too far off and easily accessible,commuting is not a big deal. The Universitycampus is lovely and compact. I remember how nervous and lonely I was the first week Igot here, but the student ambassadors changedthat for me. They are so helpful and will go outof their way to assist you with any difficultiesyou are facing.

I am enjoying every bit of my student life hereat Northampton.

Studying at The University of Northampton has been an unbelievable experience both inacademics and social life. My course enables me to gain both theoretical and practicalknowledge in the field which will prove valuablewhen I get back to my country. I have found the whole atmosphere very friendly, my fellow students as well as the lecturers are very helpful. I would definitely recommend The University of Northampton; it’s the bestplace for life and study.

Daniela Porto, BRAZILBA (Hons) Fashion Marketing

Tahnia Kapoor, INDIABSc (Joint Honours) Psychology and Human Resource Management

Rispah Okelo, KENYABSc (Joint Honours) Human Bioscience and Health studies

The University has an excellent reputation for all aspects of student support.QAA audits have repeatedly given the highest possible score for this aspect of our provision and student feedback consistently praises the friendly andapproachable nature of our staff. At The University of Northampton you will not just be one of the crowd.

Supporting You

Academic Support

The University provides a variety of servicesspecifically aimed at supporting your studieswith us. Each student is allocated a personaltutor whom they meet on a regular basis. These tutors are academics who are membersof the course team. Their main concern is to seethat you are studying effectively and to ensurethat there are no obstacles blocking your pathto academic success. They are also concernedwith your personal well being and can help youto obtain more specialist advice and support ifyou need it.

English Language Support

We recognise that even though you have metthe University’s English language requirements,you may need some additional support at sometime during your course. As an internationalstudent you will be able to access free Englishlanguage support throughout your studies. This takes the form of weekly seminars coveringareas such as reading, writing, listening andspeaking. The seminars are designed to supportstudents in areas where they feel they haveweaknesses. Individual tutorial times can also be arranged with our EFL team who are there to help students wherever possible.

The Centre for Academic Practice

The Centre for Academic Practice (CfAP) is anopen learning and teaching centre with baseson both campuses. It is staffed by academictutors who can assist students in developing allthe key skills which are relevant to their course.These might, for example, include analyticalthinking, statistical analysis, critical reading and dissertation preparation.

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In addition to academic support the University provides a range of personal supportservices to ensure that you are supported in all aspects of your university life.

Settling In

Meet and Greet

The University offers a free ‘Meet and Greet’service at London Heathrow Airport forinternational students arriving in September.Students who sign up for this service will bemet at the airport by a university representativeand brought directly from the airport to theuniversity by coach, thus avoiding the problemsand expense of finding your own way toNorthampton. Further details about this service will be sent to you with your offer.

Welcome Week

We recognise that many of our internationalstudents will be visiting the UK for the firsttime. To ensure that you settle in quickly andreceive all the practical advice and guidance you need, you will be invited to join ourInternational Welcome Programme which takesplace immediately prior to the start of yourcourse. During this programme you will be given detailed information about issues such asopening a bank account, obtaining a part-timejob, getting a National Insurance Number,registering with a doctor etc. We also organise a range of social activities during this weekwhich will enable you to relax and to meet up with other international students.

Accommodation

The University has a range of on-campusaccommodation available for students.International students are guaranteed on-campus accommodation provided theyreturn the appropriate paperwork by therelevant deadline. Help can also be provided in finding private sector accommodation forthose who wish to live off campus.

Student Health Service

All international students who are studyingwith us for more than six months are entitled tofree health care under the UK’s National HealthService and to assist you with any possiblehealth-related problems, we have a Doctor’ssurgery on Park Campus for all students livingon campus or close to the University. You canmake an appointment to see either a nurse or doctor and there is a number for out of hours emergencies.

Visa Advice

The University provides advice and support inrelation to immigration matters. For example, if you need to extend your visa or apply for aPost Study Work Visa, advice is available.

Career Guidance

We are aware that you have made a substantialinvestment in your education in order toenhance your career prospects. Our CareersGuidance team will provide advice and supportthroughout your time with us in order toachieve your career goals. As well as assistingyou to identify and develop the skills needed to promote yourself effectively in the jobmarket, they will also help you to hone yourcareer management skills in order to plan ahead for the future.

Chaplaincy/Religious Provision

The University has a multi-faith Chaplaincywhich serves the whole University community.The chaplains are drawn from a number ofdenominations and faiths and have contactswith other faith communities throughout the area. A prayer room is also provided forMuslim students.

International Office

The International Office provides advice andsupport throughout the application process. The team at the International Office haveextensive experience in supporting internationalstudents and can provide guidance on allaspects of qualification equivalents, Englishlanguage requirements and immigration andvisa applications.

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Campus Facilities

Libraries

The University has two libraries, one on eachcampus. They hold more than 375,000 booksand provide access to over 15,000 printed andonline journals. We have a dedicated team ofacademic librarians that provide subject-specificsupport for postgraduate students via theEnquiry Desks in the day time and an onlineVirtual Librarian service which can be accessed

24 hours a day. The Academic Librarians offer a range of support for learning and developingkey skills in finding and using informationresources, including online, one-to-one and class based tutorials. Both libraries have a Help Desk where students can ask forinformation and help. Help Desk staff can help with anything from finding a book to support on the computers.

IT Centres

A comprehensive computer based service isavailable across both campuses for staff andstudents. There are over 500 work stationsavailable for student use and wireless enabledlaptops can also be borrowed. Student Apple

Macs (Macs) are also available at AvenueCampus. Just like the two libraries, the ITCentres provide students with networked andwireless computer systems with printing andcopying facilities. As well as full Microsoft Officepackages, each machine also allows access tothe World Wide Web (internet) and electronicmail (email). Many PCs and Macs offerspecialised software such as Photoshop.

The IT Centres offer open access to students 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you arenew to computing there is a range of supportavailable, from computer based tutorials to freetraining courses, organised on site to help youlearn and develop. Personal friendly advice isavailable at each Help Desk.

At The University of Northampton we provide extensive learning and researchresources to support postgraduate programmes as well as a range of othercampus facilities.

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Student Union

There are Student Union buildings on bothAvenue and Park Campuses. These provide aninformal venue where you can meet with otherstudents in a relaxing environment. The SUoffers a competitively priced menu of barsnacks as well as a shop selling a range of goodsincluding phone cards, stationery, newspapersetc. At night they offer a varied entertainmentprogramme. The Students Union also organisesa wide range of clubs and societies. These arerun by our students and vary from year to year,depending on student interest. Current sportsclubs include Football, Rugby, Hockey, Netballand Table Tennis as well as more specialistinterests such as Lacrosse, kickboxing and Tae Kwando. The growing number of societiesincludes the International Student Society, theChess Club, Afro-Caribbean Society, ChristianUnion, Islamic Society and the Law Society.

Restaurants

There are restaurants serving students and staffon both campuses. They provide a good range ofhot and cold food and drink to suit most tastes.

Campus shops

There are mini-supermarkets and bookshops at both Park and Avenue campuses. The supermarkets stock a range of general basic foodstuffs including fresh fruit andvegetables, groceries, chilled and frozen food,dairy products, bread, newspapers etc. whilstthe bookshops liaise with lecturers to stock allthe prescribed and recommended titles for yourcourse as well as general stationery, phonecards, postage stamps, etc.

Sports Facilities

The university has a number of outdoorfootball/rugby pitches and a fully equippedsports hall and gym. The adjoining King’s Centreoffers facilities for many sporting activities. Inthe town there are numerous sport and leisurecentres, both municipal and private, threeexcellent swimming complexes, several golfcourses in and around the area, as well asopportunities for sailing, water-skiing, canoeing and flying.

Accommodation

Halls of Residence

The University has over 1,600 places in Halls of Residence on both campuses and our Halls of Residence provide a friendly andlively community in which to live. We have a guaranteed place scheme for students whoare new to the University and who complete all the necessary documents and payments bythe closing date as given in your offer letter.

You will have your own single room (there are a limited number of double rooms, but as these are cheaper, demand usually exceedssupply) and will share kitchen facilities with five or six other students. All our on-campusaccommodation is self-catering. Many roomshave en-suite facilities. There is also theopportunity to select a room in a female only Hall of Residence.

The rooms are furnished with bed, desk,wardrobe, bookshelves and chair. The rent which you pay includes all utility bills (heating,lighting, water and electricity). On arrival youwill be provided with a pack containing bedlinen, duvet cover, pillow and kitchenequipment. This will cost approximately £50.

The Halls of Residence provide a friendly and lively community in which to live. TheUniversity Residential Life Team provide fulltimemembers of staff who are available to provideadvice and support for students 24 hours perday. In addition, there is a team of studentAssistant Wardens who can help residents with any queries or problems. Internet access is available in the vast majority of our rooms for a small additional charge. Those roomswhich do not have internet access are within a short distance of a computer suite which isavailable 24/7.

Private Rented Accommodation

Whilst we strongly recommend that allpostgraduate students seek accommodation in our Halls of Residence, you may wish to seekaccommodation in the Private Rented Sector.Information about vacancies in student housesare on our database which can be accessed via Accommodation Services Home Page:http://www.northampton.ac.uk/info/20163/accommodation

Accommodation Costs

Living costs in Northampton are lower than in most major centres in the UK. Despite beingonly one hour by train from London, you canexpect to pay approximately 30% less for your accommodation in Northampton than elsewhere.

Virtual Tour

We realise that it may be very difficult for you to choose which type of accommodationyou would prefer to apply for from a distance.To assist you with this the University web sitehas a virtual tour facility showing ouraccommodation. Please visithttp://www.northampton.ac.uk/info/20163/accommodation/243/halls-of-residence

Living on campus at either Avenue or Park is a great way of being close to yourstudy, making new friends and making full use of campus facilities.

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Northampton offers many opportunities forpart-time work and most of our students havepart-time jobs in local businesses.

Working in the UKWhile you study

International students who come to study on a full-time programme in the UK for more than 6 months will be allowed to work part-time duringtheir studies. Your student visa will allow you to work for up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during the University vacations.

Job Shop

The University provides a ‘Job Shop’ which is based in the Student Centre and is dedicated to helpingstudents find suitable work which they can fit aroundtheir studies. The UK has minimum wage legislationwhich means that you cannot be paid less than theamount set by the Government. On average, ourstudents earn between £5.00 and £6.00 per hour. The money you earn from part-time work is, of course,useful in helping you to meet some of your expenses,but you cannot rely on part-time work for thepayment of your tuition fees and accommodation.

To assist you in this area, the University providesadvice in obtaining employment and guidance abouttax and National Insurance matters.

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Living costs in Northampton are lower thanin most major UK cities making student lifemore affordable. On average you shouldbudget for between £6,000 and £7,000 perannum, for accommodation, food, clothing,travel, books etc. This amount is in additionto your tuition fees.

How muchwill it cost?

Tuition Fees

The tuition fees for individual courses vary. Please refer to the ‘InternationalStudents’ section of the University web-site for up-to-date information aboutfees for international students: www.northampton.ac.uk

Living costs

Living in Northampton offers excellent value for money. One of our BA (Hons)Information Systems (top up) students, Ming Zheng, kindly provided anestimate of his living costs for a year as follows-

University Halls of Residence accommodation £2,750Food and toiletries £1,500Books and stationery £250Travel (excluding international flights) £200Laundry £150Mobile phone £150Insurance £50Clothes £350Social life £1,000

Estimated living costs for 12 months in Northampton £6,400

This is a guide only. Obviously life style and preferences vary from student to student.

International Scholarship Scheme

As the University is committed to widening participation in Higher Education,particularly for international students, we make every effort to ensure that ourcourses are affordable and offer value for money. To support this mission wehave established a Scholarship Scheme which provides financial support forinternational students with strong academic backgrounds. These awards aremerit based and can reduce your tuition fees by 25%. All undergraduatecourses fall within the scheme and all students are, therefore, eligible to apply.Full details of the application process and deadlines can be found on theInternational Students section of our web-site www.northampton.ac.uk

Other sources of funding for international postgraduate students

The majority of students who come to the UK for their undergraduate studiessupport themselves through private means, usually from a combination ofsavings, loans or family support. Some international students seek assistancevia scholarships provided by their home country, the UK government,international organisations or charitable trusts. Competition for these funds isvery fierce. For further help and guidance on other sources of funding pleasecontact your local British Council office or visit the British Council web-site:www.britishcouncil.org or visit the UKCISA web-site at www.ukcisa.org.uk

After graduation

Recent changes to the UK immigration rules (The PostStudy Work Visa) mean that undergraduate students will be allowed to stay in the UK and work for up to two years after successful completion of their course of studies. This opportunity could, of course, provide a valuable insight into working in the UK and willsignificantly enhance your CV and future employmentprospects when you return to your home country orseek work anywhere in the world. Our careers servicewill be able to provide advice and guidance about job-search techniques and tools and you can obtain up-to-date information about any changes to the visaregulations from our Student Services.

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Northampton

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