University of Bolton

History

1824 Bolton Mechanics Institute opened as the third in the UK.

1982 Bolton Institute.

1989 Bolton Institute incorporated as independent HEI.

1990 Granted taught degree awarding powers.

1994 Granted research degree awarding powers.

2005 Given the title, University of Bolton.

2008 Opened campus in Unites Arab Emirates.

Location and Transport

Bolton is one of the largest towns in the UK, and has excellent motorway and rail links to major cities.

Liverpool and Manchester are within half an hour. The Lake District, West Pennine Moors and Yorkshire Dales are within easy reach, and the bright lights of Blackpool are just an hour away.

Manchester airport is close by, which runs a direct train service to Bolton.

Entry Standards

The UCAS tariffs for our 3-year honours degrees range from 220–300 points. The exact qualifications and grades needed vary between courses. Visit our website for more details on entry requirements for each course.

Student Mix

4,350 full-time undergraduate students.

1,735 part-time undergraduate students.

1,788 postgraduate students.

Female 4,017 (51%), male 3,854 (49%).

13% of our undergraduate students are from outside the UK, including other EU countries.

Course Flexibility

Pre-degree and further education courses: access courses; foundation years and semesters; Diploma in Foundation Studies (Art and Design) – Edexcel.

Undergraduate Courses: single and joint honours are available; bachelor degrees e.g. BA (Hons), BSc (Hons), BEng (Hons), MEng BDes (Hons), LLB (Hons); foundation degree e.g. FdA, FdSc; Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) and Higher National Certificates (HNCs) .

Many of our courses can be studied on a part-time basis. We also provide opportunities for study via distance learning.

Teaching Standards

Staff are highly qualified and experienced, and are key to a successful career.

Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) awarded a judgment of 'confidence' in academic standards and quality of learning opportunities.

Research Standards

The University of Bolton is an enterprising and professional university that is recognised for its long standing research tradition and pioneering links with business and industry.

We enjoy an excellent reputation locally, nationally and internationally for the quality of our research activities.

Research and innovation underpins the university's teaching and ensures the quality of our courses. This ensures that our student body benefits from outstanding teaching, in an environment which is conducive to discovery and new ways of thinking.

Our relationships with public and private sector organisations are strong; whether working with a regional SME to improve their competitive edge or collaborating in international, multi-million pound research programmes.

Recognised world-leaders in smart materials research and development.

Pioneering research into the potential biomedical applications of Auxetic materials.

Researching and developing composite materials for use in a variety of applications from engineering to safety equipment.

Development and continued progression of a photovoltaic-piezoelectric fibre – a fibre that can generate electricity from movement, wind, wave and solar power.

Student Facilities

Our dedicated Student Services team provide information, advice and guidance on a wide range of issues, including accommodation, counselling, support for disabled students, student health and wellbeing, immigration, student finance and university procedures.

Our Student Services department has been Matrix Standard accredited since 2005.

One mainm two-floor university library on campus, open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The library has held the Government Standard Customer Service Excellence for 10 years.

The library offers full printing and photocopying facilities along with a range of self-service facilities.

For less formal methods of study and group work, or to just catch up with friends there is the Social Learning Zone (SLZ) which includes the new Tech Zone.

The new Tech Zone includes eight iMacs and 26 Dell touch-screen PCs which can be used for study or general use.

Staff on the IT Support, library and subject help desks can assist with any enquiries.

Regional and national schemes allow the University of Bolton students and staff to join other university libraries in the UK via various access agreement schemes.

Internet enabled PCs are available in the library, Senate House and across the campus.

Campus-wide wireless network for students.

Disability Services

At the University of Bolton we are committed to equality, diversity and provide a supportive environment for all. We welcome both home and international students with physical and sensory impairments, mental health issues, medical conditions and specific learning difficulties.

Visit the website for information on the disability services at the University of Bolton.

Telephone 01204 903478 or email a Disability Adviser at disability@bolton.ac.uk.

Students' Union

The students' union is now part of the £2.5-million Social Learning Zone.

The union's mission statement is 'To enhance the student experience'.

The University of Bolton Students' Union (UBSU) is the representative body for students at Bolton.

UBSU exists to represent our students, to provide services (social, commercial and welfare) without discrimination

There are a range of clubs and societies at the university. They are open to everyone to join. Most of the clubs and societies are organised by the students' union and are run by students for students. New volunteers are always needed, and students can get involved in the running and promotion of a club or society that interests them.

The students' union bar space – the Loft – strives to 'enhance the student experience' through the leadership of the students' union elected representatives. It provides a relaxed and safe environment, free from intimidation and discrimination.

Sport

Facilities available to students, staff and the local community are provided by both the University and Bolton Council and are housed in the new £31-million Bolton One development and include an eight-lane, 25-metre competition swimming pool, sports hall and climbing wall, a fitness suite with weights, cardio and resistance training, an aerobics studio and community gym, an Athlete Development Centre and sports rehabilitation and exercise and conditioning clinics.

There is a full and varied timetable of classes and sessions, offering something for everyone.

There are sports clubs affiliated to the Students' Union which are run by students for students, and open to university students who wishing to play sports competitively or just for fun.

Partnerships arrangements are in place with local community clubs allowing them the use of our facilities.