London South Bank University

Address and Location

London South Bank University (LSBU) is based in the Elephant Castle, Southwark part of London. It's an area that has been described as "up and coming" for some time and looks increasingly ready to fulfil its potential following major public investment and regeneration.

 

Background and History

Founded in 1892 as Borough Polytechnic, the university amalgamated with four other institutions in 1970 to become South Bank Polytechnic. In 1992, the college was granted university status and changed its name accordingly.

Location and Accessibility

By Rail: LSBU is easily reached via the London Underground - take the Northern or Bakerloo lines to Elephant and Castle. The university is also within walking distance of Waterloo and London Bridge overground stations.

By Road: Being in Central London, driving to LSBU is not advisable. Limited parking is available for visitors.

Accessibility: Most university facilities are wheelchair-accessible and accommodation is provided for students with disabilities.

What's on Offer

BA, BSc, BEng, LLB- HND, BTEC, Fda, FdSc, MA, MSc, LLM, PG Dip, MBA, MPhil, MRes, PhD

Entry Requirements

Entry standards vary between subjects, with most courses requiring more than 200 UCAS points. Specific programme information can be found on the LSBU website.

University Accommodation

LSBU residences are ideally placed for public transport, all being within five minutes of an Underground station. The university provides four residential buildings, all within a ten-minute walk of the main campus in Southwark.

Private Accommodation

The LSBU Accommodation Service assists students looking for private accommodation. Prices in the centre of London are extremely high; most students therefore choose to live in suburbs and commute to the university campus.

Academic Strengths and Research Profile

LSBU is engaged in research across the arts, humanities and sciences. Southbank does not rank highly in UK university league tables, however, regularly falling in the lowest fifth of listed institutions. That said, in recent years the university has considerably improved its graduate employability record.  

Tuition Fees

Undergraduate courses currently cost £9,000 per year. Fees for international students and postgraduates vary.    

Financial Support: A variety of scholarships and means-tested bursaries are available to undergraduates and postgraduates. Check the university website for more details.

Academic Facilities

The main LSBU libraries are well-equipped and wi-fi is provided across the university. Laboratory and lecture facilities are generally of a good standard.  

Other on-site Amenities

LSBU boasts an active students' union and good on-site sports facilities, including a fitness suite, free-weights room and sports injury clinic. Recently opened is a new Student Centre, home to the various support services on offer.  

Social and Medical Care

LSBU is committed to helping its students in all aspects of university life. The new Student Centre at the main campus provides advice, learning-support and accommodation services to the university community. Students are required to register with a local GP upon enrolment at the university.  

What's going on in the Area

In terms of location Elephant and Castle is hard to beat, sitting within easy reach of London Bridge, Southwark, South Bank, Waterloo and Westminster. The best of the capital's shopping, eating and nightlife are only a stone's throw from the university.    

Moving On

LSBU provides a dedicated careers service, offering students advice and support when searching for work-experience and postgraduate employment.

In recent years LSBU has improved its record for leaver employability. In 2011, the university ranked 6th in the UK for graduate starting salaries, according to the Sunday Times.  

Is LSBU the place for you?

Three-quarters of students at LSBU are from the Greater London area, with the rest drawn from across the UK and the world. More than 60 per cent of students are aged 25 and over. At LSBU, courses are focussed on professional skills and employability; in this way. the university is tailor-made for studentsfocused more on their future career than achieving academic excellence.