The University of Northampton

Located in the heart of the East Midlands between Birmingham and London, the University of Northampton is spread across two campuses just outside the town centre. Northampton's largest campus, Park Campus, is set within 30 hectares of open, green space while Avenue Campus, one mile from the town, is the university's centre for art, design, technology, architecture and performance.

 

Background and History

Northampton town has a long education history, though the university itself didn't begin evolution until the early 20^th century. Established in 1924, Northampton's series of higher education buildings went through many changes and mergers before finally being given university status and research degree awarding powers in 2005. Northampton is now globally renowned for its specialisms in subjects such as Wastes Management, Leather Technology and Fashion. As part of the university's recent strategy, Northampton aims to be the top university in the UK by 2015 for social enterprise.

Location and Accessibility

Road: Situated in the East Midlands, between London and Birmingham, Northampton is easily reached from most directions. The M1 offers easy access to the city from Junctions 15 (A45), 15A (A5123) and 16 (A4500).

Rail: Northampton railway station appears on many intercity routes. On arrival in Northampton, the town is half a mile away to the east.

Northampton's Access Ability Team strives to promote equality across the university, allowing people of all abilities to achieve their goals. Based at the Student Centre at Park Campus, the team welcomes any student to discuss their specific requirements so that the university can be as accommodating as possible, offering advice and guidance on issues such as examination procedures, Disabled Students' Allowance, halls of residence priority and safety.

What's on Offer

BSc, BA, BEng, MEng, MA, MSc, MBL, MBA, LLM, LLB, EYPS, DMS, PGCE, MPhil, PhD.

Entry Requirements

The university normally makes its degree offers in terms of a UCAS points score between 240 and 280. Nevertheless, some degree courses may require a particular qualification at A-Level or equivalent.

University Accommodation

Halls of residence are the accommodation of choice for most first year and international students. Northampton has more than 1,600 bed spaces in halls of residence on both campuses and in the town centre.

Private Accommodation

Northampton Accommodation Service assists students with finding private housing outside of campus and produces a regular housing list of university-approved accommodations.

Faculties and Departments

The University of Northampton is divided into six different schools: The School of the Arts, the School of Education, the School of Health, Northampton Business School, the School of Science and Technology and the School of Social Sciences.

Academic Strengths and Research Profile

Northampton has a growing reputation for cutting edge research, which is essential to the overall mission of the university's School of Social Studies, among other departments. The university also has a network of Centres of Research Excellence that produce research of international relevance. Such institutes include the Centre for China, Transitional and Developing Economies Research and the Centre for Contemporary Fiction and Narrative.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees vary depending on the course of study and whether you wish to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level. Fees for overseas students are also likely to be higher than those for UK/EU students. For further information it is advisable to contact the university directly or visit their website.

Financial Support

Northampton offers UK/EU students an income-dependent bursary of £500 to £1,000 and a number of other financial aids, including the Tate Scholarship, the Max Engel Memorial Bursary and the Worshipful Company of Cordwainers' Scholarship.

Northampton also has international scholarships in the form of The Northampton Santander Masters Scholarship and The University of Northampton International Scholarship Scheme, which covers up to 25% of a student's tuition fees.

Academic Facilities

Northampton has 24-hour IT services on both campuses, alongside Wi-Fi access. Providing more than 370,000 and 15,000 journals, the two campus libraries offer everything a Northampton student could ever need. The libraries are also available to visitors, students from partner colleges and members of the local community.  

Other on-site Amenities

In addition to the many shops selling food, newspapers and magazines, Northampton has two booksellers, one on either campus, that stock a wide range of essential titles for academic study. Northampton's sports facilities provide staff and students access to a sports hall, dance studio, playing fields and a gym. The studio itself organises various activities, including Yoga, Pilates, Circuits and Dance. The university restaurants, operated on both Park and Avenue campuses, are committed to serving healthy, ethical, local and organic products. The Students Union meanwhile, provides students with campus bars, the NN2 nightclub on Park and all manner of entertainment.

 

Medical and Social Care

Located at Park Campus and open every day during term time, the doctors' surgery is available to all students of the university. As well as a medical service, the surgery also has drop-in counselling sessions. The university Chaplain Centre is open every day and welcomes staff and students alike. The centre regularly hosts events such as drop-in lunches, Yoga and Meditation sessions. More than just bringers of entertainment, the Students' Union represents students across the university. The Union organises many aspects of student life, including sports club and societies, restaurant facilities, advice and guidance on personal issues and employment prospects.

What's on in the Area

Right in the centre of Northamptonshire (the oft named Rose of the Shires'), Northampton has plenty for people to see and do. From Althorp, the birthplace of Diana, Princess of Wales, to Cottesbrooke Hall and Gardens, Northampton is rarely a dull visit.

Moving On

Northampton provides students with a Careers and Employability Service, which organises various career-enriching events, including careers fairs and an employability week. The service also offers advice on CV writing, job hunting and interview techniques.

Northampton Sport and Exercise Science graduate Bobby White went on to become captain of Great Britain's Olympic Handball Team. Honorary alumni include Formula 1 driver Damon Hill, BBC Radio broadcaster Andrew Collins and former England rugby star Ben Cohen.  

Is the University of Northampton the place for you?

Come to Northampton if you have a passion for social enterprise and glorious landscapes Avoid if you require the urban life of a bustling city. Why not try Birmingham City University?