The University of Salford

The University of Salford has three campuses, all within a ten-minute walk of each other and linked by a free on-campus bus service. The main campus is the Peel park campus, which is less than 1.5 miles away from Manchester city centre. This is supported by the Frederick Road and Adelphi campuses. The University also has major links to the newly opened MediaCityUK (it has its very own learning, research and resource centre at the site), making it an attractive option for aspiring media students.

 

 

Background and History

The University of Salford's roots go back to 1896, with the forming of the Royal Technical Institute. After various developments, the institution gained university status in 1967 when the Royal College of Advanced Technology became the University of Salford (the University College Salford and the University of Salford merged into a single institution in 1996).

Location and Accessibility

By rail: Salford Crescent station lies in the middle of the campus. Direct services run to and from Manchester (Airport, Piccadilly and Victoria), Blackpool, Bolton, Buxton, Blackburn, Southport, Preston, Lancaster and Barrow-in-Furness.

By road: Given how easily accessible the University is by train, this remains the best option as car parking on campus is limited and it is easy to get around. However, Salford is easily linked to the likes of the M1, M6, M56, M62 etc.

Ease of access for disabled students: All buildings and facilities are wheelchair friendly, and accommodation designed for people with disabilities is available. Be aware that the campus has some steep slopes and not all of it is level. For further information, email [email protected].

What's on Offer

Undergraduate: BA, BSc, BEng, FdSc, LLB, MEng.Postgraduate: MSc, PgDip, MA, PgCert, MBA, LLM, MRes.

Entry Requirements

Using the UCAS tariff system, entrance requirements to specific programmes vary but examples include: BSc (Hons) Computer Science: 300 points. BSc (Hons) Geography: 240 points. BSc (Hons) Psychology: 300 points.

University Accommodation

Incoming students have a choice of seven halls of residence, two of which (Constantine Court and Horlock Court) are based right in the centre of the campus, with all other accommodation being no more than a ten-minute walk from the campus. One hall " Mathias Court " is exclusive to postgraduate students. Two of the halls (Constantine Court and iQ Student Quarter) come with en suite facilities whilst the others have shared bathrooms.

Private Accommodation

Alternatively, you may prefer a flat/house share if you don't fancy University accommodation. There is a massive variety of appropriate private housing across Manchester and Salford, so make sure you do your research for the best offer.

Faculties and Departments

The University of Salford is divided into three faculties: the College of Arts and Social Sciences, the College of Health and Social Care and the College of Science and Technology.  

Academic Strengths and Research Profile

The University of Salford has progressed in terms of its research profile, something which was recognised by the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise. In this, the University was placed in the top third of UK universities for research (in terms of Research Power) and returned 50% more academics than in 2001.

Tuition Fees

Undergraduates, overseas students and postgraduate fees vary by course, with discount available in some cases (e.g. household income, beating a certain quota in the UCAS points tariff system). See your course's homepage for further details.  

Financial Support

Grants are available, based on household income. The system is linked to Student Finance England, meaning you don't have to apply for a grant as your household income details (given as part of your student finance application) will determine whether you are entitled or not. As mentioned above, there are also certain discounts on tuition fees.

Academic Facilities

The University of Salford has four library sites (Adelphi, Allerton, Clifford Whitworth and the Law library). On offer are 2,000 study places, over 320,000 electronic books and more than 30,000 unique journal titles. There are also 800 PC workstations available.  

Other On-Site Amenities

The University's student's union is in the centre of the campus and promises to champion the student voice, maintain active student communities and ensure a robust student focus. In addition to bar and cafe facilities, there are sports and activity groups to suit every taste.

Medical and Social Care

The university's health centre is a branch of the Langworthy Medical Practice, on the third floor of the Maxwell Building. It is open to students Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. Nurses are available often without requiring appointments for minor issues and doctors can be seen by appointment.

 

What's on in the Area?

Being within the immediate vicinity of Manchester, not much needs to be said in that respect. But Salford is an exciting place to live in its own right. After years of decline, money has been pumped into the city and it is now on the rise.

 

Moving On

The University runs an extensive careers service which aims to help students with career planning, improve employability and help find work experience/voluntary work/part-time work.

Former Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr and Shameless star David Threlfall are current high profile figures involved in the University's teaching. The University has partnerships with a variety of local and multinational companies, including SSL owners of Scholl and Durex. Well-known alumni include Peter Kay (comedian), Jason Manford (comedian), Rosie Smith (former keyboardist in Cradle of Filth), Nigel Adkins (Southampton FC manager), Andrew Gwynne, George Howarth, Barbara Keeley (current Labour MPs), Norman Whiteside (Manchester United FC legend).

Is the University of Salford the place for you?

Come to the University of Salford if you are attracted by the prospect of living in one of the most exciting areas in the country. It is also a good place to study for media students, with the University's partnership with MediaCityUK providing the ideal opportunity to get to know, and learn from, experts in the industry. Though the University of Salford has impressive media connections, it is still to establish itself as a top-quality provider of media courses. In this case, check out Staffordshire University or the University of Westminster.