The University of Surrey

Address and Location

The University of Surrey's main campus is situated on Guildford's Stag Hill, near the city cathedral. A second is located a mile south-west, at Manor Park. Both sites are surrounded by Guildford town, just south of London.

 

 

Background and History

The university's modern campus at Stag Hill was built in the 1960s, but the roots of the institution go back further to the founding of Battersea Polytechnic Institute in South London in 1891. Focused on science and technical subjects, the college gradually outgrow its buildings in London and relocated to a greenfield site in nearby Guildford. A second campus has been added since the institute gained university status in 1992.

Location and Accessibility

By Rail: Both campuses are a short walk from Guildford Railway Station, which has connections across the South-East and a fast service to London.

By Road: Manor Park is proudly car-free; driving in the area is discouraged and parking spaces non-existent. The main Guildford campus has parking facilities, however, and is easily accessed from the A3.

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

What's on Offer

BA, BSc, MA, MSc, MBA Graduate Diploma, Postgraduate Diploma, Postgraduate Certificate, MRes, MPhil, PhD, EngD

Entry Requirements

Entry standards for degree courses are generally high, requiring AAA-ABB at A-Level. Specific course information can be found on the university website.

University Accommodation

Most accommodation at the university is modern and of a good standard, having been built since the move to Guildford in the 1960s.Catered and self-catered options are available.  

Private Accommodation

The university manages a number of houses on behalf of local landlords, which can be a good way for students to enter into the rental market in their second and third years of study. The university also provides a list of approved landlords to help students avoid getting short-changed.

Academic Strengths and Research Profile

Surrey is known for its research in space and satellites, working closely with Surrey Space Centre. The university is best-known for teaching sciences and technical subjects, excelling in civil, chemical and other engineering courses in the National Student Survey, and recognised as a 5* institution for the same by the Research Assessment Exercise.

Tuition Fees

In 2014, undergraduate courses 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 at the university, including the Chancellor Scholarship for academic excellence and a number of sports awards. Check the university website for more details.

Academic Facilities

The university has extensive laboratory facilities for teaching and research in science and engineering subjects. These are complemented by a refurbished central library, with extensive IT provision and support for distance learners. Because the university is home to Surrey Space Centre, students have unique opportunities to undertake space research and satellite design and development.    

Other on-site Amenities

BBC Radio Surrey is based on campus, and shares its broadcasting facilities with the university radio team. Student sports are catered for via Surrey Sports Park, which offers a fitness centre, swimming pool, lawn and clay tennis courts and a climbing centre. Recently, the university's old sports centre hasbeen converted into a performing arts space featuring practice rooms and a theatre.  

Medical and Social Care

The university provides its own medical practice and health centre, offering GP services, sexual health screening and counselling for students. The university runs a nursery for the children of staff and students and provides an impressive range of faith support services. On campus are a synagogue, Islamic prayer hall and chapel.

 

What's on in the Area?

Guildford is a small city, with student nightlife centred around pubs rather than the hectic bar and club scene found at other universities. That's not to say Surrey students don't know how to have fun. The university Students' Union run an impressive roster of events, including regular evening trips into London. Around Guildford there are numerous golf courses and cycling routes, as well as cinemas, restaurants and theatres in the town centre.

Moving On

Graduate employability is extremely high at Surrey. The university provides a careers service to guide students towards employment and a number of skills courses to boost their CV and interview techniques.

A researcher at the University of Surrey was recently selected by the European Space Agency to undertake a mission to the International Space Station. Led Zeppelin played their first ever gig at the university, having previously toured as the New Yardbirds.

Is Surrey Right for you?

Few universities are better-equipped than Surrey for science and engineering research.Bonus points are scored for the university's modern facilities and being so close to London. For comparison, consider Brunel or Brighton University.