The University of Westminster

Westminster has four campuses found on Regent Street, New Cavendish Street, Marylebone and a final site outside central London in Harrow. All campuses are accessible by tube, although Oxford Circus can become clogged with tourists in summer so may not be ideal when you're running late for a lecture.

 

 

Background and History

Westminster began life as the country's first polytechnic, opening as the Royal Polytechnic Institution in 1839. The polytechnic slowly branched out from the applied sciences and ventured into the arts and humanities, awarding degrees through the University of London. In 1992 the polytechnic was granted the ability to award its own degrees and changed its name to Westminster University.

Location and Accessibility

By Rail: The nearest tube stations for the Regent Street, Cavendish, Marylebone and Harrow campuses are Oxford Circus, Goodge Street, Baker Street and Northwick Park respectively. National Rail services are available from nearby Marylebone and King's Cross.

By Road: Driving into central London is a problem with both parking and the congestion charge. Local busses are available to Regent Street and Oxford Circus and national buses arrive at Victoria station.

Most facilities are wheelchair friendly and accommodation is available designed for usage by people with disabilities.

What's on Offer

BA, BSc, MA, MSc, MBA, Graduate (Conversion) Diploma, Graduate Diploma, Postgraduate Diploma, Postgraduate Certificate, MRes, MPhil, Phd

Entry Requirements

Requirements vary by course but examples include: English: BB/BBC at A-level, 30 points in the IB or DDM in BTEC. Law: ABB at A-level, 32 points in the IB or DDM in BTEC Life Sciences: CCC at A-level, 26 in the IB or MMM in BTEC

University Accommodation

Halls of residences are available in central London, Wembley and Harrow although most first years are housed in the newer facilities at Wembley. Fees vary depending on the size of the room and the amount of shared facilities.

Private Accommodation

The West End of London is one of the most exclusive places to live in the world so rents will stretch the budgets of most students. If you're willing to travel a bit further afield the price of a room in a shared house can range from £400-700 a month. Westminster operates an approved private landlords scheme which should help you find a place.

Faculties and Departments

The University of Westminster is divided into a number of academic schools: The School of Architecture and the Built Environment, The School of Electronics and Computer Science, The School of Law, The School of Life Sciences, The School of Media, Arts and Design, The School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Languages, Westminster Business School  

Academic Strengths and Research Profile

The university is ranked second by the 2008 Research Assessment exercise for Communications, Cultural and Media Studies and is also strong in Art and Design as well as Architecture. Westminster is one of the few universities in the country which offer degrees in Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine and Tradition Chinese Medicine, a fact which is has received some criticism for.  

Tuition Fees

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

Financial Support

Westminster participates in the means tested National Scholarship Programme and the Westminster Scholarship Scheme. Through these and partial course fee waivers the university aims to provide some form of financial support to 74% of full time undergraduates.

Academic Facilities

Westminster's facilities have been rebuilt a number of times during its history so now the campuses are quite varied in their degrees of modernity. A refurbishment programme is underway at the Harrow campus and a new learning platform' is being built with increased academic facilities and an enhanced library at the Marylebone campus.  

Other on-site Amenities

The campuses have a number of cafeterias, social spaces and student bars. The Marylebone campus has the P3 exhibition centre which has hosted London Fashion Week and other fashion events. Most of the universities sports facilities are located outside central London with sites in Harrow and Chiswick.  

Medical and Social Care

A student medical centre is available on campus as well as nearby NHS walk-in centres. The university has a chaplaincy and Muslim and multi-faith prayer rooms at all sites. Westminster also runs an adjusting to life in the UK' programme to help international students integrate and weekly meditation session are held on the Cavendish site.

What's on in the Area

The City of Westminster hosts many of London's attractions including the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, the shopping areas of Regent Street and Oxford Circus and the many theatres and galleries of the West End. Nearby Soho offers a busy and vibrant nightlife with bars, clubs and an internationally famous gay scene.

 

Moving On

Westminster runs a variety of careers services including internships, volunteering, practise aptitude tests and interviews to enhance the employability of graduates. Despite these efforts Westminster is ranked very low in the country in terms of graduate employability.

The patron of Westminster is Queen Elizabeth II Notable alumni include Cherie Blair, Charlie Brooker and the entirety of the pop group The Feeling' The University of Westminster was the subject of a critical article in the influential journal Nature' over their decision to teach degrees in homeopathy.

Is Westminster for you?

It has a strong teaching and research focus on culture and media studies. The architecture department has a strong focus on green design and building methods. It ranks very poorly for both academic standards and graduate employability- consider checking the standing of your particular subject before applying. If you're thinking about Westminster why not also consider South Bank University or City University.