Frequently Asked Questions
About Warwick
Where is the University of Warwick?
The University of Warwick is not in Warwick. The University is located in the heart of England, adjacent to the city of Coventry - 3 miles (5 kilometres) from the city centre - and on the border with Warwickshire.
What is Warwick's address?
University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
Tel: +44 (0)24 7652 3523
Fax: +44 (0)24 7646 1606
How do I get to campus?
Can I come to an open day?
Yes. There are several open days each academic year. To see when the next one is, visit the Open Days website.
How many students are at Warwick?
There are 15,969 students at Warwick (full-time equivalents, FTEs), including 11,862 undergraduates, 7,949 postgraduates and 6,088 international students. The latter figures are comprised of full-time and part-time students so the Faculty Population totals 19,811. These, along with other groups such as students studying abroad, students on an intercalated year, HEFP and visiting and exchange students, combine to give a head count of 20,815.
For further information, please see the Academic Statistics
website.
What are the term dates?
Autumn Term: Monday 3rd October 2011 - Saturday 10th December 2011
Spring Term: Monday 9th January 2012 - Saturday 17th March 2012
Summer Term: Monday 23rd April 2012 - Saturday 30th June 2012
What is the term structure?
The University operates on a 3-term structure, each term lasting roughly 10 weeks. Postgraduate courses may work partly outside the University term structure.
How does Warwick compare to other Universities? How does Warwick rate in the league tables?
Warwick rates highly in both teaching and research. In the last RAE (Research Assessment Exercise) the University was ranked 7th in the UK, with 65% of Warwick's research recognised as 'world-leading' or 'internationally excellent.
The University is consistently ranked in the top 10 of the Times and Guardian University league tables.
What is the International status of Warwick?
Warwick is an international University with an international outlook. There are over 6,000 international students from over 100 different countries. The academic staff lead research in their fields, and come from all over the world to research and teach at the internationally renowned departments. The University's mission is to develop as a world leader in teaching and research.
What is the standing of Warwick research?
With an emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches and entrepreneurial culture, Warwick is one of the leading research institutions in the UK, with 65% of Warwick's research recognised as 'world leading' or 'internationally excellent' in the most recent Research Assessment Exercise (RAE, 2008)
How long are degree courses at Warwick?
The typical undergraduate degree at Warwick is 3 years. Students whose course includes a year abroad do a 4-year degree, and some other courses include a fourth year. There are also part-time possibilities. Consult individual department websites for full details.
How do I know if the course/University is right for me?
Deciding which University to attend and which degree course to study are big decisions. The best way to ensure you are making the right decisions is research. Search the University website to find out more about what it is like to study and live here. Attend an open day. Before deciding where you will spend the next 3 or 4 years you really should visit first. Look around the University, talk to current students and visit your prospective department(s).
Can I contact former or current students to talk about life at Warwick?
The University is unable to give out personal details. However, there is a Welcome to Warwick website. On this site you can talk to prospective students via the Welcome to Warwick forum. There is also information about enrolment, Freshers' activities, and competitions.
What is the University's mission statement?
- To become a world leader in research and teaching
- Through research of international excellence, to increase significantly the range of human knowledge and understanding
- To equip graduates to make an important contribution to the economy and to society
- To serve our local region - academically, culturally and economically
- To continue to make a Warwick education available to all those able to benefit from it, regardless of economic or social circumstances
Applications and Admissions
Can I order a prospectus?
Yes. You can order a prospectus online here.
I am thinking of applying to Warwick. How do I get started?
All undergraduate applications must be made through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Services). Information on making your application through UCAS is available on their website.
The UCAS institution code for the University of Warwick is 'W20'.
For more information about applying at Warwick, visit the 'How to Apply' website.
What can I study?
Warwick has a broad range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees within the faculties of Arts, Sciences, and Social Sciences. The Faculty of Medicine also offers postgraduate courses.
There are also a number of open studies courses, part-time courses, 2+2, and foundation degrees, PGCE, Continuing Professional Development and Training.
What is Warwick looking for?
Warwick offers a number of intensive, challenging and stimulating undergraduate degrees, and, as a result, it is an advantage for applicants to have a strong grounding in analytical, synoptic and advanced problem-solving skills. We also encourage students to pursue a broadly based course of study. Additionally, a number of our courses require depth of study in a particular subject. Any subject requirements for a particular subject of study will be listed within departmental websites and in the prospectus as well as on the Warwick and UCAS websites.
Each application is considered separately, looking at every aspect of your application form not just grades. Normally departments expect a high standard in your academic background and applications are judged on your own merits and in competition with others.
What academic entry requirements does the University set? Do I need A-levels?
Warwick is happy to consider applications from candidates offering many different qualifications, including Scottish Advanced Highers and Irish Highers, the International Baccalaureate, Access Courses, A and AS levels as well as other overseas qualifications, provided these are considered equivalent to our A-level requirements (such as the French Baccalaureate, German Abitur, Italian Diploma di Esame di Stato, and India Class XII). If candidates have questions regarding the acceptability of a particular qualification, we encourage them to contact the Undergraduate Admissions Team or, for overseas candidates, the International Office. Additionally, local advice about application procedures is available from all British Council offices.
For candidates offering the A-level curriculum, they should check the specific requirements for the course in which they are interested. Most courses selectors will exclude General Studies from the A-levels in terms of any offers. Key Skills typically will not be included in the terms of any offer, though the University recognises the value of these and will consider them, together with additional information on extra curricular interest and activities, as part of your overall profile.
In addition to the above, all applicants must possess a minimum level of competence in the English Language and in Mathematics or a Science. A pass grade at Grade C in GCSE English Language and in Mathematics or a Science, or an equivalent qualification, normally satisfies the University requirement, although some courses may require a higher GCSE grade.
Applicants whose first language is not English are required to show that their ability to understand and express themselves in both written and spoken English is sufficiently high for them to derive full benefit from their degree. The level of competence depends on what type of degree you wish to study.
I have been in employment and would like to return to study, can I apply to Warwick?
Yes. The University welcomes applications from anyone returning to study, and each applicant will be considered on individual merit. There are no set entry requirements for applicants who are returning to study although evidence of recent study, normally at level 3, is likely to be an advantage. It is advisable to check for specific subject requirements for the degree programme you are considering in the relevant section of the prospectus. In addition to our full-time courses we have a number of part-time opportunities offered through our Centre for Lifelong Learning.
Will I have to attend an interview?
A small number of courses hold interviews for candidates living in the UK, at which time candidates are able to visit the department and the University, similar to a Departmental Open Day. Further information about the courses for which interviews are held is included in their departmental entry. In addition to the interviews for these courses, some individual applicants may be invited to an interview at the discretion of the department. Please note that as all decisions are communicated to applicants via UCAS, course selectors cannot make official offers at interview.
What is a typical offer for an undergraduate course?
Warwick students typically have extremely good grades on entry to university. Departments try to give an indication of the typical offer level for each course, although these may be varied in individual cases. The University asks each department to set out detailed entry requirements in the University Prospectus.
All applications are judged on individual merits and offers are made accordingly. It is important to note that having achieved or being predicted to achieve the specified grades does not guarantee an offer or a place. The University receives many more applications than it has places available and the admissions process is therefore competitive. Course selectors consider applications on their own merits and in competition with others. They will select on the basis of the personal statements and academic references as well as grade-based information.
How many places are available? How many people apply for how many places?
On average, Warwick receives around nine applications for each place. Some degree courses have higher competition rates.
For the 2010/11 intake there were 35,131 applications for an intake of 4,142 places.
When is the best time to apply?
Warwick strongly advises candidates to submit their applications before 15 January. We are not always able to give consideration to applications received after this date, particularly for extremely competitive courses.
Can I defer entry?
The University welcomes applications from candidates who wish to take a year off between school and university. It is helpful to Selectors if you make it clear on your UCAS form your reasons for wishing to defer your entry and how you intend to spend your time. If you plan to work in an area related to your degree subject or to travel to develop a foreign language, this may strengthen your application. The School of Theatre Studies and the Warwick Medical School can only consider gap year applications in exceptional cases.
Does Warwick have clearing places?
Warwick would not normally expect to enter Clearing. There may be a limited number of Adjustment places at Warwick, and if so the details will be made available on the University website after A-level results day in mid-August. Full listings can be found on the UCAS website. Please note that most courses are not available through clearing.
I have a disability/illness. Will this affect my chance of success?
The University is committed to equality of opportunity, as stated in our Equal Opportunity policy. The University aims to avoid unfair discrimination on whatever grounds, including gender, age and ethnic background.
Applications from students with special needs are considered on the same academic grounds as all others but candidates are asked to discuss their likely requirements with the University in advance. The University, via the Senior Tutor's Office, will give advice concerning the suitability of the campus, the module and the equipment and/or support available. In a small number of cases, we may ask candidates who have indicated a recent, recurring or serious health problem to allow us to request a medical report on their condition. These reports do not form part of the academic selection process and will not be available to anyone except the University Medical Officer. The Registrar is ultimately responsible for ensuring that the University is able to make adequate provision for students with disabilities and for keeping a record of the exceptional cases where a candidate is refused admission on the grounds of disability.
Finances
What are the costs of a typical 3-year undergraduate degree?
Living costs for an undergraduate student are estimated around £7000 (excluding fees) for the nine months from October to June each year. Students from overseas may have some additional costs on items such as warm clothing if coming from a hot climate, and overall expenditure budgets may vary.
How much are fees?
Information about the fees for the academic year 2009/10 can be found at the Undergraduate Study website.
What funding is available?
The University wants to ensure that, wherever possible, financial circumstances do not become a barrier to studying at Warwick. For more information, visit the Fees and Funding website.
Do I qualify for an award, scholarship or bursary?
- See the Student Funding website.
What is the cost of accommodation at Warwick?
Campus accommodation in 2008/09 ranged from £70 per week to £115 per week. This price for campus accommodation includes all bills, as well as access to high speed broadband. Campus accommodation is let out for 30, 39 or 50 weeks.
Off campus prices vary. The University's Private Letting Unit (PLU) provides off campus houses for 43 week lets for undergraduates.
- For an accommodation overview, visit the Warwick Accomodation website.
What other course costs are there?
Undergraduate students will need around £7,000 to cover living costs (excluding fees) for the nine months from October to June each year. This should cover any course books needed. It is often advisable to buy course books. These can sometimes be purchased second hand. The Students' Union runs an online market place, selling second hand books.
Can I have a part-time/ vacation job?
The University has its own temporary employment agency, Unitemps. Tailored to the needs of University students, this is way to gain some extra bank balance and CV points. They provide excellent pay rates and flexible working hours to fit into the typical demands of the student schedule. Work available varies from one-day secretarial support or kitchen porter jobs, to longer-term projects, such as website development and clerical assistants.
Coming to Warwick
Where will I be living during my time at Warwick?
Most undergraduate students spend their first year on campus in halls of residence. First year students are prioritised for a room in halls provided they return their application for accommodation by the required date.
Students move off campus for the remainder of their degree, and most students live in either Coventry or Leamington Spa. The University provides a house-letting service (PLU - Private Letting Unit), and there are various other private estate agents that let to students on 10 month contracts.
There is limited accommodation available on campus for third and fourth years who either have special circumstances or have spent time abroad as part of their degree.
- For an accommodation overview, visit the Warwick Accomodation website.
How do I get around campus? Can I have a car?
It is entirely possible to walk around campus. Some students have bikes. The University discourages students from having cars, especially in their first year as there is limited parking and really no need. However, there is the possibility to apply online for a permit in certain circumstances.
When will I know my timetable?
You will receive a personalised timetable from your department when you arrive at Warwick. This will also be available online via the academic office website.
How many people will be in my classes?
Departments have different class sizes, and teaching is done in a variety of ways, including lectures that involve most of a year group, and seminars with anything from 2-15 students. There are 4,921 members of staff at the University, of which 963 are academics and 809 are researchers. The Academic/Research staff: student ratio is 1:10.
Personal Development
What support for personal development is available? What happens if I come across difficulties during my time at Warwick?
University is a place to develop - academically, professionally, and also personally. The Student Development and Support Centre and the Students' Union Advice and Welfare Service deal with every student related personal issue to help make your time at Warwick as smooth and beneficial as possible. There is a student finance office, the Centre for Student Careers and Skills, a temporary employment agency, and the Warwick Skills Programme. The Senior Tutor and Counselling Service give support for virtually every issue faced by students. The qualified team deals with personal, psychological and emotional issues on a one-to-one basis or in support groups. The Senior Tutor's Office offers advice about accommodation, study skills and academic issues, financial difficulties, conflicts, appeals, harassment, and disciplinary charges. There is also a disability co-ordinator to advise students on matters such as support for study, appropriate accommodation, and other issues related to accessibility.
The Students' Union Advice and Welfare services offer help and guidance on a range of issues, including accommodation, health, academic, equal opportunities. They also run nightline, an independent confidential night time helpline.
What support can I hope to get from my department?
Students are allocated a Personal Tutor when they arrive at the University. The Personal Tutor will be a staff member within the student's academic department of study. Personal Tutors are there to provide students with advice and guidance on both academic and pastoral matters and to ensure that everyone is treated as an individual.
Personal Tutors and their tutees are expected to meet regularly during the academic year to review academic progress and general well-being. Personal Tutors can give testimony on a student's behalf in disciplinary cases and are regularly consulted by both administrative and academic staff on a great number of matters concerning their tutees. Personal Tutors may represent students at Academic Progress meetings and Examination boards.
Departmental staff often provide office hours during which students can drop by to discuss academic or welfare matters.
Can I develop my skills?
The Warwick Skills Programme offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and personal development courses.
Personal development courses include: decision making and planning, learning styles, time management, transferable skills, and values.
The main freestanding programme is the Warwick Skills Certificate, which is free to all students. This is an official qualification comprising of core modules and options. It includes IT skills, communication skills, academic skills, and career management skills.
What careers guidance does Warwick offer?
The Centre for Student Careers & Skills provides assistance for every stage of a career. This includes choosing a career, taking a gap year, postgraduate study options, study abroad, work abroad, and work experience. They give advice on CV writing, applications, assessment centres and interviews.
The service is available to current students, and graduates can access this service by joining the Warwick Graduates' Association.
The Centre for Student Careers & Skills is able to put students in touch with a number of Warwick Alumni who work in areas of interest. They run regular careers fairs and events that provide the opportunity to meet with potential employers and recently launched a Careers Films resource online.
The Centre for Student Careers & Skills was recently voted the second best careers service in the UK by employers.
Facilities, Services and Support
What shops are there on campus?
The University campus contains a Costcutter supermarket, Post Office, Bookshop, hairdressers, major banks, RISE (music and DVDs), pharmacy, Copyshop (photocopying, binding, stationery, etc.). The Students' Union has a market place selling CDs, DVDs, plants, posters, clothes, etc.
- Visit the Retail at Warwick website.
Where can I get medical assistance?
There is a health centre at the heart of campus. This has a General Practice service for those students living in the catchment area. The Centre is a National Health Service practice and offers free primary medical care for all students who are registered as patients there. Students who live on campus are encouraged to register with the practice when they arrive at Warwick; though they can register at any time provided they live in the catchment area and have at least three months left on their course. Students living off campus may need to register with a local NHS practice.
The University has an emergency line with high priority access to the emergency services.
What IT services does the University provide for its students?
There are many computer rooms across campus with internet access. All students have access to these resources. There is an increasing number of wireless hotspots across the campus for those with wireless cards in their laptops. Many students now use laptops in the library. Every student bedroom on campus has a high speed broadband point.
The University has also developed the ground-breaking Warwick Blogs system. Blogs are a virtual space for personal online publishing. All members of the University can have a free, individualised blog space.
An increasing number of University services are being made available via the web, including applying for accommodation, and module registration.
Can I get food on campus?
Yes. There are ten University eating places on campus, and a further five run by the Students' Union. They serve everything from freshly cooked international cuisine to takeaway sandwiches, salads and burgers.
I have a special dietary requirement. Where can I eat at Warwick?
There are numerous eating outlets on campus providing a large range of food options, including vegetarian and international dishes. There is also a Costcutter supermarket that stocks everything from oven-ready meals and packets of crisps to halal and vegetarian foods. Halls of residence have kitchen facilities. See the above links for more details.
Is there any provision for halal/kosher food?
Yes. Halal is available in the Costcutter supermarket on campus. A kosher kitchen is available in the Chaplaincy.
What are my employment prospects?
Warwick students are some of the most sought after by employers. Every year, over 200 employers from all sectors come to the campus to promote themselves to students at the University. The Centre for Student Careers & Skills was recently voted the second best careers service in the UK by employers.
Can I learn a new language?
Yes. Anyone can learn a new language at the Language Centre in the Humanities Building. There is a wide range of languages available for beginners up to advanced level speakers. There are currently courses in Arabic, British Sign Language, Chinese, French, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Latin, Polish, Portugese, Russian, Spanish and Turkish.
What books and resources will I need for my course?
Your departments will contact you over the summer prior to starting at Warwck with any necessary reading lists, course books or resources you will need in preparation for your degree. Contact individual departments for more specific details.
Where can I get specialised books for my course?
The University bookshop, located in the Warwick Arts Centre, stocks all recommended titles for Warwick courses and a huge range of background titles. If there is something they do not stock they are able to order it for you. Visit the bookshop website for more information.
How family-friendly is the University of Warwick? What childcare facilities exist at the University?
The University has a Nursery that has the capacity to look after 47 children from 3 months to school age. Some accommodation is available for students of staff wishing to live on campus.
How safe is Warwick campus?
The University provides a 24-hour Security Service that operates 365 days a year. Crime is extremely low on campus and this service goes a long way to ensure it remains that way. They provide an emergency line with high priority access to the emergency services. All measures are taken to ensure the safest environment possible. The Security Office also advises students on how to prevent crime themselves. Residential and main campus areas are extremely well-lit and there are several emergency call points.
A free night time shuttle bus service operates in term time and through some vacations. It is intended to transport students across campus to key stop off points and halls of residence if they feel vulnerable or do not wish to walk alone. Out of the operating hours an escort can be provided if requested.
Passions and Pastimes
What extra-curricular activities can I involve myself in?
The Students' Union runs over 200 societies and 75 clubs, and students can join as many as they want to once they have joined the societies and sports federations.
What is there in terms of entertainment at the University?
The Students' Union runs a comprehensive entertainments programme. They have 7 bars, 5 eating outlets and 3 dance venues where events are held 7 nights a week for up to 3000 people. This includes DJ music, live bands, fashion shows, and comedy. As well as the many events hosted by the various performance societies, there is also an annual Warwick Student Arts Festival, and One World Week, the world's largest student run international event.
The Warwick Arts Centre has five venues and hosts a variety of performances throughout the year. This includes West End shows, cutting edge dance, film, national opera, and Nobel Prize winning writers. Student music and drama groups also perform in this building.
What musical facilities can I use at Warwick?
Warwick provides something musical for everyone at any level of ability. A purpose-built Music Centre is attached to the Warwick Arts Centre and has specialised ensemble and practice rooms where the University's many different music groups practice. Each room is equipped with a piano. The Centre has an extensive Choral and Orchestral music library, percussion and instrument stores and a variety of keyboard instruments, including grand pianos and harpsichords.
Music tuition is available for all instruments and voices.
What sporting facilities does the University offer?
There are 75 clubs within the Students' Union. Warwick also offers many facilities.
There are 60 acres of outdoor playing fields, including 11 soccer pitches, 3 rugby pitches, a lacrosse pitch, 2 cricket squares, and a Frisbee pitch. There are 3 floodlit all-weather pitches, one of which is artificial grass, ideal for football, rugby and American football. There are 3 artificial grass tennis courts and nine macadam courts. There is a 400-metre all-weather running track.
In the Sports Centre there is a 25-metre, 6-lane swimming pool, squash courts and sports hall, a large health and fitness centre, performance weight training area, aerobics studio and the second 4-court sports hall. Unique to Warwick is the newly updated Bear Rock indoor climbing centre, which includes a specialist bouldering centre.
The use of many of these facilities is covered by an annual fee of £30.00 but some require additional payments. For full details, please see the Membership page on the Sports Centre website.
What is the drama scene like at Warwick?
There are several drama societies that run within the Students' Union. These societies perform a range of works, from Greek Tragedy, to plays written by students. There are numerous student performances each term, and Warwick students often take productions to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Students have the opportunity to perform in professional venues in the Warwick Arts Centre as well as areas in the Students' Union and sometimes outdoors around the University. Every year there is the Warwick Student Arts Festival, a week long event involving hundreds of student artists and performers.
Involvement within the drama societies can include a range of activities, from the obvious acting and directing, to production, lighting, marketing, sound and design.
The Warwick Arts Centre hosts a series of visiting theatre companies throughout the year. These include nationally and internationally touring groups as well as smaller or new companies.
What religious societies are active at Warwick?
The Students' Union has a number of different religious societies, including Bahai'i, Buddhist, Christian Focus, Hindu, Jubilee, Pagan, Sikh, and Young Jains Student Warwick. There is also a Chaplaincy that welcomes students from all or no faiths. The Chaplaincy is home to the Anglican, Roman Catholic, Free Church and Jewish Chaplains.
There are regular services for all denominations as well as many social events. Christian groups meet several times a week for prayer, bible study and discussion. On Friday nights Jewish students meet for the Shabbat meal; a kosher kitchen is available in the building. The Islamic Society organises worship for Muslim students in the dedicated prayer room on campus, and halal food is readily available in the local area.
I'd like to take up a new sport/musical instrument - what is available?
The Music Centre provides tuition for every voice and instrument and will teach anyone at any level, from beginners to professional. Some of the Students' Union's music societies do not require auditions.
The Union's sport clubs equally offer the chance to play or compete at a variety of levels. There are 75 different clubs.
Are there any opportunities for entering science/technology/engineering competitions?
See department websites for current opportunities. Warwick students regularly compete in national competitions and have a high success rate.
International Students
I am an International student. How do I find more information?
- Visit the website of the International Office.
What level of English do I need?
If your first language is not English you will be expected to obtain recognised English Language qualifications. These vary between departments and the full details can be found on the entry requirements page.
