Westminster University

 Westminster University

University of Westminster
Arms of the University of Westminster
Motto	The Lord is our Strength
Established	1992 (University of Westminster) 1970 (Polytechnic of Central London) 1838 (Royal Polytechnic Institution)
Type	Public
Chancellor	Lord Paul
Vice-Chancellor	Professor Geoffrey E Petts
Students	24,710
Undergraduates	17,850
Postgraduates	6,860
Location	London, United Kingdom
Former names	Royal Polytechnic Institution The Polytechnic Polytechnic of Central London
Website	www.westminster.ac.uk

The University of Westminster (informally Westminster) is a public research university located in London, United Kingdom. Its origins go back to the foundation of the Royal Polytechnic Institution in 1838, and it was awarded university status in 1992.

The university's headquarters and original campus are based on Regent Street in theWestminster area of Central London, with additional campuses in the Fitzrovia, Marylebone and Harrow areas of London. The university also operates the Westminster International University in Tashkent in Uzbekistan and a satellite campus in Paris, France through the Diplomatic Academy of London.

Westminster currently serves more than 20,000 students from 150 countries and offers more than 500 courses and a broad range of research study options. These range from more than 150 Bachelor's degree combinations, and one-year intensively taught Master's degrees. MPhil and PhD degrees are also available in every academic department. Westminster had a total income of £171.25 million in 2009/10, of which £7.99 million was from research grants and contracts.

Westminster is a member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities, the Association of MBAs, EQUIS, the European University Association and Universities UK.

History

Establishment

The Royal Polytechnic Institution opened in August 1838 to provide (in the words of its prospectus of 1837) “an institution where the Public, at little expense, may acquire practical knowledge of the various arts and branches of science connected with manufacturers, mining Operations and rural economy”. Sir George Cayley (1773–1857) the father of aeronautical engineering  was the first chairman and, over the coming decades, the institution made a major contribution to the development of technical and scientific education. The Institution formally receiving its Royal charter in August 1839 housed a large exhibition hall, lecture theatre, and laboratories. Public attractions included exhibitions, working machines and models, scientific lectures, rides in a diving bell and, from 1839, demonstrations of photography. Early visitors included Prince Albert, under whose patronage the name changed in 1841 to the Royal Polytechnic Institution.

Professor Pepper, who became a director in the early 1850s, helped to establish a series of evening classes in educational and trade subjects. The Polytechnic organised an educational programme around the Great Exhibition of 1851 and the combination of education and entertainment captured the Victorian imagination.

Early Years

Interior of the Polytechnic as drawn in 1847 by G.F. Sargeant

Quintin Hogg acquired the building at 309 Regent Street in 1881. His vision of 'The Polytechnic' which reopened the following year, was to educate "mind, body and spirit". He expanded the established role in applied science and engineering to encompass arts and humanities in a full social mission. As a result, the Polytechnic developed an international reputation and became a model for technical and engineering education as the model was replicated as a network of polytechnics across London and later the UK.

The building at 309 Regent Street was rebuilt in 1910-12 to reflect the needs of a growing institution whose student members exceeded 15,000. Pioneering work in emerging professional and commercial disciplines, alongside general interest subjects was the hallmark of the institution. Alfred Waterhouse, who designed the Natural History Museum, was president of the School of Architecture and Sir Charles Parsons of the School of Engineering.

After the First World War, the polytechnic offered degrees conferred by the University of London and its focus on the educational and social life of working people in London remained largely unchanged until the Second World War.

In 1924 a new school of management opened following the Industrial League and Council presenting a series of lectures on management and industry. Courses in journalism began in 1922 and the teaching of planning started in 1934. In the 1950s the institution became known nationally and internationally as the “Regent Street Polytechnic” and became a model for applied technological education.

Modern History

Foyer at the Regent Street campus

The polytechnic was the flagship of the post-war polytechnic movement and in 1970 amalgamated with the Holborn College of Law, Languages and Commerce to form the Polytechnic of Central London, followed in 1990 by integration with the Harrow College of Higher Education and its programmes in the creative arts and design. Degree-awarding authority resided with the UK council for national academic awards CNAA.

In June 1992 the Privy Council formally conferred university status with degree-awarding powers for taught courses and research degrees on the Polytechnic, whose name was changed to the University of Westminster. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II agreed to continue as the Patron of the University of Westminster.

In recent years the university has established Westminster Business School, the institute for Modern and Contemporary Culture, the Centre for the Study of Democracy and the Policy Studies Institute. The university operates a satellite campus in Paris through the Diplomatic Academy of London and in 2002 established the Westminster International University in Tashkent at the invitation of the government of Uzbekistan.

In recent years the university has attracted controversy for offering science degrees in subjects not widely considered as scientific. The university's Department of Herbal Medicine and Nutritional Therapy and the Department of Chinese and Complementary Therapies, both of which were based in the School of Life Sciences, offered courses in alternative medicine, and naturopathy which were criticised in the journal Nature for providing science degrees "without the science". These departments closed in 2009 and the associated courses were taken on by the Department of Complementary Medicines. The number of courses offered in these subjects has gradually been reduced, but as of 2012 the university still offers degrees in traditional chinese medicine, acupuncture and herbal medicine.

Campuses

The entrance to the Regent Street Campus.

Westminster has four main campuses, three in central London: Regent Street, New Cavendish Street and Marylebone and the fourth in Harrow.

The university's headquarters is at 309 Regent Street in the West End of London where it has served as a centre for public education for over 170 years. First realised on the 14 December 1837 by Charles Payne and William Mountford Nurse, it was opened to the public in August 1838 and is known for opening the first photographic studio in Europe, and being the first to show moving pictures to a paying British public. The Regent Street campus comprises a group of buildings clustered around the historic headquarters of 309 Regent Street. These include the Wells Street buildings and the Little Titchfield Street building which houses the library for the School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Languages and the School of Law.

The Marylebone campus is a striking white building on Marylebone Road directly opposite Madame Tussaud's and Baker Street underground station. Built in the 1960’s it is home to the School of Architecture and the Built Environment, Westminster Business School, the Institute for Modern and Contemporary Culture, the Students’ Union and Inter:mission bar; as well as the P3 exhibition area. P3 is a 14,000 sq ft (1,300 m²) space constructed in 2008 from the vast former concrete construction hall at the Marylebone campus and hosts major events and exhibitions including London Fashion Week 2009, the Topshop Unique catwalk 2009 and the Diesel: U Music World Tour Party. The location of the Marylebone Campus is accessible by public transport and is adjacent to Paddington Gardens and a few minutes' walk from Regent's Park.

The Cavendish campus is a modern glass and steel building in New Cavendish Street (Fitzrovia) and adjacent to the BT Tower. It houses science, engineering and computer laboratories and the Policy Studies Institute. It is close to Warren Street, Great Portland Street and Goodge Street underground stations and is a short walk away from UCL and SOAS.

The Harrow Campus includes a Business School and a Media School. It is also home to London Gallery West which exhibits a broad, exciting and controversial mix of contemporary media, art and design work. The nearest Tube station to the Harrow campus is Northwick Park on the Metropolitan Line which takes 18 minutes from Baker Street.

Organisation and administration

Finances

In the financial year ended 31 July 2010, Westminster had a total income (including share of joint ventures) of £171.25 million (2008/09 - £167.55 million) and total expenditure of £174.69 million (2008/09 - £163.87 million). Key sources of income included £70.22 million from funding council grants (2008/09 - £69.08 million), £71.54 million from tuition fees and support grants (2008/09 - £65.14 million), £7.99 million from research grants and contracts (2008/09 - £6.86 million), £516,000 from endowment and investment income (2008/09 - £1.19 million) and £20.99 million from other income (2008/09 - £25.27 million). During the 2009/10 financial year Westminster had a capital expenditure of £2.33 million (2008/09 - £1.66 million).

At year end Westminster had reserves and endowments of £30.04 million (2008/09 - £28.80 million) and total net assets excluding pensions liabilities of £144.76 million (2008/09 - £146.02 million).

Coat of Arms

The university’s heritage is reflected in its coat of arms, the portcullis is the symbol of Westminster whilst the open book symbolises learning. The Queen, as a patron, is represented by the Tudor rose, one of the royal emblems. And the motto of the university, heavily influenced by Quintin Hogg and his Young Men’s Christian Institute remains as “The Lord is our Strength.”

Academics

The Marylebone campus

Schools

The university offers a broad range of study options tailored to its mission of “educating for professional life”. It has 44 departments and 65 research centres across seven schools which form the hub of its academic activity:

• 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 which houses the Journalism Department andChina Media Centre
• The School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Languages
• Westminster Business School

Rankings

In the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise, Westminster was ranked 2nd for Communications, Cultural and Media Studies research, 6th for Art and Design research, in addition to the university performing equally strong in Architecture and the Built Environment, and Geography and Environmental studies.

Student life

Students' Union

Westminster Students' Union

The University of Westminster Students' Union provides a range of activities for its members. It is based at the Marylebone site, next to Baker Street tube station, where Inter:Mission, a social venue costing £750,000, was launched in 2006. The union also operates another bar, The Undercroft, and a night club, Area 51, located on the university's Harrow site.

The union was founded in 1966 as The Polytechnic Students' Union. Its first President was Owen Spencer-Thomas (1966–1967),

The union has hosted to numerous musical events and gigs including Fleetwood Mac, and most notably the first and only encounter between Cream and Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix.

Smoke Radio is a student-run radio station at the university. The station broadcasts online, from a studio located in the Media Arts and Design campus of the university, located in Harrow. Smoke Radio is a member of the Student Radio Association.

Smoke Radio was established in 2004 and by September 2005 the station took to running a 24 hour playout system and began a broadcasting a schedule of live programmes during the week.

In 2006 Smoke Radio had won awards at the Student Radio Awards, including the Gold Award for "Best Journalistic Programming" and two Bronze Awards for "Best Marketing and Station Sound" and "Best Station 2006". At the 2008 Student Radio Awards, Smoke Radio also picked up a Bronze Award for "Best Interview", for an interview with British humorist, Danny Wallace; and the Gold Award for "Best Newcomer" was awarded to the first-year work of Dan Roberts.

In 2007 Smoke Radio won the Silver Award for "Best Station 2007" at the Student Radio Awards, and then won the award again in 2008, making Smoke Radio the UK's second best Student Radio Station for two consecutive years.

At the 2009 Student Radio Awards Smoke Radio won two Gold Awards for "Best Marketing and Branding" and "Best Outside Broadcast".

The Smoke Newspaper is the official newspaper of the University of Westminster's Students' Union. It was originally printed in 1992 as a magazine. In 2006, The Smoke was switched to a newspaper format, initially being published fortnightly during term time. The newspaper currently features News, Comment, Politics, Media Business, Film, Music, Arts and Culture, Fashion, Sports, Science and Technology, Listings and Comic Strips.

Student housing

Westminster has several halls of residence throughout London, including Alexander Fleming House near Old Street, Furnival House in Highgate; one hall is based at the Marylebone campus, Wigram House in Victoria and as of September 2005 there are two based at the Harrow campus. A UNITE accommodation, named Beaumont Court has been built near Euston however it is not exclusive to students at Westminster. Some students are also selected to live in International Students House, London.

Sport

Polytechnic F.C.

Sport has always played an important part of life at the university. The athletic club, the Harriers, was established in 1883 and was for many years the largest athletics club in the country. In 1908, the polytechnic organized the opening and closing ceremonies of the London Olympic Games.

From 1898, the polytechnic awarded the Studd Trophy, an annual trophy for the best sports performance. Over the years, the award was given to sportsmen from various disciplines, such as swimming, boxing and cycling, but the majority of awards have been given to athletes.

Noted award holders include: Willie Applegarth (1912/13), Olympic medallist sprinters Albert Hill (1919/20), Olympic gold medallist and middle-distance runner Harry Edward (1922), Olympic sprint bronze medallist Alan Pascoe (1971/72/73/74/75), hurdler

The university has grounds in Chiswick on the Thames (hired by the BBC to capture the end of The Boat Race), with boat house, tennis courts, athletics track and about 12 pitches. There are sports pitches and a sports hall at the Harrow campus whilst the Regent Campus has a gym, badminton courts and offers sports, martial arts and yoga classes.

The other sports with which the university has a strong association are football, rugby, cycling and water polo.

Notable people

Notable faculty and staff

Cherie Blair

Ezra Pound

• Nabil Ayad, Director of the Diplomatic Academy of London
• Philip Bagwell, Labour and Transport Historian
• Richard Barbrook, Political Simulations and Gaming
• Cherie Blair, Senior barrister, wife of Tony Blair
• Derek Bryan, Diplomat and Lecturer in Chinese
• Hugo de Burgh, Director of the China Media Centre
• Richard Burton, Journalist
• Nina Fishman, industrial and labour historian
• Nicholas Garnham, Emeritus Professor in the field of Media Studies
• Andrew Groves, Fashion designer
• Mayer Hillman, Senior Fellow Emeritus at the Policy Studies Institute
• Peter H Millard, President of the UK Nosokinetics Group
• Chantal Mouffe, Political theorist
• Walter Nurnberg, Industrial photographer
• Charles Parsons Inventor of the steam turbine
• Ezra Pound, Poet
• Martin Rowson, Political cartoonist and novelist
• Jean Seaton, Professor of Media History
• Mitra Tabrizian, Photographer
• Edmund de Waal, Ceramic artist
• Alfred Waterhouse, Architect and designer of the Natural History Museum
• Brian Winston, Emmy award winning documentary script writer

Notable alumni

Main article: list of University of Westminster alumni

The university has produced several notable alumni including government ministers, ambassadors, judges, a Nobel Prize winner, and leaders who have been influential in the fields of science, literature, music, sport, architecture and the visual arts.

Study

Undergraduate courses by subject

Undergraduate prospectus 

• Architecture and the Built Environment (Architecture, Construction, Property, Tourism)
• Art and Design
• Business (Accounting and Finance, Business and Management, Economics, Enterprise, International, Marketing)
• Electronics and Computer Science
• English
• Fashion
• Languages
• Law
• Life Sciences (Biosciences, Complementary Medicines)
• Media
• Music
• Photography
• Politics and International Relations
• Psychology
• Social and Historical Studies
• International Foundation

How to apply 

Applying for full-time courses

For full-time higher education courses in the UK, you must apply online via the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), at www.ucas.com .

You can apply for up to five undergraduate courses; the universities you apply to will not know what course choices you have made at other universities.

If you are at school or college, talk to your teacher about your application. There is a fee for making an application, which is payable online or through your school or college. If you are not at school or college, you can still apply through the UCAS website.

Please feel free to contact the University. If you are resident outside the UK, you can get advice from your school or college, British Council offices and other centres. If you are a mature applicant resident in the UK, you can seek advice from careers organisations such as Connexions.

Part-time application

Many of our courses can be studied part-time and the online application process is simple.

Part-time students

Why study at the University of Westminster?

As one of the largest universities in the country, the University offers students an exceptional range of subjects and has an outstanding track record in part-time education. Over half of our 22,000 students are studying part-time, and you will find libraries, computing facilities, refectories and bars open into the evening and at weekends.

What can you study?

In addition to many full-time programmes, the University offers a variety of options which allow you to study at the level and pace that suits your requirements and needs.

Part-time options are available for all the different types and levels of course at the University, from undergraduate degrees and Masters programmes to foundation and short courses, including a part-time Modern Language Evening Programme and a summer school that runs English as a Foreign Language (EFL) courses.

In many subject areas, postgraduate modules are also available as top-up short courses or, in some cases, in intensive block mode* or by distance learning

* Some courses are offered in short, intensive full-time study periods of 1-4 weeks, and this may include weekend as well as weekday study.

Professional accreditation

The University of Westminster provides a range of courses leading to professional accreditation across relevant subject areas at Certificate and Diploma levels (lasting one or two years part-time).

How much will it cost?

The fees for part-time undergraduate and postgraduate study are calculated based on the number of module credits taken each year.

Visit our Student finance page for our undergraduate and postgraduate course fees.

Visit our Part-time funding page for details on possible funding sources for undergraduate and postgraduate studies.

The fees for our professional, short, and summer school courses can be found on the relevant course pages.

How do you apply?

Before you apply, make sure that you fulfil the entry requirements, which are provided on each course page.

You can apply online, via the relevant course page, for any part-time undergraduate, postgraduate, short, or professional course.

Studying part-time for an undergraduate degree

We offer part-time routes in almost every subject area. Some are designed to help you top up an existing qualification or experience with a degree, others are more general in approach and allow for greater personal choice. Most courses start in September, but some allow for students to join in the second semester, which commences in January.

By choosing your course and modules carefully, you can study during the day (often alongside full-time students) or evening, or a mixture of both, at our West End or Harrow campuses.

Administrative offices are open Monday to Friday and our libraries are open into the evenings and at weekends during term time.

Achieving a degree part-time usually takes a minimum of four years on the basis of attending classes two evenings each week of the academic year, with an additional 6-12 hours each week of personal study time. If you have the support of your employer, you may be able to take a degree by day release.

Previous studies and experience are beneficial

Your previous experience, at work and in life generally, can not only qualify you for entry to a course but may also allow you some credit under the modular scheme, shortening your degree studies. For example, if you have worked in business, you may be able to gain credit to exempt you from business or administration modules in your first year. A previous qualification such as an HNC in a related area might also help you shorten the length of your study.

The minimum length of time needed to achieve a degree is still likely to be three years part-time or eighteen months full-time.

Exemption from particular modules

Students of any age can gain exemption from specific modules for previously acquired certificated learning, if it is at an appropriate level, eg Open University modules, BTEC awards or a professional examination. This is known as the Accreditation of Prior Certificated Learning (APCL).

If you are at least 21, you may be eligible for the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) to gain exemption against specific modules for knowledge and skills which you have gained through life, work experience and study, but which have not been formally measured through any educational or professional certification. This might include editing, writing and reporting, or programming and computer use, or organising a cultural festival, provided you can show that the prior learning is at undergraduate level. You will be required to submit a portfolio of other validated evidence of learning achieved.

Studying part-time for a postgraduate or professional qualification

There are part-time routes in almost every subject area. Most courses start in September, but in some courses it is possible to begin in the second semester, which starts in January. Details of start dates are included on course pages.

By choosing your course and modules carefully, you can study during the day (often alongside full-time students) or evening, or a mixture of both, at our West End or Harrow campuses. In either case, the University has shops, cafes and refectories so that there is usually somewhere to get a snack before starting classes.

As a part-time student, you can make full use of all facilities for sports, social life and study. Relevant administrative offices are open Monday to Friday and our libraries are open into the evenings and at weekends during term time.

Achieving a postgraduate qualification part-time usually takes a minimum of one or two years studying two evenings each week of the academic year, with an additional 6-12 hours each week in personal study time. If you have the support of your employer, you may be able to study by day release.

Speeding up your degree

If your course is related to your previous study or experience (whether in paid work or a voluntary capacity), you may be able to make a case to gain exemptions from some modules by shortening the length of your study through either of two forms of assessment:

• The Assessment of Prior Certificated Learning (APL): The accreditation of previously acquired certificated learning, such as Open University modules or in-company training.
• The Assessment of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL): The recognition of knowledge or skills acquired through life, work experience and study, which has not been formally attested through any academic or professional certification. It might include, for example, computer programming, editing skills or organisational skills.

The assessment of eligibility for Accreditation of Prior Learning is made at the time of admission.

Entry requirements

There are standard minimum entry requirements for all undergraduate courses. However, for each course you will find the typical offer given to applicants starting their course in September 2011. For many courses, these will remain the same for 2012, but up-to-date information can be found on our website or on the UCAS website via the course entry profile.

Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee a place at the University. Admissions tutors will look for additional evidence of suitability for a course, and if your qualifications or experience indicate that you are more suited to a Foundation level course at Westminster or an associated institution, you will be advised.

Standard entry requirements

You will need to meet one of the following sets of standard entry requirements:

• two GCE A Level or Vocational A Level passes plus three GCSEs at Grade C or above including English Language and Mathematics
• three GCE A Level or Vocational A Level passes plus two GCSEs at Grade C or above including English Language and Mathematics
• five passes in the Scottish Certificate of Education, of which three are at Higher Grade including English Language and Mathematics
• four passes in the Scottish or Irish Certificate of Education, all at Higher Grade including English Language and Mathematics
• a pass in Edexcel BTEC National Award or HNC/ HND
• a pass in Foundation course
• Access Course – 45 Credits at Level 3 with a Merit profile
• Advanced General National Vocational Qualification (GNVQ)
• an International or Welsh Baccalaureate

These should be seen as benchmarks only. The University recognises that a wide variety of other qualifications and learning may provide appropriate evidence of an applicant's suitability for admission. The University will use its discretion to interpret such formal minimum attainment levels in terms of equivalence, with advice from external agencies as appropriate.

International entry requirements

We have extensive experience in evaluating non-UK qualifications, and in establishing their eligibility for entry to our courses. For country-specific qualification enquiries, email course-enquiries@westminster.ac.uk 

You will need a good standard of English before starting your degree. If your first language and/or schooling is/was not in English, you will need a minimum IELTS score of 6.0, or a recognised equivalent. In some instances, the minimum IELTS score will be higher. Please check individual course entries. You do not need to take the test before applying, but before joining the course you will need to have attained one of the minimum test scores, and you may be asked to take one of our preparatory English courses.

Mature students without formal qualifications

Formal qualifications are only one measure of your ability to study at a higher level. Work or other experience, maturity of approach, commitment and enthusiasm are also important. We take these factors into account when making offers of places.

It may also be possible to have relevant learning or experiential learning (work experience) assessed for exemption from part(s) of your course; for information on Accreditation of Prior Learning and Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning, contact the course-enquiries@westminster.ac.uk.

Admissions process

Complete your application form carefully, making sure that the information is accurate and that you have included all your qualifications. Explain clearly in your own words why you wish to take the course, your relevant experience and why you should be given a place.

We take care to ensure the confidentiality of your application information. All details are held on the University computer system for use only for internal administrative purposes and the compilation of statistics. However, if requested, we may provide information to UCAS, local education authorities, police forces and government departments (eg Home Office, UK Border Agency). You can request access to your computer file with payment of a fee. If you have any comments about our admissions procedures, contact the Head of Admissions and Student Funding, University of Westminster, 101 New Cavendish Street, London W1W 6XH.

Interviews

For most courses a decision will be made on the basis of your application form alone. However for some courses the selection process may include an interview, usually between December and April for full-time students, or March to early September for part-time students. The interviews may be on a one-to-one basis, in a group or with your portfolio, and you may be given a task such as a short essay, questionnaire or translation to demonstrate your strengths in addition to any formal entry requirements.

Students with disabilities

We encourage applications from people with disabilities. If you have a disability that might affect your studies, please indicate this clearly on your application form.

The procedure for admission of disabled applicants is in accordance with the legislative requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act, and you may be invited for an interview to discuss whether any special arrangements or equipment you need can be provided. Some courses might be unsuitable for applicants with particular disabilities. Funding mechanisms for international students are not as comprehensive as those for UK and EU students.

If you are applying late, for example through UCAS Clearing, you may be required to defer for a year to allow the University to make reasonable adjustments.

For more information, call +44 (0)20 7915 5456 (central London), or +44 (0)20 8357 7360 (Harrow) or visit our Disability Leaning Support pages.

Notes for applicants

We will be pleased to answer any enquiries you may have concerning application, fees, registration or transfers from other institutions, although many of your questions are likely to be answered in the Prospectus, on our website, or in the UCAS Guide for Applicants. While courses are offered as described at the time of going to press, some revisions may be made, either as a result of academic development or external constraints. There is no guarantee that courses that are undergoing validation will be approved, or that courses will be offered in the exact locations cited.

Research degrees

At Westminster, we are known for high-quality internationally recognised research in a wide range of subjects, for our combination of pure, practice-led and applied approaches, and for using our knowledge for the betterment of society. We have a well-developed research degree programme and a reputation for delivering high standards in research degree study in subjects ranging from Literature to Life Sciences, and from practice based Art and Design projects to political theory.

Research study

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
• Professional Doctorate (DProf)
• Master of Research (MRes)

Research areas

• Architecture and the Built Environment
• Business
• Electronics and Computer Science
• Higher Education
• Law
• Life Sciences
• Media, Arts and Design
• Social Sciences, Humanities and Languages

Student accommodation

The Student Accommodation Office

The University's Student Accommodation team provides a comprehensive service to full-time University of Westminster students. If you are coming to study at the University of Westminster, or you are a continuing student, we can give you free help and advice on finding a suitable place to live.

We are responsible for allocating rooms in the University’s Halls of Residence and can assist you with making an application. If your halls application is unsuccessful or you would prefer to rent privately, we can also offer advice in seeking alternatives within London’s extensive private sector.

Contact us

We are available on a drop-in basis at our Cavendish House office between 3 and 4pm, Monday to Friday. At other times, an appointment may be needed, so please call in advance to arrange one.

Please note that while we recognise that some enquiries may be of a personal nature, we do not have a private interview room available, unless it is requested prior to your appointment.

University of Westminster
Student Accommodation
Cavendish House
101 New Cavendish Street,
London W1W 6XH

T: +44 (0)20 7911 5817
F: +44 (0)20 7911 5037
E: studentaccommodation@westminster.ac.uk

Hall of residence

Alexander Fleming 

Facilities

• 24 hour access
• CCTV
• Public telephones
• Shared kitchens

Facilities for the disabled

• Accessible reception

 

How to get here

Tube
Old St (700m) - Northern
Train
Old St (700m) - National Rail
Liverpool St (1.6km) - National Rail
Bus
43, 55, 76, 141, 214, 271, and night buses N73, N83, N253

The location

This hall is situated in a lively, fashionable area of east London which is known for its vibrant nightlife. As well as numerous bars and clubs there are also many shops, cafes, restaurants and various markets nearby. Situated on the edge of the Square Mile - the original City and the most historic part of London - Alexander Fleming House is within walking distance of the financial district and various tourist sights including the Royal Courts of Justice, St Paul's Cathedral and Barbican Centre - Europe's largest performing arts centre.

The accommodation

The hall consists of three separate purpose-built low rise modern blocks offering good quality self-contained units with their own front door and lobby. Each unit has four, six or eight single rooms with washbasins, a modern well-equipped kitchen for self-catering and two or three bathrooms depending on size. The kitchens are supplied with a cooker, fridge/freezer, microwave, kettle, and toaster. They also have a television and facilities for ironing and there is a coin-operated laundrette nearby. Alexander Fleming also offers one self-contained studio flat plus one small apartment located on the ground floor that is suitable for people with physical disabilities.

Rooms	186 standard single rooms in self contained flats for 6 to 8 people
Availability	Undergraduate students on standard contracts
Weekly Rent 2011/12	Standard single room - £116.20

Beaumont Court 

Facilities

• Large beds
• En-suite bedrooms
• 24 hour access
• On site laundry
• Common room
• Roof terrace
• CCTV and secure door entry

How to get here

Foot
A 30-minute walk from our central campuses
Tube
Mornington Crescent - Northern line
Kings Cross St. Pancras - Victoria, Northern, Circle, Hammersmith and City and Metropolitan lines.
Bus
17, 73, 91, 205, 390

The location

Opened in 2006, Beaumont Court is in a fantastic zone 1 location, less than ten minutes from Camden Town and the famous market. The halls are within walking distance of our central campuses and benefits from great tube and bus links. You will have fabulous access to the historic City of London including St Paul’s Cathedral, Barbican Centre and the impressive One New Change shopping complex.

The accommodation

Owned and managed by the Unite group, Beaumont Court is a modern purpose-built hall and all room are en-suite with a large bed.   The rooms are equipped with desks and chairs and internet in all rooms. Kitchens are modern and include breakfast bars, fridge freezers and fully equipped ovens. A café and vending machine are on site if you need to supplement your homemade creations.

Rooms	177 standard en-suite
Availability	Postgraduate and undergraduate students on standard contract (43 weeks)
Weekly Rent 2011/12	Standard en-suite - £188.70

Harrow Hall

Facilities

• Campus restaurant
• Coin-operated laundry
• CCTV
• Large television/common room
• Car park
• Shared kitchens

Facilities for the disabled

• Six en-suite flats
• Disability compliant kitchens
• Disabled parking bays

The location

Overlooking green open spaces and playing fields, Harrow-on-the-Hill is a perfectly preserved Victorian village situated on a hill overlooking London. A short bus ride takes you in to Harrow and its lively town centre where students can find a wide range of shops, an art centre and a multiplex cinema. Baker Street is only 20 minutes away but it is also easy to escape the hustle and bustle of central London and visit the picturesque country villages and towns of the Home Counties.

The accommodation

Designed to harmonise with the environment, the on-campus accommodation complex offers exciting accommodation consisting of self-contained units arranged in small purpose built low rise blocks, all surrounded by shrubbery and green lawns. Each unit has its own front door, lobby and six single bedrooms with en-suite facilities. There are also double units, as well as twin-bedded rooms for those who will share. The campus was specially designed to give easy access to those with physical disabilities, and some of the rooms have facilities converted for wheelchair use.

Rooms	Standard Blocks 447 standard en-suite 12 double studios (En-suite showers and WC wheelchair accessible flats available)	Premium Blocks 110 large en-suite 40 shared en-suite (En-suite showers and WC wheelchair accessible flats available)
Availability	PG and UG	PG and UG
Weekly Rent 2011/12	Standard en-suite - £124.60 Double studio- £184.80	Large en-suite - £140 Shared en-suite - £105 per person

International House 

Facilities

• Rooms include wash basins and fitted wardrobes
• Coin-operated laundry
• CCTV
• Public telephones
• Large television/common room
• Shared kitchens

Facilities for the disabled

• Ramp access
• Double doors
• Disabled toilet

The location

The halls are situated in a quiet residential area but is also very close to the major London attractions of the South Bank and the West End. It is within walking distance of popular tourist sights such as the EDF Energy London Eye, Westminster Abbey, the Clock Tower at the Palace of Westminster which houses the Great Clock of Westminster or ‘Big Ben’, Tate Modern and the Houses of Parliament. The Imperial War Museum London is also only a two-minute walk away.

The accommodation

The residence is a purpose built, 10 storey building located in a residential area with many of the rooms on the top floors offering panoramic views of London. All rooms are large, fully carpeted with wash basins and fitted wardrobes. The bright, modern, well equipped kitchens and bathrooms are adjacent to the bedrooms and there is also a common room with a television.

Rooms	10 shared large rooms 54 standard rooms 9 small rooms
Availability	Undergraduate students on standard contracts only
Weekly Rent 2011/12	Shared large £71.10 pp Standard room £101.50 Small room £86.10

Marylebone Hall

Facilities

• 24 hour access
• Coin-operated laundry
• University restaurant (180 seats)
• CCTV
• Large television/common room
• Pool table
• Communal computer games

Marylebone Hall Kitchen 

How to get here

Tube
Baker St (50m) - Bakerloo, Circle, Hammersmith & City, Jubilee, Metropolitan
Bus
18, 27, 30, 74, 435, 205

The location

Situated opposite Madame Tussauds, Marylebone Hall is an ideal location for exploring the West End, its shops, cafes and restaurants as well as enjoying the many theatres and nightlife of this great cosmopolitan city. The Regent’s Park, noted for its green open spaces, colourful floral displays, football pitches, tennis courts, boating lake and London Zoo is a five-minute walk away while Hyde Park is only a short journey by bus.

The accommodation

The Hall - a modern 21-storey building is attached to the Marylebone Road Campus, one of the main teaching sites at the University of Westminster. The residence underwent complete refurbishment during 2007/08 and now offers 12 executive rooms, 200 standard rooms and 14 shared rooms all with en-suite facilities built-in wardrobes, desks and an internet connection. Kitchens are shared by a maximum of six students and contain a cooker, fridge/freezer, microwave, kettle and toaster.

Executive Rooms - are located on the 20th floor and offer breathtaking panoramic views of The Regent’s Park and much of central London. These rooms benefit from an array of additional and premium features including flat screen televisions and luxury soft furnishings. Kitchens on this floor come equipped with crockery, pans and utensils and are fitted with dishwashers, washing machines, tumble dryers, Xbox 360 and large flat-screen televisions.

 Marylebone Hall Room

Regents Park

Rooms	12 executive en-suite (for 1) 14 shared en-suite 200 standard en-suite (for 1)
Availability	Postgraduate and undergraduate students on standard contracts only
Weekly Rent 2011/12	Executive en-suite- £224 Shared en-suite - £144.55 per person Standard en-suite - £181.30

Wigram House 

Facilities

• All rooms have their own wash basin
• Shared kitchens
• Large television/common room

Facilities for the disabled

Disabled access bedrooms and bathrooms

Wigram House Outside

How to get here

Tube
Victoria (300m) - Circle, District, Victoria
Train
Victoria (300m) - National Rail
Bus
Victoria St (200m) - 11, 24, 211, 507
Coach
Victoria Coach Station (300m)

The location

Located in a quiet residential street, off the paved piazza of Westminster Cathedral and the lively commercial district of Victoria, Wigram House is at the very heart of the major tourist sights. Westminster Abbey, The Houses of Parliament, the EDF London Eye and the River Thames are less than 10 minutes walk away. A stroll across Victoria Street will take you to St James's Park - a haven of peace and tranquility edged by the majestic facade of Buckingham Palace.

The accommodation

Wigram House is our postgraduate accommodation for the central campuses.
It is a late Victorian mansion block, which has retained many of its original architectural features. Each room is carpeted and has its own wash basin. The rooms are surrounded by pods of bathrooms, showers and WCs. Wigram House also contains some bedrooms and bathrooms that are suitable for people with physical disabilities. There are shared kitchens on each floor which are supplied with a cooker, fridge/freezer, microwave oven, kettle, and toaster. As Wigram House is situated in a residential area, students are required to have consideration for local residents.

 Wigram House Ashley Suite

Rooms	27 large single rooms 91 Standard single rooms 49 Small single rooms  4 Flat / Suites
Availability	Postgraduate students on standard and extended contracts
Weekly Rent 2011/12	Large room - £121.10 Standard room - £115.50 Small room - £105.00

Hall allocation policy

University priorities for allocation of places in Halls of Residence

Places in Halls of Residence are allocated according to the priority categories below. Due to the limited number of Halls of Residence places, it is normally only possible to allocate places to students in the first three categories for the start of the academic year.

Students who are not allocated a place can request to be put on a waiting list and students in all categories may be offered a place later in the academic year.

Places can only be allocated to University of Westminster students who have completed a valid Halls of Residence application and have firmly accepted a place on a course, where the course and the student's mode of attendance are full-time. Students must accept any offer of a room in Halls of Residence by the deadline given and must provide all the necessary documentation and the deposit in order for a room to be held. Once an offer has been made, students cannot transfer to a different room or Halls of Residence. Places are allocated for one year only, for the standard academic year from September to June/August (depending on the course length). While the needs of international students are recognised, the University aims to have a mixed community in its Halls of Residence and operates the policy in order to maintain a mix of UK and international students.

Priority categories

1. Students with a relevant disability or a severe medical condition which would otherwise prevent them from attending the University without a place in Halls of Residence. Students who have a disability or medical condition relevant to their housing requirement should make available to the Student Accommodation Team a recent medical report from their consultant. This must be provided as soon as an application is made. Disabilities may include long-term mental health conditions as well as physical disabilities. (Note that if your medical report is in a language other than English, you will need to arrange for an official translation.) Confidential information is not passed on to any other department within the University of Westminster.

Medical reports will be passed to the University Health Service, where a decision will be made whether individual applications should be prioritised and whether accommodation in university halls is suitable. If the health service needs further information or needs to examine the student in order to make their assessment, the student may be required to book and attend a consultation.

Care leavers also fall within category 1 and are required to provide supportive evidence from their local authority. Qualifying care leavers will be offered Halls of Residence accommodation for the duration of their initial course.

2. International students who are new to the University and coming to selected Halls of Residence in the context of programmes which have been identified by a campus as having particular strategic importance. The number of places required under this scheme to be advised by 1 May. Nominations of students to be advised by the deans and Halls of Residence applications received before 1 July. Any places for which nominations are not received by 1 July will revert to the pool for categories 3-8.

3. The following are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis:

• undergraduate students from more than 25 miles from central London or Harrow as appropriate, who are new to the University

• postgraduate students from more than 25 miles from central London or Harrow as appropriate, who are new to the University

• final year students who have not been in Halls of Residence before

Some rooms are reserved for postgraduate and final year students.

4. New undergraduate and new postgraduate students from within 25 miles of central London or Harrow, as appropriate.

5. Continuing (non-final year) students who have not been in Halls of Residence before.

6. Final year students who have been in Halls of Residence before.

7. Continuing (non-final year) students who have been in Halls of Residence before.

8. Students who have been offered a Halls of Residence place which they did not accept.

Please note: Students with Halls of Residence debts or who have been found to be in breach of the University Code of Conduct under the University's disciplinary procedure will not normally be considered again for a place in Halls of Residence. Students nominated under category 2 are normally guaranteed a place in Halls of Residence for one year. No other students are guaranteed a place. A limited number of places are available for single-semester students.

Library and IT services 

Opening hours and locations

The University of Westminster has four site libraries, three in the West End of London and one in Harrow.

Each site library holds a collection of books, journals, DVDs and other specialist materials to support the subjects taught at that site.

Opening hours

Our opening hours change according to the academic year, on occasion we have to amend our opening hours at short notice. Please check with the library you are visiting before making a special journey.

FixIT Centre phone lines are open weekdays 9am to 8pm and weekends 9am to 5pm.

IT Drop In Centres are open weekdays 11am to 6pm.

Cavendish Library

Opening hours Monday 19 December 2011 – Sunday 8 January 2012

Cavendish Library opening times
Day	Library	Counter and enquiry services
Please check carefully the return date of your library items as they may be due back during the vacation. Loans that have not been requested can be renewed online through Library Search.
Monday 19 December	8.30am - 8pm	9am - 8pm
Tuesday 20 December	8.30am - 8pm	9am - 8pm
Wednesday 21 December	8.30am - 8pm	9am - 8pm
Thursday 22 December	8.30am - 8pm	9am - 8pm
Friday 23 December	8.30am - Close 12 noon	9am - 12 noon
Saturday 24 December - Monday 2 January - Library CLOSED.
Tuesday 3 January	8.30am - 8pm	9am - 7.45pm
Wednesday 4 January	8.30am - 8pm	9am - 7.45pm
Thursday 5 January	8.30am - 8pm	9am - 7.45pm
Friday 6 January	8.30am - 7pm	9am - 6.45pm
Saturday 7 January	11am - 5pm	11am - 4.45pm
Sunday 8 January	11am - 5pm	11am - 4.45pm

Harrow Library

Harrow Library opening times
Day	Library	Counter and enquiry services
Security staff are on duty when counter and enquiry services are closed Please check carefully the return date of your library items as they may be due back during the vacation. Loans that have not been requested can be renewed online through Library Search.
Monday 19 December	24 hrs	9am - 5pm
Tuesday 20 December	24 hrs	9am - 5pm
Wednesday 21 December	24hrs	9am - 5pm
Thursday 22 December	24 hrs	9am - 5pm
Friday 23 December	8.30am - Close 12 noon	9am - 11.45am
Saturday 24 December - Monday 2 January - Library CLOSED.
Tuesday 3 January	Open 9am	9am - 5pm
Wednesday 4 January	24 hrs	9am - 5pm
Thursday 5 January	24 hrs	9am - 5pm
Friday 6 January	24 hrs	9am - 5pm
Saturday 7 January	24 hrs	10am - 5pm
Sunday 8 January	24 hrs	10am - 5pm

Marylebone Library opening times
Day	Library	Counter and enquiry services
Please check carefully the return date of your library items as they may be due back during the vacation. Loans that have not been requested can be renewed online through Library Search.
Monday 19 December	24 hrs	9am - 5pm
Tuesday 20 December	24 hrs	9am - 5pm
Wednesday 21 December	24 hrs	9am - 5pm
Thursday 22 December	24 hrs	9am - 5pm
Friday 23 December	Close 12 noon	9am - 11.45am
Saturday 24 December - Monday 2 January - Library CLOSED.
Tuesday 3 January	Open 9am	9am - 5pm
Wednesday 4 January	24 hrs	9am - 5pm
Thursday 5 January	24 hrs	9am - 5pm
Friday 6 January	24 hrs	9am - 5pm
Saturday 7 January	24 hrs	11am - 5pm
Sunday 8 January	24 hrs	11am - 5pm

Regent Library opening times
Day	Library	Counter and enquiry services
Please check carefully the return date of your library items as they may be due back during the vacation. Loans that have not been requested can be renewed online through Library Search.
Monday 19 December	8am - 11pm	9am - 5pm
Tuesday 20 December	8am - 11pm	9am - 5pm
Wednesday 21 December	8am - 11pm	9am - 5pm
Thursday 22 December	8am - 11pm	9am - 5pm
Friday 23 December	8am - Close 12 noon	9am - 11.45am
Saturday 24 December - Monday 2 January - Library CLOSED.
Tuesday 3 January	Open 9am - 8pm	9am - 5pm
Wednesday 4 January	8am - 11pm	9am - 5pm
Thursday 5 January	8am - 11pm	9am - 5pm
Friday 6 January	8am - 11pm	9am - 5pm
Saturday 7 January	11am - 6pm	11.05am - 5pm
Sunday 8 January	11am - 6pm	11.05am - 5pm

Access

If you have mobility problems, please let us know when you arrive so we are aware you are in the building in case of an emergency evacuation. If the library is not accessible to you, please contact the Disability Support Representative for your site so that we can discuss your specific needs with you.

Audible fire alarms are used in all University buildings. If you are unable to hear the fire alarm, please inform security staff when you first enter the building.

Photo of University