BRUNEL UNIVERSITY LONDON

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Brunel College of Advanced Technology was awarded its Royal Charter in 1966, becoming Brunel University. Named after I. K. Brunel, the university has sought to emulate the great engineer's energy, creativity and practicality. A succession of developments and mergers has brought the University from modest beginnings to become a major force both within the UK higher education sector and on the international stage.  Located in Uxbridge on the outskirts of London, Brunel is one of the very few campus-based universities within the M25. Brunel is just a few miles from Heathrow Airport, the M4, M40 and M25, and is served by excellent bus services. Uxbridge is served by the Metropolitan and Piccadilly lines on the London Underground. 

All courses comprise self-contained modules or study blocks, most offering optional topics so you can tailor your course to suit your interests. One of Brunel’s most distinctive features is the commitment to including periods of work experience – sandwich placements – in many courses to help students develop the practical knowledge and skills required to succeed in the competitive graduate job market. The University offers programmes with an integrated foundation year in Engineering or IT and maths to prepare non-specialists in those areas or those who do not meet the standard entry criteria, for level 1 of relevant degree courses.  Brunel maintained a good performance overall in the 2013 NSS with outstanding success for the Library and Academic Skills Service. Brunel’s focus on research benefits students as it ensures course content is relevant and up to date. Many programmes have external validation/accreditation from professional bodies, for example, Journalism, Mechanical Engineering and Physiotherapy.

The latest Research Assessment Exercise (RAE), carried out in all UK universities in 2008, judged 82% of our research to be of international standing. As a result of this success, the university secured a 54.5% increase in the level of its research funding from the Higher Education Funding Council, rising to £12.9 million for 2009–10. The higher education sector averaged an increase of just 7.8%. Brunel University Institute for the Environment’s research, revealing the link between chemicals in rivers and reproductive health, won the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education in 2011. Students are encouraged to undertake practical placements and projects as an integral part of their course. Brunel’s courses are underpinned by internationally-renowned research in a range of subjects from Cancer Genetics and Human-Centred Design to Contemporary Music and Sport Psychology.

High-quality academics are the core of any university and our profile has transformed as more internationally renowned academics continue to join Brunel – Performance Poet Benjamin Zephaniah is Professor of Poetry and Creative Writing, and author Will Self is Professor of Contemporary Thought. The Library, open 24 hours during term time, is located at the centre of the campus, provides you with many of the study resources you will need during your time at Brunel, including. an extensive collection of books, journals and audio-visual materials, online databases, including over 150,000 eBooks and over 36,000 eJournals, 1,200 study spaces and nearly 500 PCs, in a range of environments, including group study rooms and silent study areas, 

ASK specialises in teaching you the skills you need to learn independently and thrive. Whether it’s advice on researching, planning and writing assignments, giving presentations, time management or maths, numeracy and statistics, ASK offers workshops, individual advice and resources to support your learning.  Computer store for computers and supplies, plus a media and audiovisual equipment loan service. Prepay print, scan and copy service. A filestore allocation, username, password and Brunel’s virtual learning environment. Organises weekly classes, events, exhibitions and concerts. Provides the space, tuition and specialist equipment required for your creative skills to flourish. Please telephone 01895 265213; fax 01895 269767; email disability@brunel.ac.uk; or visit the website for information. Brunel’s Disability and Dyslexia Service has received national awards and accolades in recent years reflecting the quality of the service.

The Union facilitates activities and represents the interests of all students. There are a range of clubs and societies to join, Brunel’s nightclub, the Academy, caters for all musical tastes, and student media – including a newspaper and radio station to keep you up to date.