London South Bank University

Summary

History

LSBU started its journey as the Borough Polytechnic Institute, which was established in 1892 'to promote the industrial skill, general knowledge, health and well-being of young men and women’. Classes taught apprentices and tradesmen about local industries including brickwork and masonry, oils, colours and varnishes, plumbing, hat manufacture, bakery and leather tanning. Technical classes were run for women in subjects such as cookery and dressmaking and 'General Knowledge' classes which taught reading, writing and arithmetic, music and elocution.

In September 1970 the Institute merged with a number of other local polytechnics and schools including the Brixton School of Building, City of Westminster College and the National College for Heating, Ventilating, Refrigeration and Fan Engineering becoming the Polytechnic of the South Bank. New courses in areas such as architecture, property development studies, chemical engineering and business studies were developed.

In 1992 the Polytechnic was awarded University status and renamed South Bank University. In the same year it celebrated its centenary. 

Having been renamed London South Bank University in 2003, the University celebrated its 120th anniversary in 2012. A new Student Centre opened which brought the University's employability, development and student services together under one roof, with a  Student Life Centre – a drop-in service for student information and advice - new Students' Union, catering outlets and new areas for socialising.

University Environment

London South Bank is a compact University located in the hustle and bustle of Elephant and Castle (known as the Southwark campus), and close to the entertainment buzz of bars, restaurants and clubs, plus many of the city's world-renowned galleries, theatres, museums and attractions. The famous centre of the arts, the South Bank and mainline stations such as London Waterloo and London Bridge are a 10-minute walk away. 

Students can also study nursing at the University’s Havering campus in Romford, Essex. 

Academics

Schools

• School of Applied Sciences
• School of Arts and Creative Industries
• School of Business
• School of The Built Environment and Architecture
• School of Engineering
• School of Health and Social Care
• School of Law and Social Sciences

Research

LSBU undertakes research in a broad array of subjects ranging from Nursing through to Construction, from Psychology to Business Processes, and from Sports Science to Robotics. The majority of research takes an applied approach and seeks to find solutions to today's challenging problems.

The University is a top modern university in London for its research ‘impact' and in the recent Research Excellence Framework (REF2014)nearly three-quarters of its projects were awarded the two highest possible ratings for ‘impact'.

LSBU scored particularly strongly for ‘impact’ in Sports and Exercise Science; General Engineering; and Allied Health Professions, Dentistry, Nursing and Pharmacy.

International & Industrial Opportunities 

LSBU has a range of partner universities in the US and Australia and is also part of the Erasmus+ scheme where students can study in Europe. Student can either spend a semester abroad in first or second year, or if they are doing a four-year degree they can take a year abroad between third and fourth year. 

Fees & Finance

Scholarships & Bursaries

LSBU offers considerable financial help through scholarships, bursaries, charitable funds, loans and other financial support.

The Access Bursary (2016/17) offers up to 300 students £2,000 cash bursaries for part-payment of fees or to spend on other university services.

The Academy of Sports Scholarship Programme is available to talented athletes to support their development both academically and on the field of play. A scholarship of up to £3,000 to students participating in the Academy's focus sport, Basketball is available, while a bursary of up to £1,500 is available to students taking part in any sport.

Facilities

Learning Facilities

Libraries in both the Southwark and Having campuses provide LSBU students with access to a wide range of books, journal articles and other specialist materials. Their e-resources include over 18,000 full-text journals and can be accessed off campus 24 hours a day.

Students also have free access to computers – both PCs and Macs – and to software that underpins their course work and research. Specialist software is additionally available in some departmental labs.

The Skills for Learning team, through workshops, drop-in and one-to-one sessions, are available to help you to develop your academic and professional skills to maximise your potential. They offer Mathematics, Statistics and Engineering support, and Study Skills and English provision includes topics such as critical thinking, essay writing and grammar.

Sporting Facilities

Whether it's a feature of your studies or for keeping fit, the University’s Academy of Sport brings together educational opportunities, vocational placements and services. These services include a fully-equipped Fitness Suite with over 40 cardio and resistance exercise stations; a Functional Training Zone which is dedicated to suspension training; a dedicated free weights room; a Sports Hall for activities such as five-a-side football, tennis, badminton and basketball; and a Dance Studio kitted out with full length mirrors, a ballet bar, full air conditioning, sprung flooring and a fully integrated music system for dance and exercise classes. The Sports Hall hosted the French Olympic Judo and Wrestling teams while they trained in the final weeks leading up to the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Students' Union

Students' Union

The Students' Union is a hub for a range of societies that cover cultural, political and social interests.It is also the main socialising space for students - a place for a drink and a chat with friends. The Venue, LSBU’s bar based in the Students' Union, opens during the daytime through the week and is also late-night venue. There are a number of food outlets and cafés across campus. 

Student Support

Career Facilities

LSBU’s Employability Service offers advice on how to shape your career. This complete service provides free professional information, advice and guidance while you study at LSBU and for up to two years after you graduate.

The service has strong relationships with employers and recruitment agencies to help create student employment opportunities. They also assist with planning career objectives, advice on preparing professional CVs and provide training on many topics including effective interview techniques. The service also advertises vacancies to help graduates and students find full and part-time work, work experience, placements and temporary and vocational work.

Student Enterprise helps students and graduates start their own businesses and develop valuable skills. Inspiring entrepreneurs can attend Start & Evolve talks and Develop & Grow workshops, find out what it’s like to be an entrepreneur, develop employability skills, network and enhance their CVs.

Health & Wellbeing

There are a range of doctors and healthcare providers near the campus.

LSBU’s Student Mental Health and Wellbeing service offers short-term support and advice to all students who are experiencing personal difficulties, may be struggling to cope at university, or just need someone to talk to. The service is free and confidential. Advisors can also help you find support from a counsellor if required.

Disability and Dyslexia Support provides advice and information about disabilities, specific learning difficulties (including dyslexia), mental health conditions or other medical conditions. They also coordinate the support that is offered to you while you study, and their services and facilities can be personalised to meet your individual needs. 

Religion & Spirituality 

A number of student societies represent various religions and denominations. The University also have a dedicated multi-faith chaplaincy to care for students of all faiths or of none.

Accommodation

The University has four halls of residence. The furthest away from the Southwark campus is a 10-minute walk away from all its amenities, leaving students always feeling close to home. Residences also have good public transport connections, whether travelling by bus, train or London Underground. The campus is surrounded by many of London's key attractions, and the Elephant and Castle shopping centre offers retail and banking opportunities.

There are 1,396 single self-contained study/bedrooms spread across the four residential buildings. These rooms offer a choice of en-suite or standard rooms, WiFi access, and on-site laundry facilities. Flats accommodate between two and nine residents, and there are shared kitchen facilities. 

International

International Support

Currently there are over 2,000 international students from over 130 countries studying at the University.

The University’s student portal has a wide range of information for international students as part of your preparations for travelling to the UK, with information on: immigration; the airport meeting service; and the international student welcome. 

The University also have an Immigration and International Student Advice team to help you at any time for your journey. 

English Language Requirements 

If English is not your first language you need to have an overall IELTs score of 6.0 with at least 5.5 in each skill area or equivalent.

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