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Your UniversityGuide 2013

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Welcome

Before you arrive

Term Dates

Important Contact Details

Things to check

Travelling to Swansea

Arriving at Swansea

Accommodation

Starting Arrangements

Course Locations

Enrolment

FRESHtival 2013

Living in Swansea

Services for Students

Student Finance

International Students

The Essentials

Key Information

University Policies

Useful Links

Mae fersiwn Cymraeg o’r Canllaw hwn ar gael ar gais

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Contents

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We are delighted that you are coming to Swanseaand we are pleased to welcome you to aninstitution with a very strong commitment to higherquality teaching-led higher education.

Our University celebrates diversity - in programmesof study, types of students, modes of study, locationand types of campuses. We have a variedbackground amongst our students and thisenriches the academic and cultural life of theUniversity as well as the learning process itself.Similarly, our campuses vary and depending onyour choice of subject, you will be located on oneparticular campus and yet have access to facilitiesacross all of our centres.

Naturally, you will have many questions aboutbeing a student here. This guide has beenproduced to give you key information that will behelpful during your first weeks. Hopefully this willhelp you to feel more prepared and confidentbefore your course starts; more detailedinformation is available on our websites:

http://youruni.smu.ac.uk/ andhttp://www.smu.ac.uk/

We look forward to meeting you!

Welcome

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Before you arrive...

Term Dates

Term 1 2013

New StudentsMonday 9th September 2013 –

Friday 20th December 2013 (PGCE Primary & Secondary only)

Monday 9th September 2013 –

Friday 13th December 2013 (Foundation Art & Design only)

Monday 23rd September 2013 –

Friday 13th December 2013 (All other new students)

Continuing and Part-time StudentsMonday 30th September 2013 - Friday 13th December 2013

Christmas VacationMonday 16th December 2013 – Friday 3rd January 2014

Term 2Monday 6th January 2014 – Friday 28th March 2014

Easter VacationMonday 31st March 2014 – Monday 21st April 2014

Term 3Tuesday 22nd April 2014 – Friday 11th July 2014

Tuesday 22nd April 2014 – Friday 30th May 2014

(Foundation Art & Design only)

Public HolidaysThe University will be closed on the following Bank Holidays:

Good Friday – 18th April 2014

Easter Monday – 21st April 2014

May Bank Holiday – 5th May 2014

Spring Bank Holiday – 26th May 2014

Summer Bank Holiday – 25th August 2014

University Main Switchboard

01792 481000Student Services Office01792 481206student.services@smu.ac.uk

Accommodation Office01792 482086accommodation@smu.ac.uk

Students’ Union01792 655400su@smu.ac.uk

Study SkillsDyslexia Supportdyslexia@smu.ac.uk

Careers ServiceGo Wales (Jobshop)01792 481213careers@smu.ac.uk

Academic Registry(including Admissions)01792 481010enquiry@smu.ac.uk

International Office (Registry)01792 481090international@smu.ac.uk

Finance Office01792 481182 / 481050finance.office@smu.ac.uk

Health and Safety Officer01792 481014healthandsafety@smu.ac.uk

Catering Officertel: 01792 482053e mail: ffion.jones@smu.ac.uk

Griffith Library at Dynevor01792 481030

Owen LibraryMount Pleasant Campus01792 481141

Townhill Campus Library01792 482113

Swansea Business SchoolLibrary01792 481023

Faculty of Applied Designand Engineering01792 481117fade@smu.ac.uk

Faculty of Education01792 482066education@smu.ac.uk

Faculty of Performance01792 482052janette.richards@smu.ac.uk

Faculty of Social Sciences01792 482080paul.hutchings@sm.uwtsd.ac.uk

Faculty of Businessand Management01792 481025sbs@smu.ac.uk

Faculty of Art and Design01792 481285artanddesign@smu.ac.uk

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Important Contact Details

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Things to check

Firstly, you should have received an unconditionaloffer of a place on a course and confirmed youracceptance via your UCAS Track account. If youare an international student, you should havereturned your acceptance of your offer to theInternational Office at Academic Registry.

For maps showing the location of Swansea, theUniversity and all five of the University’s campuses,please visit our website:http://www.smu.ac.uk/index.php/the-university/campus-map

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Travelling to Swansea

You may travel to Swansea from any part of the UKby coach, train, or car. If you are travelling by plane,detailed information regarding travelling toSwansea can be found on the ‘InternationalStudents’ section of our website:http://youruni.smu.ac.uk/

By Coach

National Express operates a direct service toSwansea's Quadrant Bus Station from all over theUK. For more information, please visit the NationalExpress website:http://www.nationalexpress.com/home.aspx

By Rail

Great Western Trains run direct services fromLondon Paddington to Swansea's High StreetStation. The journey is approximately 2 hours and 50minutes.

There are frequent linking services to all majorcities, for full information including train times andticket prices, please visithttp://www.nationalrail.co.uk/

By Car

The University has excellent road links to the rest ofthe UK. You can find useful information such asmaps and full directions on our website:http://www.smu.ac.uk/index.php/the-university/travel-maps

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Halls of Residence

During the weekend of Saturday 21st and Sunday22nd September we will have staff and students onduty to meet you and help with your arrival at theHalls of Residence. All students in Halls of Residencewill receive separate arrival instructions from theAccommodation Office, giving specific detailsabout their arrival arrangements. When you arrive,you will be able to collect important informationabout the University and be given the opportunityto meet new and current students.

Saturday 21st September 2013between 10.00 am and 2.00 pm(Mount Pleasant Arrivals)

Saturday 21st September 2013between 10.00 am and 4.00 pm(Townhill – Dyfed Arrivals)

Sunday 22nd September 2013between 10.00am and 4.00 pm(Townhill – Gwyr and Cenydd Arrivals)

Halls Induction talks will be taking place at 5.00pmin the Main Lecture Theatre at Townhill campus onboth days. If you are unable to arrive during theabove opening times, via email onaccommodation@smu.ac.uk.

What to bring

If you do take up a place in Halls, you will needto bring with you a quilt, pillows, pots, pans, cutlery,crockery, toaster, iron, tea towel, and coat hangersto make your stay comfortable. You can also bringmore personal belongings such as a TV (TV licencerequired), stereo, computer, hairdryer, or tablelamp, along with an extension lead which must bein good condition and subject to PAT testing. Thereare laundry facilities available on both campuses.

If you are an international student or you do notwant to bring your own bedding, we can providebedding packs at £30 per year, or you canpurchase these items locally.

Private Rented Accommodation

If you are not staying in the Halls of Residence,the Accommodation Office may be able to helpyou to find suitable accommodation outside theUniversity. There is no shortage of good qualityhousing for students in the Swansea area, but youwill need to have available funds for deposits andrent. If you have opted to go into private rentedaccommodation, then you should make yourarrival arrangements with the landlord/lady.

More information, including listings of availableaccommodation can be found at:http://accommodation.smu.ac.uk

Car Parking

There is limited parking around the University itself,especially the Mount Pleasant Campus. There isno on-site parking at Mount Pleasant, with theexception of a few parking spaces for disabledstudents. There are a limited number of spaces forstudents parking in the nearby Pen-y-Bryn car park,which is on a first-come-first-served basis. TheTownhill Campus has more student car parkingspaces, also available on a first-come-first-servedbasis.

If you have to park in the local streets please givedue regard to the local residents’ parking needs. Ifyou park in ‘residents only’ spaces, you are likely toreceive a Parking Ticket. Swansea City Council willonly issue residents parking permits to applicantswho can show that they are a full time resident ofthe street.

The University’s Students' Union has an agreementwith National Car Parks (NCP) which allowsstudents to park all day at the Orchard Street sitefor just £5. You should visit the Students' Union topick up your discount card

Arriving at Swansea

Accommodation

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Full-time Students

Foundation Art & DesignDate: Monday 9th September 2013

Where: Foundation Studios, 5th floor,Swansea Business School

Time: 9.30am

PGCE PrimaryDate: Monday 9th September 2013

Where:Main Lecture Theatre,Townhill Campus

Time: 9.30am

PGCE SecondaryDate: Monday 9th September 2013

Where:Curriculum Subject Room,Townhill Campus

Time: 9.30am

Health & Social CareDate: Monday 23rd September 2013

Where:Main Reception atSwansea Business School

Time: 10.00am

Public ServicesDate: Monday 23rd September 2013

Where:Main Reception atSwansea Business School

Time: 10.30am

All other new studentsDate: Monday 23rd September 2013

Where:Main reception of your campus(please see page 8 for course locations)

Time: 9.30am

Part-time & Continuing Students

Part-time and continuing programmes will start theweek commencing 30th September, unlessotherwise advised by the Faculty. ProgrammeDirectors will contact you regarding the day, timeand location of your programmes.

Starting Arrangements

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Mount Pleasant:

School of Industrial Design

School of Automotive Engineering

School of Applied Computing

School of Digital Media (except Music Technology)

School of Logistics and Manufacturing Engineering

School of Built and Natural Environment

School of Glass

Swansea Business School:

Foundation Art and Design

Faculty of Business and Management

School of Public Service Leadership

Dynevor Centre for Art, Designand Media Studies:

Faculty of Art and Design(except Foundation Art and Design)

Townhill Campus:

School of Social Sciences and Performing Arts

School of Education

Alexandra Road Campus:

Music Technology (BBC Building)

Course Locations

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You must officially enrol online before, or uponcommencement of your studies. Please use thefollowing link to enrol:

http://enrolment.smu.ac.uk

Full instructions on how to enrol, includinginformation on how to upload your studentphotograph can be found in the 'Online EnrolmentUser Guide' on the website.

Failure to enrol online will delay receipt of yourstudent loan if applicable and could affect yourfinal results and eventual graduation from yourprogramme.

You will receive a separate letter from theUniversity in late August explaining what youneed to do to enrol.

If you do not receive this letter, please contactAcademic Registry via email:enquiry@smu.ac.uk

Recommended documents you may need foryour first few days at University:

■ Your student notification letter from theLEA/SLC – called ‘University or College Payment Advice’. You will need to take this to the Finance Office on the Mount Pleasant campus

■ If your fees are being paid for by an employeror sponsor you will need a letter from your employer or sponsor accepting liability foryour fees – you will need to take this to the Finance Office

■ Identification – you will need identificationto collect your library card

Enrolment

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Get ready for over 336 hours of non-stop fun andfrolics, with the biggest student welcome fortnightthe University has ever seen!

FRESHtival is Swansea Metropolitan’s two weekinduction organised by the Students’ Union, and it isopen to all students at the University. FRESHtival2013 will run from Sunday 22nd September toSunday 6th October 2013 and it is a greatopportunity for you to settle in to University lifebefore term begins. It is also a valuable time forfinding out your course details and meeting otherson your course, settling in to your accommodation,making new friends and exploring all of your newsurroundings.

Importantly, FRESHtival is a chance for you to reallyenjoy yourself with a great introduction to studentlife in Swansea whether you are based on or offcampus. Our amazing FRESHtival FRESH Reps, madeup of student volunteers, will be there to help yousettle in and answer any questions you might haveduring FRESHtival along with your Students’ UnionSabbatical Officers and Staff.

For more information regarding our Students’Union, please see page 12.

You can also find information on the Students'Union's wesbite: http://www.metsu.org

FRESHtival 2013 The Student’s Union

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Living in Swansea

Academic Registry

The Academic Registry is situated at the MountPleasant campus, and deals with your academicneeds from the application stage of your coursethrough to your graduation.

The office is open from8.30 am - 5.00 pm Monday to Thursday,and 8.30 am - 4.30 pm on Fridays.

Finance Office

The Finance department is also situated on theMount Pleasant campus, where staff can offeradvice on the financial aspects of your studyperiod at the University, including Student Loansand supplementary grants.

The office is open from:8.30 am – 4.45 pm Monday to Thursday,and 8.30 am – 4.15 pm on Fridays.

Accommodation Office

If you have not already arranged suitableaccommodation, finding somewhere to live willbe one of your main concerns. We have our ownAccommodation Office which can offer you helpand support with finding accommodation. Wecan provide accommodation in a students’Halls of Residence (self-catering), but space islimited, so applications for such accommodationshould have been made as soon as you receivedan unconditional offer of a place on your course.

Student Services

The Student Services Department provides aframework of advice, support and informationrelevant to you as a student. The work of StudentServices recognises that life as a student is varied.Whilst it can be exciting and enjoyable it can, attimes, also be stressful, challenging and expensive.It is important to remember that the first few weeksat the University can be particularly daunting as itinvolves making a major life change. Specialistprofessional staff within Student Services areavailable to assist by offering support andguidance for study difficulties, career matters,and for issues of special needs and disability. Twocounsellors are available to provide confidentialcounselling support for any student experiencingpersonal problems that are affecting the students’general welfare or interfering with their ability tostudy. To make an appointment with any of thesemembers of staff, please contact the StudentServices secretary, who is available on the MountPleasant campus from:

8.45 am - 4.00 pm Monday to Friday.01792 481206disability@smu.ac.uk or dyslexia@smu.ac.uk

Services for StudentsAs a valued student you will be able to make use of a comprehensive range of supportservices that are designed to help make your stay with us as beneficial as possible.An introduction to these services can be found below:

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Library and Learning Resources

The Library and Learning Resources service aims tosupport all students by providing information andlibrary services of a high quality, within theUniversity’s resources framework. At each campus(Dynevor, Mount Pleasant, Townhill and SwanseaBusiness School), we have a comprehensive library,well-stocked with materials relating to the coursestaught on each site. All four offer a wide range ofbooks and journals, as well as other resources andfacilities. Please visit the library website for moreinformation:http://apollo.smu.ac.uk/library/

Students’ Union

As a student at the University, you are automaticallya member of the Students’ Union. The Students’Union (SU) is there to ensure that all students havethe best experience possible. The SU is there toprovide academic support and representation,welfare support as well as events, societies andsporting opportunities. It aims to empower studentsthrough the University’s democratic procedures,and to equip you with vital skills and experiencesthrough the activities it provides. For moreinformation, please visit the SU website:http://www.metsu.org/

Catering

The University has refectories on all campuseswhich offer a wide selection of hot and cold foodthroughout the day. For more information, pleasecontact our Catering Officer, Ffion Jones.

Contact details for all departments can be foundon page 6

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Managing Finances

Managing your finances is one of the mostimportant and challenging aspects of a successfuland enjoyable academic experience. Before youbegin your studies, you should ensure that yourfinancial matters are in order. You should haveadequate funding to support yourself and anydependants for the duration of your course. Berealistic about the costs involved. Once you havestarted your course, financial assistance may beextremely limited.

Information regarding funding can be found onour website. Please see below for the link

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are payable at enrolment. You arewelcome to pay your fees by cash (sterling),credit card, debit card or cheque. Studentsresponsible for paying their tuition fees can pay ininstalments. For more information regardinginstalment plans, please visit our website:

http://www.smu.ac.uk/index.php/potential-students/fees-and-bursaries-2013

Extra Financial Help Available -Financial Contingency Fund

There is a limited amount of additional assistanceavailable to UK students through the University’sFinancial Contingency Fund. This Fund, providedby the Welsh Assembly Government, enables theUniversity to assist students that encounterunexpected expenditure once they have startedtheir course. To be eligible for support, studentsmust have applied for their full entitlement ofStudent Loan and received the first instalment.This fund is not available to fund the shortfallbetween income (Student Loan, grants, parentalsupport and income from part time work) andnormal expected expenditure. The University’sAccess Committee will decide if students areeligible for assistance and, if so, the value of anyaward.

Part-time students are also eligible for support fromthe Financial Contingency Fund providing they arestudying at least 50% of a full time course. Part-timeStudents with a disability are eligible for supportproviding they are studying at least 25% of a fulltime course.

Application forms for the Financial ContingencyFund can be collected from the Finance Office.

Student Finance

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Other Means Tested Grants

Depending on your circumstances, Welsh studentsmay be eligible to receive a Means Tested Grantof up to £5,000. There are other grants available,your Local Authority will be able to inform youwhat grants you are eligible for.

Student Debt

You should note that any student in debt tothe University might be excluded from any orall University services, and may be refusedpermission to progress within the Universityuntil the debt is paid. It is our normal practiceto withhold progress to the next year, and notaward certificates until the debt is paid.Students completing their course will notbe able to graduate.

The University will normally take appropriateaction to recover any outstanding debt orrecover/replace any University property.

Bursaries

A non-means tested bursary of £500 per year isavailable to new full time undergraduate studentswhose home address is at least 45 miles or moreaway from Swansea, as defined by the RAC RoutePlanner. This bursary is paid annually and does notneed to be repaid.

Council Tax

If your landlord/lady requires proof that youare a student, a Student Council Tax ExemptionCertificate can be issued once you have fullyenrolled. This Certificate can be obtained fromthe Academic Registry at Mount Pleasantby completing a form, or by sending anemail containing all of your details toenquiry@smu.ac.uk, the Certificate must becollected, in person. Please note that in orderfor a landlord/lady to claim rebate for studenttenancy, they will have to rely on you supplyinga Council Tax Exemption Certificate, if you do not,your Landlord/lady may pass the Council Taxcharges onto you. We will be providing the Cityand County of Swansea with a list of all studentswho will be resident in their area. For these studentsa Council Tax Exemption Certificate will not,normally, be required.

Further Information

Please visit our website for more information:http://www.smu.ac.uk/index.php/potential-students/fees-and-bursaries-2013

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The University has recruited international studentsfor many years and we recognise the importantacademic and social contributionthat you make to our University and the widercommunity. We have dedicated services to makeyour stay as enjoyable and as comfortable aspossible.

International Office

If you are an international student, we have anInternational Office based at Academic Registrythat exists to provide support to all non EUinternational applicants and students. Themembers of staff are available to advise youon any issues relating to your academic needsas an international student, and also to providea comprehensive visa advisory service to students.

Visa Advisory Service

The International Office at Academic Registryprovides a visa advisory service for students.We are trained to provide advice to studentsregarding Tier 4 (General) Student visas. If youhave any questions regarding your visa, pleasecontact the office.Contact details for the office can be foundon page 6

International Student Welcome Events

All international students are invited to ourInternational Student Welcome Events. Theseevents usually take place at the end of Septemberand throughout October. The Welcome Eventsinclude many activities, such as lunch, socialevents, workshops and information days. Thespecific dates, times and details of the WelcomeEvents will be published on our website. http://youruni.smu.ac.uk

Further Information

For full information about preparing for yourdeparture, visas and immigration, and arrivingand living in the UK, as well as details about allof the services the International Office provides,please visit the ‘International Students’ sectionof our website: http://youruni.smu.ac.uk/

International Students

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Key InformationAs a new student to the University, you will receive further information over the next few weeks. Below isa checklist of the key information which you need to know. If you feel there is any information or advicethat you would like but have not yet received, suggestions for where you may obtain this can be foundin the right hand column.

The Essentials

Becoming a Student

Need to know informationProgramme of Study

Learning ResourcesSupporting your studies

Social and WelfareSupporting you

Pre-arrival, arrival, enrolment,student loan, Students’ Unionetc.

Timetable, curriculum,flexibility/choice of modules,learning and assessmentmethods, course structure.Programme Leader, personaltutor, supervisor, studyskills/support provision, workexperience opportunities

Libraries/Learning Resources,Information Technologyfacilities

Accommodation,Student Services,Guidance and Careers,International StudentsChildcare, Equal Opportunitiesand Disability advice, Financialinformation and advice,Medical, Personal Counselling,Social Life, Welfare

• This StudentWelcome Guide

• Programme Handbook,• Programme Orientation Event,

• Programme Leader, • School Office

• Tours and meetingswill be available during orientation and induction.

• Library and Learning Resources Guide

• Accommodation Office• Accommodation Guide• Student Services Office

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Sustainability

The University is committed to improving itssustainability. It was rated the best of all UKUniversities for use of energy in 2009, was gradedfirst class status in the UK Green League in June2010, and has won many environmental awards.

We have Green dragon Level 4 Environmental Management System and actively work to reduceour carbon footprint, promoting energy efficiency,reduced water consumption, sustainable traveland are working hard to reduce and recycle ourwaste as much as possible (currently at 66%recycled). We are a Fairtrade University. We holda staff and student Sustainability Forum once aterm, and an environment week every year inMarch. While you are at the University, we hopeto encourage you to become greener, and tosupport the University’s goals for sustainability. Formore information see the University’s sustainabilityweb pages:

http://www.smu.ac.uk/index.php/university

Race Equality

The University is committed to tackling racialdiscrimination and promoting equality ofopportunity and good race relations as requiredby the Equality Act. All staff and students have aresponsibility and duty under the Act to assist theUniversity in seeking to ensure that it remains freeof any form of racial discrimination. Staff orstudents who do not adhere to the EqualityPolicy will not only be failing in his/her personalresponsibility to help create and foster a societywhich is free of racial discrimination, but will alsobe subject to disciplinary action in accordancewith the University’s equal opportunities policies.

The University does not tolerate racialdiscrimination of any kind. Promoting Equalitywithin the University, through treating staff andstudents with respect is one of our principal values.As individuals, we need to learn about ‘differences’as well as the common ground we share. An openmind to people’s differences can reduce bias andprejudice and can help us understand theneeds of others. For more information, please visit:

http://www.trinitysaintdavid.ac.uk/en/humanresources/

Attendance Policy

Students are required to attend the classesprovided for their course. These classes havebeen designed both to cover the content of theprogramme of study and to provide a learningsupport structure for the other work (for examplereading, essays, exercises, projects) which thecourse entails. The nature of ‘classes’ will vary fromcourse to course and will therefore be prescribedby the appropriate Dean of Faculty on the adviceof the Programme Director.

It is accepted that students will unavoidably missthe occasional prescribed class. When this occurs,the reason should be provided either in advance,or no later than one week after the absence, tothe appropriate designated person.

Students who miss more than 3 consecutiveprescribed weekly classes or one week of studywithout good reason, as determined by theDean of Faculty or nominated colleague, maybe subject to action that may result in a studentbeing withdrawn, suspended or in extremecircumstances excluded from the University.

Procedures for Student Complaintsand Appeals

We hope that you will never need to refer tothese procedures, but just in case, you can findthe relevant information and forms here regardingStudent Complaints, Academic Appeals and UnfairPractice:

http://www.smu.ac.uk/index.php/current-students/registry/regulations

University Policies

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The University has two websites: http://youruni.smu.ac.ukhas been created specifically for new students and applicantsand contains further useful information.

If you are unable to find the information you require, please visithttp://www.smu.ac.uk/

About Swansea Metropolitan:http://www.smu.ac.uk/index.php/potential-students/about-us

Campus Maps:http://www.smu.ac.uk/index.php/the-university/campus-maps

Location & Travel Maps:http://www.smu.ac.uk/index.php/the-university/travel-maps

Accommodation Information:http://www.smu.ac.uk/index.php/potential-students/accommodation/for-students

Private Accommodation Information:http://accommodation.smu.ac.uk/

Fees & Bursaries Information:http://www.smu.ac.uk/index.php/potential-students/fees-and-bursaries-2013

Services for Students Information:http://www.smu.ac.uk/index.php/potential-students/services-for-students

Brunswick Health Centre:http://www.brunswickandhafodhealth.co.uk/index.aspx

Library Website:http://apollo.smu.ac.uk/library/

International Students Website:http://youruni.smu.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=8

Students’ Union:http://www.metsu.org/

Careers & Employability Information:http://www.smu.ac.uk/index.php/the-university/careers

Sustainability at the University:http://www.smu.ac.uk/index.php/the-university/sustainability

The University’s Academic Quality Handbook:http://qualityhandbook.smu.ac.uk/

Useful Links