Thames Valley

History

Previously the Polytechnic of West London, TVU has over 140 years experience in delivering technical and vocational education.
In 1991 the polytechnic merged with Ealing College, Thames Valley College, London College of Music and Queen Charlotte's College of Healthcare.
TVU achieved university status in 1992, and merged with Reading College and School of Arts and Design in 2004.

Location and transport

The university is based on four campuses at Ealing and Brentford (London) and at Reading and Slough in Berkshire.
Students benefit from excellent road and rail links. Central London and Heathrow Airport are less than 20 minutes away.
There is a free shuttle bus service between campuses

Accommodation

The university offers a free and confidential service to all students.
Paragon, close to the Ealing Campus, is an award-winning accommodation centre, with 24-hour security, for TVU students. There are 810 study rooms and 29 studio apartments with lifts, wheelchair access, and a fully staffed office.
Based on 2008–09 rates, a single study bedroom at Paragon costs £113 per week and a studio is £159 per week. Prices are inclusive of all utility costs and broadband internet connection and are offered on 44 or 52 week tenancies.
At the Reading campus, the Hall of Residence has 72 en-suite bedrooms and costs £89 per week (2008–09 rates).
Click here for more information on all accommodation at TVU.

Entry standards
League Table

As well as meeting the chosen course requirements, students require the minimum of one of the following for an honours degree: passes in 2 A levels/VCE A levels or equivalent international qualifications.
International undergraduate students must meet the English language requirement of IELTS at 5.5 or above.
For more details on entry standards at TVU, click here.

Bursaries and scholarships
In receipt of full Maintenance Grant: £1,060
In receipt of partial Maintenance Grant: discretionary £530

Course flexibility

Flexible learning options are offered, including distance learning, full- and part-time and work-based learning.

Teaching standards
League Table

Rated 18 out of 24 in Modern Languages, and Communication and Media Studies; 20 in Nursing and Psychology; 22 in Applied Language Studies, Sociology, and Tourism, Hospitality and Leisure under the old system.

Research standards
League Table

Academic strengths

The world-famous London College of Music is part of TVU and has just celebrated its 120th anniversary.
Nursing has appeared within the top 10 in league tables this year.
TVU is the largest provider of healthcare education, music and related disciplines in the UK.

Student facilities, including Library and Computing
League Table

Learning Resource Centres bring together our library, media and computing facilities, providing fully-networked, open access work stations.
Each centre is staffed with advisers and subject-specialist librarians, dedicated to helping students gain the maximum benefit from resources.

Disability Services

A free, confidential service is offered to all students with a disability, specific learning difficulty or long term medical condition. More information on disability services at TVU can be found here, including contact details for the disability team.

Students' Union

The Studio Bar at Ealing is the main venue for entertainment and events.
The union offers a wide range of sports activities, such as football, netball, basketball, yoga, and fencing.
There are many student-run societies, such as law, student radio, extreme sport, gaming, Afro-Caribbean, Chinese, and Malaysian societies.
More information on the Students' Union at TVU can be found here.

Recent/prospective new builds

Paragon, the new, award-winning state-of-the-art student accommodation centre, was completed in September 2006.

Availability of part-time work

All four campuses have careers advice and employment services to help students find part-time work while they study. More information on part-time work at TVU can be found here.
TVU is part of the collaborative Westfocus partnership between seven universities, offering business advice and services to students.

For further information

Last updated 22/6/2010

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