The University of Bolton was constituted in 2005 when Bolton Institute of Higher Education was given university status by the Privy Council. Situated in Greater Manchester, UK, the University of Bolton is home to more than 13,000 students and more than 700 staff.

It is considered to be one of the fastest growing universities in Britain and has made significant investment to expand and improve its facilities. A multi-million pound Social Learning Zone was inaugurated only a few years ago for study and recreation purposes. Major refurbishment programmes have also been undertaken to improve the campuses. There are future plans to invest another £30 million to erect Bolton-One, a health, leisure and research centre.

University of Bolton

Art on display at the University of Bolton's annual Creative Degree Show. Pic: University of Bolton.

Academics
The university received excellent ratings from QAA in textile-related subjects, while its research in materials is considered to be of national importance. The university’s School of Arts, Media and Education offers undergraduate, postgraduate and professional development courses in art and design, and creative media and cultural studies. The university’s School of Business and Creative Technologies offers courses in computing, creative technologies and games.

Undergraduate Programmes
From film production to creative writing, from interior design to textile design, undergraduate courses are spread on a broad canvas and offer amazing options for students. The University of Bolton also offers excellent value for money. At £7,200 -much less than the average £9,000 mark for UK universities – the courses are relatively inexpensive.

A £10 million purpose-built complex houses all the required facilities for today’s creative industries student, and a switched-on faculty ensure that learning is fun here. Students are given the chance to visit foreign countries in exchange programs and work on real-life projects so they graduate with the personal and professional skills that ensure they succeed in the workplace. The university’s graduates are highly employable, as per many survey results.

Postgraduate Programmes
Studies occur in small groups and individual attention is given to each student for a richer learning experience. The degrees offered are MA (1 year in duration) and M.Phil (1.5 years in duration). With the aid of group discussions, seminars, intensive workshops and project-based learning, students are taught methodically to tackle challenges at a professional level. Students seeking admissions in these courses should display relevant inclination and experience in their chosen specialisation.

Professional Development and Short Courses
These are short-term courses aimed to provide mid-career professionals with the required support in updating their knowledge or learning new skills.

VIDEO: Here is a sample of what one University of Bolton student produced in just their second year at the university:

International
Internationalisation is key to becoming a world-class provider of higher education and the University of Bolton has partnered with a number of universities around the world to further cultural and academic exchange. For instance, Beijing Foreign Studies University offers an MA in International Multimedia Journalism in association with Bolton. The course invites Chinese students to come to Bolton University to study and offers a truly international experience. Other countries with academic partnerships in creative industries include Greece, the UAE, and others.

There are many avenues through which international students can pursue a top education in the creative industries at the University of Bolton. And no matter how they get there, all international students receive the highest level of support from the time they apply to long after graduation. From basic pre-arrival advice to help with the ins and outs of living and working in the UK, the dedicated staff at the International Office are on hand to help.

Employability
The University of Bolton offers a great platform for students to begin their careers in the creative industries. Students work on real projects with the university’s industry partners and collaborators during their studies. The university has a robust employment history. More than 90% of new graduates gain employment within the first six months of completing their course.

Even as students, part-time job opportunities and work experience-based learning is the norm. Close industry links provide plenty of employment opportunities for students. The university is a member of the Graduate Vacancies Partnership and quickly notifies students of any job opportunities.

There is also the Knowledge Transfer Partnership scheme, where companies are invited to hire graduates for long-term projects.

University of Bolton

University of Bolton students find time to relax and unwind. Pic: University of Bolton.

Campus Life
Bolton is a buzzing cosmopolitan town that fascinates all who visit it, and the campus of the university shares the same lively characteristics of the town. Ample coffee houses, shops, museums, theatres and art galleries are there to keep the socially active busy. A healthy ratio of international students give campus life a global feel. Facilities for exercising at a gym are available on campus. There is also Wi-Fi coverage for students so they are always connected with friends and family. An abundance of clubs and societies help students develop and grow outside the classroom and connect with people with common interests and passions.

You can connect with the University of Bolton on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter