Being a student in the world’s most dynamic city is a unique experience and London South Bank University is right at the heart of the city. London has been named the best city for students for three years in a row by QS World University Rankings.
London is the UK’s hub for business, law, fashion, finance, arts, culture and technology so whatever your interest you will find it here along with thousands of opportunities to get involved.
The academic staff at London South Bank University maintain excellent connections with employers and the university’s strong industry links mean the courses offered are always up to date with industry needs. Most courses feature work placements giving students the opportunity to apply their knowledge outside of the classroom. Moreover, most of the courses are accredited by professional bodies giving you an advantage with future employers.
HISTORY OF LONDON SOUTH BANK UNIVERSITY
Originally the Borough Polytechnic Institute, London South Bank University has existed in one form or another since 1892 and has been improving the lives of students, businesses, and the local community ever since.
Our original aim 'to promote the industrial skill, general knowledge, health and well-being of young men and women' remains central to our mission today. Our practical and vocational approach ensures our students will leave equipped with the skills to meet the challenges of today's workplace.
The same ethos can be seen in the University today with London South Bank University ranked in the top ten in the world for reducing inequality in the Times Higher Impact Rankings.
The ranking, ‘measures universities’ research on social inequalities, their policies on discrimination and their commitment to recruiting staff and students from under-represented groups. London South Bank University has emerged as a frontrunner in this domain. Through various initiatives, London South Bank University has actively worked towards narrowing the gap and creating a more equitable society, proving our commitment to social justice and inclusivity.
The University is also immensely proud to have the oldest bakery school in the world which was founded in 1894 and is still producing master bakers as well as chocolatiers and pâtissiers today.
SPECIALIST AREAS AT LONDON SOUTH BANK UNIVERSITY
London South Bank University comprises seven schools.
The School of Applied Science is where Forensic Science, the National Bakery School, Sports Sciences and Psychology courses are located.
The School of the Built Environment and Architecture offers a wide breadth of courses that cover the built environment industries in their totality from Architecture, and Civil Engineering to Construction Management and Quantity Surveying.
The School of Engineering has a 125-year history and still has an innovative and future facing approach that allows present students to access courses in Chemical and Energy Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering in addition to Computer Science and Informatics.
The School of Arts and Creative Industries is where the university’s media, arts and creative technology courses can be found. London South Bank University offers courses ranging from Acting and Performance and Music and Sound Design to Fashion Communication and Games Design and Development.
The School of Law and Social Sciences is underpinned by two key concepts, social justice and global responsibility, and which is reflected in our range of courses from International Relations and Criminology to International Human Rights and Development.
The Institute of Health and Social Care is one of the largest health schools in the United Kingdom with courses in Nursing, Chiropractic, Physiotherapy and Sports Rehabilitation.
The Business School has been designed with employers and industry in mind and this reflected in the courses on offer from Finance, Economics, Accounting and Analytics to Innovation Strategy and Management.
LIFE ON CAMPUS
London is the best city to be a student in the world and London South Bank University’s main campus is located in the Borough of Southwark in Elephant and Castle located in Zone 1 and has been here since 1892. Some people may think that studying in London means losing that campus vibe and community atmosphere but that is not the case at London South Bank University. It may be walking distance to the Houses of Parliament and London Bridge and surrounded by the world’s biggest industries and all the opportunities they provide, but the students at the university tell us they love the community feel at London South Bank University. All the schools and teaching areas are located close together and there is plenty of shared space to study, learn and unwind, not to mention the numerous cafes, perfect for meetups with new friends. Even better, our student residences are all located on campus.
STUDENT SUPPORT AT LONDON SOUTH BANK UNIVERSITY
London South Bank University provides help, advice, and support to all students on a wide range of non-academic and educational needs. The aim is to enable all students to achieve their potential while studying by providing an approachable and reliable service around a range of topics including but not restricted to accommodation advice, employment and careers advice and financial support. The University provides specialist support services to students arriving from overseas.
Learning support is available to help students develop their academic writing and there are workshops on study skills available through your course. Many of the courses offered at London South Bank University offer a personal tutor that will be with you throughout your time at the university.
LONDON SOUTH BANK UNIVERSITY FACILITIES
Each of the schools at London South Bank University offers unique and exciting facilities, designed to improve your learning experience and make you industry ready. From film studios to engineering labs, electron microscopes to design workshops and hospital simulations, our teaching provides you with real world, innovative facilities, and equipment.
In Forensic Science the university has a crime scene flat where students collect samples and evidence to solve recreated crimes.
The school of Built Environment and Architecture houses the only anechoic chamber in London for environmental and building acoustic studies, and our architecture studio enjoys views of many of London’s landmark buildings. The Building Information Modelling Centre uses the latest software, 3D printers and scanners to explore integrated delivery, simulation and BIM.
The School of Engineering workshops feature specialist large-scale equipment, including the latest Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining technology and industry-standard lathes. These are extensively used by our experienced design and engineering students to produce intricate models for their practical work. In addition, the Digital Architecture and Robotics Lab allows research in the field of robotics advanced manufacturing and simulation.
Elephant Studios located in the School of Arts and Creative Industries is a modern hub where a community of creative talent can learn and collaborate using the latest industry standard equipment. Learning and working in professionally equipped, industry-standard studios, suites and labs makes the step from studying to work a simple one.
The Health and Social Care facilities include a range of innovative clinical or simulated environments that help you to practice and develop the necessary skills for their chosen careers. From sophisticated skills laboratories, with life-like hospital wards, simulated patients and a radiography-testing suite with the latest 3D imaging.
In the university library you will find 1000 study spaces, 120,000 electronic journals and databases plus over 195,000 books. You will also find open-access PC’s and Apple Macs, specialist software packages, laptop loans and printers.
SPORTS AND SOCIETIES AT LONDON SOUTH BANK UNIVERSITY
South Bank’s Student Union (SBSU) exists to represent London South Bank University students by offering support and guidance on many aspects of student life such as Wellbeing and Academic. The SBSU is also a hub for a number of clubs and societies that enable students to make friends for life, network and make a difference to the student experience as well as the London community.
The University hosts more than 85 communities and societies. From international communities (Somali community, African-Caribbean Community, Indian community) to course specific societies (Law society, Nursing society) as well as diverse interests societies (S.O.S. Planet, LGBT, Radio South Bank, Gaming, Anime and Comic), there is a lot of choice for students to get involved. The best part is that you can create and found your own community or society and the SBSU will be behind you to help you.
Our Sports Ambassador Scheme provides London South Bank University students and individuals within the local community the opportunity to volunteer or be employed by the University to deliver sports coaching, fitness and mentoring sessions across London and internationally.
ACCOMMODATION AT LONDON SOUTH BANK UNIVERSITY
The four halls of residence are all close to the main Southwark campus and designed to be a good introduction to living away from home for both international and domestic students. The university accommodation includes communal areas for socialising and a choice of room types to suit a range of budgets. Each of the halls is within a 10-minute walk of the main campus, whilst also providing easy access to some of London’s best restaurants, bars, theatres, museums and cultural attractions.
University staff are always on hand to make sure you are always safe and comfortable. Our residences have a 24-hour presence from security to reception, fully experienced Residential Wellbeing Staff and a team of Residential Community Ambassadors, so you can rest easy knowing there is always someone there for you with your interests at heart, ensuring you have the best possible time. Each room and shared kitchen is equipped with sufficient furniture and appliances to ensure comfort. All utilities including internet access are included.
INTERNATIONAL FOCUS
London South Bank University welcomes an enormous range of international talent into our student body every year. The university is one of the largest in London with over 15000 enrolled students including approximately 3000 international students from over 130 countries. In addition, the
academic staff at the university reflect the diversity of the community in which we live. With academics from all round the world, including Latin America, Africa, Asia, Australasia and Europe, the university has created a comfortable environment in which everyone, including our international students, can feel at home.
INDUSTRY CONNECTIONS
London South Bank University has industry links across all the schools. All courses are accredited or developed alongside industry-leading professional bodies and major institutions. including the Institute of Food Technologists, the Forensic Science Society, the Register of Exercise Professionals and the British Psychological Society. For employers, this is key – they tend actively to seek graduates with accredited degrees, as they are a mark of quality assurance and professional relevance.
Our accreditations are underpinned by strong industry links that provide opportunities for students across all our courses. Our connections include The Worshipful Company of Bakers, the London Fire Brigade, Met Police, the NHS, England Rugby and the Rio Ferdinand Foundation.
At the School of Arts and Creative Industries, everything the school does is grounded in partnerships. they currently have established partnerships with some of the world’s most innovative and respected organisations, including the Hammersmith Lyric Theatre, the Old Vic, the British Film Institute, Royal Opera House, BBC, The Photographers’ Gallery, BuzzFeed, Screen Skills, Ministry of Sound, BAFTA, Google, the National Theatre, the Tate, Whitechapel Gallery and many more. These provide amazing opportunities for our students to practice their craft, hone their skills and make invaluable contacts. In fact, they currently work with over 100 creative industry partners.
On the Architecture course at London South Bank University, around 25 top firms come into the school, meet our students, and then pair up for a 6-week mentorship period. The course also has an acclaimed lectures series that attracts some of the leading practitioners in the UK, creating further links between industry and students.
INTERNSHIPS
London South Bank University works with a range of businesses to help secure internships and placements to give you real world experience and the skills you need in a practice. At London South Bank University, they support you all way through the placement and work experience journey including one to one consultations, CV and LinkedIn advice, application support and assessment and interview practice. This approach has secured students roles in national organisations, such as the NHS, National Audit Office, Civil Service as well a range of businesses across the capital. This support is there to help you maximise on your study and develop you into a career ready graduate.
All our subject areas benefit from additional features to support your employability.
EMPLOYABILITY AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
London South Bank University's Careers Hub offers support, training and guidance to students and recent graduates on everything relating to jobs, careers, and placements. They provide career resources, connect students with employers and run regular bespoke and general workshops.
Students can use the Careers Hub to:
- Get advice and guidance on future careers
- Book 1-2-1 appointments
- Search for jobs and placement
- Register for workshops and events, such as our careers fairs
Students at London South Bank University earn academic credits from placements towards their degrees on courses such as Nursing and Allied health subjects. Our dedicated practice placement team take responsibility for allocating practice placements across the independent sector, community sector, NHS partner trusts and internationally renowned hospitals.
Students also benefit from personalised careers support and industry led mentoring as they are in collaboration with a range of businesses, employers, service departments and professional links to secure internships and placements in global brands and national organisations to give them the industry experience and skills they need.
STUDY IN LONDON
London South Bank University is located in one of London’s most exciting and rapidly changing regeneration areas, Elephant and Castle is full of startups, entrepreneurs, and global brands. they work with these local employers to help build our curriculum and bring real-world issues into your modules, enabling you to get hands on experience in the workplace and ready to hit the ground running when you graduate. London South Bank is located in zone one so whether you are visiting one of London’s many museums, sightseeing at Buckingham Palace or the Houses of Parliament or out for a night out in the West End you are never more than a few minutes from your destination.
WHY STUDY AT LONDON SOUTH BANK UNIVERSITY
Real World Courses
At London South Bank University, the teaching practice is informed, and the majority of courses offer work experience opportunities. With strong industry and employer connections as well as numerous partnerships, all the courses at London South Bank are professionally accredited or developed in partnership with relevant professional bodies.
Teaching and Learning Excellence
The academic staff at London South Bank University deliver an innovative curriculum. All staff enhance professional opportunities by combining their own knowledge of developed practice with education theory. As well as their academic backgrounds, you will find staff have an impressive range of professional expertise and are often invited to act as consultants for external enterprises. As a leading provider of fully accredited professional courses and excellent industry links, a qualification from London South Bank is recognised across the world.
World-Class Facilities
In whichever of the Schools you choose to study, you can be sure the university has the facilities to support your learning. Whether you spend time in our research and skills laboratories, workshops, media centre, theatres, library or Learning Resources Centre they have the appropriate technologies and expert support to complete your student experience. London South Bank University is committed to first class facilities and has invested over 50 million pounds in student budlings and learning spaces over the last few years.
Award Winning Entrepreneurship
LSBU (London South Bank University) has been given the award for Entrepreneurial University of the Year at the Times Higher Education Awards. This accolade celebrates the entrepreneurial support offered to students, graduates, staff and the local community led by London South Bank University’s Research, Enterprise and Innovation Team, with support from academics across the university.
Scholarships and Discounts
The university offers a wide range of scholarships and discounts for international students including, fee-discounts for LSBU alumni and generous merit scholarships to high achieving international students. In fact, the University has committed over £1m in financial support to help well-qualified students from outside the UK meet their study costs.
Dedicated Welfare and Careers Advisors
The staff at London South Bank University have a well-deserved reputation for offering personalised student support. This enhances student achievement and satisfaction by providing individual and group tutorials, seminars, workshops, Personal Development Planning, careers sessions and a dedicated School Student Office.
Webinar