The University of Warwick is one of the UK?s leading universities. Founded in 1965, it has quickly established a reputation for academic excellence, both for quality of research and high standards of teaching. Warwick has more than 18,000 students, with the world's best students from over 120 countries comprising over 25% of the full-time student community. The University is located in the heart of England, on the outskirts of Coventry. It is close to the UK's major cities of London and Birmingham and close to the beautiful countryside of Warwickshire. The UK's finest English heritage is on its doorstep, such as Stratford-upon-Avon and Warwick Castle. Academic strengths The University has four main faculties: Arts, Sciences, Social Studies and Medicine. Collectively, these faculties offer over 120 undergraduate degree courses, over 150 postgraduate taught master?s courses and PhD courses in over 40 departments and Specialised Research Centres. Warwick is recognised as one of the UK?s leading research universities, with the most recent Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) carried out by the Higher Education Funding Councils, placing Warwick fifth out of 100 UK universities for research quality. The excellence of Warwick?s teaching is confirmed by the results of the QAA?s Teaching Assessment Exercise, with 22 out of 24 Departments assessed rated Excellent or scored 21 points or more out of 24. Warwick is consistently ranked as a top 10 UK university by all UK league tables, and holds prestigious academic exchange agreements with some of the world's best universities. The newly remodelled main library is centrally located on campus and offers independent and group working, multimedia resources, reading rooms and computer suites. The University also offers a state of the art Learning Grid; a innovative 24/7 learning environment. The Biomed Grid echoes this facility, but is tailored for Biological Sciences and Medical students. The University is provides support to students throughout the academic year with In-sessional English classes. Students are also able to learn a variety of languages through our Language Centre. Facilities Warwick Arts Centre is one of the University?s greatest assets; the largest arts centre on any UK campus which houses a concert hall, two theatres, cinema, gallery and music centre. Warwick Sport offers excellent sports facilities for indoor and outdoor activities, as well as the largest number of sports clubs. Facilities include 60 acres of outdoor playing fields, artificial pitches, running track, swimming pool, fitness centre and indoor climbing centre, as well as our new indoor tennis facility. Warwick also has one of the largest Students? Unions in the country with over 180 societies. The Union has a seven-day-a-week entertainment programme and a wide mixture of events. The Union has its own TV station and student newspapers as well as a award-winning radio station. Student life The International Office offers an award-winning service to students both before and throughout their studies. Pre-departure receptions, immigration advice and Orientation programme are designed to ensure that students are well prepared for life at Warwick. The International Office also organise a programme of cultural and social events. Warwick offers a range of high quality accommodation from traditional halls of residences to en-suite rooms. All 5,800 single study bedrooms have high speed internet access and have access to shared kitchens. Warwick provides a full range of support and advice services including the Personal and Residential Tutors, Senior Tutor, Students Union, International Office and the Chaplaincy.