Each postgraduate student has a supervisor and tutor drawn from the School‘s academic and senior research staff; CASE students also have a supervisor from the collaborating industrial or research institute sponsor. The supervisor(s) is primarily responsible for research training, while the tutor is an independent mentor with a role in monitoring progress. Postgraduate students are integrated into their research group, and into the life of the School as a whole. A comprehensive training programme covers both generic research skills and transferable skills.
A full list of student support services is available from the University website.
Students are entitled to register for treatment (when and if required) under the National Health Scheme with the Student Health Service (or with a doctor of their own choice). The Service is free to all students and their families if on a course of study lasting six months or more.
The aim of the Student Health Service is to look after the physical and mental well-being of all students in the University. Its medical and nursing staff provide a full range of primary care facilities, as well as immunization, contraceptive counselling and provision, antenatal care, physiotherapy and preventative health education. Facilities for emergency dental treatment are available at the Dental Hospital.
All full-time students are automatically members of the Students‘ Union, which represents student interests within the University and outside. The Union building, which is one of the largest in the country, is the focal point of student activity and offers a wide range of facilities. Four bars, and a theatre, as well as games, meeting and work rooms, shops and a travel bureau are some of the many services available to students. With its 150 societies and clubs, the Union offers something for all interests - sport of every kind, music and drama, hobbies and politics are all catered for.
The Access Unit provides support and services for deaf and disabled students.
This offers completely confidential counselling help to any student who may have anxieties or difficulties. Students bring a wide range of requests for help. These range from providing self-help guides to study skills, to help with specific personal problems, e.g. finding it difficult to study, or making friends.