Study environment for postgraduates

We invest millions to create the right environment for you to explore your ideas. That means the best equipment and facilities – so you can excel in your discipline and enjoy your time in and out of the lecture room.

The University's library, computing and language-learning facilities support you in your studies, enhancing the quality of learning and research. We also have a dedicated Graduate Research Centre, exclusively for research students.

We have:

• Invested £23m in the Information Commons, a state-of-the-art centre for learning resources
• Invested £1.5m in a new Graduate Research Centre, providing dedicated work space for postgraduate research students
• 1.4m books and journals in the University library
• 1,777 computers provided centrally in 37 locations across the campus, plus 884 computers in department computer rooms

Information Commons

The Information Commons is a joint facility from the University Library and Corporate Information and Computing Services (CiCs).

It provides a high-quality learning environment – including over 500 PCs, wireless access throughout, 1300 individual and group study spaces (some silent), and a café.

The Information Commons is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Information Commons

Library facilities

In addition to the Information Commons, there are three other sites of the University Library.

At the heart of the campus is the refurbished Western Bank Library, covering arts and humanities, science, most social sciences, law and architecture.

The St George's Library, housing engineering, management subjects, information studies and computer science, is centrally located for those departments.

The Health Sciences Library houses collections covering medical and dental sciences.

Both the Western Bank Library and St George's Library are open seven days a week during term time.

Western Bank Library

Library resources:

• Over 1.4 million books, periodicals, microforms, DVDs and other items.
• Over 10,000 electronic journals, electronic books and subject databases accessible on and off campus.
• 150 collections of archives and special collections.
• 150 collections of archives and special collections.
• Open access PCs, photocopying and printing in most libraries.
• Document delivery service for items not in stock.
• Regular free minibus service to the British Library at Boston Spa.
• Facilities such as text enlargement for students with disabilities.

The Library organises introductory tours at the beginning of the autumn semester, and provides students with a user information pack. Staff are always ready to help with your enquiries.

Computing facilities

We offer a wide range of computing facilities and services to support research, teaching and administration.

Computing resources:

• 1,777 computers in 37 locations across the campus.
• Two locations open 24 hours, seven days a week, with IT support staff available 9am – 9pm.
• Departmental computers for postgraduate students.
• Easy access to software including email, web browser, word processor, database management, spreadsheet, CAD, statistical, specialist and department-specific.
• Personalised portal system giving access to central information and off-campus access to your files, your email, and the internet.
• Access to national email distribution lists and Usenet newsgroups.
• Self-access laser printing facilities.
• Courses, self-access training, and advice Helpdesk.

Other resources

English Language Teaching Centre A centre offering a wide range of English language courses and services. English Language Teaching Centre	Graduate Research Centre A dedicated, drop-in work space for research students. Graduate Research Centre
Writing Advisory Service A service to help improve the writing skills of both home and international students. Writing Advisory Service	The Academic Skills Hub A signposting resource, helping students to develop their core academic skills. The Academic Skills Hub