London South Bank University

London South Bank University (LSBU) is one of London’s highest regarded and longest established universities, with a history going back over 140 years. It is located in the central London Borough of Southwark and is firmly rooted in the heritage and future of the city.

The university works hard to foster firm ties with business organisations in both public and private sectors, building professional networks of academics and employees and designing its courses in collaboration with its industry partners. This ensures that course content is up-to-date and relevant to the future demands of industry, while providing students with useful professional connections. Many courses include work placements and are accredited by leading professional organisations.

The LSBU student body is made up of over 15,000 students from over 130 countries globally, and an extended alumni network number over 80,000 worldwide.

The university is made up of seven schools offering both research and taught postgraduate courses:

• School of Applied Sciences
• School of Arts and Creative Industries
• School of The Built Environment and Architecture
• School of Business
• School of Engineering
• School of Health and Social Care
• School of Law and Social Sciences

LSBU has over 90 postgraduate courses spanning these seven schools. Students looking to start their studies a little earlier will find a number of postgraduate course options available for a January intake. Students can visit the university’s website to find out more.

Postgraduate

LSBU offers over 90 postgraduate degree courses and over 30 research and doctoral programmes, as well as a combined total of more than 60 short courses and continued professional development qualifications. The university’s research-based approach can be seen in the curricula of its postgraduate courses, many of which include integrated programmes with an opportunity to conduct active research and make a direct contribution to the advancement of the field.

For well over 100 years, LSBU has been providing vocationally relevant, accredited and professionally recognised education. Postgraduate advisers are available to help aspiring students find the right degree course and can highlight flexible learning options to best suit each applicant’s preferred mode of study and personal circumstances.

LSBU students benefit from studying courses that are developed in partnership with leading industry professionals and accredited by relevant professional institutions, ensuring continually updated course resources and adaptable content. Students learn from highly qualified academics that are professionals in their chosen fields and teach using valuable industry insights.

Many high-ranking businesses, including several top Fortune 500 companies, choose LSBU as the provider of their employees’ professional development qualifications. Postgraduate students have the opportunity to cultivate strong professional networks while studying and are exposed to guest lecturers from many exciting companies and organisations. Courses frequently include work experience placements, and internship opportunities are abundant.

Postgraduate students need drive, determination and typically an undergraduate degree with honours, in a relevant field. Admissions tutors are looking for motivated and committed students, and places on postgraduate courses can be competitive. In general, a minimum bachelor’s degree classification of 2:2 or a minimum three years' post-qualification experience in a relevant field is required to be offered a place on a postgraduate degree program at LSBU. 

Nonetheless, there is usually more than one pathway to entry, and the LSBU Admissions Team considers each application on an individual basis. More details about course-specific postgraduate entry requirements can be found online.

LSBU is recognised for the quality of its taught curriculum, and has received international acclaim for the achievements of the following departments:

• School of The Built Environment and Architecture
• LSBU Business School
• School of Law and Social Sciences
• Management, Marketing and People

The university places a high value on research output, with 15 research centres and 37 research groups. The university is renowned for its world-class investigation into a number of societally relevant issues, within one of the world’s most diverse and dynamic cities. LSBU runs a number of programmes that have made significant contributions to their field of study, including the Centre for the Study of the Networked Image, the Centre for Social Justice and Global Responsibility, and the London Centre for Energy Engineering.

LSBU is committed to supporting and developing each of its postgraduate students and helping them reach their personal and professional goals. The university has built a strong reputation for graduate employment over the past years and is a leading London institution in this regard.

Students benefit from LSBU’s Employability Service, which provides support for the duration of study and long after graduation. The university maintains an in-house JobShop, online employment forums, workshops at the LSBU Careers Gym and even has its own recruitment agency. The university enjoys a very high graduate employment rate, with almost 90% of graduates in work or full-time study six months after completing their course.

Courses are designed and accredited with influential professional bodies, and the independent Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) has awarded LSBU the highest possible rating for the quality of their taught curriculum.

Student union

The London South Bank University Students' Union (SU) is a student-driven organisation which provides a huge variety of services and resources to support its student membership and enhance the university experience. It is the heart of student social life on campus, organising more than 80 special-interest societies and 20 competitive sports clubs as well as student media platforms, volunteering and charity groups.

The SU is co-ordinated by a team of around 700 annually elected representatives who act as the voice of the university community. They drive change, promote new ideas and empower student to participate in community events and build the LSBU identity. They have previously campaigned to renovate the Grads Café and reopen the student bar, while keeping costs at an affordable rate.

Student sabbatical officers organise the daily running of the SU, and typical elected from recent LSBU graduates.

Clubs and societies

The London South Bank University Students' Union organises an exciting annual timetable of events and activities, alongside the regular activities of over 100 active clubs and societies. These are a great way for students to try something new or pursue a particular interest with like-minded individuals.

Societies cover a large variety of areas, from literature to film and theatre, political societies and cultural communities and course-related groups. LSBU Sports Clubs are open to all students and offer the opportunity to participate at beginner, intermediate or competitive levels. Many teams compete in the BUCS (British Universities and College Sports) leagues and represent LSBU against universities from around the UK.

These societies offer a fantastic opportunity for students to take on an organisation role within the group, getting involved co-ordinating events, socials, talks or logistical support. These responsibilities are great for personal development and can really enhance a CV or resumé.

City life

The university campus is situated in the London Borough of Elephant & Castle, which is a historically significant and culturally vibrant area within central London. There are a huge number of things to see and do locally, from art galleries and live music to local markets, fine dining and the famous River Thames walk, with an iconic blend of world-famous architecture and London attractions.

The university is superbly located for students and is well connected to other areas of London by public transport. The campus is a short walk from the London Underground rail network and there are many bus routes throughout the city which pass through the area, providing low-cost transport with a regular service.

London is a great place to walk around with so much to see, and LSBU has a huge number of attraction and cultural centres within its locale including South Bank Centre, Borough Market, Bermondsey Street, Tate Modern, National Theatre and the London Eye.

Accommodation

LSBU has four halls of residence, giving students a safe and comfortable option for accommodation located within a short distance of the university and a chance to live in a student-oriented environment. Students rent directly from the university, so clear tenancy agreements can be guaranteed, while all-inclusive rental agreements provide insurance for personal belongings. There is internet access in each bedroom, on-site laundry facilities and 24-hour security. The furthest residence from the university’s Southwark campus is only a 10-minute walk. Prospective students can use the LSBU website to explore different residences, view 360 virtual tours and read more about the facilities on offer.

International students attending LSBU for the first time are guaranteed accommodation if they meet the allocation criteria and apply to the Accommodation Office before 1^st August.

The Accommodation Office can also help those who prefer privately rented accommodation.

Facilities

Quality of learning environment has a huge impact on effectiveness of study. LSBU offers unique and exciting facilities, designed to improve the learning experience and ensure students are industry-ready.

The university has invested in a host of cutting-edge teaching technologies, such as hospital simulations, design workshops and state-of-the-art engineering labs with electron microscopes.

The university’s Learning Resources Centre (LRC) includes 400 networked workstations, Apple Macs, MS Office and specialist software packages, laptop loans, and printing, scanning and photocopying. They also offer supported training across a range of IT and digital skills, such as SPSS, NVivo, Sage Line 50 and Microsoft Programs.

LSBU works hard to ensure that everyone can make the most of their time while studying their postgraduate degree at university, giving students the confidence to succeed in whatever they aim to achieve. The university provides advice and support for students on a wide range of non-academic and educational needs, including:

• Financial advice
• Library services – and learning skills workshops
• Student employability services
• Disability and dyslexia support
• Immigration and international student advice
• Health and wellbeing support
• Student enterprise
• Sports
• Students’ Union: Societies and Clubs

Considerable financial help is available for well-qualified and ambitious postgraduate and international students through scholarships, bursaries, and other financial support schemes. Postgraduate scholarships include fee discounts for LSBU alumni, subject-specific scholarships and sports scholarships. Additionally, there is a 5% discount for early payment of tuition fees.

International scholarships and discounts include nationality scholarships and fee-discounts for LSBU alumni, plus a 5% discount for early fees payment.

Taught

LSBU is well known for the quality of their taught curriculum, and their highly professional teaching staff are able to adapt the curriculum to include the latest and most relevant industry developments. Many of the university staff are actively involved in the field of their subject areas and work as consultants for world-leading enterprises. Courses are accredited by or developed in partnership with leading professional bodies, and LSBU holds the highest possible rating from the independent Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA).

Research

LSBU is a research-driven institution and invests a lot of resources in seeking innovative solutions for the world of business and commerce, and beyond.

The university’s seven academic schools are involved in numerous ongoing applied research programmes in collaboration with their network of leading commercial partners. LSBU is conducting pioneering research into foot and ankle biometrics, in partnership with global fitness brand, Fitflop, while also researching new methods of sustainably cooling the London Underground, and their research outcomes have been integrated with a £500 million upgrade of the city’s tube system.

73% of LSBU’s research was assessed within the two highest rating bands for impact in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF), placing the university in the top three modern universities in London. More information about LSBU’s research output can be found online.

Distance learning

LSBU offer a select number of postgraduate degree courses on a distance learning basis, allowing students more flexibility with working hours and the ability to organise their studies around existing work or personal commitments. These courses include options within subject areas such as business and management, design and architecture, arts, engineering and technology as well as education and training.

Remote learning is possible due to the university’s highly efficient online learning hub, which delivers course material and resources as well as a platform for receiving tutorials and feedback on assignments from lecturers and personal tutors.