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Coventry University

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University Overview

Founded in 1843 as a design college, Coventry University has since transformed into a modern research university in the heart of the English countryside.  As a city badly damaged in the air raids of World War II, Coventry has identified with the symbol of the phoenix and sought to reinvent itself, merging its design school roots with new schools of business, engineering, and the sciences.  As a centrally located, urban campus, Coventry has distinguished itself as a leading influence to the city's friendly, bustling atmosphere.

Students will study in one of the five main faculty offered: Coventry Business School; Arts and Humanities; Engineering, Environment and Computing; Health and Life Sciences or Coventry Law School.

City Overview

Coventry University is at the center of the city, offering students easy transportation to nearby Birmingham (only a 20 minute train ride) or England's capital, London, a short one hour train ride away.  Coventry is a city of over 300,000, of which the university comprises over 27,000.  As a hub for music, sport, art, and fashion, students will find Coventry a trendy place to call home with its unique blend of historic buildings, modern architecture, and lively art scene.  Many venues are within an easy walk of the campus.  The beautiful, historic cities of Oxford, Warwick, and Shakespeare's Stratford-upon-Avon are a mere 30 minutes away, with inexpensive bus service offered regularly.  

Program Highlights

Courses available for most majors

Academic Calendar

Fall Semester:  Late September to mid-December/January (depending upon major)

Spring Semester:  Mid-January to early May/June (depending upon major)

Academic Year:  Late September to early June

Please see the 2017-18 Academic Calendar for specific dates.  Please note that Fall students will not receive academic transcripts until the following July due to academic review board of exams.

Academic Focus

  • Exchange students can enroll in any class, provided they meet the prerequisites.  Certain fields might be reserved for continuing Coventry students, so be sure to pick several course alternatives.
  • Generally study aboad students select level 1 (Intro) classes to meet lower-division requirements.  Levels 2 & 3 are considered upper-division and assume a depth of knowledge in the field.
  • Coventry employs a number of interesting teaching methods to keep students engaged including small group lectures, large group lectures, web-based activities, projects and discussions.  A knowledge of library research methods and writing is highly advisable as is a willingness to read beyond the scope of the course.
  • Final grades are usually based upon essays, projects, quizzes, and a comprehensive final exam.  Please review this information on your faculty/school's page.  Keeping up with assigned and supplemental reading becomes critically important to your success.
  • All work transfers back to San Marcos and can be used to fulfill all graduation requirements.
  • Coventry Grading Scale

Language of Instruction

English, in the truest sense

Requirements

  • Class Level:  Upper-division status (completion of 60 units)
  • GPA of 2.75 or above and good academic standing to departure.
  • Prerequisites:  Levels 2 & 3 courses may require previous experience in the field.  If, based upon transcript review, you do not have the necessary prerequisites, you will be asked to consider an alternative course.
  • Special Note to Business Majors:  In order to receive credit for upper-division courses abroad, you must have already completed your Pre-Core course work at CSUSM.

Units

15 semester units/30 ECT units (European Credit Transfer system).  Typically this equates to 3 classes/semester at 5 CSUSM units each. 

Housing

Short-term students should avail themselves of on-campus housing so they can connect to university sponsored activities while being in the center of the city. Visiting exchange students are encouraged to choose the catered accommodations of Priory and Quadrant Halls.  These offer a great location near campus and the city center as well as many opportunities to interact with a wide range of students.  All rooms are individual and come with shared kitchen/bathroom facilities per floor.  Included in the roughly $775/month rent is a 10 meal/week plan to offset some of your need for cooking.  You can read more about housing options on the Accommodations page.

Estimated Cost

  • Students pay their normal State University Fee to CSU San Marcos, currently $3,689/semester. No tuition or fees due at Coventry University.
  • On-campus residence: Currently ~$775/month, partially catered with a 10 meal/week plan.  Non-catered (no meal plan) options are also available.  All housing is first come, first served.
  • Health Insurance: $46/month
  • Cost of meals and personal expenses will vary, but average $500/month.
  • Short terms students should apply for the Short Term Study Visa (90 pounds for stays up to six months) or may apply for the UK General Tier 4 Student Visa (allows students to work up to 20 hours/wk) which is currently 332 pounds, roughly $434 plus shipping
  • Students on approved study abroad programs are entitled to apply Title IV federal financial aid to their program costs.
  • Sample 2017-18 Budget

Application Deadlines

For Fall Semester/Year Study:  March 15

For Spring Semester Study:  October 1

How to Apply

  1. Visit the Coventry University website at www.coventry.ac.uk to learn about the university and life in Coventry.  Use a good tourist site such as http://www.visitcoventryandwarwickshire.co.uk/ to learn more about life in this city and region of England.
  2. Meet with the CSUSM Study Abroad Advisor in Administrative Building 3200 to determine if you are eligible for this program.
  3. View available courses from the Contemporary Studies Health Sciences Module Catalogues to determine recent offerings.  For practical planning, read over the Student Life pages of the International Office.
  4. Consult with a faculty advisor in your major department to determine if Coventry courses will count toward your major. If so, complete a Study Abroad Credit Approval Form.
  5. Order an official transcript from CSUSM and any other college from which you have taken a semester or more in classes (even if you have already transferred credit to CSUSM).  Please send the transcript(s) directly to Global Education, c/o Tiffany Gabbard, Administrative 3200, 333 S. Twin Oaks Valley Rd. San Marcos, CA  92096-0001 or pick in person and drop off at Global Education (preferred).
  6. Read about accommodation options and follow the process stated online.  All housing is first come, first served and typically offers are received well after initial acceptance has been offered at the university.
  7. Request to be nominated for study at Coventry University.  The Study Abroad Coordinator will send your details and scanned transcripts to Coventry University's International Office, which in turn releases them to Academic Coordinators within each department.  Please be patient as Academic Coordinators send you the online login credentials for the exchange application to the university.
  8. Submit a photocopy of your passport along with your medical disclosure form, personal conduct agreement, air travel release form, and after acceptance, proof of travel medical insurance to the Study Abroad Advisor.
  9. Attend the pre-departure orientation and consult with the Study Abroad Advisor as necessary regarding the Student Visa process after Coventry acceptance.

Get a sense of Coventry University courtesy of YouTube