Bath: City of Bath College

Bath: City of Bath College

Age: 120

History: In September 1892, the college – then known as the Bath City Science, Art and Technical Schools – opened its doors for the first intake of students. Eventually it became the present day City of Bath College. There have been enormous changes during its life in the study courses provided, reflecting the wishes of the local community and demands of national educational development.

Address: At the heart of the city of Bath, very close to rail and bus networks, amongst the shops and varied eateries. There is a mix of classical and modern architecture to choose from as well as many gorgeous parks to relax in.

Ambience: A compact campus - all of its buildings are within three minutes of each other. Bath is a World Heritage city and a renowned tourist destination, with a growing permanent international community. There's a wealth of museums and galleries, as well as an excellent reputation for sport, with a particularly successful rugby team.

Vital statistics: Around 2,000 full-time and more than 6,000 part-time students. Offers courses ranging from foundation and pre-entry courses to degree programmes and professional qualifications. More than 1,000 part-time courses are on offer.

Added value: Hair, beauty and complementary therapy salons offer discounts on all services to students. There's a fully working restaurant and Bistro that is open to the public and students, as well as a new student common room and IT facilities, and an art shop. Centre of Vocational Excellence (CoVE) in CIPS (Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply) and a National Beacon Award winner for Art and Design. Our multi-million pound performing arts and music building boasts recording studios and performance spaces. There's an onsite gym as well as plumbing, electrical and refrigeration workshops and a construction centre (specialising in carpentry and stonemasonry). A new 2,000 sq. ft. building, encorporating a new student centre and beauty therapy salon, is due to open in November 2011.

Easy to get into? This depends upon the course. Generally a level 3 qualification, a UCAS tariff of 80 points or a completed Access course is required for most HE courses. Mature students (over 21) are considered on an individual basis, taking into account prior achievements or approved foreign qualifications.

Glittering alumni: Jason Gardener, Olympic gold medallist; a number of Bath rugby stars; Will Thorpe and Emma Pierson, actors.

Transport links: Located adjacent to the bus station and only a five-minute walk from Bath Spa railway station. fifteen minutes to Bristol by train, and an hour and a quarter to London.

Who's the boss? Matt Atkinson, principal.

Teaching: Degrees run in collaboration with the University of Bath, Bath Spa University, University of the West of England and Wolverhampton University. The recent Ofsted inspection rated the college as outstanding for creative arts, design and crafts; good in performing arts, media and communications; good in health, care, early years and public services; and satisfactory in building and construction.

Foundation Degrees: Business with management, applied computing, contemporary design crafts, fashion and textile design skills, digital design, music production, early years, heritage management and sport. Honours years in sport degrees are available to complete the degree level courses.

Nightlife: Bath is blessed with its fair share of bars and clubs, also the infamous Moles nightclub, a legendary music and clubbing venue with a list of past performers that reads like a who's who of the music industry. Bath hosts its annual international music festival during May and this transforms the city into the 'party capital of the South West'.

Any accommodation? None provided by the college – many students rent privately. The college can arrange accommodation with local families.

Cheap to live there? Not very. As this is a world heritage city, accommodation tends not to be cheap. Private rooms in Bath are about £70 per week, not including bills.

Fees: Degree fees are set by the awarding university, and other HE fees vary depending on course.

Bursaries: None offered by the college.

Prospectus: 01225 312 191 / www.citybathcoll.ac.uk

UCAS code: B21