Cliff College

Age: 128

History: Founded as a missions organisation, Cliff College has been training people for Christian mission, evangelism and service since 1883.

Address: Cliff is situated in Hope Valley in Derbyshire. It is located on the A623, the main Manchester to Chesterfield road between Calver to Baslow. Hope Valley lies at the heart of the beautiful Peak District National Park, by the river Derwent and close to Curbar and Froggatt Edges. Sheffield is 12 miles away, Manchester 30 miles and Bakewell five miles.

Ambience: A Christian community, where spiritual as well as academic support is given to all students. Evangelism is a high priority, and students are given the opportunity to undertake a variety of missions and placements each year.

Vital statistics: Part of the Methodist Church and the worldwide tradition of Wesleyan Holiness. About 310 students, of which 60 are full-time. Students from many different nationalities and Christian traditions.

Added value: Surrounding the college are the dales, caves, rivers and historic houses of north Derbyshire. Also within easy reach are two of the country's leading adventure and theme parks, and the shopping malls, sports facilities, and nightlife of Sheffield and Manchester.

Easy to get into? More emphasis is placed on Christian commitment than results, although they will need to see a track record of academic achievements. At undergraduate level there is an open access policy, at postgraduate a good first degree is the norm, and at PhD level a Master’s level qualification is the norm, although other qualifications can be considered.

Glittering alumni: A number of students have gone on to have prominent roles in the church in a number of Christian denominations and organisations.

Transport links: Cliff is 15 miles from the M1 motorway, 10 miles from Chesterfield, and 12 miles from Sheffield. There is a regular bus service to all the local centres from the college, and mainline railway stations at Chesterfield (10 miles) and Sheffield (12 miles). There are regular trains to Sheffield and Manchester from Grindleford (3 miles).

Who's the boss? Rev Dr Chris Blake.

Courses: A range of BA, MA and PhD programmes in theology, mission, children’s and youth ministry, emerging church, Wesleyan spirituality and leadership. All degrees are validated by the University of Manchester.

Nightlife: Social activities include gigs, discos, dance classes, table tennis, football, video games, choir and outdoor pursuits.

Any accommodation? Yes – there are 70 study bedrooms in the main college building, including 30 en-suite, which cost roughly £100 per week, full board. Other full time students live in the surrounding area.

Cheap to live there? Most students are part-time, and so live at home or in their own properties. A shared flat in nearby Sheffield will cost £64 per week, on average.

Fees: £4,930 per year for full-time undergraduates for 2011/2012. This figure will not be rising above the rate of inflation for 2012 entry.

Bursaries: A limited bursary scheme is available. Contact the college for details.

Prospectus: 01246 584 200; www.cliffcollege.ac.uk

UCAS code: C72