Courtauld Institute of Art (University of London)

Courtauld Institute of Art (University of London)

Age: 78

History: Founded by textile magnate Samuel Courtauld, Viscount Lee of Fareham and Sir Robert Witt, in 1932, as a centre for the study of the history of art, the Courtauld Institute became a self-governing college of the University of London in 2002.

Address: Situated in central London on the Strand, in the stunning setting of Somerset House, one of the most important 18th century buildings in Europe.

Ambience: The only college in the UK to specialise solely in the history and conservation of art. With its central location in one of the most exciting cities in the world, Courtauld also offers the benefits of a lively social life that makes studying in such a prestigious environment even more rewarding. The small student body leads to a close community feel.

Vital statistics: About 150 full-time undergrads, 200 postgraduates and 120. Roughly 25 per cent are international students.

Added value: Probably the most prestigious and specialist college for the study of the history of art in the world, with an excellent gallery collection, plus good links with public lectures at other galleries.

Easy to get into? Pretty tough; the undergraduate course asks for a minimum of AAB at A-level, but those without formal qualifications are still encouraged to apply.

Glittering alumni: Major museum directors and curators worldwide, including Neil MacGregor, director of the British Museum; the actor Vincent Price; Nicholas Serota of the Tate; art critic Brian Sewell; and Thomas Campbell director of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.

Transport links: All roads, tracks, and flight paths lead to London.

Who's the boss? Prof Deborah Swallow was appointed director in 2004. She used to be a curator at the Victoria and Albert museum, and is an expert on Indian and south-east Asian textiles.

Teaching: 94 per cent of students said they were satisfied with the quality of the teaching in the 2010 National Student Survey.

Nightlife: Anything and everything London has to offer.

Any accommodation? Yes – places in inter-collegiate halls range from £108 per week for a bed in a shared twin ensuite room to £434 for a three-bedroom flat. Self-catered places with shared facilities in the newly refurbished Duchy House start at £157 per week.

Cheap to live there? No. Rents will be upwards of £100 per week.

Fees: £3,375 per year for full-time BA students starting in September 2011. This figure is set to rise to £9,000 for 2012 entry.

Bursaries: The Courtauld awards minimum standard bursaries to all students in receipt of a full maintenance grant, which will cover the difference between the tuition fees and the full grant amount. It also awards bursaries of £4,100 to four students in receipt of a full maintenance grant who come from a group defined by HESA as being underrepresented in higher education.

Prospectus: 020 7848 2645; www.courtauld.ac.uk

UCAS code: C80