Exeter College

Exeter College

Age: 58

History: Established as Exeter Tech in 1953, became Exeter College in 1964. Since 1988, has also taught higher education.

Address: Four city-centre locations as well as two custom-built training and skills centres on the Marsh Barton and Sowton Industrial Estates on the edge of the city.

Ambience: Nearby city attractions such as the Cathedral Green and Quayside. There are also beaches for surfing, and Dartmoor for walking and cycling, both within an hour's travel.

Vital statistics: Large tertiary college organised into three areas: the 'sixth', vocational education and training, and access and community education. At HE level, HND/HNC courses, foundation degrees and a full degree in business management. HE courses are validated by Universities of Exeter, Plymouth, Kingston and UCP Marjon.

Added value: Building programme gives students the chance to experience state of the art technology and facilities including top class learning resource centres, a purpose built drama theatre and specialist vocational skills centres, such as the construction, motor vehicle and hospitality hair and beauty centres. Close working relationships with the University of Plymouth and the University of Exeter, and membership of the Faculty of Partner Colleges at the University of Plymouth.

Easy to get into? Should be - keen on widening participation.

Glittering alumni: None as yet.

Transport links: Close to city's bus and train stations; two-and-a-half hours from London by train; international airport not too far.

Who's the boss? Richard Atkins, Principal.

Teaching: An Ofsted report in May 2008 found the college to be good overall, but found it to be satisfactory for work-based learning.

Foundation Degrees: Aircraft engineering, aviation operations management, coaching and fitness, creative digital video, early years, engineering, fine art, graphic communication, health and social care studies, journalism and practical media, leadership and management in the air travel industry, performance production, photography and digital arts, public services, sports therapy, and television production.

Nightlife: Exeter is a student city, with Exeter University providing venues for nightlife, and many major bands playing at the Great Hall. Numerous bars, clubs and pubs.

Any accommodation? Yes, but it's mainly for international students. The college will put you up with a host family for £100 per week, bills and meals included.

Cheap to live there? Not amazingly. Local rents are around £70 to £80 per week.

Fees: £2,450 per year for all full-time HE courses from 2011/2012 (£1,890 for the second year of HNDs and FDs). Part-time courses are charged by the module. Fees for 2012 are yet to be announced.

Bursaries: None confirmed by the college.

Prospectus: 01392 205 232; www.exe-coll.ac.uk

UCAS code: E81