Pembrokeshire College

Age: 55

History: Pembrokeshire College is the region’s centre for further education and is also an accredited HE college of the University of Glamorgan.

Address: The institution comprises a main campus in Haverfordwest and a marine engineering and boating centre on the waterfront in Milford Haven. The main campus is spread over three brick and glass buildings, including the recently-opened Construction Centre, a £3m state-of-the-art and award-winning centre offering many industry and sustainable energy-related courses.

Ambience: Modern, clean, hi-tech buildings and a strong sense of ownership among the students. The emphasis on stainability policies influences all areas of the college. Excellent access to and promotion of information and learning technology.

Vital statistics: The college has around 2,000 full-time students, 6,000 part-time and 550 full-time equivalent academic and support staff. HE courses include degrees, foundation degrees, HNDs and HNCs. An accredited college of the University of Glamorgan and one of the first colleges in Wales to offer the new level 3 Welsh Baccalaureate Qualification.

Added value: Studying in Wales provides a rich and interesting cultural experience and the opportunity to study in the language of Welsh. Pembrokeshire College has award-winning student support services and facilities and small class sizes. Students graduate in the imposing medieval St David’s Cathedral.

Easy to get into? Not bad – most foundation degrees ask for 80 UCAS points, although entry requirements do vary between programmes. Many HE courses ask for previous professional experience or lower-level qualifications.

Glittering alumni: Welsh rugby internationals Wayne Proctor and Jonathan Thomas; illustrator Emily Gravett.

Transport links: Haverfordwest is on the A40 off the M4. The town has both train and bus stations, with direct services to London, Swansea, Cardiff and Manchester. Haverfordwest also has a small airport. Regular sea ferry crossings to Ireland from nearby Pembroke Dock and Fishguard.

Who's the boss? Principal Glyn Jones OBE.

Teaching: In its 2011 inspection, Estyn (the Welsh Ofsted) deemed teaching to be ‘good’, with the learning environment being ‘excellent’. Grade 1 rated for engineering, construction, health & care, languages, literature and culture and student support.

Foundation degrees: Childhood studies; animal science; construction management; business studies; process operations and management

Nightlife/social life: Despite its diminutive size, Haverfordwest boasts two nightclubs, numerous pubs, bars and a cinema.

Any accommodation? None provided by the college, but accommodation is available locally including a homestay scheme providing placement with local families.

Cheap to live there? Yes. Private rents are below the national average at between £50 and £60 per week.

Fees: £3,375 per year for full-time undergrads starting in 2011, and £670 per year for part-timers. As some courses are accredited by University of Wales Trinity Saint David and the University of Glamorgan, prospective students are advised to contact the college to double-check course fees before enrolling. Fees for 2012 are still to be confirmed.

Bursaries: None offered by the college.

Prospectus: 0800 716 236; www.pembs.ac.uk

UCAS code: P35