Riverside College Halton (formerly Halton College)

Riverside College Halton (formerly Halton College)

Age: About 32

History: Became Riverside College Halton in August 2006, after Halton College and Widnes and Runcorn Sixth Form College merged.

Address: Three campuses in Cheshire: two are at Widnes and the other at Runcorn.

Ambience: All three college campuses have a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

Vital statistics: There are around 2,500 full-time students and roughly 700 part-timers.

Added value: The college has links with nearby institutions including Liverpool John Moores University , which means that students have access to more flexible courses and better resources. The Runcorn campus, which opened in 2002, has purpose-built science labs and a theatre. Campuses are close to Liverpool and Manchester , so most students are able to visit at weekends.

Easy to get into? For A-level courses you'll need a minimum of five GCSEs at grade C or above. For the vocational courses entry requirements will vary according to the level of the course. See their website for more information.

Glittering alumni: None as yet.

Transport links: All three campuses are accessible by public transport. A free shuttle bus runs between Runcorn Old Town and the Runcorn throughout the day and a subsidised bus runs to and from Cronton Sixth Form College in the morning and at home time. Liverpool is roughly 20 minutes away by train, and Manchester is half an hour.

Who's the boss? Principal Michael Sheehan joined the College in February 2009 from Runshaw College.

Teaching: Yet to be assessed by the QAA.

Foundation Degrees: Biological and Chemical Science; Bio Sciences; Business and Management; IT and E-Business; Coaching Studies; Integrated Practice Children / Early Years; Integrated Practice Young People; Complementary Therapy.

Nightlife: Liverpool provides the vast majority of night-time activities in the area. There are pubs nearby for the occasional swift pint or two, and the student union organises parties and trips to the Trafford Centre and Alton Towers , among others.

Any accommodation? None provided by the college, but welfare officers are available to help students find somewhere to rent.

Cheap to live there? It will be if you share a flat. Most property is available from £325 per month (£81 per week).

Prospectus: 0151 257 2 800; www.riversidecollege.ac.uk

UCAS code: H06