Ruskin College Oxford

Ruskin College Oxford

Age: 112

History: Founded in 1899, Ruskin College was designed to provide the working classes with university standard education so that working class organisations could operate more effectively. Strong political links, particularly with trade unions, still exist today.

Address: The college is situated in the middle of Oxford city centre on Walton Street, in the Thames valley, just down the road from Worcester College, Oxford. A second site, Ruskin Hall, is located around three and a half miles out of town.

Ambience: As you might well expect, there's a passionate commitment to access, equal opportunity and activism. Students have a keen sense of social justice that is fostered by the college ethos; that education here is not for the simply self-interested. Ruskin students come from a wide range of different backgrounds, but are all over 19 with few or no formal qualifications.

Vital statistics: A small institution with 250 students. Offers everything from short courses (equivalent to GCSEs) to postgraduate degrees, specialising in certificates of higher education. All courses are validated by the Open University.

Added value: Close links with the University of Oxford mean that students are able to attend its lectures and use its libraries, as well as joining its student societies. The college's own library has around 40,000 books. Ruskin students have gone on to work in education, social work, social care, in the media, trade unions, management and politics. A £17m redevelopment is ongoing, and the next stage will include the provision of a new library.

Easy to get into? Of course - widening participation is the name of its game.

Glittering alumni: Ruskin has had more than its fair share of working class heroes: trade union leaders from around the world have studied alongside notable British politicians, most recently John Prescott.

Transport links: The college is a stone's throw away from the bus station. Oxford has excellent road and rail links to London, as well as west towards Reading.

Who's the boss? Audrey Mullender, formerly professor of social work at the University of Warwick.

Teaching: Ruskin has received glowing reports from the QAA and the ALI. In reviewing its social policy, and sociology courses, the QAA found the teaching standards and learning progression 'commendable'.

Foundation degrees: Just an FdA in writing for performance, but the college offers seven certificates of higher education, seven BAs and three MAs.

Nightlife: Oxford during term-time is full of students. The town itself has numerous pubs and a host of music venues, theatres, cinemas and clubs, and Ruskin's active students' union also organises regular entertainment throughout the year.

Any accommodation? Yes, residential places in recently-refurbished halls are offered on a first-come, first-served basis to those studying full time. Fees are £3,563 per year, for catered accommodation.

Cheap to live there? No - it's around £90 per week to live out. Average rent in a shared house is between £250 and £450 per month.

Fees: £3,375 per year for full-time HE courses starting in 2011. The college plans to charge £8,500 per year as of 2012.

Bursaries: The Adult Education Bursary is available to students studying specific courses at the college. There is also a wide range of trade union scholarships. Check the website for full details.

Prospectus: 01865 554 331; www.ruskin.ac.uk

UCAS code: R90