Shrewsbury College of Arts and Technology

History: Radbrook Campus has been around a lot longer (founded in 1901).

Address: The main London Road campus is on the outskirts of Shrewsbury. The Radbrook campus is four miles west and the recently introduced Construction Centre is in Telford. There is also a community learning centre at Belvidere.

Ambience: The buildings at Radbrook Campus are in a Victorian style whilst the London Road Campus was built in the late-Sixties. The Telford Construction Centre is a modern building supported by funds achieved by attaining a CoVE (Centre of Vocational Excellence) in construction. Shrewsbury itself is mediaeval town in one of Britain's most rural counties. The River Severn flows nearby.

Who's the boss? Steve Wain is principal and joined in August 2012.

Prospectus: 01743 342 333 or visit the website here.

UCAS code: S23

What you need to know

Easy to get into? The college offers a range of courses at different entry levels, so requirements vary widely. Most HE courses will require one A-level or equivalent. See the website for more detailed info.

Foundation degrees: Contemporary art practice; leadership and management; human resources; computing; construction; counselling; electrical and electronic technology; manufacturing technology; complementary therapies; logistics.

Vital statistics: The largest provider of vocational education in Shropshire, with around 1,800 full-time and more than 6,500 part-time students. Primarily an FE College, it also offers higher education courses including HNC/Ds, foundation degrees, undergraduate programmes, postgraduate certificates and many professional qualifications. A partner of Edge Hill and Staffordshire Universities.

Added value: A founder member of SURF (Staffordshire University Regional Federation). Several new building developments including a sports centre, hair and beauty salon, and performing arts and music technology centre. The Radbrook campus includes both a restaurant and a hair, beauty and therapies salon, so that students get to have real practice and experience as they learn.

Teaching: Upon inspection by Ofsted in 2008, Shrewsbury achieved an overall ranking of 'satisfactory', and was deemed 'good' in its achievement and standards. Health, social care and childcare, haidressing and beauty therapy, and visual and performing arts were all classed as 'good'.

Any accommodation? None provided by the college, but most students live locally anyway.

Cheap to live there? Local rent prices are between £70 and £90 per week.

Transport links: There are a growing number of cycle paths in and around the area as well as regular buses. The college itself has ample car parking and is easily accessible by road from the M54.

Fees: Vary by course, with many FE students exempt from paying fees. Foundation degrees cost £5,400 on average but the costs depend on the subject and validating institution.

Bursaries: Those in care, leaving the care system, with disabilities or in receipt of income support could receive an annual bursary of £1,200. Students studying a Staffordshire University course may also be eligible for a bursary.

The fun stuff

Nightlife: Pubs, bars, restaurants and nightclubs in town, plus live entertainment venues and two cinemas.

Sporting facilities: Plenty of sporting activities on offer to get involved in.

Glittering alumni: None as yet.