Swansea College

Swansea College

Age: 49 as a further education college, 38 since relocation.

History: The original college was built in 1825 and was situated near the Swansea Dock area. This building also housed the Guildhall, Law Courts and Juvenile Centre after being rebuilt in 1848. From 1960, the building was solely used as a college of further education, housing 700 students. After rapid expansion, the current college opened at a new site in Tycoch in March 1971.

Address: Tycoch, Swansea, South Wales.

Ambience: One of the largest further education colleges in Wales. A lively and successful institution, which is characterised by a consistently high standard of teaching and learning.

Vital statistics: Approximately 12,000 full and part-time students. Wide portfolio of courses, excellent links with industry and the community and highly qualified staff. At higher education level, it offers a HNC/HND in Health and Social Care and Interactive Media, HND in Sports Science, HNC in Building Services Engineering, a Foundation Degree in Complementary Therapies and a BA (Hons) in Performing Arts. The only FE college in the area to offer the prestigious International Baccalaureate qualification.

Added value: The college is keen on widening participation, lifelong learning, and equal opportunities. Close links with employers and strong provision of community education.

Easy to get into? All entry requirements are listed on their web site and prospectus.

Glittering alumni: Kelly Goss, who studied fashion, has since worked on a Kate Moss for Topshop collection and launched her own label, Rock ‘n’ Needle; Henri Oguike, who runs his own dance company in London.

Transport links: Regular buses to the city centre. Close to the M4. Regular bus service from the Tycoch campus and Llwyn y Bryn campus into Swansea city centre. Car park with limited parking for students and staff.

Who's the boss? Jeff Gunningham, principal and chief executive.

Teaching: Estyn report in 2006 awarded grades of good or very good to most of the learning areas inspected.

Nightlife: Swansea has plenty of pubs and clubs and a lively student scene.

Any accommodation? None provided by the college.

Cheap to live there? Reasonable.

Prospectus: 01792 284000; www.swancoll.ac.uk

UCAS code: S94