Yorkshire Coast College, Scarborough

Yorkshire Coast College, Scarborough

Age: 128 from its earliest origins.

History: The origins of the college date back as far as 1882, when the Scarborough School of Art was established. Later, in 1938, through mergers with the Evening Institutes, the college became Scarborough Technical Institute. The college’s Lady Edith’s Drive campus was first occupied in 1960, and it grew in size and curriculum provision until 1992 when the name was change to Yorkshire Coast College. In January 2010, YCC merged with the Grimsby Institute of Further & Higher Education.

Address: Scarborough, described as ‘the Riviera of the north-east’ and known as Britain's first seaside resort, is experiencing an urban and economic transformation. From scenic walks, water sports and historical attractions to old-fashioned amusement arcades and funfairs, Scarborough has something for everyone.

Ambience: Large, and inclusive. The main campus is a sixties kitsch block, and the Westwood School of Creative Arts is in a Victorian grade-II listed building in the centre of town. The main campus boasts extensive facilities, including an award-winning nursery, a restaurant, hair & beauty salons and a sports centre with fitness suite. The Westwood campus has a newly refurbished theatre in the round.

Vital statistics: Just under 4,000 students, the majority in further education. The college offers courses and work-based learning at all levels, including degrees on a full-time and part-time basis, and works with around 450 employers. HE provision includes BAs in fine art and costume, a foundation degree in applied digital media and a part-time PGCE. University level courses are validated by the University of Hull.

Added value: Westwood was formerly the home of Sir Alan Ayckbourn's Theatre in the Round, which is now the School of Creative Arts. Class sizes are kept relatively low to ensure students receive more personal and individual tuition. Experienced staff with established industry contacts, so students have a good chance of employment at the end of their course. All courses are geared to teaching 'real life' skills. Students get the opportunity to go on trips, such as the Clothes Show (where costume students have headlined) and UCAS events to help them plan their future studies. They can also get involved with fundraising events and planning social activities.

Easy to get into? Previous qualifications are taken into account and in some instances portfolios. Potential students will also be expected to attend an interview. On some programmes, however, experience and enthusiasm are valued higher than grades.

Glittering alumni: The late Robert Palmer, singer; James Martin, celebrity chef; Jon Snow, newsreader; Richard Seymour, eminent product designer.

Transport links: Coaches run to Scarborough from across the country. There are also train connections from York and Hull and some direct services from Liverpool, Leeds and Manchester. It is two miles between campuses, served by bus.

Who's the boss? Bonita Hodge was appointed principal in January 2010.

Teaching: No Ofsted inspections since its merger with Grimsby Institute. YCC scored badly, with the majority of areas branded 'inadequate' in a 2007 inspection, although the Institute was deemed to be 'good' overall in its most recent inspection.

Degrees: Foundation degrees in applied digital media, and BAs in costume and fine art. The college also offers a part-time PGCE and Access to Higher Education.

Nightlife: Scarborough offers a good mix of traditional and cosmopolitan nightlife, with cafés, bars, pubs, restaurants, clubs, cinemas and theatres – including the famous Stephen Joseph Theatre in the Round. And for those of a sporty nature, there are plenty of gyms and sports clubs to join, including the brand new Rugby Union Football Club.

Any accommodation? None provided by the college, but places to stay can be found, mainly in the South Cliff area of the town which is handy for most of the amenities and the college itself.

Cheap to live there? A room in a shared flat will set you back somewhere between £60 and £80 per week.

Fees: FE fees vary by course and qualification. Full-time HE courses are £2,900 per year for 2011 entrants. Fees as of 2012 are yet to be confirmed.

Bursaries: None financial, but students in receipt of a maintenance grant receive a free netbook.

Prospectus: 0800 731 7410 (Lady Edith's Drive campus); 0800 731 7410 (Westwood campus); www.yorkshirecoastcollege.ac.uk

UCAS code: Y80