City of Bath College

City of Bath College (City of Bath College)

History: In September 1892, the college – then known as the Bath City Science, Art and Technical Schools – opened its doors for the first intake of students. Eventually it became the present day City of Bath College. Now in partnership with the University of Bath and Bath Spa University.

Address: At the heart of the city of Bath, very close to rail and bus networks, amongst the shops and varied eateries. There is a mix of classical and modern architecture to choose from as well as many gorgeous parks to relax in.

Ambience: A compact campus - all of its buildings are within three minutes of each other. Bath is a World Heritage city and a renowned tourist destination, with a growing permanent international community. There's a wealth of museums and galleries, as well as an excellent reputation for sport, with a particularly successful rugby team.

Who's the boss? Matt Atkinson is principal.

Prospectus: 01225 312 191 or request one online here.

UCAS code: B21

What you need to know

Easy to get into? This depends upon the course. Generally a level 3 qualification, a UCAS tariff of 80 points or a completed Access course is required for most HE courses. Mature students (over 21) are considered on an individual basis, taking into account prior achievements or approved foreign qualifications.

Foundation Degrees: Digital design, computing, early years, fashion and textiles and music production. Honours years in sport degrees are available to complete the degree level courses.

Vital statistics: Around 2,000 full-time and more than 6,000 part-time students. Offers courses ranging from foundation and pre-entry courses to degree programmes and professional qualifications. More than 1,000 part-time courses are on offer.

Added value: Hair, beauty and complementary therapy salons offer discounts on all services to students. There's a fully working restaurant and Bistro that is open to the public and students, as well as an impressive student common room, IT facilities, and an art shop. Centre of Vocational Excellence (CoVE) in CIPS (Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply) and a National Beacon Award winner for Art and Design. Our multi-million pound performing arts and music building boasts recording studios and performance spaces. There's an on-site gym as well as plumbing, electrical and refrigeration workshops and a construction centre (specialising in carpentry and stonemasonry). The new 2,000 sq. ft. Roper Building, incorporating a new student centre and beauty therapy salon, opened in November 2011.

Teaching: Degrees run in collaboration with the University of Bath, Bath Spa University, and University of the West of England. The recent Ofsted inspection rated the college as outstanding for art and design for the fourth consecutive year; and good in hair and beauty, business and sport.

Any accommodation? Some shared houses available through the college -many students rent privately. The college can arrange accommodation with local families.

Cheap to live there? Not very. As this is a world heritage city, accommodation tends not to be cheap. Private rooms in Bath are about £80 per week, not including bills.

Transport links: Located close to the bus station and only a five-minute walk from Bath Spa railway station. fifteen minutes to Bristol by train, and an hour and a half to London.

Fees: Degree fees are set by the awarding university, and other HE fees vary depending on course, ranging between £2,500 and £7,500 for 2013.

Bursaries: The college operates a Higher Education bursary scheme and the National Scholarship Programme.

The fun stuff

Nightlife: Bath is blessed with its fair share of bars and clubs, also the infamous Moles nightclub, a legendary music and clubbing venue with a list of past performers that reads like a who's who of the music industry. Bath hosts its annual international music festival during May and this transforms the city into the 'party capital of the South West'. Active students' union on the college campus.

Price of a pint: £3.10 for your average pint of lager in Bath, but cheaper drinks can be found at student club nights.

Sporting reputation: Not entered into the BUCS league but there's an on-site gym for those on health and fitness courses.

Glittering alumni: Jason Gardener, Olympic gold medallist; a number of international rugby stars; Will Thorpe and Emma Pierson, actors; and Gabrielle Aplin and Jahmene Douglas, singers.