Bristol Old Vic - In Depth
Founded: 1946.
Structural features: An affiliate of the Conservatoire for Dance & Drama; associate school of Bristol UWE Faculty of Humanities, Languages & Social Sciences. Integral part of a working professional company, Bristol Old Vic Company. Close ties and working arrangements with BBC Radio, ITV and both local universities.
Site: Main Clifton site with other venues around the city.
How to get there: City well-served by rail (mainline west to Bristol Parkway) and coach; close to M4 (for London, Heathrow and South Wales) and M5 (Birmingham and the North and West Country). College adjacent to Dart bus stop.
Academic features: Vocational training for theatre and related media by working professionals; visiting specialists in all fields of the profession. Courses accredited by NCDT.
Awarding body: Bristol UWE.
Main undergraduate awards: BA, Diplomas (professional and postgraduate).
Length of courses: 3 years; others 2 and 1 years.
Library & information services: Link to Brisol UWE library, a stock of play sets, individual texts and music. Also local libraries and certain students use Bristol University theatre collection. All courses work with School's IT service, open 10 hours/day. 1:10 workstations to students, many with internet access; IT support from 2 technicians.
Other learning facilities: Facilities for stage management, lighting, sound, television & radio, prop making. carpentry, stage design, costume, scenic art, production management.
Careers: Information and advice given. No guarantee of placement.
Student advice & services: Access to local health centre.
Sporting facilities: Local facilities only.
Accommodation: No college accommodation. Private accommodation in nearby areas, approx £3500 per academic year; Accommodation Officer helps find digs 3 weeks before commencement.
Living expenses budget: Minimum budget of £6000 pa (excluding tuition fees) recommended by school.
Term-time work: Many students find evening work locally, but pressure of coursework may prohibit this in the final year.
Financial help: Government drama scholarships available. No school personal loans; advice about grant-making trusts available.
Tuition fees: Home students up to £1200 pa for first degrees (in 2005). International students pay £11,000 pa.
