Camborne School of Mines - In Depth

Founded: 1888; part of Exeter University since 1993.

Structural features: Part of University of Exeter in Cornwall (UEC), and a partner of Combined Universities in Cornwall (CUC) initiative.

Site: Tremough Campus, 10 minutes from the centre of Falmouth; brand new campus shared with other parts of Exeter University (biology, geography) and Falmouth College of Arts and forms the Hub of CUC.

Special features: Unique multi-disciplinary institution. Occasional lectures from visiting industrial consultants.

Awarding body: Exeter University.

Main undergraduate awards: BEng, BSc.

Length of courses: 3 or 4 years.

Library & information services: Learning resources centre includes specialist collections of CSM and integrates electronic, multi-media, IT and language resources with books, journals and maps; open 24 hours/day, 7 days/week. Currently annual expenditure on information provision, £75 per (FTE) student. Information skills lecture and practical, library tour, IT induction (including internet); IT skills courses for all students.

Specialist collections: Rare early mining publications.

Other learning facilities: Experimental mines and pilot minerals separation plant.

Study abroad: Field work in France, Portugal and Spain (depending on degree programme). Many students undertake projects or industrial placements overseas in the summer. Formal exchange links with european universities/ colleges.

Careers: CUC careers service on-site.

Student advice & services: Personal tutors; professional counsellors, disability & learning support advisers, campus creche.

Amenities: Campus shops (supermarket, print unit). Excellent surfing, sailing and rock climbing.

Accommodation: 100% of first years guaranteed accommodation on campus, 20% of all students (8% live at home). 500 ensuite self-catering rooms on campus: rent £79 per week, 39 week contracts. Students live in privately owned accommodation for 2+ years; rents £50-£60 pw self-catering.

Living expenses budget: Minimum budget of £3000-£5000 pa (excluding tuition fees) recommended by university.

Term-time work: No school policy on term-time work for full-time students (20% believed to work). Help given finding holiday work in the mining industry.

Financial help: Government funds available, around 20 students helped. Each case considered on merit. 10 scholarships pa available at approx £1000 pa for each year of degree.

Tuition fees: Home students up to £1200 pa for first degrees (in 2005). International students pay £10,080 pa.