Falmouth College of Arts - In Depth

Founded: 1902 as private venture; taken over by local authority in 1938; incorporated 1989.

Structural features: At the centre of the Combined Universities of Cornwall (CUC) initiative being developed at Tremough with other HE institutions in the region.

Site: Woodlane Campus near Falmouth town centre, 5 minutes from sea (art & design); Tremough Campus a few miles away in Penryn (design, media & culture).

How to get there: Regular train services to Truro from all major cities, then branch line to Falmouth (20 mins) and Penryn (15 mins); daily National Express coaches to Falmouth; by road A30 from Exeter, A3076 to Truro, and A39 to Falmouth. Inter-campus bus; improving facilities for cyclists and pedestrians; committed to green transport.

Academic features: Unitised programmes of study include fine art & illustration, broadcasting & journalism, photography & graphic design, garden design. textile design, film studies, English with media.

Awarding body: Falmouth College of Arts.

Main undergraduate award: BA.

Length of courses: 3 years.

Library & information services: 80,000 books, 300 journals. Annual expenditure on information provision, £80 per (FTE) student. IT and library services converged. Ratio 1:7 workstations to students, internet access from 1200 points. IT facilities open 24/7, support from 13 full-time staff. Induction to library and information services at enrolment; IT skills part of curriculum on most courses.

Study abroad: 5% of 2nd year students spend a study period abroad. Formal exchange links with institutions in Europe. Canada and Japan; developing links in US and Australia; industrial placements in Europe.

Careers: Advice service.

Student advice & services: Welfare and accommodation staff, counselling service.

Amenities: SU arranges social and sports activities: excellent sailing: shops and creche.

Accommodation: 65 places in student residence. List of approved lodgings sent to students; average rents £60+ per week. Under 5% of first degree students live at home.

Living expenses budget: No college-recommended minimum.

Term-time work: College allows term-time work (30+% believed to work); some jobs available on campus. Financial help: Subject to eligibility.

Tuition fees: Home and EU students up to £1200 pa for first degrees (in 2005). International students pay £7900 pa.