Dartington College of Arts - In Depth

Founded: 1961.

Site: In beautiful grounds on River Dart.

How to get there: Road and rail access from Plymouth and Exeter (within half hour), Totnes 2 miles.

Academic features: Modular programme in performance arts.

Special features: Close relationship with the Dartington Hall Trust, a unique establishment concerned with industry, education, arts and community development in a rural area.

Awarding body: Plymouth University.

Main undergraduate award: BA.

Length of courses: 3 years.

Library & information services: 84,000 items (books, scores, sound recordings, slides, films, CD-Rom). Annual expenditure on information provision, £107 per (FTE) student. IT and library services converged; access 12 hours/day. 3 points with access to library catalogue, 36 to internet; ratio 1:10 workstations to students. IT support from 3 full-time specialist staff and library staff. 1-hour induction to library and information services. then on demand guidance; optional weekly workshops on IT skills.

Other learning facilities: Specialist performance technology centre, studios, workshops and practice rooms. Dyslexia testing.

Study abroad: Formal exchange links with 5 universities and colleges in EU.

Student advice & services: Health centre, part-time nurse; counselling service; welfare officer.

Amenities: Refectory, bar, laundrette; extensive grounds. Dartmoor, Torbay, Exeter and Plymouth within easy reach.

Accommodation: All first years who request it housed on site. Partial self-catering and self-catering places at £53-£59 per week, term-time only. Students live in privately owned accommodation for 2 years: £45-£55.

Living expenses budget: Minimum budget of £4000+ for academic year (excluding tuition fees) recommended by college.

Term-time work: No policy on term-time work. Limited part-time work on Dartington Estate and in Totnes.

Financial help: Total available £48,000 government funds, 140 students helped. Special help to single parents, mature students with families, final year students.

Tuition fees: Home students up to £1200 pa for first degrees (in 2005). International students pay £7200 pa.