Courtauld Institute - In Depth

Founded: 1932.

Structural features: College of London University.

Academic features: Postgraduate courses in the history of art, history of architecture, history of the art museum, the history of dress, conservation of wall paintings and easel paintings.

Site: Strand, in central London.

How to get there: Close to many underground/rail stations (Charing Cross, Embankment, Temple. Covent Garden, Waterloo); many buses down the Strand.

Awarding body: London University.

Main undergraduate award: BA.

Length of courses: 3 years.

Library & information services: Over 150,000 volumes, 300 current periodicals, approx 200 study places; a slide library with over 222,000 b/w and coloured slides. Annual expenditure on information provision, £220 per (FTE) student. Separate IT service, open 12 hours/day. 30 points with access to library and internet (ratio workstations to students 1:30), plus use of 120 computers at King's College next door. IT support from 3 staff members, plus King's College computing centre. Introductory computing sessions on demand for small groups in first term.

Specialist collections: Witt and Conway Image Libraries (photographs and reproductions of paintings, drawings, graphics, sculpture and architecture). Courtauld Institute Gallery (French Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings, Flemish and Italian Old Master paintings and drawings, Turner watercolours).

Careers: University information and advice service.

Student advice & services: London University facilities and in-house welfare officer.

Amenities: SU is affiliated to ULU and students can use its gymnasium, swimming pool, squash courts, etc.

Accommodation: Some students can live in London University halls of residence. Most students live in privately owned accommodation for 2 years. 3% of first degree students live at home (see website for info www.lon.ac.uk/accom).

Living expenses budget: Minimum budget of £4000 pa (excluding tuition fees) recommended by institute.

Term-time work: Institute allows term-time work for full-time students (50% believed to work); limit of 10 hours per week. Some work available on campus in library and assistance with open days.

Financial help: £15,000 government hardship fund for EU students (average award £300). Travel and postgraduate scholarships also available.

Tuition fees: Home students up to £1200 pa for first degrees if publicly funded (eg eligible for a student loan) in 2005. International students pay £9200-£11,000 pa.