London College of Fashion - In Depth

Founded: 1910; became part of London Institute 1986.

Structural features: Constituent college of Arts University London (previously London Institute).

Site: Currently 6 central London sites: 3 around Oxford Street in the West End, 3 in the City/Hoxton. From 2006 most courses will move to one site in Lime Grove, west London.

How to get there: Oxford Circus and Bond Street underground stations for West End sites. Old Street and Liverpool Street stations for City sites.

Academic features: Degrees in fashion design technology (underpinned by industry project work) - menswear. womenswear, accessories; fashion management; costume and makeup for the performing arts; fashion promotion (journalism, PR and broadcast); cosmetic science.

Special features: Largest UK college covering whole of fashion industry.

Awarding body: University of the Arts.

Main undergraduate award: BA, BSc, FDeg.

Length of courses: 3 years; 2 year Foundation degrees; 4 years sandwich.

Library & information services: 59,000 books, 250 periodicals, 160 study places. Separate IT service, access 11 hours/day. Ratio 1:11 workstations to students. 4 points with access to library and internet; technician gives IT support. Library orientation and internet induction; IT skills taught as part of course. Other learning facilities: Specialist fashion collection of unique interest. Textile lab, computer centres, all specialist fashion facilities, CAD/CAM suites.

Study abroad: 5% of students spend a period abroad. Exchange links with universities in eg Amsterdam, Trier, Berlin, Florence, Madrid, Budapest.

Careers: Information and advice service. Student advice & services: Student services, advice and counselling. Creche available through university (not on site).

Amenities & sporting facilities: None on site.

Accommodation: 15% of students in university halls: average £70 per week for B&B and £100 full-board, term time only. Accommodation officer helps find private accommodation: £65 per week B&B plus some extras.

Living expenses budget: Minimum budget of £10,000 pa (excluding tuition fees) recommended by college.

Term-time work: College allows term-time work for full-time students (65% believed to work). No work in college but industrial liaison unit publicises part-time and vacation jobs.