Central School of Speech & Drama - In Depth

Founded: 1906.

Site: Swiss Cottage Campus and Oval Campus at Kennington.

How to get there: Swiss Cottage (main site), Oval (Kennington) underground stations; also buses.

Academic features: Unique provision of academic study and professional/practical training in related fields of performance arts and theatre-making, drama for specific communities, education, stage management and technical theatre production & design. Many well-known guest directors and tutors from the theatre, teaching and related professions.

Awarding body: Open University.

Main undergraduate award: BA.

Length of courses: 3 years. Library & information services: 32,000 volumes, 35 open access workstations for internet access and office software study places. Access and borrowing arrangements at 115 other libraries via UK Libraries Plus. Annual expenditure on information provision, £50 per (FTE) student.

Other learning facilities: Media services providing digital sound and video editing, camcorders and data projectors. Proscenium theatre (seating 230); 4 modern studios and range of design studios and workshop facilities, lecture theatres, full drama technical workshops.

Student advice & services: Student counselling and advisory service for finance, careers and disabilities.

Accommodation: No School accommodation. College helps find lodgings during summer vacation: £80-£130 per week, self-catering.

Living expenses budget: Minimum budget of £7500 pa (excluding tuition fees) recommended by School.

Term-time work: Some jobs occasionally in School (student bar, library).

Financial help: Total available £42,600 government funds, some 39 students helped (£250-£1000; average £330). £14,000 own funds for loans. Also special scholarship awards (see website). Apply for help to Academic Registry.