Winchester School of Art - In Depth

Founded: 1870; merged with Southampton University 1996.

Structural features: An academic school within the university's faculty of law, arts & social sciences.

Site: Winchester town centre.

How to get there: M3; main London-Southampton railway (1 hour from London); 20 minutes from south coast.

Special features: Teaching staff are practising painters, sculptors, designers or historians. Two-semester system.

Academic features: Entry to BA studio courses via A-levels or a Foundation course (or advanced GNVO or equivalent). Applications welcomed from mature and international candidates without standard UK qualifications. New curriculum in 2005 (see school's website for details).

Awarding body: Southampton University.

Main undergraduate award: BA.

Length of courses: 3 years.

Library & information services: 25,000 volumes, 100,000 slides, 5000 videos, 170 periodicals, 80 study places; automated link with Hartley Library, Southampton University. CD-Rom, internet, Janet, Unicorn, CAD/CAM equipment.

Study abroad: Opportunities to go on exchanges (1-3 months) as part of course. Formal exchange links with universities and colleges across Europe.

Careers: Information service by careers adviser and academic staff.

Amenities: SU, own public gallery.

Sporting facilities: Recreation centre and park adjacent to college.

Accommodation: All first years accommodated in student village: 370 self-catering study bedrooms, approx £80 per week, Sept-June (places for wheelchair users). Most students live in privately owned accommodation for 2 years: £60-£90 pw self-catering.

Living expenses budget: No School-recommended minimum.

Term time work: School allows term-time work for full-time students. Term time work available on campus, office cleaning, SU bars; careers advisers give help finding holiday work.

Financial help: Government funds are available.

Tuition fees: Home students up to £1200 pa for first degrees (in 2005). International students pay £7980 pa.