Rose Bruford College - In Depth

Founded: By Rose Bruford in 1950.

Site: Lamorbey Park in Sidcup, Kent (25 minutes from London).

How to get there: Easy access from M25, M20, and A2/M2. Good bus and train links (from Waterloo East, London Bridge).

Academic features: Full-time courses (accredited by the National Council for Drama Training) on all aspects of theatre - acting, directing, actor musicianship. theatre design, stage management, lighting design, costume production, scenic arts etc. Also distance learning courses in theatre studies and opera studies; postgraduate courses in theatre practices and theatre & performance studies; summer school and international Foundation course.

Awarding body: Manchester University.

Main undergraduate award: BA.

Length of courses: 3 years.

Library & information services: 40,000 books & audio recordings, 6000 slides, 80 periodicals, 2000 videos, 100 reading places; audio-visual facilities. Converged library and IT services in learning resource centre; 1-hour induction session for all new students, with further information linked to projects throughout course. Ratio workstations to students 1:27 (open 10 hours/day), all with access to internet. Annual expenditure on information provision, £33 per (FTE) student.

Other learning resources: Barn Theatre, Rose Theatre (330-seat theatre in the round); recording studios, MIDI laboratory, lighting design studios, etc.

Study abroad: Exchange programmes for european and american theatre arts degree programme.

Careers: London Showcase of students' work; professional placements; agents, casting directors and related employers invited to college productions.

Student advice & services: Student adviser on site; local doctors and dentists.

Amenities: Extensive grounds; canteen; Students' Union.

Accommodation: Privately owned accommodation £60-£80 per week self-catering. Approx 2% students live at home.

Living expenses budget: No college-recommended minimum.

Term-time work: College has a flexible approach to term-time work. Occasional opportunities on campus.

Financial help: Access fund available. Some students get help from charitable trusts eg Kate Fleming Trust, Laurence Olivier Bursary, Lilian Baylis Award, Mary Henniker Heaton Award, John Price Fund.

Tuition fees: Home students up to £1200 pa for first degrees it publicly funded (eg eligible for a student loan), otherwise £3900 pa - in 2005. International students pay £8500 pa.