Edge Hill - In Depth

Founded: 1885.

Site: Ormskirk Campus (semi-rural); others at Chorley (education), Aintree and Stockport (both health).

How to get there: To Ormskirk by coach or by rail (from Liverpool Central); both train and bus station 10 mins' walk. By road on M6 and M58 or A59. Liverpool, Manchester and Southport 20 minutes away.

Structural features: Partner colleges include Knowsley Community College, Hugh Baird College and Skelmersdale College.

Academic features: Modular BA/BSc scheme.

Awarding body: Lancaster University.

Main undergraduate awards: BA. BSc, BA/BSc(QTS).

Length of courses: 3 years.

Library & information services: 247,000 books, 10,000 full-text e-books, 9800 journals (900 print, 8900 electronic); 500 study places. 14,000 audio-visual and reference materials; short loan collections. Annual expenditure on information provision £75 per (FTE) student. IT and library services converged. Ratio PCs to student 1:8, all with multi-media access to internet and electronic resources. Resource centre and IT facilities open 12 hours/weekdays (7 hours at weekends). Helpdesks at all sites give library and IT support in person, by phone or email; induction to library and information services (including use of the network, basic IT information); embedded information skills training throughout the year and bookable one-to-one session on eg Word, Excel, use of electronic resources. Other learning resources: TV studio, language laboratories. multimedia, satellite and CD-Rom facilities.

Study abroad: Opportunities for those taking french to study abroad.

Careers: Information through careers appointments, website, careers input to curriculum, online careers management programmes.

Student advice & services: Finance and welfare rights advisers, counsellors, accommodation officers, health centre, childcare facilities. Majority of buildings adapted for wheelchair access.

Amenities: SU building with cafe, restaurant. fast food outlet, bar and shop; bookshop on campus.

Sporting facilities: Indoor and outdoor sports complex for use by students and local community.

Accommodation: Most first years in college accommodation. 670 places available: 300 half-board, 370 self-catering places at £42-£77 per week (some ensuite). Students live in privately rented accommodation for 1-2 years: average £45-£50 pw for self-catering, £55 for B&B.

Living expenses budget: No college-recommended minimum.

Financial help: Total government funds £1+ million: 470,000 access to learning fund (400 students helped); £663,000 secondary shortage subject scheme (185 students helped).

Tuition fees: Home students up to £1200 pa for first degrees (in 2005). International students pay £6800 pa.