St Martin's College - In Depth

Founded: 1964, as Church of England college of education.

Structural features: College of HE.

Site: 4 sites: Lancaster, pleasant, single open campus 5 minutes from city centre; Ambleside, in the Lake District; Carlisle, a new city centre campus. Plus London teaching site, Tower Hamlets professional development centre at Mile End.

How to get there: Lancaster: rail (London-Glasgow line) or motorway (M6); frequent local bus service. Ambleside: rail to Windermere and taxi ride; motorway (M6) then A591. Carlisle: rail (London-Glasgow) or motorway (M6) then A69.

Academic features: Range of modular studies and professional courses in eg nursing, occupational therapy & radiography, youth and community work.

Awarding body: Lancaster University.

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

Length of courses: 3 years; 4 years.

Library & information services: Total of 217,000 volumes, 800 periodicals, 400+ study places. Wide range of non-book materials. Annual expenditure on information provision, £51 per (FTE) student.

Other learning facilities: Computer laboratories, art and ceramic studios, dance and drama studio, music recital and rehearsal rooms. Paramedical building for OT, radiography and imaging science.

Study abroad: 5% spend a period abroad. European university links.

Careers: Information and advice service on site.

Student advice & services: Welfare officer, doctor, resident nurse, chaplain, SU solicitor; chapel, medical centre, counselling service, disability officer.

Amenities: Learning support service, campus bookshop, SU bar and social club; shop; separate SU facilities.

Sporting facilities: Lancaster: sports centre with 4 badminton courts, gymnastics area, conditioning room, sports injury clinic. Floodlit all-weather pitch, tennis and squash courts, gymnasia, multi-gym with equipment for aerobic exercise.

Accommodation: 98% of first year students in college accommodation. Lancaster: 540 places in halls (430 rooms full-board at £52-£58 per week, 110 rooms self-catering at £45-£60pw). Ambleside: 160 rooms (140 full-board at £40-£64, 20 self-catering at £40-£54 pw). Carlisle: 85 rooms (ensuite) in halls, up to £68 pw; 70 beds in college-managed houses, £39-£49 pw. Students in privately owned accommodation pay £38-£48 pw for self-catering (+ bills), £45-£55 in Ambleside.

Living expenses budget: No College-recommended minimum.

Term time work: College allows term-time work for full-time students. Some work available on Lancaster campus in bar, catering or sports centre; careers guidance publishes details of jobs off campus.

Financial help: Small bursaries may be awarded from college trust funds.

Tuition fees: Home students up to £1200 pa for first degrees (in 2005). International students pay £6675 pa.