Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) - In Depth
Founded: 1990, from amalgamation of North of Scotland, West of Scotland and East of Scotland agricultural colleges. Site: 3 sites: SAC Aberdeen (rural, 5 miles from city centre); SAC Auchincruive (rural, 3 miles from Ayr); and SAC Edinburgh (urban, on university campus).
How to get there: Auchincruive: coach service from Glasgow; buses from Sandgate Bus Station (nos 43, 52); regular rail service between Ayr, Glasgow and Stranraer; by road, campus is 3 miles on B743 Ayr-Mauchline Road; by air, Prestwick Airport 5 miles, Glasgow 31 miles. Edinburgh: easily accessibly by road, rail (Waverley Station), coach and air; for campus, bus service from city centre or by road A7O1, A7O2, A7. Aberdeen: city reached by rail (mainline), coach, air (airport 14 miles from campus); for campus, frequent bus service, 5 miles on A96 from city centre.
Academic features: Emphasis on communication, numeracy, business computing literacy and other transferable skills; project and industry-based links. Links with Glasgow, Strathclyde, Edinburgh and Aberdeen universities.
Awarding bodies: Aberdeen, Glasgow & Edinburgh universities.
Main undergraduate awards: BSc, BA.
Length of courses: 4 years (3 years ordinary).
Library & information services: 45,000 books, 500 periodicals, 200 study places. Converged IT and library services. 180 workstations with access to library and internet (12 hours/day); ratio workstations to students 1:5; IT helpdesk 1 hour/day. Library and information services induction session for all new students; 40-hour IT course for all.
Other learning facilities: Laboratories, blackboard web-based learning, several farms including poultry farm, 2 countryside interpretation centres, food processing plant, glasshouse units, arboretum.
Careers: Library-based information and advice service. Study abroad: Some students spend a period abroad. Many formal links with European universities/colleges but not for exchanges.
Student advice & services: Student services on each site.
Amenities: Range of clubs and societies at each centre; use of all university facilities at Aberdeen and Edinburgh.
Sporting facilities: Full range of sports facilities plus access to golf courses, water sports, hill-walking and climbing.
Accommodation: 40% of first years in college accommodation, 20% of all students. 200 half-board places at £68 per week, term time only; and 25 self-catering places at £45 pw, Sept-June. Privately owned accommodation, rents £30-£40 pw for self-catering, £50-£80 for half-board. 60% of first degree students live at home.
Living expenses budget: Minimum budget of £125 pw (excluding tuition fees) recommended by College.
Term time work: College allows term-time work for full-time students (50% of students have some part-time work). Some work available on campus.
Financial help: £4000 government funds plus college's own hardship funds (average award £300). Also some local trusts (usually with residential qualifications).
Tuition fees: Scottish and EU students pay no fees during course; other UK home students up to £1200 pa for first degrees (in 2005). International students pay £7700-£10,650 pa.
