Bristol Old Vic - In Depth

Founded: 1946.

Structural features: An affiliate of the Conservatoire for Dance & Drama; associate school of Bristol UWE Faculty of Humanities, Languages & Social Sciences. Integral part of a working professional company, Bristol Old Vic Company. Close ties and working arrangements with BBC Radio, ITV and both local universities.

Site: Main Clifton site with other venues around the city.

How to get there: City well-served by rail (mainline west to Bristol Parkway) and coach; close to M4 (for London, Heathrow and South Wales) and M5 (Birmingham and the North and West Country). College adjacent to Dart bus stop.

Academic features: Vocational training for theatre and related media by working professionals; visiting specialists in all fields of the profession. Courses accredited by NCDT.

Awarding body: Bristol UWE.

Main undergraduate awards: BA, Diplomas (professional and postgraduate).

Length of courses: 3 years; others 2 and 1 years.

Library & information services: Link to Brisol UWE library, a stock of play sets, individual texts and music. Also local libraries and certain students use Bristol University theatre collection. All courses work with School's IT service, open 10 hours/day. 1:10 workstations to students, many with internet access; IT support from 2 technicians.

Other learning facilities: Facilities for stage management, lighting, sound, television & radio, prop making. carpentry, stage design, costume, scenic art, production management.

Careers: Information and advice given. No guarantee of placement.

Student advice & services: Access to local health centre.

Sporting facilities: Local facilities only.

Accommodation: No college accommodation. Private accommodation in nearby areas, approx £3500 per academic year; Accommodation Officer helps find digs 3 weeks before commencement.

Living expenses budget: Minimum budget of £6000 pa (excluding tuition fees) recommended by school.

Term-time work: Many students find evening work locally, but pressure of coursework may prohibit this in the final year.

Financial help: Government drama scholarships available. No school personal loans; advice about grant-making trusts available.

Tuition fees: Home students up to £1200 pa for first degrees (in 2005). International students pay £11,000 pa.