Founded: 1986 as London Institute; university status 2004.
Structural features: A single federated structure, bringing together five prestigious colleges of art, design and communication, each of which admits its own students. The colleges all have their own strong traditions, distinctive character and each has its own prospectus. You can look up their profiles separately:
- Camberwell College of Arts
- Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design
- Chelsea College of Art and Design
- London College of Fashion
- London College of Communication (previously London College of Printing)
Site: 25 sites in central London.
Special features: The Arts Gallery in Mayfair exhibits students' work from all five colleges.
Academic features: Courses range from access and first diploma to PhD, all studio based. Students often progress from a Foundation course at one of the colleges to a degree course at another, and can switch between subject areas as their interests develop. Nearly 2000 leading artists, designers, broadcasters, photographers and media professionals based in London act as visiting tutors.
Library & information services: Annual expenditure on information provision, £39 per (FTE) student. Separate library and IT services. Ratio 1:6 workstations to students; 1800 points with access to internet and thence the library. Basic IT help in open access areas and specialist help from schools. Library and IT induction to all new students; some IT skills courses.
Study abroad: Increasing number of students complete part of their course abroad.
Student advice & services: Central student services with satellite offices in each college provide help with accommodation, support and counselling, personal and financial problems, day nursery facilities (creche at Elephant & Castle) and careers. Also chaplaincy and help for students with disabilities.
Amenities: Network of college shops (sell art and design materials etc). Students' Union provides range of social programmes and runs college bars. Access to sporting, social and cultural facilities of the capital.
Accommodation: Some students in university halls of residence in London: 1820 places £2520-£5920 pa, contracts either 42 or 52 weeks (depending on residence).
Term-time work: No official university policy on term-time work. Students are encouraged to be aware of study needs and, if work is necessary, to seek work related to their course of study.
Tuition fees: Home students up to £1200 pa for first degrees (in 2005). International students pay £9500 pa.
