Lampeter University (Detailed Info)

Founded: 1822 Structural features: Part of Wales University (since 1971).

Location: Lampeter town centre.

Getting there: By rail from Carmarthen or Aberystwyth, then bus; Trawscambrian coach service from Bristol, Cardiff, Aberystwyth and Bangor; bus from Carmarthen (no 202), from Aberystwyth (no 540); by road from M4 to Carmarthen. then A485, or from north via A487/A44 to Aberystwyth, then A487 via Aberaeron.

Academic features: Modular structure; course options in eg church history, Islamic studies, anthropology, media studies, information technology. Many courses can be started in January.

Awarding body: Wales University.

Main undergraduate awards: BA, BD.

Length of courses: 3 years; 4 years for philosophy, welsh.

Library & IT facilities: Main and Founders libraries; 200,000 volumes, 950 periodicals. 190 study places.

Specialist collections: Tracts collection; early welsh periodicals; Bibles, prayerbooks, hymnals, catechisms and ballads; manuscript collection including 15th-century Books of Hours. Annual expenditure on information provision, £62 per (FTE) student. Separate IT service, access 24 hours/day; 200 workstations with access to library and internet. IT support on demand 8 hours/weekdays; induction sessions to library and computing service for all new students covers eg email and wordprocessing; other IT training on request.

Study abroad: 5% of students spend a period abroad. Formal exchange links with universities/colleges in Western Europe, USA and Canada. Careers: Information, advice and placement service.

Student advice & services: Nurse, chaplain, 24-hour welfare service, student support officer, special needs etc; doctor & clinic close by. Residential facilities for disabled students; purpose built creche.

Amenities: Bookshop on campus, SU shop.

Sporting facilities: Sports hall; squash courts, multigym; playing fields less than 5 mins from campus; free use of town swimming pool; college sailing club at Aberaeron.

Accommodation: Guaranteed to all first year students. 215 places on campus from £46 per week + pay-as-you-eat, term time only; and 352 self-catering places up to £53 pw (ensuite), Oct-June or longer. Local private accommodation at £30-£40 pw for self-catering (exclusive of bills).

Living expenses budget: Minimum budget of £5000 pa (excluding tuition fees) recommended by university.

Term-time work: University allows term-time work for first degree students (50% believed to work). Some work available on campus in sports hall and SU bars. Locally jobs available in eg restaurants, pubs, local organic food factory, supermarkets.

Financial help: Total available £30,700 government funds, about 170 students helped.