Somerset College of Arts and Technology began as the School of Art and Science, which was founded in 1856 and became the School of Art at the turn of the century. The current college started on the Wellington Road in the early 1970s when the School of Art merged with the Technology School. Since then a series of multi-million pound investments have contributed to the current facilities. Degrees are awarded in partnership with the University of Plymouth. The college eventually hopes to merge with other institutions in the area to create a University of Somerset.
Courses and Teaching
Somerset College of Arts and Technology offers BA Hons degrees in Business Administration, Design, Early Childhood Studies, Fine Art, Media Make-up and Health & Social Care Management (BSc). Foundation degrees are also available in a range of other subjects.
Costs
Design programmes are charged at £7,500 per year full-time, while fees other honours degrees vary.
Student Life
Taunton is surrounded by the bucolic Somerset countryside but is a lively market town which has big name shops, boutiques and out of town retail parks. A few nightclubs, including Shout and Dellar's Wharf plus lots of local pubs nearby. Taunton is, of course, in the heart of cider country and local festivals and brews are worth checking out for fans of scrumpy. Presidents for both higher and further education organise campaigns and help students with personal and academic problems. They also organise events and parties.
Facilities
The college is based in Taunton, Somerset.
Accommodation
There are 190 rooms are available to students at the Canonsgrove halls of residence which all come with en suite bathrooms and has a lively bar in which to socialise. Room rates range from £84 to £106 in 2011/2012. Room in a shared private-rental house can vary between £45 and £80 per week.
Education
The Genisis centre is a new addition where research and study into sustainable energy and lifestyles is on going. The arts and design facilities have been boosted by investment in recent years.
Other
Turner Prize winner Richard Deacon is a college alumnus.
Source : www.telegraph.co.uk/
