Frequently Asked Questions
About Trinity
When was the University formed?
1848
Who's the principal?
Dr Medwin Hughes
How many students are there at Trinity?
2200 full-time and part-time.
Where do the majority of students come from?
Trinity's students come from all over the UK . There is also a growing community of international students studying at the campus, including Study Abroad students from the USA , and students from other universities in Europe through the EU funded Erasmus programme. For some courses eg Primary Education with QTS, the percentage of students from Wales is high. International Office
Academic Courses
Do I need an A Level, or equivalent in a relevant subject before being able to study for that particular degree eg BA Religious Studies?
Yes normally, although in some instances it may not be possible to study your subject prior to a degree programme. Applications are dealt with on an individual basis, but your application is strengthened if you can demonstrate experience and/or interest in the subject.
Can I do any of the degree courses on a part time basis?
The majority of our degree programmes are available on a part-time basis.
What if I don't get the expected grades?
Don't panic - it's always a good idea to phone us and check whether we can still accept you. Each application is dealt with on an individual basis therefore various factors are involved other than relying purely on academic ability.
How many hours a week of lectures will I have?
Depending on the nature of your course you could have anything between 10-20 hrs of lectures a week; however plus self directed study, tutorials and seminars are an important element in your studies.
How does the University feel about students who take a gap year?
Trinity considers each application on an individual basis without prejudice. However, due to the specific number of places available on each programme of study it is important that you clearly state your intentions. There is no problem if you state that you will be deferring until the following year, but a problem may arise if you intend to start in the forthcoming academic year, but then decide to defer. Trinity also cannot guarantee that a programme of study available for the forthcoming academic year will be available in the following academic year. Please also note that variable tuition fees will be introduced in England from 2006/07. Welsh HEIs will retain a fixed fee for academic year 2006-07 but students entering HE in that year are advised that the fee regime may change part way through their course.
For further information on this contact the Department for Education and Skills on (01325) 392 822 or email ssin.queries@dfes.gsi.gov.uk
If I miss a lecture can I still obtain the lecture notes?
Occasionally it may be possible to obtain some lecture notes retrospectively via our Blackboard Learning System- but not all, and those which aren't may be obtained by other means- depending on the circumstances by which the lecture was missed in the first place.
The Blackboard Learning System is a Virtual Learning Environment by which you can access information to lectures and notes via your PC. However, it is in your own best interest to attend lectures.
Can I study abroad during my degree?
It is possible you will be offered a chance to study abroad during the 2nd semester of the 2nd year of your degree programme in one of our partner institutions in either Europe or America. However, this isn't always possible depending on the nature of the course. Further details are available from your Course Director / International Office.
Accommodation (On-campus)
How much is accommodation at Trinity?
Accommodation - Fees and Payment
Am I guaranteed a place in halls of residence during my first year?
Every effort is made to accommodate all first year students on campus and we are usually successful in achieving this although it cannot be guaranteed.
Can I be placed in halls of residence on a weekly contract and pay only for the weeks that I am in residence if I'm not on campus for much of the time- eg if I'm following the PGCE course?
No. The shortest contract available is for 1 whole term/semester.
Are there fridges/microwaves in the catered halls?
Fridges and microwaves are not currently provided in catered halls.
Do I need a TV licence?
Yes. This is your responsibility. Don't get stung for £1,000! If you have a TV in your room you must have a licence. TV LICENSING
Do halls of residence have phone/internet connections?
At present, Trinity University College has free wireless Internet access in many areas of the campus including: Halls of Residence, Students' Union, Library, Computer Labs and Teacher Resource Centre. The University is looking to extend this network as soon as possible. However, because Trinity University College is a one-campus University it means that you are never far away from a workstation, with computer labs open 18hrs a day with free Internet access.
Are bed linen/duvets/ provided or do I bring my own?
You need to bring bed linen/duvets, pillows, towels etc, although a pack can be purchased on campus.
Do you have a laundrette on campus?
There is a shared laundrette on campus with washing machines and dryers.
Do the halls of residence have cleaners?
Cleaners look after the communal areas but you are expected to clean your own rooms.
Can I leave my belongings in my room out of term time?
Yes. Contracts run for 40 weeks so there is no need to vacate your rooms over the Christmas and Easter breaks.
Can I choose which halls I want to be in?
Yes. You may state a preference for Tower, Non or Myrddin (1st year accommodation), but if certain halls are oversubscribed you are automatically allocated alternative halls.
Can I be placed in self-catering halls during my 1st year?
Normally, only 2nd Yr, 3rd Yr and Postgraduate students are accommodated in Archbishop Noakes Halls (self-catering). However, consideration is given to 1st year students for self-catering in Archbishop Noakes if you have special dietery requirements for instance or require wheelchair access, but you need to send a covering letter to us with your accommodation application.
When do I need to apply for a room?
Once you have firmly accepted an offer of a place at Trinity you will then be sent an accommodation form which you should complete and return to the Accommodation Officer who will then process your application. This usually happens any time from March onwards.
When will I know if I've been allocated a room?
Confirmation of a room on campus takes place once the A level results have been released in August.
Accommodation (Off-campus)
What are the typical rental rates per week of accommodation in
Carmarthen town?
Rented accommodation ranges between £35-50/week. The average rental cost is around £45/week excluding bills eg gas, electricity.
Are there plenty of houses for rent in the town?
Yes. Traditionally there has been enough accommodation available for those students wishing to live off campus.
Where can I get a list of houses/flats for rent?
The Accommodation Officer has a list of rented accommodation in the town which is issued around March each year. Accommodation is also advertised on notice boards all around the University, estate agents and the local press.
Please note that the University can not accept any responsibility for contracts negotiated between students and private landlords .
Travel
How big is the town of
Carmarthen ?
Carmarthen town has a population of approx 18,000 people; which serves the wider population of Carmarthenshire; which has a population of approx 175,000.
How far is the train/bus station from the University?
15/20 min walk
How often do buses go into town from the University?
Service buses regularly pass the two main University entrances every day.
Can I bring my car to University and how much will it cost?
Car Parking Policy
Pastoral concerns
What if I'm ill during the night?
Trinity's 24hr porter service has access to a range of help and support. Contact details can be found in the Student Survival Guide which is circulated at the beginning of the academic year.
Where is the nearest surgery?
Carmarthen has many surgeries in the town centre. Students are encouraged to enrol with a local practice as soon as they become resident at Trinity. In addition, a 2 hour doctor's surgery is held on-campus every Wednesday afternoon.
Can I get free prescriptions?
Prescriptions are free of charge in Wales to everyone under the age of 25 providing your prescription is dispensed in Wales . You will need to provide proof of your date of birth. Dentist charges are not free unless you are on certain benefits or allowances. You must complete a HC1 form for this, which is available from hospitals and job centres. Alternatively you can call the Prescription Pricing Authority on 0845 850 1166.
Do you have childcare facilities?
Yes. Y Gamfa Wen, the new bilingual University nursery can accommodate 48 children from birth to 7 years. You are welcome to phone for a consultation and/or to view the nursery. Please ring 01267 676645.
What if I have a disability?
We welcome applications from all potential students. If you have specific needs, please inform the University as soon as possible so that we may make the necessary assessment of your application. If you have any specific queries please contact Student Services directly on 01267 676677 for a confidential consultation.
How likely am I to get a job after my degree?
The 2002/03 Destination Survey conducted by Student Services at Trinity showed that 95% of graduates were either in full-time employment or further study 6 months after graduating. Information for individual degree programmes is available from the Careers Officer located within the Student Services Directorate.
Money matters
How much will university cost me?
The cost of university all depends on whether you have to pay fees/ the amount of loan you've taken out/ whether you have a part-time job/ get parental/guardian assistance and generally how prudent you are with your cash from a social point of view. Trinity also has contingency bursaries should you get into serious financial difficulties, but you should not rely on these. Help and advice on financing for higher education is available from Student Services and also http://www.dfes.gov.uk/financialhelp/index_flash.html or phone 0870 000 2288.
How easy is it to get term time work in the town/on campus?
Being a large town serving a large area, there is much part-time/casual work available. Trinity also has a Job Shop run by Student Services who regularly run job advertisements. Some students can also gain work in the Students' Union and Halliwell conference centre and help out with office duties for various administrative departments at the University. However, it is important to remember that any outside working commitments should not interfere or adversely affect your full-time studies.
Dispelling some myths
Do you have to be religious to study at a
Church College ?
No. Although Trinity is the only Church College within the University of Wales and very proud of its tradition, it does not impose its religion and heritage on its students. Trinity welcomes students of all faiths and those of no faith.
Do you need to be able to speak Welsh? OR
Will I be at a disadvantage because I don't speak welsh?
OR
Are the lectures in Welsh?
OR
Is it a problem if I don't speak Welsh?
NOT AT ALL!
Due to its location, Trinity University College is a naturally bilingual institution. Both the Welsh and English languages coexist side by side in complete harmony.
To receive a prospectus or other Trinity University College publication please complete the
Alternatively telephone us on: 01267 676767
E-mail: registry@trinity-cm.ac.uk
Trinity University College
Carmarthen
SA31 3EP
Wales
