10 reasons to study in the area
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Your support makes all the difference.1. German at Exeter It's the only German degree in the country to score the maximum marks for teaching and research. Dr Alan Robertshaw, the head of department, says enthusiastic teaching, good pastoral care and a mix of teaching and learning strategies make the course successful. Each student has two tutors and there are group projects and student-led seminars (no lectures in the final year.)
2. Drama at Bristol The oldest department in the country, Bristol offers academically based courses alongside hands-on experience. Students compete for work placements at the BBC, HTV and the Bristol Old Vic. A foundation year gives people the chance to decide on a specialism. "You might want to be the star of the show or organise the lighting," said Dr Janet Thumum, one of the lecturers.
3. Maths at Bath One of only two departments in the country to get the top mark for teaching, Bath gives third-year students the opportunity to spend their third year on placement or studying abroad.
4. Environmental science at Plymouth Top-rated for teaching, the course allows students to spend an exchange year in Canada, South Africa, the USA or Australia. The undergraduate programme includes field trips to the US , the Mediterranean and South-east Asia and the chance to work at the Eden Project, where lecturer Dr John Bull is coordinator.
5. Geography at Bristol The department scores the highest marks for research and teaching. The four-year BSc Geography with study in continental Europe includes built-in language training and a year at a university in Belgium, Spain or Germany.
6. Blue flag beaches 52 of the region's beaches have attained this coveted award for water quality, representing well over half of all the winners in the UK. Top surfing beaches at Croyde in Devon and Polzeath in Cornwall are two of the best-known holders of the award.
7. South-west coast path 630 miles long, this is Britain's longest national trail, running from Minehead in Somerset to South Haven Point near Poole in Dorset. The 95 miles running through Dorset and East Devon are a world heritage site.
8. Snowdonia The second largest national park in the UK, it offers 840 square miles of unspoilt countryside and classic ground for geologists.
9. The Centre for Alternative Technology at Machynlleth in Wales A living experiment in sustainability. There are working examples of wind, water and solar power, conservation, organic growing and alternative sewerage solutions. It is Europe's best source of information on all aspects of sustainable living.
10. Cost of living Living and accommodation costs in Wales are among the lowest in the country, while South-west prices are still far cheaper than in London and the South-east.
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