Trinity College, Carmarthen (Welsh: Coleg y Drindod, Caerfyrddin) is a university college in Carmarthen, West Wales. It is a constituent college of the federal University of Wales.
History Trinity College was founded in 1848 as an Anglican college in an attempt to remedy the lack of higher education institutions in Wales. After the University of Wales, Lampeter, the college is the oldest higher education institution in Wales, although unlike Lampeter, Trinity has never possessed its own degree awarding powers. This role is played by the federal University of Wales, of which Trinity became a full constituent member in 2005.
Location The college is situated on a single campus on the outskirts of Carmarthen. It is a small site that centres around the original building (Old College pictured). Various new buildings have been constructed around the site. Despite this the campus retains a scenic look with landscaped gardens, rolling greens and panoramic views of the surrounding Carmarthenshire countryside.
The campus is also home to the Halliwell Theatre; this is regarded as the premier conference suite in Carmarthen.
Students' Union & Facilities The Students' Union is located near the centre of the campus and is a surprisingly large building considering the overall size of the college. The union facilities include the Unity nightclub, @ttic bar and shop. Unity is open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday (hosting Monday Madness, Kaos and Funky Friday theme nights respectively). @ttic is open all week from 10.00am until 11.00pm and boasts cheap drinks, two pool tables and a balcony terrace.
Other than the union, students are treated to a range of sports facilities including a gymnasium and swimming pool that are all located on the compact campus.
There is also the Merlin Restaurant (Ty Bwyta Myrddin) that serves fresh and hot food to catered halls students.
Accommodation There are four halls of residence at the college. Tower, Non and Myrddin halls accommodate undergraduate students in catered accommodation. Archbishop Noakes hall is usually reserved for returning undergraduates in their final year or postgraduate students.
There is traditionally plenty of private sector accommodation for students in Carmarthen itself.
Courses Originally concerned with training teachers, the college expanded in the 1980s and now offers a wide range of courses from the traditional subjects of Theology, History and English to newer subjects such as Advertising and Tourism. During the 1990s the college was given permission to offer postgraduate MA and PhD courses. Teacher training, however, is still a main part of the college's tradition.
Alumni Former students include rugby players Dewi Bebb and Barry John, and singers Stuart Burrows and Rhys Meirion, and Pam Evans, founder of Peace Mala. Former lecturers include Raymond Garlick, Jo Mazelis and Carwyn James. |
The Peace Mala world peace project for youth continues to grow. On Wed 17th September 2008 we had our third International Awards for Youth Ceremony at the WCIA/UNA Wales Temple of Peace in Cardiff. Please look at the 'Youth Awards' section to find out more.
All good wishes
Pam Evans
Founder of Peace Mala
www.peacemala.org.uk