The Campus

Whatever programme you decide on, BCA provides a wide range of up-to-date resources to support your studies and  practical training.

The Animal Centre

The Animal Centre contains examples of most small animals likely to be found as pets in the UK, plus more unusual varieties of rodents, reptiles, invertebrates, amphibians, fish and birds.

The outdoor enclosures house such species as wallabies, rheas, kune kune pigs, chipmunks, llamas and goats.

In addition to the College Animal Centre other excellent resources include:

• A new exotics building
• Extended Outdoor Aviaries
• Farm Livestock Paddocks
• Kennels and dog training facilities
• Science Laboratories

As a student you will be involved in caring for the animals on the unit, giving you the experience of working with an extensive range of domestic, farm and exotic species.

The Skills Centre

The Skills Centre houses a number of the College’s vocational and practical courses and is a bright and modern two storey building.

As well as practical working areas there is a range of well equipped classrooms for theoretical lessons.

The area also has specially designed social area and cafe for staff and students located at the north end of the campus.

The Science Building

The new Science Building has been constructed using a range of sustainable methods including a timber frame, green roof, zinc cladding, natural ventilation. day lighting through sun pipes and grey water recycling.

This building contains a range of modern, well equipped science laboratories including a specialist sports lab. Plus fully equipped design studios for Horticulture Students.

The Learning Centre

The Learning Centre is a purpose built building that plays a central role in supporting teaching and the development of independent student learning.

Opening Times

Term time
Monday – Friday        8.00am – 4.00pm

To contact the Learning Centre:

Telephone: 01628 827427
Email: lc@bca.ac.uk

There are quiet study areas for individuals and group work, along with a reading area and ample computer stations that are linked to the internet and College network.

The specialist library contains a wide selection of learning materials, including books, journals, newspapers, CDRoms, videos and DVDs, that support all areas of study at BCA.

Equine Centre

BCA Equestrian Centre is a leading equine training centre in the Thames Valley. The centre aims to provide students on equestrian courses with a practical environment in which they can train towards their chosen academic and industry qualifications.

BCA Equestrian Centre is a BHS Approved Examination Centre. We are also a BHS ‘Where to Train’ centre up to BHSAI level.

Working livery horses play a major role in the training of students during practical handling sessions, development of stable management skills and riding. Our students are under the direct supervision of BHS qualified staff at all times.

Our excellent facilities include indoor and outdoor arenas, stabling for over 50 horses, extensive grass rides, eventing and cross country courses. The Arena at BCA is designed to hold equestrian competitions and events as well as lectures and practical demonstrations.

We are proud to have been approved as an Equestrian training base for the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Our facilities will now feature in the London 2012 Pre-Games Training Camp Guide (the Guide), which will be used by National Olympic Committees (NOCs) when selecting their training bases for use in the run up to, and during the games.

Floristry Workshops

Dedicated workshops with bright and airy workspaces, and areas to display and exhibit work. We also have acres of grounds which provide a wealth of living plant material and extensive grounds and glass-houses.

Food and Drink

Whether you are looking for a quick snack, full breakfast or a hearty healthy lunch, the Courtyard Cafeteria and B’s Café offer a subsidised self service selection of hot and cold food and drinks.

Horticultural Resources including the Gardens and Estate

Our 400 acre estate has an eighteenth century country house situated at it’s Heart,  the skilfully landscaped gardens and grounds are surrounded by woodland and conservation areas, all of which are embellished with features of historic landscape interest.

The gardens reflect both traditional and contemporary aspects of design as well as containing a fine tree and plant collection which acts as a ‘green library’ for students.

There is a range of nursery units including glasshouses and poly-tunnels to enable you to work towards developing excellent practical skills. Machinery workshops with a range of tractors, powered equipment and tools are used to develop any training and experience you may need.

Situated close to the River Thames and at the edge of the Chiltern Hills, BCA is the perfect place to study a variety of urban and rural habitats, our estate contains many areas of high conservation value, including woodlands, hedgerows, lake, grassland, arable habitats and biomass. This combination supports a wide variety of mammals and birdlife.

Access to the College estate by the public is encouraged, and consequently the management of habitats and maintenance of the environment presents a very real practical opportunity. The unique location of the College also presents the opportunity to visit many local country parks, nature reserves, conservation areas and countryside site.

Sports Facilities

Our sports facilities not only support sports students with their studies but are available to all, so whether you are into boxing, running, weights, football, netball, basketball or rugby…. you won’t need to be a couch potato if you study with us.

The Zone

A place for you to chill out. Go on the computers, play table football or strum your guitar. This is your space with staff on hand if you need a chat or friendly help and
guidance.