Thanks golfpro - I know where that it. Looks like my summer holiday exercise regime is taken care of then, along with some walks on the beach.

What University is in Blackpool?

There isn't one. The local FE College have aspirations (serious ones by all accounts) but I wouldn't personally want to go there if/as/and when. The two 'local' Uni's are UCLan and Lancaster.

Golfpro your response - ref unis in blackpool reaaaaaallly made me laugh .... you are right all FE Colleges tend to be very ambitious these days ... I teach at one.

Quite right - no uni just a college. My PhD is based in Wales, but half my family live in Blackpool and I like to take a long break with them during the summer holidays. The change of scene does me good.

Also, although I speak fluent Welsh, I do like to get back to England at least once a year!

Oh and by the way Lara - thanks for the tip about allowing oneself to "make a mess". I had a go at that today and it seems to have taken the pressure off a little. I definitely feel as though I've worried less and worked more - which is a very big relief.

If I remember correctly, Blackpool is ear-marked to be one of the next 20 new universities. I guess it will do a degree in gambling

I expect so, missspacey, that or anthropological research into psychology of stag and hen nights!

Mind you, on the up side for anyone planning a seaside trip, they've been rebuilding the promenade and the sea defences over the last couple of years and (if they ever finish it) it'll be a big improvement.

Anyway, I must make myself go to bed and stop nattering on this forum now. Thanks again to everone who offered me advice today. Goodnight!

Apparently, what's happening in Blackpool is thus. They ARE relocating the local college to a new purpose built site (state of art etc..)- Rigby Road for those that no the area. At the same time they are hoping to become 'The University of Blackpool. Since the casino debacle they have some credit built up with the Govt. so this is by all accounts a 'done deal'. Problem is the quality of teaching staff is quite poor there at present. So either there will have to be a clear-out, or lots of people will have to get cracking (in many cases doing a degree even!).

Of course the fly in this ointment (problem 2) is a change of Govt with the Conservatives being none to impressed with this University in every town idea. That might scupper things I'd imagine.

Really? I haven't heard a word about that. It's rather hard to imagine it as a university. I don't have any experience of the college personally, but from what I've heard around the town, I doubt it's up to it. Seems like change for the sake of it to me. Also, it's not as if there's nothing decent nearby - Lancaster's not far. Or Preston. Surely anyone wanting a decent qualification would head for those instead.

I think there was a reasonable argument for Cumbria. If you're weren't brilliant academically you had to trial to UCLan or across country to the North-east. I can't really see an argument for Blackpool (other than a political one...the Council turned blue after a long period of being red, and the Govt are worried about the local Labour MP -Marsden -losing his seat).

From my experience of the Computing Dept. several of the staff are operating with HND's or C's. I went for a chat re a P/T job (I didn't like it so didn't bother), and I was considered a 'big beast' academically, which I'm far from be assured. So I think they'll have a lot of problems in that respect.

I suspect you're right, golfpro. On the other hand... I've got a soft spot for the region and I finish my PhD in about 18 months, so perhaps I should keep an eye out for jobs! Then again, I'm tempted to work abroad. Out of interest, what led you there if you don't mind my asking?

I have very fond memories of my dad driving us over (from the north east) to see the Blackpool illuminations.