a-z of universities

Portsmouth

Age: As an education institution, 129; as a university, 5.

Incarnations: Six. Born as a school of arts and science, became a technical institute, then a municipal college, then a college of technology, then Portsmouth Poly and finally a university in 1992.

Address: Three campuses. Main campus in the city centre around Guildhall Square. Milton campus (business school) three miles east. Langstone campus (sports fields, some accommodation) one mile further, overlooks wildlife reserve of Langstone Harbour. Most students live in resort area of Southsea, 10 minutes walk from main campus. Take an electronic tour at http//:www.port.ac.uk.

Ambience: The two city sites vary - from modern tower blocks to lovely listed buildings and an ex-army barracks. Portsmouth is compact though not bijou. You can walk around town, down to the beach or visit a maritime site: HMS Victory, the Mary Rose, and HMS Warrior. The harbour is to be refurbished as a millennium project so beautification is in sight.

Vital statistics: One of the best of the former polys, its degree work goes back to the early 1900s. Has respectable research rating and postgraduate numbers are rising. Is recovering from the resignation of former vice chancellor, Neil Merritt, who left over financial irregularities. Good graduate employment rate.

Added value: Some halls of residence overlook the sea. Excellent for water sports. Ultra-modern library. Boasts partnership programme offering tailored study to students already in work, which Lord Dearing liked. Good industrial links locally and abroad, including IBM degree scheme. All students have Internet access, an e-mail address and free PC facilities.

Easy to get into? Yes and no. As a former poly it is committed to taking students without traditional qualifications. But some courses require highish A-level grades e.g. three Bs for MEng engineering management, two Bs and a C for MMath mathematics, two Bs and a D for pharmacy or psychology.

Glittering alumni: Welsh Secretary Ron Davies; MPs David Chidgey and Andrew Miller; former MP Diana (now Baroness) Maddock; Dai John, Luton's new vice chancellor; Keith Henry, chief executive, National Power; poet Simon Armitage.

Transport links: Good for cyclists because Portsea (the island on which Portsmouth and Southsea are built) is flat. "Bikeabout" cycle loan scheme is free. Main rail station a quick stroll across Guildhall Square. Or you can catch a coach to London, Gatwick, Heathrow. Or a hovercraft, ferry or fast catamaran to the Isle of Wight.

Who's the boss? Economist John Craven who wrote "Introduction to Economics" (familiar to many schoolchildren).

Teaching rating: Achieved 23 out of 24 for French; 21 for German, 20 for Italian, sociology, civil engineering and electrical engineering; 18 for Iberian languages and Russian.

Research: Came 65th out of 101 in the research assessment exercise. Achieved top grade 5 in Russian and a grade 4 in European studies and professions allied to medicine.

Financial health: In the red to the tune of pounds 534,000 in 1995-96, according to Noble's Higher Education Financial Yearbook. Now in the black.

Nightlife: Fizzing scene at students' union gigs at the garage. In the town, Wedgewood Rooms and Pyramids good for happening bands, alternative comedy. Big names play Portsmouth Guildhall.

Cheap to live in? Catered halls pounds 55-pounds 65, self-catered pounds 39-pounds 49 a week. Private accommodation pounds 40 a week.

Buzzword: Pompey (slang for Portsmouth)

Next week: Queen Mary and Westfield, London.