American InterContinental University

Age: 41

History: The American InterContinental University (AIU) was founded in Switzerland in 1970. The campus in London opened in 1978 and offers career focused British and American bachelor degree programmes in fashion, interior design, visual communication and international business. AIU London considers itself an international university, with a diverse international student body.

Address: Marylebone High Street in London. The campus has a prime location in the centre of the city, sitting between Hyde and Regents Parks in Marylebone.

Ambience: AIU London is a private university. Students work in small groups, receiving high levels of attention, support, guidance and encouragement from faculty, many of whom are practicing industry professionals. AIU London is a small campus where each student is encouraged to identify their strengths and to develop their individual talents towards a chosen career aspiration.The campus fosters close links with industry. Many students have the opportunity to be involved in live projects, fashion shows, events, exhibitions and national competitions.

Vital statistics: Class sizes range from eight to 25 students. The majority of students come from overseas, particularly Europe, and more than 80 countries are represented. Courses within the schools of business, fashion, interior design, and visual communication are designed to be industry current.

Added value: Complete one degree course, earn two degrees. At AIU London students can study one course and earn a US bachelor’s degree (BBA or BFA) awarded by AIU London as well a UK BA (Hons) degree awarded by the University for the Creative Arts (UCA) for design programmes and Buckinghamshire New University (Bucks) for International Business.

Easy to get into? With a mix of international students the University accepts a number of different qualifications.

Glittering alumni: Ronit Zilka, fashion designer; Christian Siriano, the winner of ‘Project Runway 2008’.

Transport links: The campus is ideally situated between the Baker Street and Bond Street tube stations in central London.

Teaching: AIU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, to award bachelors’ and masters’ degrees. AIU London also offers British BA (Hons) degrees in visual communication (subjects include graphic design, illustration, photography), interior design, and fashion (subjects include design, marketing and retailing) which are validated by the University for the Creative Arts (UCA). BA (Hons) international business is validated by Buckinghamshire New University (Bucks).

Nightlife: If you still have the money and time, the bloated belly of Rabelaisian pleasure that is London is only a cab ride away.

Any accommodation? Housing provided by the university.

Cheap to live there? No. It's London. However, the finance department can offer appropriate advice to students..

Fees: £9,000 per academic year for home students (UK and EEA) starting in 2011/2012. For International fees contact AIU's London admissions office.

Bursaries: Scholarships are offered by the University to in-school students who meet criteria based on academic progress.

Prospectus: 020 7467 5650; www.aiulondon.ac.uk

UCAS code: A50