Birmingham Metropolitan College

Age: Two, in its present guise.

History: Sutton Coldfield College was founded in 1896 as a technical school, then expanded in 1964 as a further education college. Following a merger with Matthew Boulton College it became Birmingham Metropolitan College in 2009.

Address: Main campus is at Sutton Coldfield, but centres are located across the northside of Birmingham; in Birmingham town centre, Great Barr, Erdington and Castle Vale.

Ambience: Friendly college with a large adult student population studying a wide range of courses. Good facilities at each campus, including student learning resource centres, libraries, sports halls and gyms, specialist campuses for media, art and design and theatre, hairdressing and beauty salons and recreational areas.

Vital statistics: Courses range from foundation to higher education. Around 1,500 students study more than 30 courses at higher education in a wide range of subject areas. A partner of Aston University, Birmingham City University, Coventry University, University of Worcester, Manchester Metropolitan University and the University of Wolverhampton.

Added value: The college offers small classes with teaching in a supportive tutorial environment. It offers a variety of academic and vocational qualifications with specialist accommodation. Centre of Vocational Excellence (CoVE) in integrated manufacturing technology, business and professional services, entrepreneurship and adult care. Recent investment includes a full refurbishment of the Sutton Coldfield and James Watt Campuses, and upgrading of the Erdington Skills Centre. The Matthew Boulton Campus which won the RIBA Design Excellence and Innovation Award last year has received a number of accolades for its innovative use of learning space.

Easy to get into? Not too bad. A Level 3 qualification is usually required for HE courses. For mature students, work experience is taken into account.

Glittering alumni: Mike Skinner from The Streets, TV presenter Ashley Blake and DJ Tim Lichfield all went to one of Birmingham Met's composite colleges.

Transport links: Sutton Coldfield is located within the City of Birmingham. All campuses are easily reachable from the city centre by public transport.

Who's the boss? Christine Braddock, principal and chief executive.

Teaching: Scored an overall 'good' grade in a 2011 Ofsted inspection.

Foundation degrees: Counselling studies; dental technology; early years; education; electronic and control engineering with data communication; HE/FE administration and management; health and social care; information and communications technology; manufacturing engineering; pharmaceutical technology; sport and exercise science.

Nightlife: All the attractions of Birmingham are within easy reach and there is a vibrant pub and club scene in Sutton Coldfield itself.

Any accommodation? None provided by the college, but they do offer a service to help international students get settled.

Cheap to live there? Rent prices vary depending on the area – you could pick up a bargain of £55 per week, but rents get higher as you get towards the city centre.

Fees: Vary for FE, with most under-19s eligible for fee exemption. In 2011, part-time HE courses range between £800 and £2,000 per year, and full-time learners pay between £2,055 and £3,375 per year – prospective students are advised to contact the college for specific course fees. The college is yet to announce full fees for 2012 entry, but it plans not to charge more than £6,000 per year.

Bursaries: A full fee bursary is available to those studying the BSc (Hons) in podiatry.

Prospectus: 0845 155 0101, www.bmetc.ac.uk

UCAS code: S91