Bishop Grosseteste College, Lincoln

Bishop Grosseteste College, Lincoln

Age: 147

History: Founded by the Church of England as a diocesan training school. Used to be known as Lincoln Training College until it changed its name in 1962 to Bishop Grosseteste. Awarded university college status in 2006.

Address: Single campus in historic city of Lincoln.

Ambience: Built on a hill above the city centre, it has a Victorian redbrick main building. A new, modern teaching and learning centre arrived in 2002 and is now fully up and running, with a Sport and Leisure Centre which was built last year. The 21-acre grounds are a joy, as is the Gothic cathedral 10 minutes' walk away. Three halls of residence on site.

Vital statistics: Specialises in teacher-training but also offers degree courses in drama in the community, heritage studies, arts and events management and English literature. It is smallish, with approximately 2,000 students.

Added value: Renowned for teacher-training, of the practical variety, and there are strong links with schools in Lincolnshire, Yorkshire, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. The recently added new teaching and learning spaces have been a hit with students.

Easy to get into? For teacher-training you need a grade C or above at GCSE in English and maths. A science is required if you are applying for primary. Plus you need two Cs at A-level. For other degrees you need a C and a D.

Glittering alumni: David Pugh, theatre producer; Dame Joan Plowright, the Lady Olivier, actress; Howard Goodall, musician and composer.

Transport links: Trains to London via Newark take two hours, those to Nottingham take one hour. Drivers should take note that there are no motorways in Lincolnshire. Biking is a good alternative.

Who's the boss? Professor Muriel Robinson, previously of Newman College and the University of Brighton and an expert in media education.

Teaching: A QAA report praised its teaching, in particular the role of its Learning and Teaching Committee in developing and implementing strategies. Rated 5th overall out of 158 institutions according to the National Student Satisfaction Survey 2008, with 92 per cent of students expressing satisfaction with the university college.

Research: Increasing research activity. Current and recent projects have more than £500,000 in external funding.

Nightlife: Lively. Themed pubs and clubs offering student nights are on the increase. The students union at Bishop Grosseteste is very energetic, offering the usual range of activities and entertainments, with a large summer ball at the end of the year.

Any accommodation? Single undergraduate rooms cost £96.36 per week based on 35 weeks, including three meals a day during the week.

Cheap to live there? Yes. Private rents are around £45 to £50 per week, or £55 to £65 per week with bills included.

Prospectus: 01522 583658; www.bishopg.ac.uk

UCAS code: B38