Bishop Grosseteste University College Lincoln

Age: 149, or five.

History: Named after the thirteenth century Bishop of Lincoln, it was established as an independent Anglican HE institution in 1862. It received full university college status in 2006.

Address: Lincoln city centre.

Ambience: The university’s mission statement recognises ‘the place of faith within the human experience’ and provides for its practice, nurture and exploration. It prides itself on its encouragement of diversity and opening access to higher education. Lincoln is a peaceful town with two thousand years of history behind it, evident by the city’s spectacular architecture.

Vital statistics: Around 1,500 full-time undergrads and almost 750 postgrads, with a high proportion of mature students. Having been a former teacher training college, the university offers a wide-range of joint honours with education studies, as well as a small number of foundation and single honours degrees.

Added value: It is a church college, so the chaplaincy plays an important role, including contributions to both academic and social life. The university works closely alongside the local community, and drama students are given the opportunity to be part of the BG Touring Theatre Company. There are also opportunities for overseas travel as part of your studies.

Easy to get into? Most foundation degrees require one year’s experience in the relevant field. All single honours degrees ask for 220 UCAS points, apart from theology and society, which requires 160 points.

Glittering alumni: Honorary graduates include: TV presenter Johnny Ball, astronaut Dr Michael Foale, composer Howard Goodall, actor Colin McFarlane and rights activist Doreen Lawrence.

Transport links: It is just off the A46 and is a half hour (up-hill!) walk away from the train station, which links to London in 2 hours. East Midlands Airport is an hour and a half by car.

Who's the boss? Professor Muriel Robinson, principal.

Teaching: After a recent Ofsted inspection, the overall effectiveness of BG's teaching provision was ranked as 'outstanding' for primary teaching and 'good', with some aspects outstanding, for secondary teaching, FE teaching and the Graduate Teacher Programme. The TDA identified BG as one of the top 13 HEIs in preparing trainee teachers to teach phonics and reading, describing our provision as "significantly above the HEI sector average".

Research: A number of academics researching and working at the university. Has recently received £500,000 external funding for research.

Foundation degrees: Applied studies in early childhood, children and youth work, and learning support. These can be ‘topped-up’ into full honours degrees.

Honours degrees: Drama in the community, early childhood studies, English literature, heritage studies, theology and society, and primary education with QTS. A wide range of joint honours degrees are also available.

Nightlife: Old-fashioned real ale pubs and vibrant modern nightclubs are on offer in the city. There is also a bowling alley, cinema and a number of theatres.

How green is it? Very poor - it was ranked 137th out of 138 universities graded by People and Planet for their 'Green League 2011'.

Any accommodation? Yes – 202 rooms – all catered - located on campus, allocated on a first come, first served, basis. Rent is £4,446 for the year.

Cheap to live there? Yes – private rents are around £45 to £50 per week, excluding bills.

Sports ranking: 143rd in the BUCS league table.

Fees: £3,375 per year for honours students starting in 2011, £1,655 for foundation students. Starting in 2012, the university plans to charge £7,500 per year for most courses.

Bursaries: Students can apply for the BG Bursary of up to £650 per year if their family income is below £25,000.

Prospectus: 01522 527 347; www.bishopg.ac.uk

UCAS code: B38