BPP University College

BPP University College

Age: 35

History: Part of BPP Professional Education which was founded in 1976 as a premium trainer for accountancy qualifications, and was listed on the UK Stock Exchange. In 1991, BPP opened its first regional study centre – breaking London’s monopoly on top-quality professional training – and founded its own law school. Underscoring its degree-awarding powers, BPP was bestowed University College status by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills in 2010.

Address: Six state-of-the-art undergraduate study centres in Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, London, Manchester and Swindon.

Ambience: Professional, dynamic and supportive. All study centres have the latest high-tech teaching aids, and the intake is among the most international of any UK institution. BPPUC degree courses are strongly career focused, tutors combining academic expertise with authentic industry experience. There’s a wide range of student-managed societies to join, and the college supports undergraduates who want to start their own.

Vital statistics: Impressive. Each year, BPP trains over 30,000 accounting professionals and 4,000 law students from more than 150 countries.

Added value: Tuition focuses on building the skills and expertise students need to both pass their exams and succeed in their later careers. Available are two-year degrees, three-year degrees – so undergraduates can qualify quicker, start work sooner and save on tuition fees – and the option to study part-time for up to seven years via distance learning.

Glittering alumni: Twenty-seven leading law firms and many FTSE 100 companies trust only BPP to tutor their trainees.

Transport links: Excellent. All BPPUC study centres are ideally located close to transport hubs.

Who’s the boss? Carl Lygo, principal of BPP University College, CEO of BPP Holdings, and member of the Judicial Studies Board advisory committee.

Teaching: Winner of Education Investor Awards 2010, post 16 education provider

Nightlife: BPPUC study centres are located at the heart of their host cities, close to bars, clubs and other entertainment venues.

Any accommodation? BPPUC owns no properties of its own but has negotiated special discounts on selected accommodation around certain study centres.

Cheap to live there? Rents and living costs vary from location to location.

Fees: Vary between courses, qualifications and locations. BPP's BSc courses in business studies, business studies with finance, and professional accounting are £3,225 per year for home students starting between September 2011 and August 2012. Detailed fee information is available online.

Bursaries: To support its policy of inclusion, BPPUC offers a number of scholarship and bursary programmes. Details of how to apply can be found online.

Prospectus: 020 8740 2222 (head office); www.bpp.com

UCAS code: B54