Bradford College

Age: 179

History: Born in 1832 with the establishment of the Bradford Mechanics Institute, the college continued expanding until 1958 when the existing institution was split into Bradford Institute of Technology (later to become Bradford University) and Bradford Technical College. In 1982 the latter became Bradford and Ilkley Community College until the Ilkley campus was closed in 1999 and the institution became Bradford College.

Address: Within walking distance of Bradford city centre.

Ambience: This proudly non-elitist college serves a friendly and diverse community, including a large number of mature, local and part-time students.

Vital statistics: The biggest provider of higher education outside of the university sector. Around 4,000 higher education and 19,000 further education students attend, with a provision of about 1,500 tutors. An associate college of Leeds Metropolitan University, which validates its degrees in areas such as business and law.

Added value: There has been a major investment in all subject areas. Students have access to a restaurant, art gallery, hair and beauty salons and excellent sporting facilities within the new £20m Trinity Green Campus.

Easy to get into? Varies widely between courses. Some degrees need as little as 80 UCAS points, but others ask for 220. Applicants with non-traditional qualifications are encouraged.

Glittering alumni: David Hockney, artist; Robbie Paul, Huddersfield Giants rugby player; Margaret McMillan, pioneer of education.

Transport links: Leeds/Bradford Airport is seven miles away, connected by a bus service or by taxi for about £18. Local trains from the west arrive at Forster Square station, a 15-minute walk, and there is one direct connection to London every day which takes about three hours. There is also the Bradford Interchange, a 10-minute walk. The M62 and M606 connects with the national motorway network.

Who's the boss? Michelle Sutton, OBE, the college's first female principal and chief executive.

Teaching: QAA inspections of the Higher Education courses consistently judge them to be 'commendable' and 2009’s National Student Survey rated the student experience highly.

Foundation degrees: Include arts for the creative industries, business, multimedia and design, early years, social and community care, law and legal practice, public services management, sports coaching and hospitality and travel management.

Nightlife: The social scene is diverse and affordable. It hosts regular comedy clubs and gigs. The surrounding area is very student friendly and several large pubs, clubs and cafes run special promotions for students.

Any accommodation? Yes - halls cost between £65 and £71 per week. Homestay with a local host family can also be arranged for £65 per week self-catering or £100 full-board.

How green is it? The college has a dedicated centre for the implementation of new recycling schemes.

Cheap to live there? Yes – Britain’s cheapest student city, local rent prices in Bradford can be even cheaper than living in halls, at around £45 per week.

Fees: £3,375 per year for full-time undergrads starting in 2011. This figure will go up to £6,700 for those starting in 2012.

Bursaries: Most full fee-paying students with a household income of less than £30,000 a year are eligible for a bursary of up to £700 a year. For details, see the website.

Prospectus: 01274 433 333; www.bradfordcollege.ac.uk

UCAS code: B60