East London (UEL), University of

University of East London (UEL)

Age: 19 as a university, or 112 if you dig back to its origins as the West Ham Technical Institute.

History: In 1970 it was reincarnated as North East London Polytechnic after linking up with South East Essex technical college in Barking. In 1989 it was renamed Polytechnic of East London and became a university in 1992.

Address: Two main campuses four miles apart, one in Stratford, centre of the 2012 Olympics, and one in London's Docklands. An affiliated lifelong learning centre in Barking and a new centre in Thurrock, as well as studios for fine art and dance at Trinity Buoy Wharf.

Ambience: Kaleidoscopic ethnic mix meets Docklands post-modern. Strong vocational emphasis and a high number of adult learners means the vibe is studious rather than party central. Teaching moved in 2006 from the Barking campus to upgraded facilities at the Stratford and Docklands sites.

Vital statistics: Approximately 14,000 undergrads, and 6,000 postgrads. Many students are mature and/or from the local area. Nearly 60 per cent are from an ethnic minority background.

Added value: Many programmes start in February as well as September. Innovative courses, e.g. complementary therapy, digital journalism and computer games. Special needs a priority: dyslexia workshops and RNIB centre for the visually impaired. Runs a mentoring scheme to match black and Asian students with their counterparts in employment. 2009 saw the launch of 'UEL Connect', encompassing flexible and distance learning, for which UEL is now a leading provider (3rd in UK after OU), and the Petchey Centre for Entrepreneurship, which offers professional support to students interested in setting up their own businesses.

Easy to get into? Yes: its raison d'être is to lower barriers to higher education. Mature students are encouraged to apply; special advisors to help them. Nearly half of students come in through clearing. Physiotherapy asks for 300 entry points. Four applications per place.

Glittering alumni: Hilary Armstrong, MP; Ken Russell, film director; Mark Frith, editor of Heat magazine; Imran Khan, human rights lawyer; Tinchy Stryder, pop star.

Transport links: Overground station, tube, buses and Docklands Light Railway.

Who's the boss? Professor Patrick McGhee, vice-chancellor.

Teaching: Came 108th out of 116 in the Complete University Guide.

Research: Ranked 61st out of 115 in the Research Assessment Excercise.

Overall ranking: 113th out of 116 in the Complete University Guide.

Nightlife: Bars on each campus. Regular club nights at Stratford. Two annual balls. But even if nothing on campus takes your fancy, it's London baby! There's a night to suit every taste in our cosmopolitan capital.

How green is it? Not bad, came 41st out of 138 universities ranked by People and Planet in their 'Green League 2011' - a vast improvement on last year's 82nd place.

Any accommodation? Yes - there are a variety of rooms at the university's new Docklands Student Village, available to all first years studying at any of the campuses. Rents range between £105 and £139 per week.

Cheap to live there? Cheaper than central London, but not great. You'll pay the same for private rent as you do in halls, but without inclusive bills.

Sports ranking: Came 82nd in the BUCS league.

Fees: £3,375 per year for undergraduate students starting in 2011. The university plans to charge the maximum fee of £9,000 per year from September 2012.

Bursaries: The UEL Progress Bursary gives all home and EU undergrads who successfully complete their first semester and progress to the second £500 in credits. These credits can be spent on a range of goods or services designed to support you in studies. There is also a standard UEL bursary for students in receipt of a full maintenance grant, and the university is making arrangements with the National Scholarship Programme for 2012 entry.

Prospectus: 020 8223 3333; www.uel.ac.uk

UCAS code: E28