Greenwich School of Management

Age: 37

History: Established in Greenwich in 1973 as an independent college of higher education, specialising in business management and cognate areas. Originally taught professional accountancy and banking, but for the past 20 years its focus has been on undergraduate and postgraduate programmes up to doctorate level.

Address: One campus located in historic Greenwich, south-east London.

Ambience: Greenwich is by the Thames and has fabulous markets to rummage through at the weekends, cosy pubs and the (now scorched) Cutty Sark. Close to the Royal Park and the old Royal Naval College.

Vital statistics: Around 900 students. Unusual three-semester calendar year with teaching through the summer, allowing flexible start dates (February, June and October), as well as the possibility of completing a University of Plymouth BSc (Hons) in only two years. Offers full time, part time and weekend programmes, awarded degree status by the University of Plymouth and the University of Wales. American BBA degrees are awarded by Northwood University, Michigan.

Added value: For the undergraduate there are good financial advantages, including a smaller top-up fee than usual, a pay-by-instalment facility, and the possibility of a fast-track two-year course (you can work out in your final year). Those studying for a BBA get to travel to Midland, Michigan, to complete their studies.

Easy to get into? Not too hard. BSc programmes ask for two A-level passes, while both undergrad law courses ask for 240 UCAS points. BBAs validated by Northwood University only require 5 GCSE passes.

Glittering alumni: Over 20,000 successful graduates worldwide, many of whom occupy high profile positions in industry and the public sector.

Transport links: National Rail, Underground, Docklands Light Railway and London City Airport within easy reach.

Who's the boss? William Hunt BEd MA PhD.

Teaching: In 2010, external examiners from validating universities gave a positive report to the school in areas such as methods of assessment, consultation process, information provided to students, assessment criteria, feedback to students and academic performance standards.

Nightlife: Greenwich is a popular tourist area with numerous restaurants and bars, while good rail connections allow access to the West End in about 20 minutes.

Any accommodation: None provided by the school.

Cheap to live there? Not very. Private rents locally are over £100 per week.

Fees: £4,500 per year for full-time EU undergrads studying for a BSc, or £1,500 for those on the BBA programme. As an independent provider of higher education, the school is not restricted by guidelines on fees. Part-time course rates vary.

Bursaries: Three variable bursaries - The Principal's Bursary for non-EU students, The Nelson's Bursary for serving or retired members of the armed forces, and The Educationist's Bursary for any member of the teaching profession. There are also two full scholarships available, based on academic excellence. An application form can be obtained online.

Prospectus: 020 8516 7800; www.greenwich-college.ac.uk

UCAS code: G74