Lincoln College

Lincoln College

Age: 125

History: The college developed from the science faculty of the School of Science and Art, which opened in 1886.

Address: Spread out. There are college sites in Lincoln, Gainsborough and Newark, but the higher education provision is based at the modern city centre campus.

Ambience: Genuine variety, with some classrooms housed in an old prison and a 12th Century friary. A full range of architecture from brand new blocks to lovingly restored Georgian buildings. The Abbey building has recently been restored at a cost of £5m, with new science labs, teaching areas and a diner.

Vital statistics: With 15,000 students, 4,000 of which are full-time, it's the biggest educational institution in the county. More than 6,000 mature students enrol each year. The college offers more than 50 full-time and 400 part-time courses, from basic skills to foundation degree level.

Added value: Small class sizes, and fantastic links with employers who assist with curriculum design. The college now rests in the shadow of the gorgeous Lincoln cathedral. It is an associate college of Nottingham Trent University and a partner college of the University of Lincoln.

Easy to get into? Applications are individually considered on a range of appropriate criteria and work-related experience, but you'll need around 120 UCAS points for most HE programmes.

Glittering alumni: Stuart Reddington, former Chelsea footballer; Mark Chaloner, former British No. 1 squash player.

Transport links: Buses are available from Lincoln train station, although most distances are easily walkable. Approximately two hours travel to London and an hour to Nottingham.

Who's the boss? John Allen, principal since 2000. He has had more than 30 years' experience in FE colleges, previously holding senior management positions at colleges in the north west and north east of England.

Teaching: A 2007 Ofsted inspection rated the college as satisfactory in achievement and standards and good in all other areas.

Foundation Degrees: Computing (with the University of Lincoln); sport performance and exercise development, health and active lifestyles, construction management.

Nightlife: Vibrant nightlife with many student discounts and events. The 'Engine Shed' is open to all NUS students and has regular gigs with top bands.

Any accommodation? There is no student accommodation on site, but plenty available in the city itself.

Cheap to live there? Quite. A room in a rented flat will set you back around £70 per week.

Fees: Vary by course. Full-time foundation degrees are £2,000 per year for 2011 entry. The college's plans for 2012 entry are yet to be announced.

Bursaries: Full-time foundation degree students receive a cheque for £500 on succesful completion of their first year and enrolment on their second.

Prospectus: 01522 876 000; www.lincolncollege.ac.uk

UCAS code: L42