Loughborough College

Age: 102

History: Set up in 1909 as a Technical Institute. By 1920 Loughborough College had been renamed and won an international reputation for pioneering vocational teaching approaches and qualifications. It was one of the first institutions to join the newly created independent further education sector in 1993.

Address: Loughborough is a vibrant market town within close proximity of Leicester and commutable distance from Nottingham and Derby.

Ambience: Loughborough College has a friendly atmosphere. Students a campus with the students' union with Loughborough University students so there is plenty of opportunity to join many student groups.

Vital statistics: 8,610 students, course provision includes: full-time, part-time, higher education, apprenticeships, Train to Gain, NVQ’s, and work-based learning.

Added value: The college has an excellent reputation for sport and has many successful elite athletes. Ideally positioned to explore the East Midlands, sitting comfortably between Leicester and Nottingham. For those wanting to get away from it all, some of the region's most stunning countryside is just down the road. Charnwood Forest is a great recreational area perfect for woodland walks, rock climbing, and hill walking.

Easy to get into? Students are considered on individual merit. Help and guidance is available from the student access centre who help to find the most suitable course for each student. With the college's practical focus, most university level courses require a previous vocational qualification in that area.

Glittering alumni: Liam Tancock, swimming gold medallist in the last Commonwealth Games; Ben Challenger, international athlete; Chris McGeorge, 800m runner.

Transport links: Excellent. The college runs frequent bus services to and from Loughborough Train station and there is ample parking on site. Loughborough is on the main London St Pancras International to Sheffield rail line with London only 90 minutes away.

Who's the boss? Jim Mutton is the principal.

Teaching: A 2008 Ofsted report rated the college as satisfactory in achievement and standards, and good in all other areas.

Foundation degrees: Electrical power engineering; power systems management; sports science with sports development and management; sports science; tourism management; music production and performance; sports coaching; food manufacturing management; leisure management; hospitality management; children's and young people services; events management; leadership and management (work-based learning).

Nightlife: Being a university town, Loughborough has plenty of bars and clubs to keep students entertained. Leicester and Nottingham are also not far away.

Any accommodation? Yes, a single room in halls ranges from £54 to £91 per week. Half-board 'homestays' can also be arranged.

Cheap to live there? Not bad. A room in a shared flat will cost you between £50 and £70 per week.

Fees: £3,375 per year for full-time HND, foundation degree and BA/BSc courses for 2011 entry. 2012 fees will range from £4,800 to £5,900 per year.

Bursaries: In 2011, students with household incomes of up to £25,000 or who are in receipt of the full Higher Education Grant will receive a non re-payable bursary of £500. A STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) non re-payable bursary of £750 will be available for all students enrolling on their first year of a related course. Loughborough will be taking part in the National Scholarship Programme in 2012.

Prospectus: 0845 166 2950; www.loucoll.ac.uk

UCAS code: L77