Middlesex University

Middlesex University

Age: 19

History: Roots go back to the teaching college of St Katherine's in Tottenham, which opened in 1878; and to the Hornsey College of Arts and Crafts, which started in 1882. Almost 100 years later Middlesex Poly was created by marrying Enfield and Hendon colleges of technology and the Hornsey College of Art. It became Middlesex University in 1992.

Address: Three campuses in north London, one in Dubai, one in Mauritius and bases at four north London hospitals: Chase Farm, North Middlesex, the Royal Free and the Whittington.

Ambience: Two main campuses are close to central London but sit comfortably in more suburban settings offering a real campus feel while being a short tube ride away from the centre of one of the world's most dynamic cities. Trent Park is central but has a real country park feel. Hendon is the flagship campus and over £60 million has been invested to ensure it is an outstanding place for students to live and learn. Archway is the base for healthcare, nursing and midwifery, along with clinical practice at the hospitals.

Vital statistics: Around 35,000 students worldwide, of which 17,500 are undergrads studying in the UK. More than half the undergrads come from the local area and a quarter hail from overseas, with more than 130 countries represented. 50 per cent of domestic students are from an ethnic minority background.

Added value: Many programmes qualify students for membership of professional bodies. A centre of excellence in teaching and learning in mental health and social work. An impressive range of facilities for complementary health study such as an extensive medicinal herb garden on campus. Language teaching and study skills support available. Many courses can be started in January as well as the traditional September.

Easy to get into? The university is committed to providing access to education for all who have the drive to succeed and welcomes students with a variety of experience and qualifications. Courses generally ask for 240-280 UCAS tariff points.

Glittering alumni: Actors Dame Helen Mirren, Zoe Wanamaker, Johnny Vegas, and Freema Agyeman; musicians Ray Davies and Alison Goldfrapp; politicians Nick Harvey and Kim Howells; novelists James Herbert and Andrea Levy; artist Anish Kapoor; fashion designer Vivienne Westwood; Hollywood film director Mike Figgis.

Transport links: Underground, overground and London buses. A free shuttle bus service is provided for all students, staff and visitors between Oakwood Tube Station and the Trent Park Campus.

Who's the boss? Economist Professor Michael Driscoll, who is keen on promoting equal opportunities, has been the vice-chancellor since 1996.

Teaching: Ranked 87th out of 116 in the Complete University Guide.

Research: Ranked 69th out of 115 in the Research Assessment Exercise.

Overall ranking: Placed 71st out of 116 in the Complete University Guide.

Nightlife: The university hosts an eclectic mix of themed events from 80s nights, Rocky Horror Show nights, and school discos to quiz nights and open mic comedy sessions. North London is vibrant and varied with places like Camden which is a thriving social hub with dozens of music venues, clubs and bars.

How green is it? Not good - ranked 111th out of 138 in the People and Planet for their 'Green League 2011'. However, this is an improvement on last year's ranking, in which they failed to score any award.

Any accommodation? Yes, the average cost of a room in halls is between £94 to £120 per week.

Cheap to live there? Not particularly. Expect to pay at least £85 per week to live in a shared flat on the fringes of north London.

Sports ranking: 68th in the BUCS league table.

Fees: £3,375 per year for full-time home undergrads starting in 2011. Middlesex intends to charge the maximum fee of £9,000 per year as of 2012.

Bursaries: £340 per year for eligible students who are in receipt of a full maintenance allowance in 2011.

Prospectus: 020 8411 5555; www.mdx.ac.uk

UCAS code: M80