Newman University College

Newman University College

Age: 43

History: Founded as a Catholic teacher-training college in 1968 and named after the cardinal Blessed John Henry Newman, the poet, theologian and leader of the Oxford Movement.

Address: South-west edge of Birmingham.

Ambience: A compact HE institution with a real community feel. On one side, you get views of the big city; on the other, the Worcestershire countryside. Buildings are modern and red-brick. The college bases itself on strong Catholic beliefs, but welcomes students of all religions and backgrounds.

Vital statistics: Small and perfectly formed. Around 2,600 students, of whom 365 are postgraduates, which means staff and students know each other by their first names. Four females to every male. Students of varying faiths come from all over the UK and the world. Degrees are validated by Leicester.

Added value: Good track record on widening participation: 30 per cent of students come from neighbourhoods which are traditionally under-represented in higher education. They also have a good graduate employment record (98 per cent in 2005), while work placements are a feature on all courses.

Easy to get into? Normally candidates will need at least 260 UCAS entry points for bachelors' degrees with at least two A-level passes.

Glittering alumni: None as yet.

Transport links: Local buses run into the centre of Birmingham every 10 minutes. To go further afield, take the train, coach or taxis.

Who's the boss? Principal Professor Peter Lutzeier.

Teaching: Scored 84 per cent in the latest National Student Survey for student satisfaction. Achieved an 'outstanding' grade for its graduate teacher programme in its most recent Ofsted inspection.

Research: In the Research Assessment Exercise 25 per cent of the college's submissions in the area of education were deemed 'internationally excellent in terms of originality, significance and rigour' - the second highest accolade on the scale.

Foundation Degrees: Business and media production; early years; integrative counselling; IT and technical support; management and leadership; teaching and learning support assistants.

Nightlife: Students' union organises talent shows, comedy clubs and theme nights. Regular live performances take place in the newly refurbished café bar 'Sanctuary'.

Any accommodation? Yes. A standard place in halls costs around £3,350 per academic year. En-suite accommodation costs £4,410.

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

Fees: £3,374 per year for full-time home undergrads starting in 2011. The university college plans on charging £8,400 per year as of 2012.

Bursaries: Students in receipt of a full maintenance grant are entitled to the Newman Bursary of £350 per year.

Prospectus: 0121 476 1181; www.newman.ac.uk

UCAS code: N36