Peterborough, University Centre

Peterborough, University Centre

Age: three years

History: In August 2008 a joint venture between Anglia Ruskin University and Peterborough Regional College, was formally established by creating a new University facility for Peterborough called ‘UCP’. This project, aimed at delivering high quality university education for Peterborough and its region, represents the single most important development in higher education in Peterborough’s history.

Address: A stone's throw from Peterborough's city centre offering good access to Queensgate shopping centre, bars, cafés, restaurants and the bus and train station for transport. Situated adjacent to Peterborough Regional College on the Park Crescent site in close proximity to the Thomas Deacon Academy, it creates a new education quarter in the city.

Ambience: Set in acres of green open space, so it is relaxing and free of hustle and bustle yet only 10-15 minutes walk away from the city centre.

Vital statistics: UCP currently has around 450 students on over 30 different degree-level programmes, including archaeology, business, construction, criminology, engineering, journalism, marketing, media, sociology, and computing.

Added value: The ultra-modern 3,000 square metre build comprises a three-storey centre with a specially designed lecture theatre, a range of multi-purpose seminar and teaching rooms, state-of-the-art computer laboratories, a café, IT facilities and social areas.

Easy to get into? Most degree courses ask for between 120 and 220 UCAS points, although some subjects differ.

Glittering alumni: Not yet, they've only been going two years.

Transport links: There are good bus services, which pass by both of the college entrances. By road, UCP can be found just off the city's main ring road (A47) which provides links to local areas and the A1 motorway. Peterborough's train station is only a 10-15 minute walk from the college. They also offer free parking to all our students and lockable bike sheds.

Who's the boss? Linda Jones, executive director.

Teaching: A dedicated team of staff are on hand to encourage and support students throughout their studies. UCP assures excellent teaching, individual attention and outstanding resources.

Foundation Degrees: Civil engineering; contruction management; engineering; computer science; early years childcare and education; learning support; public services.

Nightlife: The city offers a great nightlife including the Showcase Cinema and Greyhound Stadium as well as various pubs, restaurants and cafés to eat. The city also holds many events during the year, such as the UK's biggest undercover beer festival held in August each year.

Any accommodation? Yes. A new complex, Taverners Hall, opens for its first use this September and includes 54 study rooms. Rents range between £95 to £110 per week and booking is first come, first served.

Cheap to live there? It varies. House shares are available for around £65 to £85 per week per person. Rents for one-bedroom apartments are more.

Fees: Anglia Ruskin, which validates UCP's degrees, plans to charge between £7,500 and £8,300 per year as of 2012.

Bursaries: Various scholarships and bursaries are offered through Anglia Ruskin University.

Prospectus: 0845 196 5750; www.peterborough.ac.uk/UCP/

UCAS code: P56