Portsmouth, University of

University of Portsmouth

Age: 19

History: Born as a school of arts and science, became a technical institute, municipal college, college of technology, Portsmouth Poly and, finally, a university in 1992.

Address: Two campuses. The main University Quarter campus sits in the middle of the city centre. The tiny Langstone campus is one away, overlooking the wildlife reserve of Langstone Harbour. Most students live in the seaside resort of Southsea.

Ambience: Two city sites vary, from modern tower blocks to lovely listed buildings and ex-army barracks. Portsmouth is compact though not bijou. The beaches and historic docks are within walking distance of the main campus. The harbour was refurbished as a part of a £112m millennium project, bringing Gun Wharf Quays with its designer outlets, bars, restaurant and clubs providing a source of entertainment and studentwork opportunities.

Vital statistics: Large university with over 22,500 students. One of the best of the former polys, its degree work goes back to the early 1900s. 20 per cent of undergraduates are over 21 at the start of their course. Portsmouth continues to be popular, with a 20 per cent rise in applications in the last year.

Added value: Right by the sea, which some halls of residence overlook. Excellent for water sports. New sports bursary to help support elite sportsmen and women develop their sport alongside their academic studies. It also has an ultra-modern 'green' library, a new creative arts faculty and £300,000 virtual reality centre and a £6m students' union. All students have internet access and free PC facilities. Own on-campus recruitment consultancy, Purple Door Recruitment, aims to help graduates straight into permanent jobs, part-time jobs and volunteering positions. A new £9m University of Portsmouth Dental Academy which trains 80 student dentists, dental technicians and dental nurses together as part of a team and provides improved access to NHS dental services opened earlier this year.

Easy to get into? Keen on widening participation, so they take students without traditional qualifications if they have the potential. Some courses, however, like psychology and pharmacy require high A-level grades.

Glittering alumni: Poet Simon Armitage; MP Andrew Miller; former MPs David Chidgey and Diana (now Baroness) Maddock; Ron Davies, ex-Welsh Secretary; Ben Fogle, TV presenter and Castaway 2000.

Transport links: Good for cyclists because Portsea is flat. Main rail station a quick stroll across Guildhall Square (one hour and 15 minutes to London).

Who's the boss? Economist Professor John Craven.

Teaching: Came 42nd out of 116 in the Complete University Guide.

Research: Came 63rd out of 115 in the Research Assessment Excercise.

Overall ranking: 81st out of 116 in the Complete University Guide.

How green is it? Improving – was ranked joint 31st out of 142 universities graded by People and Planet for their 'Green League 2011', after being placed 53rd last year.

Any accommodation? Yes, a range of rooms in different halls of residence are available. Rents range between 76 and £117 per week and include broadband, internal telephone calls, access to 25 television channels, all utility bills and basic insurance cover.

Cheap to live there? Not bad. Private rents will set you back around £60 to £70 per week.

Sports ranking: Ranked 27th in the BUCS league.

Fees: £3,375 per year for full-time home undergrads starting in 2011. Portsmouth plans to charge £8,500 per year as of 2012.

Bursaries: A means-tested bursary of up to £900 per year is available to 2011 applicants who are being charged the full tuition fee and have a household income of less than £32,000 per year.

Prospectus: 023 9231 3881; www.port.ac.uk

UCAS code: P80