Sandwell College

Sandwell College (formerly Sandwell College of Arts and Technology)

Age: 25

History: Sandwell College gained its current name and status in 1986 as the result of a merger of Warley College of Technology and West Bromwich College of Commerce and Technology.

Address: The three campuses across in Oldbury, Smethwick and West Bromwich are being brought together into a brand new, single-site college at the junction of Spon Lane and the West Bromwich Ringway, which will be open for use in September 2011.

Ambience: Massive and modern. The striking new building stands out for miles around and is clearly visible from the M5. It will contain state-of-the-art digital and interactive technology, and combines all learners from the previous three campuses to create a cohesive college community.

Vital statistics: Around 10,000 student will study at the single site, with around 650 members of staff. There is a sizeable international population, contributing to Sandwell's distinctive cultural mix, and something which the college prides itself on. The college concentrates on vocational courses related directly to the world of work, with apprenticeships featuring prominently. Students can also study at foundation degree or HND level, with university-level courses being awarded by the University of Wolverhampton and Thames Valley University.

Added value: The £80m new-build will provide up-to-the-minute facilities for vocational training, including an imitation surgery for trainee dental nurses and a mock-up aircraft cabin for travel and tourism students. Sandwell was the first organisation in the Black Country to receive the Guidance Council Quality Standards award for its excellent service to students, and a very high proportion of staff work in student support roles.

Easy to get into? Yes - keen on widening participation. Courses vary significantly in terms of entry requirements. Foundation degrees ask for anything between 60 and 220 UCAS points, with previous work experience being taken into account too.

Glittering alumni: None as yet.

Transport links: The new campus is right in the town centre, which is well served by road and the metro system. West Bromwich itself is just off the M5 and Birmingham is the nearest large transport hub, offering train services to destinations all around the country.

Who's the boss? Val Bailey is college principal and chief executive, and joined in October 2003.

Teaching: The latest Ofsted report, in 2009, rated areas such as beauty and hairdressing, apprenticeships and ‘Train to Gain’ highly, with all long course subject areas having increased success rates since the previous inspection. Only business administration was deemed inadequate.

Foundation degrees: Health and social care; business management; early years services; computer systems management.

Nightlife: Birmingham and Wolverhampton are both renowned for their vibrant club scenes and the variety of entertainment that comes with any big city. Sandwell itself has several pubs and bars, and the students' union organises social events.

Any accommodation? None provided by the college.

Cheap to live there? Private rents in Birmingham are between £650 and £90 per week, excluding bills.

Fees: £2,300 per year for full-time undergrads starting in 2011, and £1,150 for part-timers. Fee plans for 2012 are yet to be confirmed.

Bursaries: None offered by the college.

Prospectus: 0800 622 006; www.sandwell.ac.uk

UCAS code: S08