Surrey, University of

University of Surrey

Age: 121 if you count from the birth of Battersea Polytechnic Institute, 46 as a university at its present Guildford site.

History: Three lives: first as a polytechnic, then became Battersea College of Technology in 1956. Officially became a university in 1966.

Address: On the North Downs, on the grassy Stag Hill site overlooking Guildford.

Ambience: Small green campus, with students and staff from more than 130 countries. Several swanky new buildings and a new second campus with accommodation and sporting facilities a short walk away.

Vital statistics: Almost 14,500 students with around 7,500 full-time undergrads. 80 per cent of undergraduate students are on four-year courses, which include a professional placement year. Traditionally strong in the sciences and engineering, Surrey has recently expanded in medical and health-related disciplines, as well as the arts and social sciences. They've also focused on increasing provision for postgraduates.

Added value: The best university for graduate employment. Research has been boosted by extending the centre for space research. A Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd, a university-launched company, is Britain's only company launching micro-satellites and was recently acquired by EADS Astrium, Europe's leading space company in the largest cash sale ever of a university spin-out company. All accommodation has direct dial telephones and internet connections. New accommodation and a £14m Medical School. £36m sporting facilities opened in 2010, including a 50m swimming pool. The Guildford School of Acting moved onto campus from September 2009.

Easy to get into? Courses typically ask for 260-360 UCAS points, although mature students and those on access courses are encouraged to apply.

Glittering alumni: Alan Parker, chief executive of Whitbread; Robert Earl, restaurateur and founder of Planet Hollywood; Quentin Crisp, writer and actor; Sir Alec Issigonis, designer of the Mini.

Transport links: London is 35 minutes away by train, and there are good links to both Heathrow and Gatwick airports. The campus is on the edge of the town centre and close to the train station.

Who's the boss? Professor Christopher Snowden, who started out as an applications engineer before going on to work as a corporate researcher and a consultant in Europe and the USA. He is the author of eight books.

Teaching: 69th out of 116 in the Complete University Guide in 2011.

Research: 34th out of 115 in the Research Assessment Exercise in 2011.

Overall ranking: Came 22nd out of 116 in the Complete University Guide.

Nightlife: The students' union has 1,600-capacity night club and has recently been refurbished.

How green is it? Alright – came 47th out of 145 universities graded by People and Planet for its 'Green league 2012'.

Any accommodation? Yes. Over 5,000 rooms of various types at self-catering halls are available for between £63 - £173.50 per week. All first year students are guaranteed a place.

Cheap to live there? Not very - private rents also average £85 per week.

Sports ranking: 47th in the BUCS league table.

Fees: £9,000 per year for full-time home undergraduates from 2012.

Bursaries: In 2011, students with a household annual income of up to £30,000 are eligible for a bursary of up to £1,520 per year. Bursary plans for 2012 are yet to be confirmed.

Prospectus: 0800 980 3200; www.surrey.ac.uk

UCAS code: S85