The Manchester College

Age: 3

History: The college was formed following the merger of City College Manchester and Manchester College of Arts and Technology (MANCAT) in 2008.The predecessor colleges' histories can be traced back as far as the 1920s.

Address: Manchester. There are 20 college sites spread across central Manchester, and the north, south and east of the city.

Ambience: With so many sites, there's a wide range of architectural styles, from Victorian listed buildings to purpose-built centres proud of their innovative design.

Vital statistics: There are about 10,000 full-time students, 20,230 part-time students, and an extra 4,150 doing distance learning. More than 560 courses from basic skills to higher education. A partner in Manchester New Technology Institute.

Added value: Highly regarded by local industry. The college holds the Training Quality Standard (TQS) part A certification for overall employer responsiveness and two Part Bs for industry expertise in automotive and construction provision. TQSS certification is the essential kite mark for employer responsiveness backed by the Learning and Skills Council. University qualifications are validated by Edge Hill University, Manchester Metropolitan University, theUniversity of Bolton and the University of Salford.

Easy to get into? Varies widely between courses. Foundation degrees, for example, ask for between 60 and 200 UCAS points. Bachelors' degrees ask for between 160 and 180. All applicants are interviewed.

Glittering alumni: None as yet.

Transport links: All of the main campuses are within a few miles of the city centre.

Who's the boss? Peter Tavernor, principal.

Teaching: The two colleges that merged to form The Manchester College were successful in Ofsted inspections, with the former MANCAT graded as ‘outstanding’ and the former City College Manchester achieving an overall ‘good’.

Foundation Degrees: 3D character animation; 3D visualisation; animation; broadcast television; business and human resource management; business and management; business and marketing; computer network management; computer network security; computer system support; contemporary theatre practice; media make-up; digital graphic design; early years development and education; enterprise computing; event management; exercise, health and fitness; fashion and clothing technology; graphic design and advertising; international fashion marketing; jewellery and applied arts; music industries management; new media design; photography and digital imaging; popular music and production; public services; radio production; sport and fitness management; travel and tourism management; TV and film production; video production and post-production.

Nightlife: Plenty on offer in Manchester.

Any accommodation? None provided by the college, but they have an accommodation officer on hand to assist students with any housing needs.

Cheap to live there? Yes. A room in a shared flat will set you back between £50 and £65 per week.

Fees: Vary by course. £3,375 per year for full-time BA courses and £1,345 per year for foundation degrees for 2011 entry. The standard fees for those entering in 2012/13 will be £5,400 per year, apart from those studying courses within the Arden School of Drama, who will pay £8,000 per year.

Bursaries: Students are able to apply for a College Bursary, which varies in amount dependent on need.

Prospectus: 0800 068 8585; www.themanchestercollege.ac.uk

UCAS code: M10