University Campus Suffolk (UCS)

University Campus Suffolk (UCS)

Age: 4

History: Created in 2007, University Campus Suffolk (UCS) is one of the newest higher education institutions in the UK, building on the strengths of the Universities of East Anglia and Essex, its sponsoring institutions

Address: The main hub is in Ipswich, but students are based across five further sites: Bury St Edmunds, Great Yarmouth, Lowestoft, Otley and Suffolk New College.

Ambience: This model of a new cutting-edge campus and network of learning centres is big and bold and focuses on innovation, enterprise and accessibility. Central to the creation of UCS is the development of the Ipswich campus, a phased development which will grow and develop over the next five to ten years.

Vital statistics: UCS has just over 2,200 students and has plans to grow to 7,500 students by 2014. The landmark Waterfront building in Ipswich opened in September 2008, and offers students access to state-of-the-art teaching and learning facilities, including a learning resource centre with over 50 iMac computers. Plans for further developments are underway, with a 600-bedroom accommodation block due to open in September 2010. Plans for a second teaching building are underway.

Added value: Some great places to study. The Great Yarmouth Centre is located at the site of Great Yarmouth College and has a library and resource centre. The friendly coastal town of Lowestoft is Britain's most easterly town, providing a mixture of expansive award-winning beaches, rich maritime heritage and links to the Norfolk Broads. The Otley Centre is located at the site of Otley College, situated just eight miles outside Ipswich. In contrast to the urban environment of the town, this area has some stunning villages and miles of rolling countryside. Located within the snazzy 'Blue' building is a new fitness room, called Adrenaline. Sports staff are on hand to help with personal exercise programmes, and also run regular fitness classes.

Easy to get into? You'll need somewhere between 160 and 240 UCAS points for most courses. Interviews and portfolios may be necessary for some.

Glittering alumni: None as yet.

Transport links: The new Ipswich Campus is located on the waterfront, situated a few minutes walk from the centre of the county town. Ipswich and Bury St Edmunds are just off the A14; Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft are near the A12. Otley is off the A140.

Who's the boss? Professor Mike Saks took hold of the reins at the very end of 2009.

Teaching: Awaiting their first QAA inspection.

Research: UCS aims to develop a series of research hubs, but plans to concentrate on the areas of sustainability and environmental technologies, amongst others.

Nightlife: In Ipswich, bars and restaurants located along the waterfront give a trendy feel to an already vibrant area. The town offers a good range of facilities, whether you like socialising in cafés, restaurants and bars with friends, walking through the medieval streets and country parks, or making the most of the multi-screen cinema and leisure complex. The students' union will provide a calendar of events throughout the year.

Any accommodation? Yes. 592 students can be housed at Athena Hall, where rents range from £84 to £94.50 for a room in a shared flat, or £115,50 for a self-contained studio.

Cheap to live there? It can get pricey. A room in a shared flat will cost you anywhere between £65 and £95 per week.

Fees: £3,375 per year for full-time home undergrads starting in 2011. As of 2012, new students will pay £7,500 per year for a foundation degree, or £8,000 per year for a bachelor's.

Bursaries: Up to £1,000 per year for students in receipt of a maintenance allowance in 2011.

Prospectus: 01473 338 833; www.ucs.ac.uk

UCAS code: S82