University College Birmingham

University College Birmingham (formerly Birmingham College of Food, Tourism and Creative Studies)

Age: 95

History: Archives record the establishment of a cookery room in 1916, which was the seed for the college's future growth. In 1957, it became the College of Bakery, Catering, Domestic Science and Associated Studies. In the late eighties it changed its name to Birmingham College of Food, Tourism and Creative Studies and officially became a higher education institution in 2002, though further education courses are still on the menu. In 2008 it was given the power to award degrees and changed its name to University College Birmingham.

Address: Birmingham city centre. The main site is in Summer Row, close to the International Convention Centre and the National Indoor Arena. The other site, Richmond House, is round the corner in Newhall Street. The Maltings student village has more than 800 en suite bedrooms, a bar, shop and a large sports hall. Additional 247 rooms with shared bathrooms available in Cambrian Hall.

Ambience: A specialised university college right in the bustle of England's second biggest city. Main areas of teaching are: culinary arts, bakery and hospitality; childcare and education; hair and beauty and spa management, sport, marketing, events and tourism.

Vital statistics: 7,500 students on further and higher education programmes, 14 per cent of whom are international students. Great links with industry: 2,000 students engage in work experience, usually an industrial placement. More than 800 computers across the college.

Added value: Catering and hospitality, and hairdressing and beauty therapy are centres of vocational excellence. Member of two National Skills Academies. Many opportunities for European Exchange study.

Easy to get into? Usually 120 UCAS points are needed for foundation degrees and 200 for honours courses. Exceptions are BSc Sports Therapy, BA Events Management and BSc Tourism Management, which ask for 220 points. FdA Events Management asks for 140 points.

Glittering alumni: One to watch – culinary arts student Ben Ebbrell, who has written popular national selling student cookbook and launched a new blonde beer.

Transport links: Plentiful. The college is on major bus routes or it's a ten-minute walk to New Street and Snow Hill stations. The major motorway networks are a five-minute drive, it's less than two hours by rail from London, Bristol, Sheffield, Liverpool or Manchester and Birmingham has an international airport.

Who's the boss? Professor Ray Linforth, principal.

Teaching: Brimming with accolades. Most degrees and postgraduate qualifications awarded by the University of Birmingham. A glowing Ofsted report in 2004 rated the college as outstanding in all areas that were assessed. In 2008 Ofsted confirmed that the college had retained its outstanding status. Grade 1, outstanding status also given recently for the the college’s Initial Teacher Training work.

Nightlife: No shortage of opportunities in a place of Birmingham's size. Close to the city entre hub of bars and clubs, many offering student nights.

Any accommodation? Yes - there is a choice between Cambrian Hall close to the main site, and The Maltings student village, which is around 10 minutes away from the college. Room prices range between £72 and £93 per week. Twin rooms are available at The Maltings for £148 per week.

Cheap to live there? Private places are between £60 and £90 per week, excluding bills.

Fees: £3,375 per year for 2012/2013 entry. Fees for those starting in 2012 will be £7,800 per year, although fee waivers of up to £4,000 will be available to some students.

Bursaries: A UCB Higher Education Bursary of £750 per year is available to students with an income of £30,000 or less.

Prospectus: 0121 693 5959; www.ucb.ac.uk

UCAS code: B35