Worcester, University of

University of Worcester

Age: 65

History: Worcester was granted full university status in 2005, after becoming a university college in 1999. It has had the power to award its own degrees, up to and including Masters, since 1997.

Address: Two campuses – the recently completed City Campus, on the banks of the river Severn, and a second in the St John’s area of Worcester, a 15 minute walk from the city centre.

Ambience: Compact leafy campus amid attractive parkland in the suburb of St John's. Purpose-built student village, including brand new halls, £3m sports centre, £1m digital arts centre, £7 million science laboratories, launderette, shop, students' union and library. The new multi-million pound City Campus mixes old and new, based around the city’s former Royal Infirmary hospital but full of state-of-the-art facilities. Large nursing and education departments; digital arts and sports science are also strong points. Keen on lifelong learning; focus on vocational courses, many of which involve work placements in the community.

Vital statistics: Around 9,500 students, with 81 per cent of these being undergrads. Around three female students to every male. 67 per cent are mature students.

Added value: Excellent placement links with the NHS, schools, local authorities, business and community organisations. Sporting scholarships and coaching opportunities galore. Along with Worcestershire County Council, the university is developing Europe’s first fully integrated public and university library.

Easy to get into? Humanities courses ask for either 220 to 300 UCAS tariff points, psychology is 280, sports courses are 240 to 280, and primary education is 320. There is strong emphasis on equal opportunities and inclusion. Mature students can use their experience and skills to get started.

Glittering alumni: Matt Beechey, world-class rower; Jo Yapp, England ladies rugby captain; Owen Brotherton, hockey player; Martin Murray, British BMX freestyle champion; Andy Train, Olympic canoeist.

Transport links: Two mainline railway stations, M5 a few minutes from city centre. Regular bus service between town and campus, or 15-minute walk. No need for a car.

Who's the boss? David Green, professor of economics and international business whiz.

Teaching: 60th out of 116 in the Complete University Guide.

Research: 110th out of 115 in the Research Assessment Exercise.

Overall ranking: Came 106th out of 114 in the Complete University Guide.

Nightlife: Revolves around the students’ union's Dive Bar, a two floor venue with pool tables, big screen and a small stage. There is an annual sports ball and plenty of student-friendly pubs in town.

How green is it? Excellent – came 3rd out of 142 universities graded by People and Planet for its 'Green League 2011'.

Any accommodation? Yes – it's between £75 and £127 per week for a self-catering room in halls.

Cheap to live there? Roughly £70 to £85 per week to rent a room in the local area.

Sports ranking: 62nd in the BUCS league table.

Fees: £3,375 per year for full-time undergrads starting in 2011. Worcester plans on charging £8,100 per year as of 2012.

Bursaries: A means-tested grant of up to £785 is available to most students.There are also a number of scholarships on offer. For more details, visit the website.

Prospectus: 01905 855 141; www.worcester.ac.uk

UCAS code: W80