Bishop Grosseteste University

Bishop Grosseteste University (Bishop Grosseteste University)

Overall ranking: 117th out of 126 in the Complete University Guide for 2016.

History: Named after the thirteenth century Bishop of Lincoln, it was established as an independent Anglican HE institution in 1862. It received full university college status in 2006 and was renamed Bishop Grosseteste University in 2012.

Address: Lincoln city centre.

Ambience: The university’s mission statement recognises ‘the place of faith within the human experience’ and provides for its practice, nurture and exploration. It prides itself on its encouragement of diversity and opening access to higher education. Lincoln is a peaceful town with two thousand years of history behind it, evident by the city’s spectacular architecture.

Who's the boss? Rev Professor Peter Neil is vice-chancellor.

Prospectus: 01522 527 347 or request one here

UCAS code: B38

What you need to know

Easy to get into? Most foundation degrees require one year’s experience in the relevant field. All other undergraduate degrees ask for 240 UCAS points, apart from Primary Education with QTS, which requires 280 points, and also asks for GCSEs at C or above in maths, English language and a science, and a test before entry. Some undergrad courses have extra requirements, such as music, where they request applicants have a certain grade in at least one instrument.

Vital statistics: Around 1,500 full-time undergrads and almost 750 postgrads, with a high proportion of mature students. Having been a former teacher training college, the university offers a wide-range of education-related degrees and progression routes, including PGCE and Masters postgraduate options, as well as a number of single- and joint- honours degrees in other subject areas.

Added value: It is a church university, so the chaplaincy plays an important role in the pastoral care of students, always available to any who seek support or a listening ear. The university works closely alongside the local community, and drama students are given the opportunity to be part of the BG Touring Theatre Company. Employability is central to all BGU courses with most incorporating work placements and live projects. There are also opportunities for overseas travel as part of your studies. Recently refurbished and extended library plus the BG Futures building embracing sustainability.

Teaching: 26th out of 126 for student satisfaction with teaching quality in the Complete University Guide.

Graduate prospects: 59th out of 126 with 66.8 per cent finding graduate level employment after completing their degrees.

Any accommodation? There are 217 rooms, 126 of which are en-suite, located on campus and allocated on a first come, first served basis. Rent is either £3,135 (shared facilities) or £4,011 (en-suite) for the year. Prices for accommodation are revised annually and include bills and internet.

Cheap to live there? Pretty inexpensive- private rents start at around £50 per week, excluding bills.

Transport links: It is just off the A46 and is a half hour (up-hill!) walk away from the train station, which links to London in 2 hours. East Midlands Airport is an hour and a half by car. You can take a taxi from campus to the train station for as little as £4.

Fees: Tuition for full-time home and EU undergrads is £9,000 for 2015 entry.

Bursaries: The BGU Learning Grant of £350 is available to full-time students with a household income of £25,000 or less, who are not in receipt of a National Scholarship Programme award. Students with children and care leavers may be able to access a slightly higher amount of money through this grant. In 2015/16 the NSP will be abolished for undergraduates and full-time students will be able to apply for higher amounts of support via a BGU Bursary, subject to BGU’s Access Agreement being approved by OFFA. Prospective students can contact the Student Advice team for more information on studentadvice@bishopg.ac.uk.

The fun stuff

Nightlife: Old-fashioned real ale pubs and vibrant modern nightclubs are on offer in the city. There is also a bowling alley, cinema and a number of theatres. A recent addition to the BGU campus is its own cinema, The Venue, which is popular with students and local residents alike.

Price of a pint: £2.90 in Lincoln on average, with cheaper deals available at the union.

Sporting reputation: Not great - ranked 140th out of 145 universities and colleges in the 2014/15 BUCS league table.

Notable societies: Tons of scope to create new ones of your own to fit your interests. Not a huge range at present, but strong dance and drama groups.

Glittering alumni: Honorary graduates include: award-winning author Michael Morpurgo, TV presenter Johnny Ball, astronaut Dr Michael Foale, composer Howard Goodall, actor Colin McFarlane and rights activist Doreen Lawrence.

Alternative prospectus: Read more about Bishop Grosseteste on The Student Room to chat with current and prospective students.