Edge Hill became a university in 2006 but already has 17,000 students and in terms of applications is the fastest growing university in the country. Edge Hill is expanding, too, with a new building that will house the Solstice e-learning centre and a 900-seat theatre. The main campus is a 75-acre site on the outskirts of Ormskirk, Lancashire. Ormskirk is a small market town, but is close to Liverpool and Manchester. The university has other sites in the area; many of the health courses are based in Aintree, in the grounds of University hospital. Also worth a mention is Edge Hill's award-winning student finance package.

Edge Hill University has opened a virtual learning centre to promote 'blended learning' across all faculties. Louise Tickle reports from the campus

Edge Hill College, which will become a university later this year, has been recognised for its innovative advertising campaigns in a national competition.