When I visited, I really wasn't impressed with the area around the university - council estate property ... however the university itself is mostly redbrick, has a good layout and the staff / students seem friendly. The course that I have received an offer for (American Studies) sounds like an excellent course and the structure sounds really interesting, more so than a more respected university, like say... Nottingham. Sure, it might not be as popular and respected, however you're there for 3 / 4 years and you need to enjoy your time there.
I have applied for both by the way, so no.. I'm not being biased.