University of Westminster

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University of Westminster

Arms of the University of Westminster
Motto The Lord is our Strength
Established 1838
(Royal Polytechnic Institution)1970
(Polytechnic of Central London)
1992
(University of Westminster)
Type Public
Chancellor Lord Paul
Vice-Chancellor Professor Geoffrey E Petts
Students 23,960 (2009/10)[1]
Undergraduates 17,175 (2009/10)[1]
Postgraduates 6,785 (2009/10)[1]
Location London, United Kingdom
Former names Royal Polytechnic Institution
The Polytechnic
Polytechnic of Central London
Affiliations
Website www.westminster.ac.uk
University of Westminster.png

The University of Westminster (informally Westminster) is a public research university located in London, United Kingdom. Its antecedent institution, the Royal Polytechnic, was founded in 1838 and was the first polytechnic to open in England. Westminster was awarded university status in 1992.

The university's headquarters and original campus are based on Regent Street in the Westminster area of central London, with additional campuses in the Fitzrovia, Marylebone and Harrow areas of London. The university also operates the Westminster International University in Tashkent in Uzbekistan and a satellite campus in Paris, France through the Diplomatic Academy of London.

Westminster's academic activities are organised into seven schools, within which there are around 45 departments and 65 research centres. Westminster had a total income of £164.6 million in 2010/11, of which £5.5 million was from research grants and contracts.[2][importance?]

Westminster is a member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities, the Association of MBAs, EQUIS, the European University Association and Universities UK.

Contents

[edit] History

[edit] 1838 to 1881

The interior of the Polytechnic in 1847, as drawn by G.F. Sargeant

The Royal Polytechnic Institution opened in August 1838 to provide (in the words of its prospectus of 1837) “an institution where the Public, at little expense, may acquire practical knowledge of the various arts and branches of science connected with manufacturers, mining Operations and rural economy”. The founding of the Polytechnic was in reaction to the rise of the famous Polytechnic type education in continental Europe specifically Germany Fachhochschule, and France École Polytechnique and the USA Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Sir George Cayley (1773–1857), the "father of aeronautical engineering",[3] was the first chairman and the Polytechnic formally received a Royal charter in August 1839.[4] The Polytechnic housed a large exhibition hall, lecture theatre and laboratories, and public attractions included working machines and models, scientific lectures, rides in a diving bell and, from 1839, demonstrations of photography.[4][5] Prince Albert visited the Polytechnic in 1840, when he descended into a diving tank, and became a patron in 1841.[4][6][self-published source?] The first public photographic portrait studio in Europe opened on the roof of the Polytechnic in 1841.[7]

Professor Pepper,[importance?] who became a director in the early 1850s, helped to establish a series of evening classes in educational and trade subjects, and the Polytechnic organised an educational programme around the Great Exhibition of 1851.[8][self-published source?]

[edit] 1881 to 1992

Quintin Hogg acquired the building at 309 Regent Street in 1881. His vision of 'The Polytechnic' which reopened the following year, was to educate "mind, body and spirit". He expanded the established role in applied science and engineering to encompass arts and humanities in a full social mission. As a result, the Polytechnic became a model for technical and engineering education as a network of polytechnics across London and later the UK.[9][10]

The building at 309 Regent Street was rebuilt in 1910-12 to reflect the needs of a growing institution whose student members exceeded 15,000. Pioneering work in emerging professional and commercial disciplines, alongside general interest subjects was the hallmark of the institution. Alfred Waterhouse, who designed the Natural History Museum, was president of the School of Architecture and Sir Charles Parsons of the School of Engineering.[11][self-published source?]

After the First World War, the polytechnic offered degrees conferred by the University of London and its focus on the educational and social life of working people in London remained largely unchanged until the Second World War.

In 1924 a new school of management opened following the Industrial League and Council presenting a series of lectures on management and industry. Courses in journalism began in 1922 and the teaching of planning started in 1934. In the 1950s the institution became known nationally and internationally as the “Regent Street Polytechnic” and became a model for applied technological education.

The Polytechnic merged with the Holborn College of Law, Languages and Commerce in 1970, forming the Polytechnic of Central London. In 1990 the Polytechnic merged with the Harrow College of Higher Education (founded in 1888), expanding its activities in the creative arts and design.[4] Degree-awarding authority resided with the UK council for national academic awards CNAA.

[edit] 1992 to present

The foyer of the Westminster campus on Regent Street

In June 1992 the Privy Council formally conferred university status with degree-awarding powers for taught courses and research degrees on the Polytechnic, whose name was changed to the University of Westminster. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II agreed to continue as the Patron of the University of Westminster.[12][self-published source?]

In recent years the university has established Westminster Business School, the institute for Modern and Contemporary Culture, the Centre for the Study of Democracy and the Policy Studies Institute. The university operates a satellite campus in Paris through the Diplomatic Academy of London and in 2002 established the Westminster International University in Tashkent at the invitation of the government of Uzbekistan.[13]

In recent years the university has attracted controversy for offering science degrees in subjects not widely considered as scientific. The university's Department of Herbal Medicine and Nutritional Therapy and the Department of Chinese and Complementary Therapies, both of which were based in the School of Life Sciences, offered courses in alternative medicine, and naturopathy which were criticised in the journal Nature for providing science degrees "without the science".[14][15] These departments closed in 2009 and the associated courses were taken on by the Department of Complementary Medicines. The number of courses offered in these subjects has gradually been reduced, but as of 2012 the university still offers degrees in traditional chinese medicine, acupuncture and herbal medicine.[16]

[edit] Campuses

The entrance to the Regent Street Campus.

Westminster has four main campuses, three in central London: Regent Street, New Cavendish Street and Marylebone and the fourth in Harrow.[17][self-published source?]

Westminster's Regent Street campus comprises a group of buildings clustered around the university's historic headquarters at 309 Regent Street. These include the Wells Street buildings and the Little Titchfield Street building which houses the library for the School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Languages and the School of Law.

Westminster's Marylebone campus is located on Marylebone Road directly opposite Madame Tussaud's and Baker Street underground station. Built in the 1960’s it is home to the School of Architecture and the Built Environment, Westminster Business School, the Institute for Modern and Contemporary Culture, the Students’ Union and Inter:mission bar. The P3 exhibition area, a 14,000 sq ft (1,300 m2) space located in the former concrete construction hall of the university's School of Engineering, was opened in 2008.[18]

Westminster's Cavendish campus is a modern glass and steel building in New Cavendish Street (Fitzrovia) and adjacent to the BT Tower. It houses science, engineering and computer laboratories and the Policy Studies Institute. It is close to Warren Street, Great Portland Street and Goodge Street underground stations.

Westminster's Harrow Campus includes a Business School and a Media School. It is also home to London Gallery West which exhibits a broad mix of contemporary media, art and design work. The nearest Tube station to the Harrow campus is Northwick Park on the Metropolitan Line.

[edit] Organisation and administration

The University of Westminster is incorporated under the Companies Act as a charity and company limited by guarantee and not having a share capital.[importance?] It is also an exempt charity under the Charities Act 1993.[2][importance?]

The University’s governing body is the Court of Governors. It meets five times per year and is ultimately responsible for the effective conduct of the activities of the University, including its strategic development, educational character and mission, and finances.[importance?] The members of the Court of Governors are the trustees of the charity.[2]

[edit] Finances

In the financial year ended 31 July 2011, Westminster had a total income (including subsidiaries) of £164.63 million (2009/10 - £171.25 million) and total expenditure of £159.23 million (2009/10 - £174.69 million).[importance?][2][self-published source?] Key sources of income included £74.91 million from tuition fees and support grants (2009/10 - £71.54 million), £62.78 million from funding council grants (2009/10 - £70.22 million), £5.46 million from research grants and contracts (2009/10 - £7.99 million), £0.55 million from endowment and investment income (2009/10 - £0.52 million) and £20.93 million from other income (2009/10 - £20.99 million).[importance?][2]

At year end Westminster had reserves and endowments of £41.27 million (2009/10 - £30.04 million) and total net assets including pensions liabilities of £100.09 million (2009/10 - £89.3 million).[importance?][2]

[edit] Coat of arms

The university’s heritage is reflected in its coat of arms. The portcullis is the symbol of Westminster whilst the open book symbolises learning. The Queen, as a patron, is represented by the Tudor rose, one of the royal emblems. The motto of the university, "The Lord is our Strength", is influenced by Quintin Hogg and his Young Men’s Christian Institute.

[edit] Schools

The frontage of the Westminster campus in Marylebone
 This section contains information which may be of unclear or questionable importance or relevance to the article's subject matter. Please help improve this article by clarifying or removing superfluous information. (February 2012)

Westminster's academic activities are organised into the following seven schools, within which there are around 45 departments and 65 research centres:

  • The School of Architecture and the Built Environment
  • The School of Electronics and Computer Science
  • The School of Law
  • The School of Life Sciences
  • The School of Media, Arts and Design which houses the Journalism Department and China Media Centre
  • The School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Languages
  • Westminster Business School

[edit] Rankings

In the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise, Westminster was ranked 2nd for Communications, Cultural and Media Studies research,[19] 6th for Art and Design research,[20] in addition to the university performing equally strong in Architecture and the Built Environment,[21] and Geography and Environmental studies.[22]

[edit] Student life

[edit] Students' Union

The logo of the University of Westminster Students' Union

The University of Westminster Students' Union is based at Westminister's Marylebone site, which is also home to the union-run Inter:Mission social venue.[23] The union also operates another bar, The Undercroft, and a night club, Area 51, located on the university's Harrow site.[24][self-published source?]

The union was founded in 1966 as The Polytechnic Students' Union. Its first President was Owen Spencer-Thomas (1966–1967),[25]

The union has hosted to numerous musical events and gigs including Fleetwood Mac,[26] and most notably the first and only encounter between Cream and Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix.[27]

[edit] Student media

Smoke Radio is a student-run radio station at the university. The station broadcasts online, from a studio located in the Media Arts and Design campus of the university, located in Harrow. Smoke Radio is a member of the Student Radio Association. Smoke Radio was established in 2004 and by September 2005 the station took to running a 24 hour playout system and began a broadcasting a schedule of live programmes during the week. In 2006 Smoke Radio had won awards at the Student Radio Awards, including the Gold Award for "Best Journalistic Programming" and two Bronze Awards for "Best Marketing and Station Sound" and "Best Station 2006". At the 2008 Student Radio Awards, Smoke Radio also picked up a Bronze Award for "Best Interview", for an interview with British humorist, Danny Wallace; and the Gold Award for "Best Newcomer" was awarded to the first-year work of Dan Roberts. In 2007 Smoke Radio won the Silver Award for "Best Station 2007" at the Student Radio Awards, and then won the award again in 2008, making Smoke Radio the UK's second best Student Radio Station for two consecutive years. At the 2009 Student Radio Awards Smoke Radio won two Gold Awards for "Best Marketing and Branding" and "Best Outside Broadcast".[citation needed]

The Smoke is the official newspaper of the University of Westminster's Students' Union. It was originally printed in 1992 as a magazine. In 2006, The Smoke was switched to a newspaper format, initially being published fortnightly during term time.

[edit] Sport

See also: Polytechnic F.C.

Sport has always played an important part of life at the university. The athletic club, the Harriers, was established in 1883 and was for many years the largest athletics club in the country.[28] In 1908, the polytechnic organized the opening and closing ceremonies of the London Olympic Games.[29] From 1898, the polytechnic awarded the Studd Trophy, an annual trophy for the best sports performance. Over the years, the award was given to sportsmen from various disciplines, such as swimming, boxing and cycling, but the majority of awards have been given to athletes.

Noted award holders include: Willie Applegarth (1912/13), Olympic medallist sprinters Albert Hill (1919/20), Olympic gold medallist and middle-distance runner Harry Edward (1922), Olympic sprint bronze medallist Alan Pascoe (1971/72/73/74/75), hurdler

The university has grounds in Chiswick on the Thames with boat house, tennis courts, athletics track and about 12 pitches. There are sports pitches and a sports hall at the Harrow campus whilst the Regent Campus has a gym, badminton courts and offers sports, martial arts and yoga classes.

[edit] Student housing

 This section contains information which may be of unclear or questionable importance or relevance to the article's subject matter. Please help improve this article by clarifying or removing superfluous information. (February 2012)

Westminster has several halls of residence throughout London, including Alexander Fleming House near Old Street, Furnival House in Highgate; one hall is based at the Marylebone campus, Wigram House in Victoria and as of September 2005 there are two based at the Harrow campus. A UNITE accommodation, named Beaumont Court has been built near Euston however it is not exclusive to students at Westminster. Some students are also selected to live in International Students House, London.

[edit] Notable people

[edit] Notable faculty and staff

Cherie Blair
Ezra Pound

[edit] Notable alumni

Main article: List of University of Westminster alumni

The university has produced several notable alumni including government ministers, ambassadors, judges, a Nobel Prize winner, and alumni who have been influential in the fields of science, literature, music, sport, architecture and the visual arts.[citation needed]

[edit] Further reading

  • The Education of the Eye: History of the Royal Polytechnic Institution 1838-1881 Granta Editions (November 2008) ISBN 1-857-57097-9

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b c "Table 1 - All students by HE institution, level of study, mode of study and domicile 2009/10" (Microsoft Excel spreadsheet). Higher Education Statistics Agency. http://www.hesa.ac.uk/dox/dataTables/studentsAndQualifiers/download/institution0910.xls. Retrieved 3 February 2012. 
  2. ^ a b c d e f "Report and Financial Statements of the year ended 31 July 2011". University of Westminster. http://www.westminster.ac.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/121230/Financial_Statement_31_July-2011.pdf. Retrieved 3 February. 
  3. ^ Sir George Cayley, The Father of Aeronautics
  4. ^ a b c d Weinreb, Ben; Hibbert, Christopher; Keay, Julia; Keay, John (2009). The London Encyclopedia. Pan Macmillan. p. 732. ISBN 1405049251, 9781405049252. http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=xa0D0PqiwfEC&printsec=frontcover&dq=The+London+Encyclopedia+Christopher+Hibbert&hl=en&sa=X&ei=Z3g0T_mBB47G8QOoyKjQAg&ved=0CD0Q6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=The%20London%20Encyclopedia%20Christopher%20Hibbert&f=false. 
  5. ^ The Education of the Eye: The history of the Royal Polytechnic Institution 1838-1881
  6. ^ The University of Westminster, a showcase for advancing technology
  7. ^ Gernsheim, Helmut (1986). A concise history of photography. Courier Dover Publications. p. 33. ISBN 0486251284, 9780486251288. http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=GDSRJQ3BZ5EC&dq=A+concise+history+of+photography+Helmut+Gernsheim&source=gbs_navlinks_s. 
  8. ^ The University of Westminster, a showcase for advancing technology
  9. ^ The University of Westminster, the Polytechnic movement
  10. ^ Foster, Janet; Sheppard, Julia (1995). British archives: a guide to archive resources in the United Kingdom. Macmillan. p. 397. ISBN 0333532554, 9780333532553. http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=NzZmAAAAMAAJ&q=British+archives:+a+guide+to+archive+resources+in+the+United+Kingdom+1995&dq=British+archives:+a+guide+to+archive+resources+in+the+United+Kingdom+1995&hl=en&sa=X&ei=dCg1T5rjE-qr0QXMnqSvAg&ved=0CDcQ6AEwAA. 
  11. ^ The University of Westminster, the Polytechnic movement
  12. ^ Timeline of the University of Westminster
  13. ^ "Westminster to open Uzbekistan branch". Times Higher Education. 25 January 2002. http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/story.asp?storyCode=166811&sectioncode=26. Retrieved 10 February 2012. 
  14. ^ David Colquhoun (March 22, 2007). "Science degrees without the science". Nature 446 (22): 373–4. doi:10.1038/446373a. PMID 17377563. http://dcscience.net/colquhoun-nature-07.pdf. 
  15. ^ Jim Giles (March 22, 2007). "Degrees in homeopathy slated as unscientific". Nature 446 (22): 352–3. doi:10.1038/446352a. http://dcscience.net/giles-nature-2007.pdf. 
  16. ^ David Colquhoun (August 17th, 2011). "University of Westminster shuts down naturopathy, nutritional therapy, but keeps Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine.". http://www.dcscience.net/?p=4704. 
  17. ^ University of Westminster buildings
  18. ^ "Sarah Brown to inaugurate Ambika P3 gallery at Westminster". The Economic Times. 15 June 2008. http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2008-06-15/news/28419277_1_london-zoo-inaugurate-westminster-university. Retrieved 12 March 2012. 
  19. ^ "RAE 2008: communication, culture and media studies results". The Guardian (London). December 18, 2008. http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/table/2008/dec/18/rae-2008-communication. 
  20. ^ "RAE 2008: asian studies results". The Guardian (London). December 18, 2008. http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/table/2008/dec/18/rae-2008-asian-studies. 
  21. ^ "RAE 2008: architecture results". The Guardian (London). December 18, 2008. http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/table/2008/dec/18/rae-2008-architecture. 
  22. ^ "RAE 2008: geography and environmental studies results". The Guardian (London). December 18, 2008. http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/table/2008/dec/18/rae-2008-geography-environment-studies. 
  23. ^ YouTube - Inter:mission
  24. ^ Harrow Campus
  25. ^ Biography, Owen Spencer-Thomas Accessed 2007-05/09
  26. ^ http://musictravellerstwo.blogspot.com/2009/10/fleetwood-mac-1968-04-27-london.html
  27. ^ Vulliamy, Ed (August 8, 2010). "Jimi Hendrix: 'You never told me he was that good'". The Guardian (London). http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2010/aug/08/jimi-hendrix-40th-anniversary-death. 
  28. ^ Cox, Richard; Vamplew, Wray; Jarvie, Grant (2000). Encyclopedia of British sport. ABC-CLIO. p. 232-238. ISBN 1851093443, 9781851093441. http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=JWQTAQAAIAAJ&q=Encyclopedia+of+British+sport++Richard+William+Cox,+Wray+Vamplew,+Grant+Jarvie&dq=Encyclopedia+of+British+sport++Richard+William+Cox,+Wray+Vamplew,+Grant+Jarvie&hl=en&sa=X&ei=_WU0T8DXDNCxhAem7LTtAQ&ved=0CDcQ6AEwAA. 
  29. ^ Johnson, Steve (2009). For God, England & Ethel. Trafford Publishing. p. 334. ISBN 1425189733, 9781425189730. http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=aqKRl0a6ZI8C&dq=For+God,+England+%26+Ethel&source=gbs_navlinks_s. 

[edit] External links


Coordinates: 51°31′01.20″N 0°08′34.70″W / 51.517°N 0.142972°W / 51.517; -0.142972

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