Harper Adams University
File:Harper Adams COA.png | |
Motto | Utile Dulci (Latin) |
---|---|
Motto in English | Useful and agreeable |
Type | Public |
Established | 2012: gained University Status 1998: gained University college status 1901: Founded as Harper Adams College |
Chancellor | HRH the Princess Royal |
Vice-Chancellor | David Llewellyn |
Students | 4,680 (2019/20)[1] |
Undergraduates | 4,125 (2019/20)[1] |
Postgraduates | 555 (2019/20)[1] |
Other students | 60 FE[2] |
Location | , , TF10 8NB , United Kingdom 52°46′47″N 2°25′39″W / 52.779651°N 2.427517°W |
Campus | Rural |
Colours | Blue and gold |
Website | Harper Adams University |
Harper Adams University (previously known as Harper Adams College) is a public university located close to the village of Edgmond, near Newport, in Shropshire, UK. Established in 1901, the university is a specialist provider of higher education for the agricultural and rural sector. The university provides more than 50 foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes to students from over 30 countries. The university is set within a 550 hectare (1360 acre) working farm.[3]
History
Harper Adams College was founded in 1901 under leadership of Principal Headworth Foulkes (1901-1922) after Thomas Harper Adams, a wealthy Shropshire gentleman farmer who has died in 1892, bequeathed the estate. The College had just six students. In 1909 a specialist poultry husbandry was created[4].
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/03/Harper_Adams_Agricultural_College_-_geograph.org.uk_-_423503.jpg/220px-Harper_Adams_Agricultural_College_-_geograph.org.uk_-_423503.jpg)
During the First World War, Harper Adams remained open, and in 1915 the first women were admitted into the College on wartime farm courses. Harper Adams was the first institute to do so, and in 1916 women were admitted as full-time students onto a wide variety of courses. Approximately, 200 staff and former students served during the war and 40 are known to have died[5]. In 2015, 10 additional names were added to the university's memorial board, after previously unrecorded alumni were also discovered to been killed in action[6]. A board in the Old Library listing the names of those killed was dedicated in March 2015, crafted by Peter Nunn of the university's estate department, whilst a new memorial garden was also created outside the library.
The agricultural depression of the 1920s onwards leg to a drop in student numbers. In 1922, Charles Crowther (1922 - 1944) became Principal and efforts were taken to ensure the College stayed open. The National Institute of Poultry Husbandry opened in 1926, bringing with it to Harper a high profile in areas of teaching and research. The College managed to stay open during the Second World War, and in 1939 the first girls arrived at the College. Bill Price (1946-1962) become Principal in 1946 and student numbers steadily rose to 222. The Jubilee Hostel was opened in 1951[7].
Reginald Kenny became Principal in 1962 until 1977. In 1964, the funding of the College was passed from the Ministry of Agriculture to the Department of Education and Science. The first Higher National Diploma students were enrolled in 1969. Tony Harris was later appointed Principal in 1977 until 1994. Degree courses were first introduced at Harper Adams in 1981. The university was one of the first institutions to introduce a BSc. sandwich course. The [CNAA] granted Harper Adams the authority to validate its own courses. In 1985, the science building was opened by HRH The Princess Margaret[7].
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/ae/Harper_Adams_West_face.png/220px-Harper_Adams_West_face.png)
Student numbers passed 1000 for the first time in 1991. In 1994, three new student residences were opened. Professor Wynn Jones became Principal in 1996, and later that year the Privy Council granted the university degree awarding powers. In 1998, Harper Adams gained the title of University College. In 2004, Harper Adams was awarded £2.1 million in funding to develop its work with rural businesses. Harper Adams gain the power to award research degrees in 2006 and shortly after, a new Biomass Hall was opened. Dr David Llewellyn was appointed Principle in 2009[8]. In the September, a new £2.3 million dairy unit was opened[9] and in December, a £3million award-winning Regional Food Academy (RFA) was officially opened by HRH The Princess Royal[10]. In 2010, Nick Herbert opened a Postgraduate and Professional Development Centre, and in the same year the Faccenda student centre and a new student hall of residence were opened. An anaerobic digester opened in 2011, expects to offset the carbon emissions of the university three times over annually. It won a Renewable Energy Infrastructure Award and hosts an award winning anaerobic digestion facility[11].
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6d/Bamford_Library_-_geograph.org.uk_-_287094.jpg/220px-Bamford_Library_-_geograph.org.uk_-_287094.jpg)
Harper Adams is a lead academic sponsor of the JCB Academy which opened in 2010. JCB Academy was the first university technical college to be established in England[12].
In 2012, Harper Adams had the title 'university' conferred upon it. This ended the institution's long history of being a college and consequently, Harper Adams became Shropshire's first university[13].
Facilities
The campus is in parkland on the outskirts of Edgmond near Newport, Shropshire. Since 2000, the college has expanded existing facilities and introduced new ones.
University Farm
Harper Adams operates a 635 hectare (1569 acres) commercial farm on campus.
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/0/0e/Harper_Adams_University_Bamford_Library.png/280px-Harper_Adams_University_Bamford_Library.png)
Main Building and teaching facilities
- Main Building
- Weston Building
- Faccenda
- Bamford Library
- Foulkes Crowther
- Postgraduate and Professional Development Centre
- A-Block
- B-Block
- Frank Parkinson Farm Education Centre
- Jubilee Adams
- Tudor Lodge and North West Building
- Aspire Centre
- C-Block
- Doctor's surgery
- Frontier's Crop Centre
- Queen Mother Hall (QMH)
Research
In 2014 Harper Adams University was recognised for the quality of its research by the Research Excellence Framework.[14]. Areas of research include; management of soil and water, crop disease resistance, agricultural technology, livestock carbon footprint reduction, genetic approaches to improving food quality, bioenergy and renewable sources, agricultural landscape biodiversity, pedagogy and animal welfare[15].
Research facilities
- Elizabeth Creek Building
- Princess Margaret Science Laboratories
- Jean Jackson Entomology Building
- Crop and Environment Research Centre
- Dairy Crest Innovation Centre
- Poultry Research Unit
- Regional Food Academy
Academic departments
Undergraduate courses are offered via 11 academic departments:
- Agriculture
- Animal Sciences
- Applied Biology
- Business and Agri-Food
- Countryside, Environment, Wildlife and Geography
- Engineering
- Food Science, Technology and Innovation
- Real Estate, Property and Land Management
- Veterinary Nursing
- Veterinary Physiotherapy
- Zoology
Ranking & Awards
National rankings | |
---|---|
Complete (2025)[16] | 46 |
Times / Sunday Times (2024)[17] | 33 |
Notable awards:
- 2008 - Best University College (The Sunday Times).
- 2009 - Best University College (The Sunday Times).
- 2010 - Best University College (The Sunday Times).
- 2011 - Best University College (The Sunday Times).
- 2011 - Top 50 UK Universities (The Sunday Times)[18].
- 2012 - Best University College (The Sunday Times).
- 2017 - 98% graduate employment rate, joint highest in UK (HESA 2017)[19].
- 2017 - Whatuni University of the Year[20].
- 2017 - Whatuni Winner Job Prospects[20].
- 2017 - Whatuni Winner Courses and Lecturers[20].
- 2017 - Whatuni Winner Student Support[20].
- 2017 - UK's Best Modern University (Times Higher Education)[21].
- 2017 - 1st Student Experience (Times Higher Education).
- 2017 - The Queen's Anniversary Prizes for Further and Higher Education - Winner of Innovative applications in agricultural engineering and technologies to address UK and global food security[22].
Student life
The SU provides entertainment in the student bar including comedy nights and live music. The university holds four themed balls throughout the year; Fresher's Ball (September), Christmas Ball (December), Paddy's Ball (March) and the Summer Ball (June).
The university has a number of student social facilities including; Graze Café, Kaldi Café, Costa Coffee, Pam's Pantry, The Feed Store, The Welly Inn, Main Bar and the Conference Dining Hall.
Sports
Harper Adams has a variety of sports clubs, including rugby, shooting, football, hockey, fencing, netball, polo, basketball, motorsport, off-roading, rowing, running, field sports, equestrian and mountain biking. The university competes in the British Universities and Colleges Sport leagues and championships[23].
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3b/Harper_Adams_Uni_Men%27s_1st_VIII_at_BUCS_Summer_2016.jpg/275px-Harper_Adams_Uni_Men%27s_1st_VIII_at_BUCS_Summer_2016.jpg)
Rowing Club
Harper Adams University Boat Club (HAURC) is located at Pengwern Boat Club on the River Severn in Shrewsbury[24]. Members compete in the BUCS Rowing League, local regattas and holds a private match against Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford. The club's registered blades are dark blue, cyan and gold[25].
Shooting Club
Harper Adams University Clay Shooting Club (HAUSC) is the largest club in the university with over 100 members[26]. The club competes in local competitions, BUCS League, the Countryside Alliance Cirencester Cup Competition and also holds private matches against the Royal Agricultural University and St. Andrew's University. The HAUSC is consistently placed amongst the most successful shooting clubs in the UK. In 2011 and 2012, the HAUSC won the national title at the BUCS Clay Pigeon Shooting Championships[27].
Motorsport Team
The Motorsport Team has its own VW Golf GTi rally car and Ford Fiesta R2 National.[28][29] In January 2017, the team announced a partnership with the M-Sport World Rally Team. The team regularly competes in BRC events.[29]
Accommodation
Undergraduate students reside on campus in one of 15 halls[30]:
- Boughey Hall
- Bradford Hall
- Darby Hall
- Darwin Hall
- Gloucester Hall
- Harris Hall
- Jebb Hall
- Jerman Hall (Opened 2015)
- Leverhulme Hall (Opened 2015)
- Princess Royal Hall (Opened 2012)
- Silcock Hall
- Ward Hall
&
- University Houses; Flat Road, Newton and Poultry Drive
Notable alumni
- Jorian Jenks (1899–1963) an English farmer, environmentalism pioneer and fascist. [31]
- Barbara Woodhouse (1910–1988) a dog trainer, author, horse trainer and TV personality. [32]
- Robin Faccenda (born 1937) wealthy businessman in the poultry industry [33]
- Michael Paget-Wilkes (born 1941) Archdeacon of Warwick 1990-2009. [34]
- Rob Strachan (born 1960) the heir presumptive to the Mill of Strachan [35]
- Helen Browning OBE (born 1961) an organic livestock and arable farmer in Wiltshire [36]
- Rachael Hamilton (born 1970) a British politician, MSP for Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire.[37]
- Julian Sturdy (born 1971) a farmer and MP for York Outer. [38]
- Scott Bemand (born 1978) a retired English rugby union player. [39]
- Christopher Borrett (born 1979) an English cricketer. [40]
- Boyd Rankin (born 1984) an Irish cricketer. [41]
- Ruth Archer (first appearance 1987) character from The Archers [42]
Notable governors
- Sir Arthur Colegate, Governor and Conservative party MP[43]
- Francis Fitzherbert, 15th Baron Stafford DL, Landowner, Peer
Honorary degree and fellowship holders
- Adam Henson[44]
- Richard Scott, 10th Duke of Buccleuch and 12th Duke of Queensbury[44]
- Professor Dame Julia Slingo[45]
- Professor Hugh Pennington[45]
- Dr Jimmy Doherty[46]
- Mr Richard Matson, former Chairman of Governors, equestrian expert and entrepreneur[46]
- Sir Anthony Bamford DL, Chairman of JCB[46]
- Professor Ian Crute CBE [46]
- Baroness Hazel Byford DBE, Conservative bench and Shadow Minister[46]
- Mr Peter Kendall, NFU President[47]
- Professor Dick Godwin[47]
- Professor Wynne Jones[47]
- Mr Clive Gurney[47]
- Stephen Woodgate, Chief Executive of FABRA[48]
- Gerald Grosvenor, 6th Duke of Westminster[49]
- Professor Sir John Beddington[48]
- Caroline Drummond[48]
- Catherine Henstridge[50]
- Justin King CBE, Chief Executive of J Sainsbury PLC[51]
- Dr Geoffrey Davies OBE, Managing Director of Alamo Group Europe Ltd[51]
- Mr Matthew Dempsey, Editor and Chief Executive of the Irish Farmers’ Journal[51]
- Mr Peter Bloxham[51]
- Mr Anthony Burgess[51]
- HRH The Princess Royal[52]
Principals
- Hedworth Foulkes (1901-22)
- Charles Crowther (1922-1944)
- Bill Price (1946-1962)
- Reginald Kenney (1962-77)
- Tony Harris (1977-94)
- Wynne Jones (1996-2009)
- Dr David Llewelyn (2009-present)
Notable staff
- Charles Crowther (1876–1964), Principal of Harper Adams Agricultural College from 1922 to 1944, father of Geoffrey Crowther, Baron Crowther
- F. P. Raynham (1893–1954) In 1909 he was an office worker at the Harper Adams Agricultural College, he then became a British pilot[53] from the early days of aviation
- William Thomas Price, CBE, MC, Principal, Harper Adams Agricultural College, CBE in 1960 New Year Honours
- Anthony George Harris, OBE, Principal, Harper Adams Agricultural College, OBE in 1991 Birthday Honours
- Izzy Warren-Smith, Senior Lecturer, Rural Economics and Management, Harper Adams University College (for services to the rural economy) Midlander of the Year 2003
- Professor Elphin Wynne Jones, OBE, Principal, Harper Adams University College, OBE in 2009 New Year Honours
- David Llewellyn (born 1960) Vice-Chancellor[54] of Harper Adams University since 2009
- Simon Leather Professor of Entomology[55] at Harper Adams University, aphid specialist
References
- ^ a b c "Where do HE students study?". Higher Education Statistics Agency. Retrieved 1 March 2020.
- ^ "Table 0a – All students by institution, mode of study, level of study, gender and domicile 2006/07" (Microsoft Excel spreadsheet). Higher Education Statistics Agency. Retrieved 5 April 2008.
- ^ "Harper Adams University". Independent.co.uk. 16 July 2014. Retrieved 27 December 2017.
- ^ "About - History | Harper Adams University". Harper-adams.ac.uk. Retrieved 15 September 2016.
- ^ Francis, Peter (2013). Shropshire War Memorials, Sites of Remembrance. YouCaxton Publications. pp. 68–69. ISBN 978-1-909644-11-3.
- ^ "Dedication of new memorial to alumni who fell in First World War".
- ^ a b "Why Harper? - Harper Adams University". www.harper-adams.ac.uk.
- ^ "Appointment of new Principal at Harper Adams - Farming UK News". www.farminguk.com.
- ^ https://dairy.ahdb.org.uk/news/news-archive/2009/dairyco-chairman-opens-harper-adams’-new-£23m-dairy-unit/#.WkWDVracafQ
- ^ "Midlands food academy opens".
- ^ Harper Adams College Digester CHP Plant, Clarke-energy.com, accessed 14 March 2013
- ^ "Harper Adams Challenge - overview - JCB Academy". 20 March 2017.
- ^ "'New' universities set to be created in England - BBC News". Bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 15 September 2016.
- ^ "International quality rating for Harper Adams University research". Harper-adams.ac.uk. Retrieved 27 December 2017.
- ^ "Research - Our Impact - Harper Adams University". Harper-adams.ac.uk. Retrieved 27 December 2017.
- ^ "Complete University Guide 2025". The Complete University Guide. 14 May 2024.
- ^ "Good University Guide 2024". The Times. 15 September 2023.
- ^ "Harper Adams breaks into the UK's Top 50". Harper-adams.ac.uk. Retrieved 27 December 2017.
- ^ "Harper Adams graduate employment rate rises to 99.4 per cent". Harper-adams.ac.uk. Retrieved 27 December 2017.
- ^ a b c d "Harper Adams University - Profile and 2017 Ranking". Whatuni.com. Retrieved 27 December 2017.
- ^ "Harper Adams takes top modern university accolade in Times guide". Harper-adams.ac.uk. Retrieved 27 December 2017.
- ^ "11th Round Prize-winners Presentations at Buckingham Palace 25 February 2016". Royalanniversarytrust.org.uk. Retrieved 27 December 2017.
- ^ "Sport". Harper Adams University. Retrieved 26 November 2016.
- ^ "New home for Harper Adams Rowing Club". Harper-adams.ac.uk. Retrieved 27 December 2017.
- ^ "Harper Adams University Rowing Club - British Rowing". Britishrowing.org. Retrieved 27 December 2017.
- ^ "Clay shooting team continues to triumph". Harper-adams.ac.uk. Retrieved 27 December 2017.
- ^ "Harper Adams remain BUCS National Shooting Champions". Harper-adams.ac.uk. Retrieved 27 December 2017.
- ^ "Motorsport". Harpersu.com. Retrieved 27 December 2017.
- ^ a b "Harper Adams becomes first university to join British Rally Championship". Harper-adams.ac.uk. Retrieved 27 December 2017.
- ^ "Accommodation - Our Halls - Harper Adams University". Harper-adams.ac.uk. Retrieved 27 December 2017.
- ^ "Angmering History - Jorian Jenks - Angmering's Blackshirt farmer". Angmeringvillage.co.uk. Retrieved 27 December 2017.
- ^ "Barbara Woodhouse". IMDb.com. Retrieved 27 December 2017.
- ^ "Jobs to go at chicken factory". News.bbc.co.uk. 15 April 2008. Retrieved 27 December 2017.
- ^ "Paget-Wilkes, Ven. Michael Jocelyn James, (born 11 Dec. 1941), Archdeacon of Warwick, 1990–2009 - WHO'S WHO & WHO WAS WHO". doi:10.1093/ww/9780199540884.001.0001. Retrieved 27 December 2017.
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(help) - ^ "Clan Strachan Society Member Subweb". Clanstrachan.org. Retrieved 27 December 2017.
- ^ "Helen Browning: A woman who won't be cowed in the war against titan". Independent.co.uk. 31 January 2011. Retrieved 27 December 2017.
- ^ "Conservative Holyrood candidate Rachael Hamilton denies fox hunting link". Sundaypost.com. Retrieved 27 December 2017.
- ^ "» Outside Politics : Julian Sturdy - Strong Voice for York Outer". Juliansturdy.co.uk. Retrieved 27 December 2017.
- ^ "Scott Bemand appointed England women's rugby coach". Bbc.co.uk. 21 May 2015. Retrieved 27 December 2017.
- ^ "Christopher Borrett". Cricinfo. Retrieved 27 December 2017.
- ^ "Boyd Rankin". Cricinfo. Retrieved 27 December 2017.
- ^ BBC iPlayer Radio, BBC Radio 4, David and Ruth Archer go head-to-head retrieved 5 September 2018
- ^ "CalmView: Overview". Archives.lse.ac.uk. Retrieved 27 December 2017.
- ^ a b "The Duke of Buccleuch and Adam Henson to receive honorary degrees at Harper Adams graduation".
- ^ a b "Graduation 2015".
- ^ a b c d e "Five Honorary Degrees and Fellowships awarded at Graduation".
- ^ a b c d "Honorary degrees and fellowships announced".
- ^ a b c "Key figures awarded Honorary Degrees and Fellowship (video)".
- ^ "Honorary degrees and fellowship announced".
- ^ Madden, Sophie. "TV stars pick up honorary degree titles at Harper Adams University". www.shropshirestar.com.
- ^ a b c d e "Honorary degrees and fellowships 2011".
- ^ "HRH The Princess Royal to be first Chancellor of Harper Adams University".
- ^ [1] [dead link]
- ^ "Staff Directory - Dr David Llewellyn - Harper Adams University". Harper-adams.ac.uk. Retrieved 27 December 2017.
- ^ "Staff Directory - Professor Simon Leather - Harper Adams University". Harper-adams.ac.uk. Retrieved 27 December 2017.