University of Surrey

Infobox University
name = University of Surrey


image_size = 160px
tagline = The University for Success
established = 1891 as Battersea Polytechnic Institute
type = Public
endowment = £ 78.6 millionCite web| url = http://portal.surrey.ac.uk/pls/portal/docs/PAGE/GATEWAY/CORPORATE/ANNUALREPORT.PDF
title = Annual Review 2006/07| accessdate = 2008-08-17| format = PDF| publisher = University of Surrey]
staff = 2,338
incl. 1,403 academics and 150 researchers
chancellor = HRH The Duke of Kentcite web | url=http://portal.surrey.ac.uk/calendar/wdw/officers.jsp | title=University of Surrey Calendar | accessdate=2008-06-12 | publisher = University of Surrey]
vice_chancellor = Prof. Christopher M. Snowden
head_label = Pro-Chancellors
head = The Rt Hon Baroness Bottomley of Nettlestone
Dr J R Forrest
Sir Alan Rudge
Sir William Wells
students = 15,705cite web|url= http://www.hesa.ac.uk/dox/dataTables/studentsAndQualifiers/download/institution0607.xls|title= Table 0a - All students by institution, mode of study, level of study, gender and domicile 2006/07|accessdate= 2008-04-12|format= Microsoft Excel spreadsheet|publisher= Higher Education Statistics Agency]
undergrad = 9,600
postgrad = 6,105
city = Guildford
state =
country = England, UK
campus = Suburban
colours = Blue color box|#003d7e and Gold color box|#c3a304
affiliations = 1994 Group PATA Universities UK ACU EUA
footnotes =
website = http://www.surrey.ac.uk
coor =

The University of Surrey is a university located within the county town of Guildford, Surrey in the South East of England. It received its charter on 9 September 1966, and was previously situated near Battersea Park in south-west London. The institution was known as Battersea College of Technology before gaining university status. Its roots however go back to the Battersea Polytechnic Institute, founded in 1891 to provide further and higher education for London's poorer inhabitants.cite book |last= Douglas|first= Roy|authorlink= |coauthors= |title= Surrey- The Rise of a Modern University|year= 1991|publisher= Surrey University Press Ltd|location= |isbn= 1-85237-067X]

The university is a member of the 1994 Group. [cite web| title=1994 Group Member Institutions | url=http://www.1994group.ac.uk/memberinstitutions.php| accessdate=2008-08-08 | publisher = 1994 Group] The university conducts extensive research on small satellites and has a high number of staff who are members of learned societies. The most recent Research Assessment Exercise awarded nine departments at the university 5 or 5* ratings.cite web| url=http://www.hero.ac.uk/rae/rae_dynamic.cfm?myURL=http://195.194.167.103/submissions/UoA.asp?HESAInst=H-0161 | title=HERO - Higher Education & Research Opportunities in the UK: RAE 2001 : Submissions |publisher = HERO| accessdate=2007-06-01] The university has recently expanded into China by launching the Surrey International Institute with Dongbei University of Finance and Economics.Cite web | url =http://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/higher/surrey-universitys-new-china-institute-will-help-to-put-it-on-the-international-map-853997.html | title = Surrey University's new China institute will help to put it on the international map| accessdate=2008-08-08 | publisher = The Independent]

The university's main campus is located on Stag Hill close to the centre of Guildford and adjacent to Guildford Cathedral. A second campus, at Manor Park, is located a short distance away and has been developed to expand upon existing accommodation, academic buildings and sporting facilities. [cite web| title=University of Surrey Accommodation| url=http://www.surrey.ac.uk/undergraduate/accommodation/| accessdate=2008-08-14 | publisher = University of Surrey]

History

The University of Surrey was preceded by the Battersea Polytechnic Institute which was founded in 1891 and admitted its first students in 1894. Its aims were to provide greater access to further and higher education for some of the "poorer inhabitants" of London. The Institute focused on science and technology subjects, and from about 1920 taught some classes for University of London students.cite book |last=Pick |first=Christopher |title=Understanding the Real World|year=2002 | publisher=University of Surrey Press | isbn= 1 85237 246 X |url= http://portal.surrey.ac.uk/portal/page?_pageid=764,128643&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL ]

In 1956 the Institute was among the first to receive the designation "College of Advanced Technology" and was renamed Battersea College of Technology. By the beginning of the sixties the College had virtually outgrown its building in Battersea and had decided to move to Guildford. In addition to this, the Robbins Report of 1963 proposed that the Colleges of Advanced Technology, including Battersea, should expand and become degree-awarding Universities.

In 1965 the university-designate acquired a greenfield site in Guildford from Guildford Cathedral, Guildford Borough Council and the Onslow Village Trust. The following year, on 9 September 1966 the University of Surrey was established by Royal Charter and by 1970 the move from Battersea to Guildford was complete.

Early visitors to the new campus were Led Zeppelin, who performed their very first gig at the university on 15 October 1968. [cite web| url=http://www.rockhall.com/inductee/led-zeppelin | title= Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: Led Zeppelin | accessdate= 2007-05-15 | publisher= The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum]

In 1982 the university became the trustee of the building of the Guildford Institute and uses parts of the building for its adult education programme which ensures a university presence in the heart of Guildford. The Assessment and Qualifications Alliance (formerly Associated Examining Board) moved from Aldershot to its own headquarters building on the Stag Hill campus in 1985.

The university marked its Silver Jubilee in 1991, an event celebrated by the publishing of "Surrey - The Rise of a Modern University" by Roy Douglas and by a Service of Thanksgiving in Guildford Cathedral attended by Her Majesty The Queen in March 1992.

The university celebrated its 35th anniversary year in May 2002 with a major event in Guildford Cathedral. It was also marked by the unveiling of the Surrey Scholar sculpture (by Allan Sly FBS) to mark the Golden Jubilee of Her Majesty The Queen and as a gift to the people of Guildford. The Surrey Scholar is located at the bottom of Guildford High Street. "Understanding the Real World", a visual history of the university, by Christopher Pick, was published to coincide with this anniversary.

On 1 July 2005, Prof. Christopher Snowden became Surrey’s fourth Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive. Like his predecessors Prof. Dowling and Prof. Kelly, Prof. Snowden is a fellow of the Royal Society. He was appointed in recognition of his pioneering work in the fields of microwave engineering and compound semiconductors.

In 2007 the university saw a major increase in overall applications by 39% compared with the previous year. [cite web| title=BBC News: Are top-up fees changing courses? |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/education/6360629.stm | date =2007-02-14 | accessdate=2007-04-16|publisher= BBC News] This was followed by a further increase in applications of 12% in 2008. [cite web| title=University of Surrey sees highest growth in applications|url=http://portal.surrey.ac.uk/portal/page?_pageid=799,1894672&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL| accessdate=2008-08-07| publisher = University of Surrey]

Campus

The university moved in 1968 to a new convert|30|ha|acre|0|lk=on|abbr=on|sing=on site on Stag Hill in Guildford, Surrey, adjacent to Guildford Cathedral (see picture, below). A further convert|90|ha|acre|0|abbr=on allocated to the university remained undeveloped until 2005. The new Manor Park campus, designed as a car-free village, is convert|1.6|km|mi|0 from the Stag Hill campus and on the other side of the A3 trunk road. [Cite web | url =http://portal.surrey.ac.uk/portal/page?_pageid=909,337717&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL | title = University of Surrey Accommodation Services: Band D Rooms| accessdate=2008-08-07 | publisher = University of Surrey] It combines residences for students and staff, buildings for research and teaching, and sporting facilities.

The Surrey branch of the BBC's Southern Counties Radio has its studios on the campus. [cite web| url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/southerncounties/local_radio/ | title=BBC Southern Counties Radio Website | accessdate=2007-04-16|publisher=BBC] In addition the university has a student-run medium wave radio station, "GU2 Radio" (GU2 is the local postcode prefix).

In November 2007, the university was given planning permission to build the Surrey Multifaith Centre at the University of Surrey. This will be the first building in Britain to have a Synagogue, Muslim Prayer Hall, Gurdwara and Chapel built separately under one roof. [cite web| title=Multi-faith centre gets the go-ahead | url=http://www.getsurrey.co.uk/news/s/2017647_multifaith_centre_gets_the_goahead| accessdate=2008-08-07 | publisher = Get Surrey/Surrey Advertiser]

In July 2008, the university officially began work on building a £35 million new [http://www.surreycentreforsport.org.uk/index.html sports centre] . [cite web| url=http://portal.surrey.ac.uk/portal/page?_pageid=799,2094756&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL | title=Under starter’s orders, University of Surrey press release | accessdate=2008-08-06|publisher = University of Surrey] On completion, it will house a 50 metre pool, three sports halls, a squash centre, 700 metres of fitness facilities, two artificial floodlit pitches, outdoor and indoor tennis courts, four real tennis courts and a climbing centre. [cite web| url=http://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/higher/which-is-the-best-university-for-sport-844778.html | title=Which is the best university for sport? | accessdate=2008-06-13 | publisher=The Independent]

tructure

The academic activities of the university are divided into the following four faculties:

Faculty of Arts & Human Sciences

* Dance, Film and Theatre
* Economics
* English
* Languages and Translation Studies
* Music and Sound Recording
* Political, International and Policy Studies
* Psychology
* Sociology

Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences

* Aerospace Engineering
* Centre for Environmental Strategy
* Chemical Engineering
* Chemical and Bio-systems Engineering
* Civil Engineering
* Computing
* Electronic Engineering
* Mathematics
* Mechanical Engineering
* Medical Engineering
* Physics
* Technology Entrepreneurship

Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences

* Chemical Sciences
* Biomedical Sciences
* Microbial Sciences
* Nutritional Sciences
* Health and Social Care
* Postgraduate Medical School

Faculty of Management and Law

* School of Law
* School of Management

Academic Standards

Research

The university conducts extensive research on small satellites, with its Surrey Space Centre and spin-off commercial company, Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd. In the 2001 Research Assessment Exercise, the University of Surrey received a 5* rating in the categories of "Sociology", "Other Studies and Professions Allied to Medicine", and "Electrical and Electronic Engineering"and a 5 rating in the categories of "Psychology", "Physics", "Applied Mathematics", "Statistics and Operational Research", "European Studies", and "Russian, Slavonic and East European Languages".

In addition, the Surrey Research Park is a convert|28|ha|acre|0|abbr=on|sing=on low density development which is owned and developed by the university, providing large landscaped areas with water features and facilities for over 110 companies engaged in a broad spectrum of research, development and design activities. The university generates the third highest endowment income out of all UK universities "reflecting its commercially-orientated heritage." [cite web| url=http://www.red-scientific.co.uk/university-of-surrey | title=RED Scientific| accessdate=2008-08-07 | publisher=RED Scientific Limited]

Awards

In 1991 the university was granted the Queen's Award for Export Achievement, and in 1996 it was awarded the Queen's Anniversary Prize for Higher & Further Education in recognition of the university's outstanding achievement in satellite engineering and communications, teaching and research by the Centre for Satellite Engineering Research and its associated companies.Cite web | url =http://www.royalanniversarytrust.org.uk/index.php?article_id=7 | title = The Queen's Prizes for Higher & Further Education - Engineering & Technology winners| accessdate=2008-08-08 | publisher = The Royal Anniversary Trust] In 1998 Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) was awarded the Queen's Award for Technological Achievement. This was presented in person by the Queen on her second visit to the university, accompanied by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh and HRH The Duke of Kent, Chancellor of the University. [cite web| title=SSTL celebrates 15 years in business| url= http://www.spaceref.com/news/viewpr.html?pid=2032| accessdate= 2008-08-08| publisher = Spaceref.com]

More recently the university was awarded the 2002 Queen's Anniversary Prize for Higher & Further Education, this time for its internationally renowned research and development on optoelectronic devices and ion beam applications. The university has a high number of staff who are academicians of the learned societies: 10 Fellows of the Royal Society, 21 Fellows of the Royal Academy of Engineering, one Fellow of the British Academy and 6 Fellows of the Academy of Social Sciences. [cite web| title=University of Surrey fellows| url= http://portal.surrey.ac.uk/calendar/wdw/fellows.jsp| accessdate= 2008-08-08| publisher = University of Surrey]

In July 2007, the university was awarded Fairtrade University status by the Fairtrade Foundation. [cite web| title=Fairtrade Universities| url= http://peopleandplanet.org/ftunis| accessdate= 2008-08-08| publisher = People & Planet]

Rankings

For 2009, the university was ranked 22nd overall by "The Guardian", [cite web| title=Guardian Unlimited Education Guide 2009| url= http://browse.guardian.co.uk/education?SearchBySubject=&FirstRow=&SortOrderDirection=&SortOrderColumn=&Subject=University+ranking&Institution=Surrey| accessdate= 2008-08-14| publisher = The Guardian] while "The Times" placed the university 39th overall. Its highest ranked subject is Food Science (1st). [cite web| title=The Times Good University Guide 2009| url= http://extras.timesonline.co.uk/tol_gug/gooduniversityguide.php| accessdate= 2008-08-14| publisher = The Times] In world rankings, "Times Higher Education" ranked the university 190th in 2007. [cite web| title=THES - QS World University Rankings 2007| url= http://www.topuniversities.com/worlduniversityrankings/results/2007/overall_rankings/top_400_universities/| accessdate= 2008-08-14| publisher = QS]

Academics and alumni

Academics

Academics to work at the university include Alf Adams, pioneer of the strained quantum-well laser; [cite web| title=The Independent: A celebration of science in the UK: 10 Britons who shaped our world| url= http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/this-britain/a-celebration-of-science-in-the-uk-10-britons-who-shaped-our-world-406704.html| accessdate= 2008-08-07| publisher = The Independent] Jim Al-Khalili, the nuclear physicist, author and broadcaster; [cite web| title=Senior Media Fellow – Jim Al-Khalili| url= http://www.epsrc.ac.uk/PublicEngagement/ActivitiesAndFundingForResearchers/SMF/AlKhalili.htm| accessdate= 2008-08-08| publisher = EPSRC] Aleks Krotoski, the technology journalist and broadcaster; [cite web| title=Aleks Krotoski| url= http://www.guardian.co.uk/profile/alekskrotoski| accessdate= 2008-08-08| publisher = The Guardian] and Martin Sweeting, founder of Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd. [cite web| title=The Independent: A celebration of science in the UK: 10 Britons who shaped our world|url= http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/this-britain/a-celebration-of-science-in-the-uk-10-britons-who-shaped-our-world-406704.html| accessdate= 2008-08-07| publisher = The Independent]

Alumni

Former students of the university include the designer of the Mini, Sir Alec Issigonis [cite web|title=Alec Issigonis|url=http://www.designmuseum.org/design/alec-issigonis|accessdate=2008-08-07|publisher=Design Museum] and the founder of the Planet Hollywood restaurant chain, Robert Earl. [cite web| title=The Independent: The School of Management, University of Surrey|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/student/postgraduate/business-schools/the-school-of-management-university-of-surrey-771999.html| accessdate=2008-08-07|publisher = The Independent] The vice chancellor of York St John University, Dianne Willcocks [cite web|title=Dianne Willcocks: devout sceptic|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2004/jan/20/highereducationprofile.highereducation|accessdate=2008-09-18|publisher=The Guardian] and the chancellor of Edge Hill University, Tanya Byron [cite web|title=Dr Tanya Byron warns digital-age children should be left to take risks|url=http://women.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/women/families/article3645034.ece|accessdate=2008-09-18|publisher=The Times] both studied at the university. Other alumni include MP Sir George Young, [cite web| title=Rt Hon Sir George Young Bt MP - Profile |url=http://www.conservatives.com/tile.do?def=people.person.page&personID=4728| accessdate=2008-08-08|publisher = Conservative Party (UK)] Dame Linda Dobbs, [Citation|title=Graduate Profiles: The Honourable Mrs Justice Dobbs DBE|newspaper=Surrey Graduate|issue=16|pages=14|year=2005|publisher=Surrey Alumni Society|url=http://www.surrey.ac.uk/ado/surreygrad16.pdf] and David Varney, former chairman of HM Revenue and Customs. [cite web| title=Sir David Varney launches his Review of the Competitiveness of Northern Ireland |url=http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/newsroom_and_speeches/press/2008/press_varneycomp_08.cfm| accessdate=2008-08-08|publisher = HM Treasury] The television and radio broadcasters, Jeremy Kyle [cite web|title=Call Me Jezza|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2006/may/29/ITV.mondaymediasection|accessdate=2008-08-08|publisher=The Guardian] and Toby Anstis [cite web|title=I got my asthma from Tom and Jerry, says Heart DJ Toby Anstis|url=http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/showbiz/article-23525327-details/I+got+my+asthma+from+Tom+and+Jerry,+says+Heart+DJ+Toby+Anstis/article.do|accessdate=2008-09-18|publisher=thisislondon.co.uk] are also alumni of the university.

Educational links

Since its foundation, the university has fostered links with other educational bodies in the local community and region. For example, in recent years it has validated courses at and subsequently accredited Saint Mary's College (now an independent institution called St Mary's University College, Twickenham), [cite web| title=History of St Mary's| url= http://www.smuc.ac.uk/about/history.htm| accessdate= 2008-08-08| publisher = St Mary's University College] Wimbledon School of Art, [cite web| title=Wimbledon College of Art history| url= http://www.wimbledon.arts.ac.uk/31362.htm| accessdate= 2008-08-08| publisher = University of the Arts London] and Farnborough College of Technology. [cite web| title=Full & Part Time University of Surrey Degrees at Farnborough| url= http://www.farn-ct.ac.uk/templates/page____241.aspx| accessdate= 2008-08-08| publisher = Farnborough College of Technology] The university currently validates courses at North East Surrey College Of Technology (NESCOT), Conservatoire for Acting & Musical Theatre, Guildford College of Further & Higher Education, King Edward VII Hospital Department of Staff Development, The Nuclear Department at HMS Sultan, St John's Seminary, Southern Theological Education & Training Scheme (STETS), the Pre-Retirement Association and SHL (UK) Ltd. [cite web| title=Associated Institutions| url= http://www.surrey.ac.uk/undergraduate/information/institutions/| accessdate= 2008-08-08| publisher = University of Surrey]

In 1998, as a result of the continuing development in the relationship between the university and the nearby Roehampton Institute, it was decided to form an academic federation. In November 1999, the Privy Council approved the necessary changes to the university's Charter and Statutes and the Roehampton Institute became The University of Surrey Roehampton at the beginning of 2000. Between 2000 and 2004, the university and Roehampton worked together as the Federal University of Surrey. [cite web| title=Digny Stuart College history| url= http://www.roehampton.ac.uk/digby/history/index.html| accessdate= 2008-08-08| publisher = Roehampton University] In June 2004, the Privy Council granted Roehampton an independent university title, and it became Roehampton University from 1 August 2004. This move ended the federal partnership between the two institutions, although collaboration between the two is being maintained. [cite web| title=Whitelands College history| url= http://www.roehampton.ac.uk/whitelands/history/index.html| accessdate= 2008-08-08| publisher = Roehampton University]

In 2007, the university and Dongbei University of Finance and Economics, Dalian, China launched the Surrey International Institute, DUFE. [http://www.surrey.dufe.edu.cn] SII, DUFE offers Surrey degrees and dual-degree programmes in China.

International partners

The university holds a number of formal links with institutions from around the world to share teaching and research and facilitate staff and student exchanges. [cite web| title=University of Surrey: International Institutional Links|url=http://www.surrey.ac.uk/internationalrelations/institutional.htm|accessdate=2008-08-07|publisher = The University of Surrey]

International Institutional Partnerships

*flagicon|China Dongbei University of Finance & Economics (DUFE), China
*flagicon|Japan Kyushu Institute of Technology, Japan
*flagicon|USA University of California, Los Angeles(UCLA), USA
*flagicon|USA North Carolina State University, USA.

Partner Universities

*flagicon|Australia La Trobe University, Australia
*flagicon|Australia Swinburne University of Technology, Australia
*flagicon|Canada Brock University, Canada
*flagicon|Canada Ryerson University, Canada
*flagicon|Hong Kong City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
*flagicon|Hong Kong University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
*flagicon|Japan Kyushu Institute of Technology, Japan
*flagicon|Russia Moscow State Institute of International Relations, Russia
*flagicon|Singapore Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
*flagicon|Singapore Singapore Management University, Singapore
*flagicon|Thailand Mahidol University, Thailand
*flagicon|USA University of Central Florida, USA
*flagicon|USA University of Cincinnati, USA
*flagicon|USA Colorado School of Mines, USA
*flagicon|USA University of Maryland, College Park, USA
*flagicon|USA Michigan State University, USA
*flagicon|USA University of North Texas,USA
*flagicon|USA North Carolina State University, USA. [cite web| title=University of Surrey: Partner universities|url=http://www.surrey.ac.uk/exchanges/incoming/partners.htm|accessdate=2008-08-07|publisher = The University of Surrey]

References

External links

* [http://portal.surrey.ac.uk/portal/page?_pageid=764,128643&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL Understanding the Real World] , a visual history of the University of Surrey.
* [http://www.surrey.ac.uk/ University of Surrey] – Official website
* [http://www.ussu.co.uk/ University of Surrey Students' Union] – Official website