Liverpool Hope University

HISTORY

Liverpool Hope University is a public university in Liverpool, England. As the only ecumenical university in Europe its work has been shaped by Christian principles. Two of the university’s founding colleges, S. Katharine’s (1844) and Notre Dame (1856) were established in the 19th century. These colleges were in Warrington and Liverpool City Centre respectively. These were among the first to provide opportunities for higher education to women. In 1980, these three colleges joined in an ecumenical federation under the holding title of Liverpool Institute of Higher Education (LIHE). Archbishop Derek Worlock and Bishop David Sheppard wrote of this as being “a sign of hope”. In 1995, a new Instrument and Articles of Government established a single, unified, ecumenical College, and a new name: Liverpool Hope. A company limited by guarantee and registered as a charity was formed. Meanwhile, expansion followed in both the range of degrees and in student numbers. The status of a fully accredited institution of the University of Liverpool had been achieved in 1994. This gave full responsibility to the college for the quality and standards of its course provision and provided recognition of its academic standing.

In 1998, the Accreditation Agreement with the University of Liverpool was renewed for five years and extended to cover taught postgraduate awards. After extensive scrutiny by the Quality Assurance Agency in 2001 and 2002, Liverpool Hope gained taught degree awarding powers in August 2002.

The college made an application to become a university which was submitted in September 2004. The Privy Council approved the title “Liverpool Hope University” in July 2005, granting full university status.

In March 2009, the university awarded Vasily Petrenko, Chief Conductor of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, an honorary doctorate and made him a Visiting Professor of Music.

In 2010 the Creative Campus was completed with the opening of The Capstone, a new Music Teaching building and performance venue which includes the Hope Theatre concert hall and Angel Field, a new garden with an outdoor performance area.

COURSES

The university comprises three faculties:

• Arts and Humanities
• Education
• Science

They are organised into 19 departments.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

For 2017 entry the standard offer level is between BCC–ABB at A Level or equivalent, or 104–128 new UCAS tariff points, plus any further subject specific entry requirements. Some subjects also require students to attend an interview or audition. The normal requirement for entry to a PGCE course is a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree. The normal requirement for entry to a Masters course is a First or Upper Second Class Honours degree. For a full list of acceptable qualifications and offer levels, the student has to refer to the subject entry profiles which are available from the UCAS website.

ACADEMIC STRENGTHS

A degree from Liverpool Hope University ensures exposure to top scholars in every department, excellent study facilities and a culture and ethos of individual care. English Literature and Language – all academic staff hold doctorates and almost half of its research rated as world-leading or internationally excellent in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF). Computer Science – led by research in Systems Engineering, Intelligent Systems and Simulation and Modelling. Education – over half of research rated as world-leading or internationally excellent in the 2014 REF and on teaching, “All indications are that the good outcomes in 2013 are strengthening” (Ofsted 2014).

Music – one of only six all-Steinway schools in UK higher education and producing world leading research as judged by the 2014 REF.

Theology – all staff submitted to the 2008 RAE and 2014 REF, producing world leading research.

Social Work – rooted in social justice, fully accredited qualifying courses at undergraduate and postgraduate level with research rated as world leading in 2014 REF.

TEACHING STANDARDS

First in the north west for student satisfaction with teaching, assessment and feedback, academic support  and personal development  (NSS 2015). In February 2016 Liverpool Hope was commended by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) for its enhancement of student learning opportunities. The QAA also identified examples of good practice in the integration of student support services with academic provision to enhance students’ engagement with their studies, and the university’s strategic approach to supporting staff development to enhance learning and teaching practices. Liverpool Hope is in the top 20 of all UK universities for the percentage of academic staff with doctorates – ahead of University of Birmingham, University of Lancaster, University of Leeds and King’s College London. Students learn from world leading academics, internationally acclaimed visiting professors and professional tutors with extensive practitioner or industry experience.

CAREERS GUIDANCE

They have developed a range of employability initiatives to help their students achieve their full potential. A careers programme is embedded in all subject areas. Their Employability Hub offers workshops with employers, careers fairs, a regular employability bulletin and advice on gaining both voluntary work experience and paid work. Careers advice and guidance is also available through 1:1 interviews. All students have access to My Career Centre – an online portal with interactive tools and advice. Students are also encouraged to register for the Service and Leadership Award, which, as well as encouraging community service, offers professional training in leadership. Incubation space for Liverpool Hope graduates starting their own business is also available. Students can register with Hope Works, which advertises part-time jobs on campus. The Employability Hub can also advise on applying for part time work locally.