University of Bolton

HISTORY

The University of Bolton (formerly Bolton Institute of Higher Education or simply Bolton Institute) is a public university in Bolton, Greater Manchester, England. It has approximately 14,000 students across all sites and courses, with 700 academic and professional staff. Around 70% of its students come from Bolton and the North West region. It ranked 93 out of 119 institutions in the newly released table.

The Times newspaper profile states: ‘The university sees itself as a regional institution, with around three quarters of the students coming from the North West, many through partner colleges’.

The university is a member of the North West Universities Association, Universities UK and Million+.

The University of Bolton traces its origins back to 1825 with the founding of Bolton Mechanics’ Institute.

In 1887 the Committee of the Mechanics’ Institute decided that the town’s apprentices required technical instruction for the rapidly expanding engineering advances being made at the turn of the nineteenth century. This resulted in the creation of the new Technical School with student numbers rising to more than 1,500.

In 1926 Bolton Technical School became a college.

In 1964 Bolton Technical College and Bolton Institute of Technology were divided into two separate organisations. A J Jenkinson, known as Jack, was Principal of the Technical College, Bolton College of Education (Technical) and then the first Principal of Bolton Institute of Technology.

Bolton Institute of Higher Education was formed in 1982 by the merger of the Bolton Institute of Technology (or simply Bolton Institute) and Bolton College of Education (Technical). Bolton Institute was awarded the right to award taught degrees in 1992, with the powers to award research degrees in 1995. In 1998 Mollie Temple became the third principal and successfully led the institution to achieve university status in 2004.

COURSES

As well as offering research opportunities, Masters and PhD degree, it is known for its vocationally focused and industry-relevant taught degree programmes. Its courses include Business and Media programmes. The Times states: ‘The university is not research-driven, but engineering, architecture and the built environment, social work and social policy all contained some ‘world-leading’ research in the 2008 assessments’. The Times made this statement despite the University ranking so low.

In November 2014 it became the first University in the North West to become a Living Wage employer. The University is also above average in closing the gender pay gap.

On 2 April 2016, the University of Bolton became again the sponsors of the Bolton Wanderers, in an agreement which will initially last until Summer 2016.

On 17 February 2016, it was announced that the University of Bolton would become the principal shirt sponsors of the Manchester Giants basketball team for the 2016 season.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

The UCAS tariffs for their 3 year honours degrees range from 96–112 points. The exact qualifications and grades needed vary between courses.

Most courses require students to have 5 GCSEs, including maths and English at Grace C or above. However, the exact qualifications and grades needed vary between courses.

Visit their website for more details on entry requirements for each course.

ACADEMIC STRENGTHS

Committed to providing a high-quality, research-informed and teaching-intensive environment.

Industry-orientated courses in specialist and traditional subject areas.

Complete University Guide 2016 rated us top five for student satisfaction in a number of courses.

Smaller than average class sizes, regular access to personal tutors and flexible study options.

Lecturers’ teaching ability consistently rated first class by government body AQA.

The Research Excellence Framework in 2014 judged them a world-leader in six research areas.

TEACHING STANDARDS

All of their staff are highly qualified and experienced, many are still active in research and have books and papers published regularly.

They are key to a successful career, and help their students build a base of industry contacts, preparing them for graduation.

Recently, the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) awarded a judgment of ‘confidence’ in academic standards and quality of learning opportunities at the University of Bolton.

CAREERS GUIDANCE

At the University of Bolton they strive to provide the best possible support to all of their students and graduates to help them gain employment and reach and achieve their career goals and aspirations.

Whether they are studying on a full-time or part-time basis, or they are an undergraduate or postgraduate student, they offer a range of careers and employability support adapted for their individual needs.

Their careers advisers are available throughout the week Monday to Friday for 1–1 appointments.

They offer practical advice with their career plans including help with applications and portfolios.

Their Careers Service was accredited in 2015 by Customer Service Excellence.

They host an annual careers fair with more than 70 companies and organisations represented.

They have an on campus Job-Shop where students can find part-time, holiday and volunteering work.