University of Huddersfield

HISTORY

In 1825 there was an attempt to set up a Scientific and Mechanics Institution in the town. Supported by a group of donors, its Patron was leading Whig and large local landowner Sir John Ramsden. Its aims were to instruct local mechanics and tradesmen in scientific principles relating to their work, through lectures and a circulation library, which by 1827 contained over 700 volumes. The financial crisis of 1825–1826 led to the failure of the institution’s bankers, and it faltered and later became part of the Huddersfield Philosophical Society, an organisation with which its rules now more closely aligned.

It was in 1841 that five young men who were employed by local industrialist Frederick Schwann (born in Frankfurt c.1799–1882), approached their employer for support in establishing a new subscription library and some elementary educational classes, ‘to supply in some cases the deficiency of early instruction, and to procure for others the means of further improvement’.  A subscription library was founded, and classes were delivered in Reading, writing, arithmetic, grammar, geography, design and French.

The continued prosperity of the institution during the 1860s has been attributed to two main developments – the demand for more technical and scientific education, and the introduction of an examination system by the newly formed national Department of Science and Art. The institution managed an examinations system and gave grants to science schools (often based in Mechanics’ Institutions) on a ‘payment by results’ basis. In 1857 the Society of Arts held its first examinations outside London at Huddersfield.

COURSES

The university is organised into the following academic schools:

• Applied Sciences
• Art, Design and Architecture
• Computing and Engineering
• Education and Professional Development
• Business
• Human and Health Sciences
• Music, Humanities and Media

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Visit the website for information about entry standards at Huddersfield.

Their admissions policy on A level, AS Level and GCSE requirements can also be found on their website.

ACADEMIC STRENGTHS

Strong partnerships with industry and practice, including the 3M Buckley Innovation Centre, AstraZeneca and the NHS.

A continuing focus on work placements means that 100% of their students have the opportunity to undertake professional work experience during their studies.

Named the New University of the Year in 2015 at the Educate North Awards.

TEACHING STANDARDS

The UK’s only university where 100% of teaching staff are Fellows of the Higher Education Academy.

Many of their courses hold professional accreditation including RIBA, ACCA and IET.

UK’s leading university for the receipt of National Teaching Fellowships to mark Britain’s best lecturers in Higher Education for the past eight years.

CAREERS GUIDANCE

The university’s Careers Service offers a range of support and guidance to University of Huddersfield students and graduates. More information are available on their website.