Loughborough University

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Coordinates: 52°46′6″N 1°13′43″W / 52.76833°N 1.22861°W / 52.76833; -1.22861

Loughborough University
Loughborough University's Coat of Arms.svg
Coat of Arms of Loughborough University
Motto Veritate, Scientia, Labore (Latin)
Motto in English
 by Truth, Wisdom and Labour
Established 1966 – Loughborough University of Technology established by Royal Charter[1][2]
1909 – Loughborough Technical Institute
Type Public
Endowment £1.31 m (2011)[3]
Chancellor Sir Nigel Rudd
Vice-Chancellor Robert Allison
Visitor Sir Charles McCullough[4]
Administrative staff
 2,915
Students 16,120[5]
Undergraduates 11,695[5]
Postgraduates 4,425[5]
Other students
 1,205 FE[5]
Location Loughborough,, England
Campus Suburban, Single-site campus (437 acres)
Colours
                                       
Nickname Lufbra, Lboro
Affiliations Universities UK, AMBA, EUA, ACU, EMUA, EQUIS, ESRC, UNITECH, SEFI, M5 Universities
Website www.lboro.ac.uk
Loughborough University logo.svg

Loughborough University (abbreviated as Lough for post-nominals)[6] is a public research university located in the market town of Loughborough, Leicestershire, in the East Midlands of England. In March 2013, the university announced it had acquired the former broadcast centre at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park which opens as a second campus in 2015. It was a member of the 1994 Group until the group was dissolved in November 2013. The university recently won its seventh Queen's Anniversary Prize, awarded for the relevance of its research.[7]

It has been a university since 1966, but the institution dates back to 1909, when the then Loughborough Technical Institute began with a focus on skills and knowledge which would be directly applicable in the wider world. Loughborough ranks particularly highly for engineering and technology[8] and is noted for its sports-related courses and achievements.[9]

History[edit]

Origins[edit]

The university traces its roots back to 1909 when a Technical Institute was founded in the town centre. There followed a period of rapid expansion during which the institute was renamed Loughborough College and the development of the present campus began.

In the early years, efforts were made to mimic the environment of an Oxbridge college (e.g. requiring students to wear gowns to lectures) whilst maintaining a strong practical counterbalance to academic learning. During World War I, the institute served as an "instructional factory", training workers for the munitions industry.[10]

The Loughborough colleges[edit]

Following the war, the institute fragmented into four separate colleges:

  • Loughborough Training College (teacher training)
  • Loughborough College of Art (art and design)
  • Loughborough College of Further Education (technical and vocational)
  • Loughborough College of Technology (technology and science)

The last was to become the nucleus of the present university. Its rapid expansion from a small provincial college to the first British technical university was due largely to the efforts of its principals, Herbert Schofield who led it from 1915 to 1950 and Herbert Haslegrave who oversaw its further expansion from 1953 to 1967, and steered its progress first to a College of Advanced Technology and then a university.[11] In 1966, the College of Advanced Technology as it had then become received university status. In 1977, the university broadened its range of studies by amalgamating with Loughborough College of Education (formerly the Training College). More recently, in August 1998, the university merged with Loughborough College of Art and Design (LCAD). Loughborough College is still a college of further education.

The influence of Herbert Schofield[edit]

Schofield became principal in 1915 and continued to lead the College of Technology until 1950. Over his years as principal, the college changed almost beyond recognition. He purchased the estate of Burleigh Hall on the western outskirts of the town, which became the nucleus of the present 433 acre (1.75 km2) campus. He also oversaw the building of the original Hazlerigg and Rutland halls of residence, which are now home to the university's administration and the vice chancellor's offices.

From college to university[edit]

British Aerospace EAP at the Department of Aeronautical and Automotive Engineering

An experienced educationist, Herbert Haslegrave took over as college principal in 1953, and by both increasing the breadths and raising standards, gained it the status of Colleges of Advanced Technology in 1958. He further persuaded the Department of Education to buy further land and began a building programme.[11] In 1963, the Robbins Report on higher education recommended that all colleges of advanced technology should be given the status of universities. Consequently, Loughborough College of Technology was granted a Royal Charter on 19 April 1966 and became Loughborough University of Technology (LUT), with Haslegrave as its first vice-chancellor.[10]

It gradually remodelled itself in the image of the plate glass universities of the period, which had also been created under Robbins.

Later history[edit]

In 1977, Loughborough Training College (now renamed Loughborough College of Education) was absorbed into the university. The Arts College was also amalgamated with the university in 1998. These additions have diluted the technological flavour of the institution, causing it to resemble more a traditional university with its mix of humanities, arts and sciences. Consequently in 1996, the university dropped the "of Technology" from its title, becoming "Loughborough University".[10]

The shortened name "Lufbra" is commonly used by the students' union,[12] the alumni association[13] and others.

The university has also been housing the Nike Football Academy since August 2011.[14]

Campus[edit]

Walled garden

The university's main campus is in the Leicestershire town of Loughborough and until 2003 it was developing a secondary campus at Peterborough. The Loughborough campus (once the estate of Burleigh Hall) covers an area of 433 acres (1.75 km2), and includes academic departments, halls of residence, the Students' Union, two gyms, gardens and playing fields.

Of particular interest are the walled garden, the "garden of remembrance", the Hazlerigg-Rutland Hall fountain-courtyard and the Bastard Gates.

In the central quadrangle of the campus stands a famous cedar, which has often appeared as a symbol for the university. Unfortunately a heavy snowfall in December 1990 led to the collapse of the upper canopy which gave the tree its distinctive shape.[citation needed]

The recent acquisition by the university of Holywell Park from Advantica Technologies and a 23-acre (93,000 m2) parcel of land between New Ashby Road and Holywell Park from 3M Health Care Limited has increased the size of the campus to 433 acres (1.75 km2).

Library[edit]

Pilkington Library

The Pilkington Library opened in 1980. It covers 9,161 square metres over four floors with 1375 study places (up from 780 prior to the renovation in late 2013). The Library has a history of undertaking research in the field of library and information work. There is an open access area where students are allowed to take in cold food and drinks as well as to engage in group discussions.

Academic profile[edit]

The university has 24 academic departments and over 30 research institutes, divided between ten schools since the university's new school structure was implemented for the academic year 2011/12. Previous to this the departments and research institutes were split between three faculties: Science, Engineering and Social Science & Humanities.

It has approximately 18,500 students, 61% of whom are undergraduates and 32% are pursuing postgraduate courses and/or research. Its current Chancellor is Sir Nigel Rudd, (the previous chancellor, Sir John Jennings CBE, FRSE, retired from the position in summer 2010, having served for seven years), and its Vice-Chancellor is Robert Allison.

The university has won six Queen's Anniversary Prizes for Higher and Further Education for work with the aeronautical and automotive industries (1994); support for developing countries (1998); for a pioneering role in developing applications of modern optics and laser technologies (2000); for its world leading roles in sports research, education and development (2002); for its world leading role in social policy in recognition of its outstanding and widely respected work in evaluating and helping develop social policy-related programmes, such as those for cared for children, social security policy, crime prevention, education initiatives and young carers (2006); and for recognition of its vehicle, road and driver safety research (2007).[15]

In The Guardian 2012 league tables, Loughborough was ranked 9th. In the 2007 Times rankings it was 6th overall but fell to 12th position in 2008.[16] Loughborough was placed 11th in the latest edition of The Sunday Times University Guide, published on 11 September 2011.[17] The University has the largest sports scholarship programme in the UK. There are currently over 250 international athletes studying and training there, and the 2010 International Rope Skipping Foundation's world championships were hosted in Loughborough university.[18]

Rankings and reputation[edit]

Rankings
QS[19]
(2014/15, national)		 34
QS[19]
(2014/15, world)		 244
THE[20]
(2014/15, national)		 46
THE[20]
(2014/15, world)		 351-400
Complete[21]
(2015, national)		 13
The Guardian[22]
(2015, national)		 15
Times/Sunday Times[23]
(2015, national)		 13

Loughborough University is highly ranked among the top 10 in various subjects areas namely:[24] Accounting & Finance, Aeronautical & Automotive Engineering, Business Studies, Chemical Engineering, Civil & Building Engineering, Communication & Media Studies, Hospitality, Leisure, Recreation & Tourism, Librarianship & Information Management, Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering, and Sports Science.[25] Furthermore, subject areas such as Building, Information Science and Sports Science at Loughborough have consistently been ranked 1st or 2nd in the UK major league tables.

Prime minister David Cameron giving Olympics Speech at Loughborough University in 2011
University Centre of Cricket Excellence (UCCE) cricket ground
England and Wales Cricket Board's National Academy

The Centre for Renewable Energy Systems Technology, or CREST, runs the internationally recognised masters programme in renewable energy. The Department of Politics, History and International Relations, or PHIR as it is commonly known, is home to a number of world class experts in the area of European politics and international relations, including Michael H. Smith, Emeritus Professor David Allen and Brian Hocking. One particularly noted research group is the Globalization and World Cities Research Network thinktank, which has pioneered the study of world cities. The Centre for Research in Social Policy is a self-funding autonomous research centre based within the Department of Social Sciences. It is responsible for calculating the Minimum Income Standard in the United Kingdom for the Joseph Rowntree Foundation.

ECB National Academy which is also known as the National Cricket Performance Centre has been based at Loughborough University since 2003. It provides world top-class indoor and outdoor training facilities for cricketers. Every year famous cricketers visit Loughborough University due to its training and fitness infrastructure.

Loughborough University is renowned in the UK for its sports provisions.[26] Loughborough University is home to the world's largest university-based sports technology research group, which is part of the internationally acclaimed Sports Technology Institute. SportPark, based at the university provides a state-of-the-art home for national sporting bodies including Youth Sport Trust, British Swimming and several other national governing bodies. Home to the ECB England National Cricket Academy and the LTA Tennis Academy. Loughborough has performed exceedingly well in the BUCS Overall Championship for more than thirty years.

Loughborough University has been awarded the Best Student Experience for five years running (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010) according to the Times Higher Education,[27] placing second to the University of Dundee in 2011. The university was also named the 2008 Sunday Times "University of the Year."[28] In the Complete University Guide 2011 the university's departments were rated top ten in 15 subject groups. Almost 75% of Loughborough's subject areas were ranked in the top ten for overall satisfaction. Loughborough University has been awarded six Queen's Anniversary Prizes. Extensive links with industry. Many degrees are industry-sponsored and sandwich placements are available on more than 60% of the degrees offered. Loughborough University is also one of the top 20 universities targeted by large, graduate employers.

The university had been chosen as a base by both the Great Britain team[29] and the Japanese team for the 2012 Summer Olympics.[30] Students and graduates of Loughbourgh won four bronze medals in the 2012 Summer Olympics.[31]

Organisation[edit]

School of Business and Economics

Loughborough University is headed by a Vice-Chancellor, Robert Allison. The university is organised into ten schools:

  • School of Aeronautical, Automotive, Chemical and Materials Engineering (Comprising the departments of Aeronautical and Automotive Engineering, Chemical Engineering and Materials)
  • School of Business and Economics
  • School of Civil and Building Engineering
  • Loughborough Design School
  • School of Electronic, Electrical and Systems Engineering
  • Wolfson School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering
  • School of Science (Comprising the departments of Chemistry, Computer Science, Information Science, Physics and the School of Mathematics)
  • School of Social, Political and Geographical Sciences (Comprising the departments of Geography, PHIR and Social Sciences)
  • School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences
  • School of the Arts, English and Drama (Comprising the School of the Arts and the Department of English & Drama)

Each of these 10 schools has a senior management team (School SMTs) consisting of Deans, Associate Deans for Teaching, Research and Enterprise, and Operations Managers. With this change of organisation within the university the new Academic Leadership Team (ALT), made up of the Vice Chancellor, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Chief Operating Officer, Director of Finance, the Pro Vice Chancellors for Research, Teaching and Enterprise, and the 10 new Deans, replaced the previous Executive Leadership Team (ELT).

Wolfson School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering
School of Civil and Building Engineering
Department of Chemistry at Loughborough University
Charnwood building at the holywell park covered in the snow

Traditions[edit]

The official colour of the university is African Violet, with students taking part in practical sessions on Sport & Exercise Science courses having to wear the school kit in this colour. The coat of arms incorporates several symbols relevant to the history of the Loughborough area, including Offa of Mercia's cross (a symbol of the ancient kingdom of Mercia, within whose borders the town now stands) and the peafowl from the arms of the Dukes of Rutland. The motto of the university is veritate scientia labore ("with truth, wisdom and labour", or, alternatively, "with truth, knowledge and work", depending on the translation).[citation needed]

The university has a strong tradition in both engineering and sporting. From its strong engineering and technical background it has now expanded, becoming a centre of excellence in the field of sports and sports science.[citation needed] It has graduated a number of world-class athletes including Paula Radcliffe and Lord Coe. In keeping with this tradition, Loughborough University students have won the British Universities Sports Association championship every year for over three decades. Sports students were previously entitled to wear a different style of scarf from other undergraduates however this has now been discontinued.[citation needed] The university is the home of the England and Wales Cricket Board's National Academy, opened in November 2003.

The phonetic spelling "Lufbra" is sometimes used amongst students, graduates, and in Students' Union publications, and the name is also often abbreviated to "lboro" both casually as well as within more formal/academic circles, stemmed from the university's URL of "www.lboro.ac.uk".

There is a one week break between semester one and semester two. Normally little to no exams are scheduled in this week therefore students are presented with a week free from studies. This week is referred to as Refreshers Week by most students.

Student life[edit]

Students' Union[edit]

Main article: Loughborough Students' Union

The Union building sits in the north-eastern corner of the campus, and offers a range of facilities for clubs and societies, retail, entertainment and other activities. The Union has five rooms, each with its own theme. Loughborough Students Union (LSU), was awarded the International Experience Award 2011 by the National Union of Students (NUS).

As well as representing the student body through Union Council and offering academic support through Loughborough Students’ Voice the union has five main sections for students to get involved with and make the most out of their student experience:

The athletic union offers 56 different sporting clubs, both elite and recreational, for students, graduates and staff to join offering opportunities for everyone to get involved with sport.

The Societies Federation consists of 61 societies run by an elected committee of students. Students can get involved with anything from skydiving or hot air ballooning to ballroom dancing or the big food society.[32]

Action is the volunteering section offering a range of opportunities for students to get There are 45 regular projects working with young people, the elderly, special needs, the homeless or the environment and there are weekly one-off A-team projects which happen throughout the year.[33]

Loughborough Students' Rag is a student fundraising organisation. Last year making £1,134,500.66 for local, national and international charities. Students can get involved through street collections or sponsored events such as the London Marathon or climbing Kilimanjaro.[34]

Loughborough has its own media centre offering the opportunities to make TV shows with LSUTV, have your own radio show with LCR or write for the student magazine Label. You can also practice with your band in Aura recording studio.[35]

Loughborough University, Epinal Way entrance.

Student halls[edit]

As of 2014, there are a total of 17 halls of residence, many of which are named after famous scientists and engineers.[36] The halls are as follows:

Name Location Open to Catering status
Robert Bakewell Village Park Undergraduates only Self-catering
Butler Court (with A Block) East Park Undergraduates only Self-catering
Cayley Village Park Undergraduates only Catered
David Collett West Park Undergraduates only Catered
Falkner–Eggington Central Park Undergraduates and postgraduates Self-catering
Faraday Village Park Undergraduates only Catered
Forest Court Off campus Postgraduates only Self-catering
Harry French Off campus Undergraduates and postgraduates Self-catering
Hazlerigg–Rutland Village Park Undergraduates only Self-catering
The Holt Off campus Undergraduates only Self-catering
William Morris Off campus Undergraduates only Self-catering
John Phillips Village Park Postgraduates only Self-catering
Elvyn Richards Village Park Undergraduates only Catered
Royce Village Park Undergraduates only Catered
Rutherford Village Park Undergraduates only Catered
Telford Village Park Undergraduates only Self-catering
Towers East Park Undergraduates only Catered

Of these, Hazlerigg–Rutland, John Phillips, Elvyn Richards and Telford have names that were previously used for halls of residence that have since been repurposed, renamed or merged with other halls.

  • Butler Court Hall

  • Cayley Hall

  • David Collett Hall

  • Elvyn Richards Hall

  • Hazlerigg-Rutland Hall

  • John Phillips Hall

  • Robert Bakewell Hall

  • Royce Hall

  • Rutherford Hall

  • Telford Hall[dated info]

  • Whitworth Tower, now part of Rutherford Hall

University leadership[edit]

Loughborough University's campus from the town's Carillon tower.

Deans[edit]

Chancellors[edit]

Principals[edit]

Vice Chancellors[edit]

Notable alumni[edit]

See also: Category:Alumni of Loughborough University

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Lboro.ac.uk". Lboro.ac.uk. Retrieved 23 October 2011. 
  2. ^ "Hansard.millbanksystems.com". Hansard.millbanksystems.com. 3 August 1966. Retrieved 23 October 2011. 
  3. ^ http://www.lboro.ac.uk/admin/financial/downloads/financial_statements_10-11.pdf
  4. ^ "Officers of the University". Lboro.ac.uk. Retrieved 18 February 2013. 
  5. ^ a b c d "Table 0a – All students by institution, mode of study, level of study, gender and domicile 2010/11" (Microsoft Excel spreadsheet). Higher Education Statistics Agency. Retrieved 19 July 2012. 
  6. ^ http://www.ox.ac.uk/media/global/wwwoxacuk/localsites/gazette/documents/universitycalendar/Calendar_Style_Guide_2012.pdf. Retrieved 13 December 2012.  Missing or empty |title= (help)
  7. ^ http://www.lboro.ac.uk/about/achievements/qap.html
  8. ^ "QS Top Universities:Loughborough University". http://www.topuniversities.com/. Retrieved 20 December 2012. 
  9. ^ "Guardian University Guide 2013: Loughborough University". London: guardian.co.uk. 10 May 2009. Retrieved 22 August 2012. 
  10. ^ a b c Loughborough University 40th Anniversary Pages History
  11. ^ a b 175 Heroes Herbert Haslegrave
  12. ^ Welcome to Lufbra Students Union
  13. ^ Alumni association
  14. ^ "Nike Football Academy starts the new season at a new home". Loughborough University. 12 August 2011. Retrieved 6 November 2012. 
  15. ^ "Queen's Anniversary Prize". 
  16. ^ Watson, Roland. "Good University Guide". The Times (London). Retrieved 11 May 2010. [dead link]
  17. ^ "The Sunday Times". 
  18. ^ "Announcements". 
  19. ^ a b "QS World University Rankings 2014/15". Quacquarelli Symonds. Retrieved 19 September 2014. 
  20. ^ a b "Top European Universities 2014-15". Times Higher Education. Retrieved 2 October 2014. 
  21. ^ "University League Table 2015". The Complete University Guide. Retrieved 5 June 2014. 
  22. ^ "University league table 2015 - the complete list". The Guardian. 2 June 2014. Retrieved 5 June 2014. 
  23. ^ "The Times and Sunday Times University League Tables 2015". Times Newspapers. Retrieved 22 September 2014. 
  24. ^ Loughborough University. Complete University Guide. Retrieved on 2013-07-28.
  25. ^ Complete University Guide 2012. Lboro.ac.uk. Retrieved on 2013-07-28.
  26. ^ "Sports reputation, facilities and provisions". telegraph.co.uk. Retrieved 21 June 2011. 
  27. ^ "Lboro.ac.uk". Lboro.ac.uk. Retrieved 23 October 2011. 
  28. ^ Sunday Times 21 September 2008.
  29. ^ "New base for Olympic GB athletes". BBC News. 14 April 2010. 
  30. ^ "Search.japantimes.co.jp". The Japan Times. 18 June 2010. Retrieved 23 October 2011. 
  31. ^ "Podium FE/HE Medals Table". PODIUM. Retrieved 22 August 2012. 
  32. ^ http://www.lufbra.net/societies/
  33. ^ http://www.lufbra.net/action/
  34. ^ http://www.lufbra.net/rag/
  35. ^ http://www.lufbra.net/media/
  36. ^ Loughborough University Halls Of Residence
  37. ^ Prior to the 1966 Royal Charter the Chair of Governors held the comparable position.
  38. ^ Majendie, Matt (15 July 2013). "James Dasaolu’s coming of age catapults Briton into big time". The Independent. Retrieved 1 August 2013. 

Further reading[edit]

  • L. M. Cantor & G. F. Matthews (1977) Loughborough from College to University: A History of Higher Education at Loughborough, 1909–66 ISBN 0-902761-19-6.
  • Leonard Cantor (1990) Loughborough University Of Technology: Past And Present ASIN B0011T8ABK.

External links[edit]

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