Overview
The history of the University of Winchester dates back to the year 1840, after the establishment of the Winchester Diocesan Training School. This school was founded to prepare teachers to educate the poor. In the year 1847, this school changed to Winchester Training College. After significant changes, it was in the year 2005 that this university was recognized with its current name by the Privy Council, and in 2008, this council granted this university research degree awarding authorities. Furthermore, in 2013, the famous St. Alphege building was officially introduced in the university.
Divided into four quarters, namely the King Alfred Quarter, Medecroft Quarter, Bar End Quarter and the West Downs Quarter, the campus of this university is full of appealing facilities. The majority of the student life is concentrated in the King Alfred Quarter, which is near to the city of Winchester. This quarter has a bookshop, cafe, dining hall, a bar with a terrace and a gourmet burger company. Additionally, it is home to the Martial Rose Library which is accessible 24/7. On the other hand, the West Downs Quarter is home to the university's business school and the Link Gallery. It has a plethora of social learning spaces with the latest facilities. This university's campus is outlined to facilitate sustainability.
In the year 2017-2018, the University of Winchester recorded an impressive size of 422 academic staff and 546 support staff. These numbers saw an increase from the past academic year of 2016-2017. Additionally, in the same year, the student enrolment hiked up to 6,373 from 6,250. In this figure, 6.7% of students were international students coming from different countries across the globe. 86% of the students pursue a full-time education at this university and 67% of the students are females. This university received £0.6 million as research grants and contracts in the academic session of 2017-2018.
The University of Winchester has nurtured many famous alumni who are now leading successful careers. The university has set up an alumni association, called the Winton Club, to maintain a strong connection with these pioneers. Some of the known alumni of this university include television journalist Martin Bashir, famous BBC journalist Mike Bushell, comedian Nick Helm, popular writer Jill Marshall, politician Anne Snelgrove and rugby player Bob Taylor. Awarding winning actor and author Stuart Brennan was also a part of this university.
Services for International Students
International students have access to special services which include pre-arrival advice and an international induction programme, including an airport pickup service and workshops on life, study and culture in the UK. Student support advisers can be seen at any time for help with academic and related personal issues. The University also runs an organisation through the Student Union which aims to help integrate international students into life at Winchester.
Ranking
In REF 2021, Winchester research rated 4* or world leading in terms of originality, significance and rigour has increased threefold since the last REF in 2014. The volume of staff submitted also increased by 126 per cent.
There was a significant increase in institutional research power and the University is now placed at 98 for research power, compared with 107 in 2014. This represents the 17th biggest increase nationally.
Education produced the second largest increase in research power rank nationally, moving up 26 places to 36th. This world leading educational research informs Winchester's undergraduate and postgraduate educational provision, where the quality of its Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programmes is consistently rated by OFSTED as 'outstanding'.
Accommodation
The University of Winchester guarantees international students a place in University accommodation for the duration of their studies. Winchester offers accommodation both on and off campus, with private rented housing also available. There are almost 1,500 beds in total, many of which are en suite, with self catering options also available. The former are generally arranged as student villages or small flats of about six students to a kitchen, while the latter are more traditional halls of residence with corridors containing shared bathrooms and kitchenettes.
Location
The University of Winchester campus is located within walking distance of the centre of the city of Winchester, one hour from London. It is an ancient cathedral city and was chosen by Alfred the Great to be the capital of the kingdom of Wessex. It is also steeped in Arthurian myth, with the castle containing the legendary Round Table of King Arthur. In the present day, the city has a strong cultural scene, particularly stemming from a literary heritage. There are also numerous pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes, leading to a lively social scene at all hours.
Reference: https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/uk/universities/the-university-of-winchester, https://www.studyin-uk.com/laos/profiles/university/winchester/
Official Website:https://www.winchester.ac.uk/