London University of Greenwich

University of Greenwich

Motto	"To learn, to do, to achieve."
Established	1992 - University of Greenwich 1970 - Thames Polytechnic 1890 - Woolwich Polytechnic
Chancellor	Lord Hart of Chilton
Vice-Chancellor	Tessa Blackstone
Students	24,915
Undergraduates	17,990
Postgraduates	6,925
Location	Greenwich Campus, London, Avery Hill Campus, London, Medway Campus, Kent 51°29′06″N 0°00′14″W / 51.485111°N 0.003905°W / 51.485111; -0.003905Coordinates: 51°29′06″N 0°00′14″W / 51.485111°N 0.003905°W / 51.485111; -0.003905
Website	www.gre.ac.uk

The University of Greenwich is a British university located in the London Borough of Greenwich, London, England. The main campus is located on the grounds of the Old Royal Naval College, a central location within the Maritime Greenwich UNESCO World Heritage Site.

History

The Old Royal Naval College with Queen's House (behind the statue) and the Royal Observatory.

The history of the University dates back to 1890, when Woolwich Polytechnic was founded as the second-oldest Polytechnic of the United Kingdom. In 1970, Woolwich Polytechnic merged with various other higher education institutions to form Thames Polytechnic. In the following years, Dartford College (1976), Avery Hill College (1985), Garnett College (1987) and parts of Goldsmiths College and the City of London College (1988) were incorporated, extending considerably the range of subjects taught.

In 1992, the century-old Thames Polytechnic was granted university status by the Major government (together with various other polytechnics) and renamed University of Greenwich. Traditionally, the institution has focused on engineering, mathematics, computing and natural science. In recent decades, its Business School has become a particular strength.

Since the 19th century, the University has expanded from a technical institution to teach a range of subjects across engineering, natural sciences, social sciences, humanities and business. Its research focus is applied science with strong links to the scientific community.

Since 2004, it has been run by Vice Chancellor Tessa Blackstone. Blackstone, a Labour life peer, who was previously Master of Birkbeck College. She served as Minister for Education (1997–2001) and Minister for Arts (2001–2003) of the United Kingdom under the Labour government. She took her Ph.D at the London School of Economics before becoming the Professor of Educational Administration at University of London Institute of Education. Under her leadership, several world-class professors had been recruited by the University of Greenwich.

Among its prominent alumni are Nobel Laureate Charles Kao, former British Minister for Transport Richard Marsh, former British Minister of State Gareth Thomas, and business leader George Rose, among numerous others.

The University of Greenwich is ranked 99 out of 119 institutions according to the Guardian University Guide 2012 University League Table.

The Complete University Guide rank Greenwich 109 out of 116 in their University League Table 2012 .

Teaching and research

University of Greenwich from Isle of Dogs

The University won the Queen's Anniversary Prizes for Higher and Further Education in 2008. It also has links with further education colleges in the Thames Gateway area, including Bexley College and North West Kent College, and plays a regional role in training teachers, nurses and social care professionals. In addition, since taking over the UKs only specialist lecturer training college (Garnett College) it has become a major centre for training further education lecturers. It also includes Greenwich Maritime Institute, a freestanding department in the university with links in the maritime business community, teaching maritime policy and management and maritime history. the

The University established the Medway School of Pharmacy jointly with the University of Kent.

In March 2005 it was announced that Greenwich would be one of three British universities charging less than the £3000-per-year limit to be introduced from academic year 2006. After consultation with students, Greenwich will charge £2,500 for its undergraduate courses. Vice-chancellor Baroness Blackstone said this was "a reflection of our wish to attract students from a wide range of backgrounds".

Greenwich also houses research and consultancy in architecture, landscape architecture, employment relations, fire safety, natural resources, social network analysis, education, training, educational leadership and public services. The University of Greenwich has established research partnerships with the European Space Agency and the large pharmaceutical companies. Support comes as well from the Indian government and Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Education.

The University of Greenwich has recently established the Institute of Converging Arts and Sciences, directed by Professor Sue Golding, to examine the development of digital technology, its aesthetics and philosophy. The inaugural conference of the Institute in October 2009 included a public lecture by Dame Wendy Hall. Another research center is the Natural Resources Institute in Medway, Kent.

Bird College

Bird College is a specialist dance and performing arts college based in Sidcup in the London Borough of Bexley in Southeast London. The University of Greenwich validates its degrees. Graduate destinations include West End and Broadway theatre, dance companies, music, film and television. The college's founder Doreen Bird, was awarded an honorary MA by the University in 1999 and Tony Clayton, a former Dean of the University, currently serves as Chairman of the college's Board of Directors.

Foundation Degree in Creative Industries: Acting
BA (Hons): Dance & Theatre Performance
MA by Research: Dance and Musical Theatre

ALRA

The Academy of Live and Recorded Arts is a specialist drama college based in Wandsworth, London. Graduate destinations include West End theatre, film and television.

BA (Hons): Acting
MA: Professional Acting
Foundation Degree: Stage Management & Technical Theatre

Other

ABRS Management and Technology Institute
Bexley College
Bromley College
Canterbury College
European School of Osteopathy
Greenwich Community College
Hadlow College
Lewisham College
North West Kent College
Orpington College
South Xrub Centre
West Kent College

Notable alumni

Amongst the alumni of the University of Greenwich (or other institutions that now fall under that banner) are:

Charles K. Kao, Nobel Prize Winner in Physics for Transmission of light in fibre optics, 2009. The scientist studied a BSc Degree under University of London International Programmes via Woolwich Polytechnic.
Bola Agbaje, playwright
Natasha Bedingfield, pop singer
V. Rev. Dr. John Behr, theologian
Malorie Blackman, children's author
Alex Cartana, singer-songwriter and actress
Dr. Campbell Christie, chairman of Falkirk F.C.
Siobhan Dowd, writer (A Swift Pure Cry)
Leo Fortune-West, professional footballer
Sarah Gillespie singer- songwriter
Pippa Guard, actress
Gareth Hale, comedian
Patrick Harrington, former leader of the British National Front
Rachael Heyhoe-Flint, cricketer
Brian Jacks, 1972 Summer Olympics bronze medalist Judo
Matt James, musician (Gene)

Graham Kendrick, Christian worship leader
Sammy Lee, IVF specialist
Baron Marsh, politician
Lucy Masoud, reality TV participant (Shipwrecked II)
Joe Nyangon, author and entrepreneur
Chinenye Ochuba, former Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria
Norman Pace, comedian
Ann Packer, 1964 Summer Olympics gold medalist
Richard Pybus, cricket coach
Lara Pulver, Olivier Award-nominated dancer and actress
Jamie Reynolds, musician (Klaxons)
George Rose, businessman
Dave Rowntree, musician (Blur)
Peter Skinner, MEP
Aramazd Stepanian, playwright
William G. Stewart, TV presenter (Fifteen to One)
Gareth Thomas, politician

Information for schools

The university works with schools and colleges to increase the number of students from under-represented groups in society who enter into higher education. We deliver information sessions to teachers, careers advisers. For an introduction to what’s on offer at the university, follow the links below:

Student ambassadors

We have over 400 student ambassadors who work in the school to support attainment and raise aspirations.

Subject specific workshops

Enrich your curriculum with workshops that will extend your students' practical and theoretical knowledge.

Attend an open day

You can use our open days and subject events to show your students what it would be like to study here.

Taster Days

Our range of taster days give students the opportunity to experience university life for a day.

HE application support

Our targeted workshops will help your students to understand the UCAS process.

Order a prospectus

Get specific details on programmes and a taste of the university's campus life delivered straight to your door.

Schools and institutes

The University of Greenwich’s Schools and institutes have a proud and historic tradition of helping students attain academic excellence in a diverse range of disciplines and fields.

School of Architecture, Design & Construction

Our design and built-environment programmes open the door to creative and fulfilling careers in the design and construction industries.

The Business School

Our undergraduate and postgraduate business programmes combine teaching by experienced staff with work placements, business simulations and guest lectures by industry experts.

School of Computing & Mathematical Sciences

We are internationally renowned for our leading-edge research and pioneering programmes in mathematics, statistics, software engineering, computing and multimedia technologies.

School of Education

We have been running education programmes for more than 100 years and are one of the largest providers of teacher training in the country. We also offer a diverse range of academic, professional and postgraduate programmes in education and childhood studies.

School of Engineering

Engineering has been a cornerstone of teaching at Greenwich since 1890. Our programmes cover the whole spectrum of information-age engineering and are specially designed to meet business and industry requirements.

Greenwich Maritime Institute (GMI)

Our specialist maritime institute is located in the historic Old Royal Naval College and offers postgraduate programmes in maritime management, policy and history.

School of Health & Social Care

We provide pre-registration midwifery and nursing training, and a range of foundation through to postgraduate programmes in health, paramedic science, psychology, speech and language therapy, social care, social work and more, together with continuing professional development courses.

School of Humanities & Social Sciences

We run a wide range of humanities and social sciences degree programmes and are committed to academic excellence in key disciplines such as literature, history, law, sociology, creative writing and international politics.

Medway School of Pharmacy

Our newest School is a unique collaboration between the University of Greenwich and the University of Kent and offers innovative, patient-focused programmes aimed at healthcare professionals.

Natural Resources Institute (NRI)

The NRI is an internationally recognised, multidisciplinary centre that offers postgraduate courses and continuing professional development in all aspects of natural resources management.

School of Science

We have a reputation for innovation and introduced the first degrees in pharmaceutical sciences, sports science and postgraduate osteopathy, as well as the first biosciences degree to have been approved by the Institute of Biology.

Academic units

Educational Development Unit

The EDU is at the centre of activity to maximise the effectiveness of student learning, teaching and assessment at the university.

Research vision

The University of Greenwich is building a vibrant research and enterprise culture which informs teaching, benefits the community and society, and enriches the creativity and innovation of staff.
We undertake a wide range of research and enterprise, including work in the humanities and creative arts, health and social care, and science and engineering. Our research record has deep roots, going back more than a century. At the same time, we are nurturing emerging research areas, and supporting the career development of a growing network of early career researchers.

Innovation and partnership

Our researchers work with international business and industry clients, with local and regional councils, with health services, and with governments and charitable agencies in developing countries.
We are partners in the Medway Innovation Centre providing both technical and commercial development expertise to new businesses across South East England. Our Greenwich Research & Enterprise office was shortlisted for the 2010 Times Higher Education Outstanding Research Management Team.

Investing for success

In addition to expanding work undertaken by our established research groups, we are developing new and exciting initiatives in a range of areas including genomics, fragment-based drug discovery, pest-control, serious computer games, and sports science.
Revenues from externally-funded grants and contracts are increasing by more than 25% per annum, and the number of Knowledge Transfer Partnerships undertaken by the university has trebled in the past three years. The overall contract value for research at the University of Greenwich was the highest among the post-1992 group of institutions (HE-BCI survey).
Research and enterprise at the University of Greenwich has much to contribute to the regions we serve, and with current rapid growth the university is a very exciting place to be.

Research successes

Read more about how our research has been recognised with prestigious awards over the past few years.

Looking to work on research with us?

Research study

Working towards the award of a postgraduate degree is a rich and fulfilling experience.

Research for Business

Find out how our research expertise can help your business.

Research centres & facilities

Our Schools and departments run award-winning programmes that make a valuable contribution to business, industry and the community.
Research is led by experienced Directors of Research who have achieved international recognition in their field. They give postgraduates the opportunity to carry out cutting-edge research using world-class research facilities while providing businesses with the highest quality expertise.

Current research

Research directory

A comprehensive list of the wide-ranging research currently being carried out across the university.

Research centres

School of Architecture & Construction

We are dedicated to solving real-world problems and benefiting business, industry and regional and international communities through high-quality research based around sustainable development and buildings and design.

Business School

We advance business policy and practice through research programmes structured around five core areas: social network analysis, public services, work and employment, governance, risk and accountability and supply chain management.

School of Computing & Mathematical Sciences

Research conducted by our postgraduate students has been acclaimed for addressing practical and significant real-life problems in areas such as fire safety engineering, computational mechanics, aero acoustics and network optimisation.

School of Education

We are proud of our close, long-standing relationships with external educational partners. Our current areas of research include vocational education and training, secondary and primary school improvement and youth education.

School of Engineering

We carry out research activities in five key areas: the storage and handling of bulk solids, electronics manufacturing, computer and communications engineering, infrastructure management and innovative product development.

Greenwich Maritime Institute (GMI)

Greenwich Maritime Institute's current research projects include: Compassion and Politics: Age, Disability and the Greenwich Hospital Project 1694-1763; Women in Fishing; and Sustaining the Empire: War, the Navy and the Contractor State.

School of Health & Social Care

High-quality academic and applied research into health, psychology and social care is carried out at our Centre for Research & Development, our Centre for the Support of Fragile Families and our Department of Psychology and Counselling.

School of Humanities & Social Sciences

We run postgraduate research programmes in fields and disciplines such as media studies, cultural studies, literature and linguistics, social and political history, creative writing, social sciences, law and criminology.

School of Science

Our School of Science's research activities have garnered worldwide praise and recognition. The School's researchers regularly give presentations on their work at national and international conferences and our postgraduate students frequently secure noteworthy jobs.

Natural Resources Institute (NRI)

Research projects conducted within our Natural Resources Institute have been recognised internationally and have won numerous awards. The institute's thriving research programme is supported by unrivalled facilities and a world-class tropical agriculture library.

eCentre

The eCentre is the University of Greenwich's research centre for digital technologies, the development and use of new services and technologies across the web, and any other distributed systems.

Student lifestyle

Thanks in no small part to its close proximity to central London, student lifestyle is very much alive and kicking at the University of Greenwich.

The Students' Union also provides listings of things to do and places to see around the three main campuses.

Our Campus Explorer can help you find your way round the university. You can also use it to plan your day or night out with interactive maps of the areas local to each campus.

What’s on at the Students' Unions

SUUG

Check out the new website covering the Greenwich and Avery Hill Campuses.

UMSA

Check out the Universities at Medway Students' Association website.

University interactive guides

Campus Explorer

Find your way around our Avery Hill, Greenwich and Medway Campuses in our interactive guide.

Student Calculator

The student calculator is a simple financial aid designed to give you an idea of what you spend in any one month at the university.

Student fees and finance

We recognise that university life becomes ever more expensive for everyone and, accordingly, urge all our students to plan their finances carefully, both before joining us and during your course of study.

We can offer advice on living costs and budgeting, as well as on awards, allowances and loans.

Fees, funding and training

Undergraduate degrees, fees and funding 2011–12

Find out what fees you have to pay and where to get funding.

Undergraduate degrees, fees and funding 2012–13

Find out what fees you have to pay and where to get funding.

Postgraduate degrees, fees and funding

Find out more about the kinds of funding available to help pay your fees.

International students' fees and funding

Learn about the fees, bursaries and scholarships for international students at Greenwich.

Foundation degrees

You are entitled to a variety of support, dependent on personal eligibility, mode of study and family income.

Initial Teacher Education

Find out more about bursaries and fees here.

Equivalent or lower qualifications

For students planning to study for an award equivalent or lower than their existing qualification.

Managing your money

Money doctors

The money doctors provide advice on Government financial support, University Hardship Funds and managing your budget.

Student Calculator

The student calculator is a simple financial aid designed to give you an idea of what you spend in any one month at the university.

Home and EU student finance and money management

View our guide for Home and EU students.

International student finance and money management

View our guide for international students.

Student support and services

You may be a new student living away from home from the first time, or an international student adapting to life in a new country. Or you may be a mature student or a parent juggling conflicting demands on your time.

Whatever your circumstances, our student support and advisory services will help you make the most of academic and social life at the University of Greenwich and will help you deal with any issues or problems you may face.

Health and welfare

Health and medical services

Live and study happily and healthily and obtain immediate treatment in the event of sickness or emergency.

Professional counselling

Work through problems and issues of any kind with experienced, professionally-trained counsellors.

Listening Ears

Confidential advice and support from an informal network of university staff.

Chaplaincy

Pastoral care and support for students of all religions and non-faith individuals.

Help and advice

Student Centres

Our student centres can advise you on everything from finances and jobs to counselling and medical services.

Study skills

Through our Study Skills Centres, you can improve your reading, research and presentation skills.

Career planning

Careers guidance and support

Our staff will provide you with ongoing careers advice and support, so you can make the transition into employment and fulfill your potential when you graduate.

Open Days at the University of Greenwich

Our Open Days are a great way for you to discover what the University of Greenwich has to offer and to get a feel of what it would be like to study here.

Title	Date	Time	Booking
University Open Day	Saturday 4 February 2012	10am-3pm	Book now
Health and Social Care	Wednesday 7 March 2012	4pm-8pm	Book now
University Open Day	Saturday 24 March 2012	10am-3pm	Book now
University Open Day	Saturday 30 June 2012	10am-3pm	Book now
Health and Social Care	Wednesday 11 July 2012	4pm-8pm	Book now
Health and Social Care	Wednesday 10 October 2012	4pm-8pm	Book now
Health and Social Care	Wednesday 7 November 2012	4pm-8pm	Book now