University of Westminster

Arms of the University of Westminster

Former names Royal Polytechnic InstitutionPolytechnic Regent StreetPolytechnic of Central London(PCL)

Motto The Lord is our Strength

Established 1838(Royal Polytechnic Institution)

1891(The Polytechnic Regent Street)

1970(Polytechnic of Central London)

1992(University of Westminster)

University of WestminsterFrom Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The University of Westminster is a public research university in London, United Kingdom.Its antecedent institution, the Royal Polytechnic Institution, was founded in 1838 and wasthe first polytechnic institution in the UK. Westminster was awarded university status in1992 meaning it could award its own degrees.

Its headquarters and original campus are in Regent Street in the City of Westminster area ofcentral London, with additional campuses in Fitzrovia, Marylebone and Harrow. It operatesthe Westminster International University in Tashkent in Uzbekistan.

Westminster's academic activities are organised into seven faculties and schools, withinwhich there are around 45 departments. The University has numerous centres of researchexcellence across all the faculties, including the Communication and Media ResearchInstitute, whose research is ranked in the Global Top 40 by the QS World UniversityRankings. Westminster had an income of £170.4 million in 2012/13, of which £4.5 millionwas from research grants and contracts.[3]

Westminster is a member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities, theAssociation of MBAs, EFMD, the European University Association and Universities UK.

Contents

1 History1.1 1837 to 18611.2 1881 to 19921.3 1992 to present

2 Campuses3 Organisation and administration

3.1 Schools and Faculties

Coordinates: 51°31′01.20″N 0°08′34.70″W

Type Public

Endowment £ 0.96 million (2013)[1]

Chancellor Lord Paul

Vice­Chancellor Geoffrey E Petts

Students 23,960 (2009/10)[2]

Undergraduates 17,175 (2009/10)[2]

Postgraduates 6,785 (2009/10)[2]

Location London, United Kingdom

Colours Royal Blue Fuchsia Purple

Affiliations

Website www.westminster.ac.uk(http://www.westminster.ac.uk/)

3.2 Finances3.3 Coat of arms

4 Rankings5 Student life

5.1 Students' Union5.2 Student and university media5.3 Athletics5.4 Student accommodation

6 Public events7 Notable people

7.1 Notable faculty and staff7.2 Notable alumni

8 Further reading9 See also10 References11 External links

History

1837 to 1861

The Royal Polytechnic Institution opened at 309 Regent Street on 6 August 1838 to provide (in the words of its prospectus of 1837) “aninstitution where the Public, at little expense, may acquire practical knowledge of the various arts and branches of science connected withmanufacturers, mining operations and rural economy.” [4]

Sir George Cayley (1773–1857), the "father of aeronautical engineering",[5] was the first chairman and the Polytechnic formally received aRoyal charter in August 1839.[6] The Polytechnic housed a large exhibition hall, lecture theatre and laboratories, and public attractionsincluded working machines and models, scientific lectures and demonstrations, rides in a diving bell and, from 1839, demonstrations of

List

The interior of the Polytechnic in1847, as drawn by G.F. Sargeant

photography. Prince Albert visited the institution in 1840, when he descended in the diving bell, andbecame a patron in 1841. The first public photographic portrait studio in Europe opened on the roof ofthe Polytechnic in March 1841.[7]

In 1848, a theatre was added to the building, purpose­built to accommodate the growing audiences forthe Polytechnic’s optical shows. These combined magic lantern images with live performances, music,ghosts and spectres, illuminated fountains and fireworks in increasingly sophisticated displays,spreading the fame of what was arguably the world’s first permanent projection theatre.[8]

‘Professor’ John Henry Pepper joined the Polytechnic in the 1840s. Probably best known today for hisillusion ‘Pepper’s Ghost’, his contribution to education deserves recognition. Pepper establishedevening classes in engineering, applied science and technical subjects for young working Londoners,beginning the tradition of widening access to education continued by the University of Westminster today.[6]

Expansion gradually gave way to financial difficulty, reflecting a long­standing tension between education and the need to run a successfulbusiness. A fatal accident on the premises in 1859 caused the first institution to be wound up and a new one formed. Various regenerationschemes were considered, but in 1879 a fire damaged the roof, precipitating the final crisis.[6]

1881 to 1992

In September 1881, the Royal Polytechnic Institution closed making a transition to new ownership and a new era of educational development.Philanthropist Quintin Hogg (1845–1903) acquired the lease to the building in December 1881 for £15,000.[9] Hogg had already established aRagged School and Boys Home in the Covent Garden area of London to provide a basic education for some of London’s poorest children. In1873, he established the Youths’ Christian Institute and Reading Rooms to provide educational, sporting and social opportunities for youngworking men. Membership fees paid for free use of a library, social rooms, gymnasium and entertainments for members; a small additional feewas required from students for technical classes which included Science and Art classes from 1878.[10]

The Institute moved to Long Acre in 1878 and was renamed the Young Men’s Christian Institute (YMCI). Following Hogg’s purchase of 309Regent Street, the YMCI moved into the new premises, re­opening on 25 September 1882. About 6,000 members and students – three timesthe anticipated number – attended during the first 1882/3 session. The institute gradually adopted the name the Polytechnic Young Men’sChristian Institute, or simply, the Polytechnic, for short.

From 1882 an expanded programme of classes began, including science, engineering and art classes held in conjunction with the Science andArt Department (of the Board of Trade), and a scheme of technical and trade education, related to the City and Guilds of London Institute ofTechnical Instruction and to the London Trades Council. The building housed classrooms, a swimming bath, gymnasium, and a refreshment

The Quintin School in 1956

room. Activities included Parliamentary debating, a Reading Circle, music and drama societies and several sports clubs.

By 1888 membership was 4,200, in addition to 7,300 students, and over 200 classes were held weekly as well as concerts, lectures, and anannual industrial exhibition. Membership was open to those aged between 16 and 25. A Young Women's Branch, housed in separate premisesin Langham Place, was also established.

In the early 1880s the Institute attracted much favourable attention from the technical education lobby. Following the City of London ParochialCharities Act in 1883, it became clear that funds would be available to endow the Polytechnic and to found and support institutions on thesame model across London. A public appeal was launched in 1888 to raise the required matching funding. The Scheme was finalised under theauspices of the Charity Commissioners in 1891, when the Institute was reconstituted as Regent Street Polytechnic, managed by a newlycreated governing body.[11]

In 1886, Hogg founded the Polytechnic Day School for Boys. The school has had several names,including the Polytechnic Intermediate Day School, Polytechnic Middle Class School and PolytechnicSecondary School. The first official name was conferred in 1946 when it was re­christened the QuintinSchool.[12] From 1892 the school divided into two virtually separate schools – a Technical Divisionunder Charles Mitchell and a Commercial Division under David Woodhall, with a separate PreparatoryDivision under Hobart Pritchard. The school only came together for prayers and ceremonial occasions,with the rivalry between the two divisions culminating in the annual sports day each year when it tookplace at Chiswick. During the interwar period the two divisions were reunited and under the headshipof P. A. Abbott it became rigorously academic on the grammar school model, with particular strengthsin science and maths. During World War Two the school was evacuated to Minehead in Somersetunder the capable headship of Dr Bernard Worsnop. The school remained evacuated for the duration of the war and afterwards was unable toreturn to 309 Regent Street due to the lack of space. Space problems, together with the 1944 Education Act, meant that change was inevitableand discussions began which eventually led to the transfer of governance of the school from the Polytechnic to the London County Council. Aspart of the transfer, the school was renamed the Quintin School and in 1956 it relocated to St John’s Wood. In 1969, the school merged with itsneighbour Kynaston Technical School, becoming the Quintin Kynaston School. In 2001 the school became a Specialist Technology Collegeand in November 2011, it became an Academy, changing its name to Quintin Kynaston Community Academy.[13]

Towards the end of the 19th century, the Polytechnic ran a savings bank, a labour bureau, a school, and arranged holidays for members tocoastal resorts and the countryside of the UK. In 1888, the boys from the Polytechnic Secondary School toured Belgium and Switzerland aspart of the first educational holiday to see the mountains they were learning about in geography lessons, which led to the formation of thePolytechnic Touring Association (PTA).[14] By 1895 the PTA had itineraries to Ireland, Scotland, Paris and Madeira as well as chalets in

The visit of King George V, QueenMary, and their son Edward, Princeof Wales after the rebuilding of thePolytechnic, 1912

Switzerland and a steam yacht which toured the Norwegian fjords. The travel company pioneered package holidays to Europe, including thefirst escorted air tour to Switzerland in 1932.[15] The travel company was acquired by Sir Henry Lunn Ltd. in 1962 and became Lunn Poly(sold to Thomson Travel International SA in 2000).[16]

The building at 309 Regent Street was rebuilt in 1910–1912 to reflect the needs of a growing institutionwhose student members exceeded 15,000. Pioneering work in emerging professional and commercialdisciplines, alongside general interest subjects, was the hallmark of the institution. When Hogg died in1903, he was succeeded as President by Sir Kynaston Studd (1858–1944), who remained in office untilhis death in 1944, and did much to continue the traditions of the founder. Two major appeals werelaunched to support expansion, the first for the rebuilding of 309 Regent Street in 1910–1912, and thesecond to build the Polytechnic Extension building for the Women’s Institute in Little Titchfield Street,which was formally opened in 1929. Both buildings continued to provide sporting and social facilitiesfor members of the Institute as well as workshops and classrooms for students of the EducationDepartment.

The Education Department provided a wide range of courses, with a rapid expansion of commercialsubjects alongside the original trade and technical classes. Courses ranged from post­elementary schoolentry for craft and technical training at 13 to preparation for University of London external degrees.Most teaching was in the evening and part­time, though day classes increased throughout the period. Following World War Two there was arapid growth in the demand for further education and training, which was reorganised following the White Paper on Technical Education in1956.

The variety of levels of work at Regent Street meant that it was designated a regional college rather than a college of advanced technology,after which the governors decided to reduce the proportion of lower level work. Following the establishment of the Council for NationalAcademic Awards (CNAA) in 1964, a number of degree courses were approved and became operational; including Engineering (Mechanical,Electrical, Civil, Building), Photography (1966), Arts Administration (1967) and Media Studies (1975).

In 1960 the London County Council announced a plan to turn Regent Street into a tri­partite federal college by adding a new College ofArchitecture and Advanced Building Technology (CAABT) and also a College of Engineering and Science (CES). The existing commercialsubjects would remain centred on no 309 Regent Street. CAABT was allocated the Luxborough Lodge site in Marylebone Road and CES a sitein New Cavendish Street. Both schemes suffered prolonged delays and the new buildings were not finished until 1970. Holborn College ofLaw, Languages and Commerce was merged with Regent Street Polytechnic to form the Polytechnic of Central London (PCL). At aceremony on 21 May 1971, the Lord Chancellor Lord Hailsham, grandson and namesake of Hogg, opened the new buildings and designatedthe new institution. In 1990, Harrow College of Higher Education became part of PCL.

1992 to present

The foyer of the Westminster campus onRegent Street

PCL was re­designated as the University of Westminster following the Higher and FurtherEducation Act (1992), which created a single funding council, the Higher Education FundingCouncil, for England and abolished the remaining distinctions between polytechnics anduniversities. The newly established university was re­dedicated at Westminster Abbey as theUniversity of Westminster on 1 December 1992. As a university, Westminster gained the power togrant its own degrees.

Dame Mary Hogg QC (great­granddaughter of Quintin Hogg, founder of the Regent StreetPolytechnic) was awarded an honorary doctorate of law (LLD) by the University of Westminster in1995.[17] Dame Mary also became part of the court of governors at the University, thus continuingthe University's close association with the Hogg family.[18]

Westminster's efforts in overseas expansion resulted in the University being awarded the Queen'sAward for Enterprise in 2000, and again in 2005.[19]

In recent years the university has established Westminster Business School, the institute for Modern and Contemporary Culture, the Centre forthe Study of Democracy and the Policy Studies Institute. The University operates a satellite campus in Paris through the Diplomatic Academyof London and in 2002 established the Westminster International University in Tashkent at the invitation of the government of Uzbekistan.[20]

The University has attracted controversy for offering science degrees in subjects not widely considered as scientific. The university'sDepartment of Herbal Medicine and Nutritional Therapy and the Department of Chinese and Complementary Therapies, both of which werebased in the School of Life Sciences, offered courses in alternative medicine, and naturopathy which were criticised in the journal Nature forproviding science degrees "without the science".[21][22] These departments closed in 2009 and the associated courses were taken on by theDepartment of Complementary Medicines. The number of courses offered in these subjects has gradually been reduced, but as of 2012 theuniversity still offers degrees in traditional chinese medicine, acupuncture and herbal medicine.[23]

In 2013 the University celebrated 175 years of world­leading research, pioneering teaching, and providing education for all, regardless ofbackground or financial status. Students, staff, alumni, University supporters and the public joined in with a series of events and occasions tomark this memorable moment in the University's history. Special events were organised both at campuses in the UK, and with their teamsaround the world.[24] Celebrations included an interfaith service at Westminster Abbey on 30 January 2013. During the service, whichhighlighted the role of the University past, present and future, there were words for reflection from world faith traditions, as well as talks bycurrent students and alumni.

Campuses

The main entrance to Westminster's RegentStreet campus

WIUT main building in Summer

Westminster has four main campuses, three of which are in central London.[25]

Campus Site(s)

Regent

309 Regent Street

Little TitchfieldStreet

4–12 Little Titchfield Street (Westminster Law School,Library)16 Little Titchfield Street (Education Abroad Centre)

32/38 Wells Street

Cavendish115 New Cavendish Street

101 New Cavendish Street (Corporate Services)Marylebone 35 Marylebone RoadHarrow Watford Road

Non­campus sites:

Quintin Hogg Memorial Sports Ground (Polytechnic Stadium)Cavendish Road, Chiswick

Quintin Boat Club (QBC)Ibis Lane, Chiswick

Westminster International University in Tashkent (WIUT)12 Istiqbol Street, Tashkent, Uzbekistan

The University's Regent Campus comprises a group of buildings clustered around its historicheadquarters at 309 Regent Street. These include the Wells Street buildings and the Little TitchfieldStreet building which houses the library for the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, including the Westminster Law School. The formerRegent Street Cinema lies within the 309 Regent Street building, and now serves principally as a lecture theatre for students. There are plansrestoring it as a public cinema, while also maintaining its use as a lecture theatre.[26]

The University's Marylebone Campus is located on Marylebone Road directly opposite Madame Tussaud's and Baker Street undergroundstation. Built in the 1960s it is home to the Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment, Westminster Business School and the PolicyStudies Institute. The P3 exhibition area, a 14,000 sq ft (1,300 m2) space located in the former concrete construction hall of the University's

The university's official flag in royalblue above 309 Regent Street

The main entrance to Westminster'sMarylebone campus

School of Engineering, was opened in 2008.[27]

The University's Cavendish Campus is a modern glass and steel building in New Cavendish Street(Fitzrovia), close to the BT Tower. It houses science, engineering and computer laboratories.Cavendish campus is close to Warren Street, Great Portland Street and Goodge Street undergroundstations.

The University's Harrow Campus is the base for Media, Arts and Design courses. It is also home toLondon Gallery West which exhibits a broad mix of contemporary media, art and design work. Thenearest Tube station to the Harrow campus is Northwick Park on the Metropolitan line.

Organisation and administration

The University of Westminster is incorporated under the Companies Act as a charity and company limited by guarantee and not having a sharecapital. It is also an exempt charity under the Charities Act 1993.[3]

The University's governing body is the Court of Governors. It meets five times per year and is ultimately responsible for the effective conductof the activities of the University, including its strategic development, educational character and mission, and finances. The members of theCourt of Governors are the trustees of the charity.[3]

Schools and Faculties

Prior to 2013, Westminster was organised into seven schools; Law (School of Law), SSHL(School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Languages), ECS (Electronics Engineering andComputer Science), LSS (School of Life Sciences), MAD (School of Media, Arts and Design),WBS (Westminster Business School), and ABE (School of Architecture and the BuiltEnvironment). Within the schools were 45 departments and 65 research centres. However, a newfaculty system was put in place at the start of the new academic year (2013/2014). Among these,two former schools from the previous system have remained, and left unintegrated into thefaculties.

Faculty of Science and Technology (Cavendish)Faculty of Media, Arts and Design (Harrow)Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (Regent)

Rankings

Complete[28]

(2016, national)

73

The Guardian[29]

(2015, national)

87

Times/Sunday Times[30]

(2015, national)

=106

Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment (Marylebone)

Westminster Law School (Regent)Westminster Business School (Marylebone)

Finances

In the financial year ended 31 July 2013, Westminster had a total income (including subsidiaries) of £170.44 million (2011/12 – £165.42million) and total expenditure of £159.34 million (2011/12 – £155.13 million).[3] Key sources of income included £98.73 million from tuitionfees and support grants (2011/12 – £81.16 million), £43.12 million from funding council grants (2011/12 – £56.24 million), £4.51 million fromresearch grants and contracts (2011/12 – £4.95 million), £0.66 million from endowment and investment income (2011/12 – £0.73 million) and£23.42 million from other income (2011/12 – £22.34 million).[3]

At year end Westminster had reserves and endowments of £56.14 million (2011/12 – £46.02 million) and total net assets including pensionsliabilities of £112.96 million (2011/12 – £103.8 million).[3]

Coat of arms

The University's coat of arms reflects a number of key aspects of its heritage. The portcullis is the symbol of Westminster whilst the open booksymbolises learning. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who agreed to continue as the Patron of the University of Westminster, is represented bythe Tudor rose, one of the royal emblems. The motto of the university, "The Lord is our Strength", is influenced by Quintin Hogg and hisYoung Men's Christian Institute. The open book on the escutcheon contains a Latin motto which reads as "Veritas", meaning "truth".

Rankings

In the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise, Westminster was ranked 2nd for Communications,Cultural and Media Studies research,[31][32] Its media research was previously awarded a 5 rating ineach of the three past Research Assessment Exercises, in 1992, 1996 and 2001.[33] 6th for Art andDesign research,[34] in addition to the university performing strongly in Architecture and the BuiltEnvironment,[35] and Geography and Environmental studies.[36]

The RAE2008 confirmed Westminster’s position as a leading modern University with an outstanding record of achievement in research.Almost 80% of the University's submitted research across 20 subject areas was judged to be of international quality. The University achievedworld leading and internationally excellent status for most of their work in Media and Communication; Art and Design; and Architecture andthe Built Environment. In Law; Life and Health Sciences; Computing; Business and Management; Town and Country Planning;Environmental Studies, the majority of their submissions were found to be of internationally recognised quality. The standing of theUniversity's leading researchers is evidenced through many markers of esteem, for example membership of the prestigious RAE subject panelswhere, in RAE2008, the University was represented in Psychology, Architecture and Asian Studies.

In 2013, the QS World University Rankings ranked Media, Communications, and Journalism 1st (UK), 2nd (EU), 19th (World).[37] The QSrankings are based on (i) reputation among academics and employers and (ii) citations to published works. Westminster was also ranked jointsecond in the UK by the Architects’ Journal in their "AJ Top 100" special issue (9. May 2013).

The Complete University Guide (CUG) ranked Art & Design within the top ten in the UK (6th) for 2014.[38] The CUG also rankedWestminster up by 4 places in 2012. Overall, rising up by 21 places since 2011.[39]

Student life

The Polytechnic’s management encouraged the establishment of a Student Representative Council (SRC) in 1933, to create a sense of unityand expand the social activities of its day students. The SRC was affiliated to the National Union of Students but initially restricted itselflargely to social activities.

After 1945 it began to campaign on issues such as improvements to the canteen, lifting the ban on religious or political activity within thePolytechnic, and for a formal Students’ Union. The Sectarian Ban was finally lifted in 1962 and a Union granted in 1965. However, thecanteen continued to be an issue throughout the 1980s.

Students' Union

The University of Westminster Students' Union (UWSU) is the Students' Union for the University of Westminster. The union was foundedin 1966 as The Polytechnic Students' Union. Its first President was Owen Spencer­Thomas (1966–1967).[40] During the 1970s the number offull­time students at PCL doubled and the newly formed Polytechnic of Central London Students’ Union (PCLSU) engaged in a strategy ofprotest and direct action. Against a backdrop of general social unrest, PCLSU campaigned against cuts in student grants, lack ofaccommodation, the rise in costs for overseas students, and the perennial issues with the canteen. Students also joined the many nationaldemonstrations marching in London.

The old logo of the University ofWestminster Students' Unionadjacent to the new (2013) logo.

After 1992, the SU was based primarily at the Marylebone site, where the SU served all students across 4 of its campuses. As of 2013, UWSUexpanded its office to all campuses. The union also operates another bar, The Undercroft, and a night club, Area 51, located on the university'sHarrow site. Prior to 2011, the Marylebone campus was also home to the union­run Inter:Mission social venue,[41] however due to financialdifficulties Inter:Mission was forced to close. During the 1950s there was no Students' Union and no student bar. Quintin Hogg, founder of thePolytechnic, was a firm believer in temperance and the Scheme of Administration of The Regent Street Polytechnic banned Poly buildingsfrom obtaining alcohol licences. The scheme also banned dancing. The latter was lifted by 1929 but the students did not get their own bar until1967.

The union has hosted to numerous musical events and gigs including Fleetwood Mac,[42] and most notablythe first and only encounter between Cream and Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix.[43]

Student and university media

Radio

Smoke Radio is a student­run radio station at the University of Westminster. It was founded in 2004 andbroadcasts online from a studio in the university's Harrow campus. Since September 2005 the station hasrun a 24­hour playout system and broadcast a schedule of live programmes during the week. Smoke Radiois a member of the Student Radio Association.

Television

Smoke TV is the student television station of the University of Westminster. Launched in September 2011and headed by Lewis Wright, it is run by the students and targeted at students.[44] The station producesprogrammes covering campus news, film reviews and sport events and showcases student productions such as short films, TV shows,documentaries and music videos.[45] The station is associated with the National Student Television Association.[46] Smoke TV is distributedonline via the station's official website and its YouTube channel.[47] Regular shows include the weekly Smoke News, Great Start TV, The BigDebate, Advice Services, as well as broadcast coverage of the annual UWSU elections. Sabbatical officers of UWSU make occasionalappearances on Smoke TV to either take part or to deliver messages to students. Smoke TV is also available on its own YouTube channel.

Newspapers and magazines

The Polytechnic Magazine (1935–1971)

The first magazine published at Westminster, The Polytechnic Magazine, was founded in the 19th century. Published weekly, fortnightly andthen monthly, the Polytechnic Magazine formed a wide­ranging record of a unique institution at the heart of London. In 1879, Quintin Hoggbegan the magazine when his Young Men’s Christian Institute was based in Covent Garden. Initially called "Home News", and then "HomeTidings" from issue 2, in February 1888 it was renamed the "Polytechnic Magazine". Regular subjects included are personal news of members(births, marriages, deaths and emigrations), sports and social clubs reports, commentaries on London events and current affairs, news of thePolytechnic women’s activities and the Old Quintinians, reports from Polytechnic Touring Association holidays, examination results andprizes. There are also advertisements (commercial and small ads), religious articles, lists of library stock, and general letters to the editor.During World War One the Magazine took on an important role by enabling members to contact and keep track of one another, as well as co­ordinating relief efforts and generally boosting morale. The wartime issues include lists of men who have enrolled, photographs of those whowere killed and reports from the Front. The magazine can be accessed for free via the University's archives. we only read left wingnewspapers.

Student Forum (1949–1953)

During the mid 20th century, the University saw yet another student­led publication called "Student Forum". Originally a typescript newsletter,the Student Forum was later printed into newspaper as demand grew. Regular items included Rag events; postponement of Student Players'production; Debating Society reports; review of recent jazz concerts; editorial regarding attendance at general meetings; film reviews; studentorganisation in India; best­dressed girl in Poly; sports reports; and advertisement for the Cameo Polytechnic [cinema]. Nevertheless, mostnotably the Student Forum covers the formation of the University of Westminster Student Union (UWSU) which was then known as thePolytechnic Students' Union.[48] However, the newspaper reached the end of its lifespan in 1953, lasting only 6 years.[48]

The Smoke (Magazine) & The QH (1993–Present)

In the early 90s, the union began expressing interest in new print media at the university. The Smoke was originally printed in 1992 as theofficial magazine of the University of Westminster Students' Union (UWSU). Though, in 2006 The Smoke had switched to a newspaperformat, initially being published fortnightly during term time. However, the newspaper format was later scrapped for a much smaller magazineformat. In 2012, a growing number of students began expressing their dissatisfaction towards the quality of student media at Westminster. As aresult, an independent online editorial dubbed "The Heurist" emerged from the student outcry. The name, "The Heurist" was coined by thefounder, Ash Chetri,[49] after the word "Heuristics". The definition describes The Heurist as a platform which enables a person to learn &discover something for themselves (a nod towards setting up independent student media outside the guidance of UWSU). In reaction, UWSUlaunched a university­wide newspaper of their own, The Quintin Hogg (informally known as "The QH" or "The Hogg") in September 2012. Itis understood that the abbreviation "QH" refers to Quintin Hogg's initials and pen name, especially in several articles for the PolytechnicMagazine, which Quintin was a frequent writer for. Initially, The QH served exclusively as a publication for the School of Social Sciences

Humanities & Languages (SSHL) at the flagship Regent Street campus. However due to the surge in popularity and student participation,UWSU quickly made the decision to circulate the newspaper to all four of the university's campuses. The QH currently serves as the mainstudent publication at the university.

Others

Past student publications included Poly­hoo (1938–1939), The Poly Tribune (1946), Publicity Committee News (1946), the Journal of theMaths and Physics Department (1945–1946), New Chameleon (1962), Polygon (1963), Polygen (1964), West One (1966–1969), McGarel(1968–1993), and Gen (1970). Examples of which are in the University of Westminster archives(http://archivesearch.westminster.ac.uk/CalmView/default.aspx). The university also publishes an annual alumni magazine, Network, as wellas several academic student journals such as the Law Review[50] and Wells Street Journal.[51][52]

Athletics

Sport has always played an important part of life at the university. The athletic club, the Harriers, was established in 1883 and was for manyyears the largest athletics club in the country.[53] In 1908, the polytechnic organized the opening and closing ceremonies of the 1912 LondonOlympic Games, also hosting a venue at The Polytechnic Stadium in Chiswick.[54] From 1898, the polytechnic awarded the Studd Trophy, anannual trophy for the best sports performance. Over the years, the award was given to sportsmen from various disciplines, such as swimming,boxing and cycling, but the majority of awards have been given to athletes.

Noted award holders include: Willie Applegarth (1912/13), Olympic medallist sprinters Albert Hill (1919/20), Olympic gold medallist andmiddle­distance runner Harry Edward (1922), Olympic sprint bronze medallist Alan Pascoe (1971/72/73/74/75), hurdler

The University has grounds in Chiswick on the Thames with boat house, tennis courts, athletics track and about 12 pitches. There are sportspitches and a sports hall at the Harrow campus whilst the Regent Campus has a gym, badminton courts and offers sports, martial arts and yogaclasses. The 2013 rounders university staff champions are the WBS Warriors (Westminster Business School).

Student accommodation

The University of Westminster has six Halls of Residence – four in central London and two in Harrow and Wembley – and all provide easyaccess to appropriate campuses. These are Alexander Fleming Hall (http://www.westminster.ac.uk/study/prospective­students/student­accommodation/halls­of­residence/alexander­fleming­house), Harrow Hall (http://www.westminster.ac.uk/study/prospective­students/student­accommodation/halls­of­residence/harrow­hall), International House (http://www.westminster.ac.uk/study/prospective­students/student­accommodation/halls­of­residence/international­house), Marylebone Hall (http://www.westminster.ac.uk/study/prospective­students/student­accommodation/halls­of­residence/marylebone­hall) and Wigram House (http://www.westminster.ac.uk/study/prospective­students/student­

accommodation/halls­of­residence/wigram­house). In 2012 the new hall of residence Student Court at Wembley(http://www.westminster.ac.uk/study/prospective­students/student­accommodation/halls­of­residence/student­court) was opened for first­yearstudents. During term time rooms are available for full­time undergraduate and postgraduate students. The University also has nominationagreements with other private providers to increase the number of bed spaces available to their students. In 2014 the University added DepotPoint (http://www.westminster.ac.uk/study/prospective­students/student­accommodation/halls­of­residence/depot­point) and Victoria Halls atWembley (http://www.westminster.ac.uk/study/prospective­students/student­accommodation/halls­of­residence/victoria­halls­wembley) totheir list of student halls increasing the total number of bed spaces to two thousand and sixty.

Public events

"The Polytechnic Institution in Regent Street, where an infinite variety of ingenious models are exhibited and explained, andwhere lectures comprising a quantity of information on many practical subjects are delivered, is a great public benefit and awonderful place."

—Charles Dickens, Household Words, 1850.

The University of Westminster has a rich history in public events, lectures, and seminars that dates back to its antecedent institution; "TheRoyal Polytechnic Institution". Often, several notable figures, authors, researchers, inventors, and leaders would take to the stage of 309Regent Street's cinema before an audience (made of staff, students, and the general public). The theatre was built by James Thomson, thearchitect of the Polytechnic, at a cost of approximately £10,000­£12,000. The building was listed as Grade II in 1973, and is located within aConservation Area.

In 1847, John Henry Pepper delivered his first lecture at the Royal Polytechnic Institution (and went on to take the role of analytical chemistand lecturer the year after). Pepper also oversaw the introduction of evening lectures at the Royal Polytechnic Institution and wrote severalimportant science education books, one of which is regarded as a significant step towards the understanding of continental drift.

In 1862, inventor Henry Dircks developed the Dircksian Phantasmagoria, where it was seen by John Pepper later on in the year in a booth setup by Dircks at the Royal Polytechnic. Pepper first showed the effect during a scene of Charles Dickens's The Haunted Man at the RegentStreet theatre to great success. However, Pepper's implementation of the effect tied his name to it permanently. Though he tried many times togive credit to Dircks, the title "Pepper's ghost" endured.

On 21 February 1896, the first performance of a moving film (Cinématographe) to a paying UK audience was delivered by the Lumièrebrothers at the Regent Street Theatre. For this reason the Regent Street theatre is sometimes claimed to be the "birthplace of British cinema".

Cherie Blair

The University currently hosts several inaugural and alumni lectures as well as an annual law review, the "Plug In Your Brain" series of talks,film screenings, art fairs and exhibitions, an annual science festival, and conferences which are all open to the public.

Notable people

Notable faculty and staff

Notable faculty and staff of Westminster include:

Rafik Abdessalem – Minister of Foreign Affairs of TunisiaTom Ang – photographer and BBC presenterNabil Ayad, director of the Diplomatic Academy of LondonPhilip Bagwell, labour and transport historianRichard Barbrook, political simulations and gamingCherie Blair, senior barrister, wife of Tony BlairDerek Bryan, diplomat and lecturer in ChineseRichard Burton, journalistNina Fishman, industrial and labour historianMont Follick – former Labour Party MP for LoughboroughNicholas Garnham, emeritus professor in the field of media studiesAndrew Groves, fashion designerMayer Hillman, senior fellow emeritus at the Policy Studies InstitutePeter H Millard, president of the UK Nosokinetics GroupChantal Mouffe, political theoristWalter Nurnberg, industrial photographerJoshua Oppenheimer, Oscar nominated filmmakerCharles Parsons, Engineer – inventor of the steam turbineEzra Pound, poetMartin Rowson, political cartoonist and novelist

Ezra Pound

Wikimedia Commons hasmedia related to Universityof Westminster.

Jean Seaton, professor of media historyMitra Tabrizian, photographerEdmund de Waal, ceramic artistAlfred Waterhouse, architect and designer of Manchester Town Hall and the Natural History MuseumBrian Winston, Emmy award winning documentary script writer

Notable alumni

The University has produced notable alumni in many fields and including government ministers, ambassadors, judges, and a Nobel Prizewinner..

Further reading

The Education of the Eye: History of the Royal Polytechnic Institution 1838–1881 Granta Editions(November 2008) ISBN 1­85757­097­9.An Education in Sport : Competition, Communities and Identities at the University of Westminster since1864 Granta Editions (March 2012) ISBN 1­85757­108­8Educating Mind, Body and Spirit: The legacy of Quintin Hogg and the Polytechnic, 1864–1992 GrantaEditions (April 2013) ISBN 1­85757­117­7160 Years of Innovation: the Polytechnic Institution to the University of Westminster 1838–1998 (1998).The Quintin School 1886–1956: a brief history by L C B Seaman (1957).Quintin Hogg, a Biography by Ethel Mary Wood (June 2012)

See also

Polytechnic Touring AssociationQuintin Boat ClubStudd TrophyPolytechnic F.C.

The Polytechnic StadiumEducation in LondonCity of WestminsterRagged SchoolUniversity of London

References

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External links

University of Westminster Official website (http://www.westminster.ac.uk)University of Westminster Students' Union (http://www.uwsu.com)University of Westminster on YouTube (http://uk.youtube.com/user/UniOfWestminster)First Public Film Show in London (http://www.talkingpix.co.uk/ArticleFilmHistoryLondon.html)West's 'Our Navy' – Early Film exhibitions at Regent Street (http://user29269.vs.easily.co.uk/polytechnic_exhibitions.htm)

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id=aqKRl0a6ZI8C&dq=For+God,+England+%26+Ethel&source=gbs_navlinks_s). Trafford Publishing. p. 334. ISBN 1­4251­8973­3.