The University of Salford is a large university situated in the city of Salford, Greater Manchester, in North West England. It was founded in 1896 as the Royal Salford Technical Institute, and gained its Royal Charter and full university status in 1967.

The university has as approximately 19,000 students and is based on various campuses, such as Peel Park, Frederick Road, Adelphi, Irwell Valley and Eccles. The university's main campus is situated on the banks of the River Irwell and is approximately 15 minutes walk, or 5 minutes drive, from Manchester city centre. Currently undergoing a £130million development, the university plans on rennovating existing locations, erecting new, modern buildings and investing in new facilities.

Faculties and Schools

The university is separated into 4 faculties containing 14 individual schools:

• Faculty of Arts, Media & Social Sciences
  • School of Art and Design
  • School of English, Sociology, Politics & Contemporary History
  • School of Languages
  • School of Media, Music and Performance

• Faculty of Business & Informatics
  • Information Systems Institute
  • School of Accounting, Economics and Management Science
  • School of Construction and Property Management
  • School of Leisure, Hospitality and Food Management
  • School of Management
  • Salford Law School (Opening 2006)

• Faculty of Health & Social Care
  • School of Community, Health Sciences and Social Care
  • School of Health Care Professions
  • School of Nursing

• Faculty of Science, Engineering & Environment
  • School of Computing, Science and Engineering
  • School of Environment and Life Sciences

History

In 1896, the Salford Working Men's College merged with Pendleton Mechanics Institute to become the Salford Technical Institute. Upon the grant of Royal Assent, it became the Royal Technical Institute, Salford. In 1921 the Royal Technical Institute was renamed the Royal Technical College, Salford, and in 1958 this institution split in to two parts — the Royal College of Advanced Technology and Peel Park Technical College.

The Royal College became the University of Salford in 1967, whilst the Technical College changed its name to Salford Technical Institute (1961), Salford College of Technology (1970), and then University College, Salford (1992).

The two institutions, the University of Salford and University College, Salford merged in 1996, retaining the name University of Salford.

Students at the university also assist with the creation and production of television programmes, which are broadcast on various channels, including Channel M, Manchester's city-television station. Programmes such as Reel North and Hitting Home have won several Royal Television Society awards.

A new building was recently completed for Nursing students, named the Mary Seacole Health Building, and opened in 2006. A new building for the newly-established Salford Law School is due to begin construction shortly, as is a new building for the Arts, Media and Social Sciences faculty.

Students' Union

The University's Student's Union, USSU, is based on the main campus in University House and its President is Steph Winter (2005/06). The union hosts two bars; The Pav, situated in Castle Irwell Student Village, is the main drinking and entertainment venue within the union and The Lowry Bar, situated in University House, is a more relaxed and traditional bar.

As well as providing students with entertainment venues, the union also provides over 40 clubs and societies including Campaign For Real Ale Society, Diving Society, Football, Cricket, Rugby Union, Hockey, Roller Hockey Club and the United Against Fascism Society. A full list of societies can be seen here.

The Students' Union shares its newspaper, Student Direct, with the University of Manchester. Shock Radio, the university's student run radio station, broadcasts for one month every year, which is generally September or October. The station holds an RSL and broadcast during 2005 on 87.7FM.

Notable alumni

• Emma Atkins: former actress on Emmerdale who played Charity Dingle/Tate.
• Andy Bond: current Chief Executive of Asda
• Wes Butters: DJ
• Rasshied Din: designer of the Princess Diana memorial at Althorp
• Christopher Eccleston: Actor - the 9th Doctor Who
• Ieuan Evans: Former International rugby union player
• John Hammond: BBC weather presenter
• Peter Kay: comedian from Bolton
• Sir Ben Kingsley: Actor
• Andrew Gwynne : Labour Member of Parliament for Denton and Reddish
• Barbara Keeley : Labour Member of Parliament for Worsley
• Ruth Turner: co-founder of The Big Issue in the North
• Norman Whiteside: former Manchester United and Northern Ireland footballer

In 1975 the University awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters to artist L. S. Lowry.

See also

Castle Irwell Student Village

External links

• University of Salford website
• Salford Students' Union website
• Student Direct - student newspaper.
• Shock Radio - student union radio station.
• Salford University : 360* Tour
• Salford University Diving Society