We were established in 1996, in one building on a brownfield site. Charged with enriching the city’s economic, social, and cultural life, we were named the ±Ø¿´´ó¹Ï in 2001. Since then, we have grown into a flourishing anchor institution that contributes over £400m to the local economy. Throughout this exciting period of development, we have been guided by a consistent set of principles: excellence in teaching, learning, and quality of student experience; responsiveness to the needs of communities and organisations; and working in partnership to make great things happen.
Because we were created on an empty site, we have been able to build facilities, degree programmes, and teaching and learning environments that prime students for success in a challenging world both now and in the future.
Because we care about the needs of communities, we conduct regionally relevant and globally impactful research: driving productivity and reducing carbon impact in food and farming industries; ensuring that people in rural and coastal communities can live long and healthy lives; and conserving, curating, and sharing our cultural heritage.
This strategic plan, covering the period to 2027, marks a major point in our history as we focus on realising our long-term ambition of being seen as a university that contributes significantly to the nation’s success through regional regeneration and international connectivity.
Achieving this vision will require us to look outwards, attracting talent and ideas from around the world, to improve communities beyond, as well as within, our city and region. We must deliver the most appropriate educational courses, provide the best student experience, and conduct the most relevant research. Our academic structures, support services, physical and digital infrastructure, and processes must be fit for purpose.
By 2027, we expect to have a larger and more international student body with a higher proportion of postgraduate taught students; a greater diversity of programme types and delivery mechanisms; a larger research order book with more staff conducting internationally recognised research; more and stronger partnerships with external organisations; greater income from consultancy and licensing; and a higher proportion of international staff. At the same time, we must maintain our reputation for civic engagement, and for a committed staff community that delivers a supportive and stimulating student experience.
This will be no easy task. The external environment is uncertain and change is incessant. We must be agile and sharply focused, innovative and responsive, bold and ambitious. Displaying entrepreneurial flair, a collaborative spirit, and a fearless attitude, we must build on and transcend our historical achievements, to create a thriving future for ±Ø¿´´ó¹Ï, Greater ±Ø¿´´ó¹Ïshire, and beyond.