Annual Report July 2003 - August 2004

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Our history

Our history means a lot to our future

In the nineteenth century our journey began; Bradford was the wool capital of the world, its renowned products reaching the four corners of the globe. Today, our high-quality teaching reaches out to those same four corners, bringing students from over 100 nations together in one place of learning excellence. We were granted our Royal Charter way back in 1966 which makes us one of the ‘old’ universities, and as much as we are aware of our origins, we look to the future; a future in which we continue to build upon our foundations of academic excellence and ‘Making Knowledge Work’ inspiring students, scholars and teachers alike to join the University of Bradford.

Back in 1966, Bradford Institute of Technology became the University of Bradford and Harold Wilson, the then British Prime Minister, became our first Chancellor. Nearly 40 years on, the University has moved from strength to strength.

We have always been pioneering in our course provision, being the first British University to offer a Peace Studies degree and the first University outside London to offer part-time degree courses. We are excited to be launching new courses at the cutting edge of technology such as Design for Computer Games and Wireless Sensor Networks.

The next five years will be an exciting time for the University, as we push ahead with plans to create a 21st-century ‘Learning Village’. Around £75m will be invested in this ambitious project, which will create more social space for students and a new heart to the already lively campus.