University of Westminster, London, United Kingdom

Overview

History, Affiliations & Rankings

The University of Westminster is based in London, United Kingdom, and is a public research university. It was established in the year 1838 as the Royal Polytechnic Institution and was the first polytechnic to ever open in the UK. The formal Royal charter was given to the institution in 1839 and it formally became the University of Westminster in the year 1992. Some common affiliations of the university include the International Association of Universities (IAU), EQUIS, Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), European Universities Association (EUA), Universities UK, etc. The University of Westminster has featured in many national rankings like Guardian, Complete, Times, Sunday Times, and also in several global rankings such as QS World Rankings and the Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings. All the degree programmes of the University of Westminster have been recognised by the appropriate professional authorities.

Infrastructure, Campus & Courses

The University of Westminster has four main campuses, three of which are located in central London. These four campuses are the Regent Campus, the Marylebone Campus, the Cavendish Campus, and the Harrow Campus. The Regent Campus is the headquarters and houses the Westminster Law School and the library for the Faculty of Social Sciences. The Marylebone Campus was built in the 1960s it is home to the Westminster Business School, the Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment, and the Policy Studies Institute. The School of Engineering was also opened on this campus. The Cavendish Campus comprises the engineering, science, and computer laboratories. Whereas the Harrow Campus is the base for the courses of arts, media, and design.

Accomplishments & Alumni

The University of Westminster has produced many famous experts in several fields over the years. It has a long list of successful alumni who owe their accomplishments to their alma mater. The alumni of the University of Westminster include a Nobel laureate in Medicine, scientists, the inventor of cordite, heads of state, mayors, politicians, Olympic medal winners, BAFTA and Oscar-winning filmmakers, winners of Grammy Awards, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees, journalists, and poets. The graduates of the university have established themselves as notable and recognised personalities of almost all the fields, ranging from sports and entertainment to academia and science.

Student Diversity & Visiting Companies

The University of Westminster has always promoted student diversity on its campus. There are students of about 169 nationalities who have enrolled in the various programmes offered at the University of Westminster. Encouraging students to learn from each other’s culture has always been one of the many preachings of the university. There are a certain number of seats in every programme that are reserved solely for international students.

COVID-19 Response 

• University of Westminster began offering on-campus services in August 2020 with strict precautions and guidelines. However, access to the building premises are limited and students and staff are only permitted to use the COVID-19 secure buildings of the university. Only those who are granted permissions are allowed to visit the campus. 

• The on-campus activities are held in phases and as per the guidelines defined by the government. The courses that require practical learning experience are given priority to be held face to face. 

• The primary medium for the delivery of lectures is online and workshops and seminars are also being scheduled online. 

• The university has also made arrangements for accommodation for students who cannot find a place to stay outside the campus for the 2020/21 academic year.