The University of York, UK

Four decades since it was promoted in the 1960s, york university has established a global reputation and is consistently ranked among the top 10 uk varsities on most quality parameters Promoted in the 1960s during the expansion period of higher education in Britain, the University of York has since established a global reputation and is consistently ranked in the top ten UK varsities on most quality parameters. The Sunday Times 2005 league table accords it seventh rank among 97 universities and first in the teaching quality parameter. Moreover 18 of the 23 subjects assessed in the most recent national Research Assessment Exercise were deemed internationally excellent. Two hours from London by train, York University has an aggregate enrollment of 10,700 students, 8,100 of them full-time undergrads, studying in 30 academic departments and research centres which offer a range of subjects in the arts, social sciences and science and technology. The 42-year-old university has developed a unique collegiate system under which every student becomes a member of one of seven undergraduate colleges — Alcuin, Derwent, Goodricke, Halifax, James, Langwith and Vanbrugh. As well as providing residential, social and catering facilities, most colleges also house academic staff, departmental offices and seminar and lecture rooms. Living, learning and social activities are centred within the constituent colleges of the university. Comments Prof. Brian Cantor, vice chancellor of York: “The creativity, intelligence, humour, diligence and sheer brilliance of people, has made this university the outstanding success it is. York is noted for its friendliness, non-hierarchical atmosphere, and collegiate approach. We can match this proudly with high quality teaching, research, and working with our community. So, whilst we still seem young, we have firm roots and the future is positive.” York. An important political, cultural, religious and trading centre since Roman times, York retains architectural vestiges of every age, from ancient city walls, winding medieval streets to elegant Georgian town houses. The city’s major landmark is the Minster, the largest Gothic cathedral in northern Europe. Cars are banned in many parts of the city, so street life, traders and performers flourish in places like King’s Square and Stonegate. But there’s more to York (pop. 180,000) than its history. Its cosmopolitan character offers students an array of pubs, bars, restaurants and quaint cafes. A variety of venues offer drama, dance, music and opera. An all-night rail service puts nightlife in Leeds and even Manchester within easy reach. Moreover York is also a cyclist’s haven — there are over 1,000 cycle parking spaces and a network of over 40 km of safe cycle routes in and around the city centre. The climate is seasonal. Summer temperatures rise to 25oC while winter can be very cold (below freezing). Autumn and spring temperatures average around 12-15oC. Campus facilities. The main university campus is in Heslington, on the edge of the city. Here the seven colleges, usually a mix of academic offices, student accommodation and social facilities, are grouped around a large lake across 200 acres of landscaped parkland. Campus life is quiet and generally traffic…