The Chichester Experience
Satisfaction, Success, Prospects
www.chiuni.ac.uk
Providing higher education since 1839
The University of Chichester is one of the oldest higher education institutions in the United Kingdom, having been established in 1839, and yet it became one of the country’s newest universities in 2005. We offer more than 300 degree combinations. We are the only university in West Sussex, with one campus in the Cathedral city of Chichester and another in the seaside town of Bognor Regis.
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A warm welcoming close-knit community
At the University of Chichester, we pride ourselves on our warm welcoming close knit community. As a student here, you will feel very much part of University life and quickly get to know many new people. This booklet gives a taste of life at the University, drawing on information provided by our students and national surveys and guides. Please visit our website to find out more. www.chiuni.ac.uk
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Something Special …
“Anyone who has spent time with us will tell you that there’s something special here. We don’t do gimmicks – but students have a life-enhancing experience. What they particularly value is the way they are taught during their time with us, and the help they receive to achieve and exceed their goals”. Dr Robin Baker, Vice-Chancellor
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What do we offer? Enjoyment … Ranked as the best modern university in the UK for student experience. The Complete University Guide 2010
Successful … Nine out of ten students go on to complete their degree. The Times Good University Guide 2010
Good prospects … Over 94% of graduates from Chichester are in jobs or further study six months after graduating making us the best on the south coast and in the top ten in England. Higher Education Statistics Agency (Hesa) 2009
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Student retention
‘The percentage of students dropping out of university (nationally) had ‘not budged’ from 22 per cent in five years. But some universities are bucking the trend’. For example, Chichester’s retention rate is 94.4% against the target of 90% set by its funding body. Dr Robin Baker, the Vice-Chancellor said: “A lot of students who come to us, both mature learners and 18-year-olds, don’t have a lot of confidence in their ability to make it in higher education. They need a lot of support, and it is almost part of our DNA to provide that.” Times Higher Education Journal, 2008 6
Satisfaction and Experience Top Ten ‌ Ranked in the top 10 of all UK universities for student satisfaction. The Times Good University Guide 2010
Experience Voted the top modern university in the country for all-round student experience. Times Higher Education Student Experience Survey 2009
Highest The highest level of overall student satisfaction of any modern university in the country and ranked 15th amongst all UK universities. National Student Survey 2009
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Quality Teaching Outstanding Rated as outstanding in national survey, for ‘student relationships with teaching staff’. Times Higher Education Student Experience Survey 2009
Ranked 1st The University with the most satisfied Dance and Performing Arts students in the country. National Student Survey 2009
Ranked 7th Our Academic Studies in Education students are ranked 7th most satisfied in the country. National Student Survey 2009
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“The lecturers are great and are always happy to help”
“This is an excellent course with great facilities for us to use individually and in lectures. The lecturers are great and are always happy to help”. Allen Davies, Physical Education
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Links with employers “We have great faith in the quality of the education the University’s students receive” Mark Hammond, Chief Executive West Sussex County Council, the largest employer in West Sussex
“The University is supportive, enthusiastic and focused” "The University is supportive, enthusiastic, and focused in the way it works with business. They deliver with us on specific goals as part of a broad strategy for the community in Bognor Regis. One of my company's priorities is to create a professional, informed skillbase to continually improve the experience of our guests. The partnership with the University is already making that happen." Jeremy Pardey, Resort Director, Butlins
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“I am extremely excited by the opportunities for students locally, nationally and internationally” “The current Drama, Music Theatre and Dance courses at the University of Chichester are already a vibrant and vital part of the arts landscape in the city and wider region. Over the coming years the University is developing, in partnership with the Festival Theatre, an exciting and ambitious portfolio of new courses to enhance its Drama provision. I am extremely excited by the opportunities this presents not just for the theatre but for students locally, nationally and internationally who want to develop their skills in a progressive University environment.” Jonathan Church, Artistic Director, Chichester Festival Theatre
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A first rate experience Applications … UCAS figures for 2009 show that applications for full-time undergraduate courses at Chichester have risen by 17.2% compared to the national average of 7.8%. UCAS figures 2009
“I feel very fortunate to be studying here” “It is hard to believe I have been studying here for over a year now, the time has flown by! As a mature student returning from the world of work to full-time PhD study I have found the university to be incredibly friendly and supportive. Academic staff are very approachable; and have shown a real interest in my research sharing their experience and expertise to help me progress. I feel very fortunate to be studying here and would have no hesitation in recommending the University to anyone considering MPhil/PhD study.” 12
Fiona Collins PhD student, Social Studies
“It has been one of the best experiences of my life” “My time at the University of Chichester has been one of the best experiences of my life. Coming from the Czech Republic. It is great to study in the same classes as British students enabling us to share cultures and have a greater understanding of one another.” Ondrey Tyralik, Business and Management and International English Studies
“Make lasting friendships” “Coming to Chichester has given me much more confidence and has helped me to make lasting friendships. I really feel that this is home to me now!” Victoria Saich, Childhood Studies: Early Years
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Rising Star 75% of research submitted to the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise by the University was rated as world-leading, internationally excellent or internationally recognised. The University was lauded as one of only a handful of ‘rising stars’, due to its significant rise in the league tables, by the Times Higher Education publication.
University of Chichester Honorary Degree Holder and triple Olympic Gold Medallist, Ben Ainslie CBE
Research Some of the current research and professional activities include: • Enhancing the performance of competitive swimmers • Analysing the physical and emotional benefits of drumming by monitoring rock bands. • Serving as the physiologist to the British Olympic Sailing Team in Beijing • Sustainable tourism strategies • Childhood and adult obesity • Filmmaking for TV Chichester and Music Fusion • Interactive installations and digital choreography
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The future
“What does the future hold? Well to quote our mission, we aspire to be vital locally, important regionally, significant nationally and recognised internationally – and we are a long way to achieving this. We want to increase our impact in helping people transform themselves and their life chances and, in the process, help regenerate the economic, cultural and social environment of West Sussex.� Dr Robin Baker, Vice-Chancellor
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Telephone (01243) 816000 Bishop Otter Campus, College Lane, Chichester, West Sussex PO19 6PE Bognor Regis Campus, Upper Bognor Road, Bognor Regis, West Sussex PO21 1HR
www.chiuni.ac.uk