University of Reading

University of Reading
Name	University of Reading
Established	0 1892 (as University College, Reading), 1926 (university status)
Type	Public
Endowment	£146.1 million (2022)
Chancellor	Paul Lindley
Vice chancellor	Robert Van de Noort
Students	19,590 (2021/22)
Undergrad	14,250 (2021/22)
Postgrad	5,340 (2021/22)
Campus	Whiteknights (main), London Road, Greenlands
Affiliations	Universities UK, Association of Commonwealth Universities, European University Association, University Alliance

University of Reading. The University of Reading is a public research university located in Reading, Berkshire, England. It was founded in 1892 as an extension college of Oxford University and received its royal charter as an independent university in 1926. The institution is organised into four major academic schools and is particularly renowned for its research and teaching in meteorology, agriculture, archaeology, and the arts.

History

The university's origins lie in the Schools of Science and Art established in the late 19th century, which in 1892 became University College, Reading, under the auspices of Christ Church, Oxford. Key early benefactors included the Palmer family of the Huntley & Palmers biscuit firm. It was the only university college to receive a charter in the interwar period, granted by King George V in 1926. Significant expansion occurred post-World War II, including the acquisition of the historic London Road Campus site. In 2008, it merged with Henley Management College, strengthening its business education offerings, and in 2016, it opened a major international branch campus, the University of Reading Malaysia.

Campus and facilities

The primary campus is the 130-hectare **Whiteknights Campus**, a parkland estate featuring the historic Whiteknights Park and the Harris Garden. It houses the main library, the Museum of English Rural Life, and the Cole Museum of Zoology. The **London Road Campus** is home to the Institute of Education and the iconic Great Hall, used for degree ceremonies. The **Greenlands Campus** on the banks of the River Thames near Henley-on-Thames hosts the Henley Business School. Specialist facilities include the Walker Institute for Climate System Research, the Centre for Agri-Environmental Research, and the Meteorology department's Atmospheric Observatory.

Organisation and governance

The university is governed by a Council led by the Chancellor, Paul Lindley, with executive responsibility held by the Vice-Chancellor, Robert Van de Noort. It is structured into four academic schools: the **College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences**; the **College of Life and Environmental Sciences**; the **College of Science**; and the **Henley Business School**. Each college contains numerous departments and research centres. The institution is a member of the University Alliance and the Association of Commonwealth Universities.

Academic profile

Reading is a research-intensive university, with particular strengths recognised in the Research Excellence Framework. It is globally known for its **School of Agriculture, Policy and Development** and is the lead institution for the Future Food Beacon. The **Department of Meteorology** is one of the largest in the world and works closely with the Met Office and the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts. Other notable areas include **Classics**, **Archaeology**, and **Typography & Graphic Communication**. The **Henley Business School** holds triple accreditation from AMBA, EQUIS, and AACSB.

Student life

The student body is represented by the **Reading University Students' Union**, which oversees over 150 sports clubs and societies, from the **Reading University Boat Club** to the award-winning student newspaper, *The Spark*. The union also manages the 3sixty nightclub and the Mojos bar. The university has a strong sporting tradition, with facilities at the **SportsPark** including an athletics track, a hockey pitch, and the Madelaine Jones Netball Centre. Major annual events include the Reading University Drama Festival and the Summer Ball.

Notable people

Notable alumni include Nobel laureate in Chemistry Sir John B. Gurdon, novelist Kazuo Ishiguro, and former Secretary of State for Education Justine Greening. Distinguished academics associated with the university include the physicist Sir John H. D. Jensen, the archaeologist Sir Mortimer Wheeler, and the meteorologist Sir John Houghton. In business, alumni include former CEO of Sainsbury's Justin King and Co-operative Group chair Dame Pauline Green. The art world is represented by Turner Prize-winning artist Keith Tyson.

Category:Universities in England Category:Educational institutions established in 1892 Category:University of Reading