Cardiff Metropolitan University

Cardiff Metropolitan University
Welsh: Prifysgol Fetropolitan Caerdydd
Former names
University of Wales Institute, Cardiff
Motto The most valuable possession is knowledge
Type Public
Established 2011 – Cardiff Metropolitan University
1996 – University of Wales Institute, Cardiff (UWIC)
1976 – South Glamorgan Institute of Higher Education
1865 – Cardiff School of Art & Design
President Lord Mayor of Cardiff, Derrick Morgan
Vice-Chancellor Antony J Chapman[1]
Students 13,670 (2014/15)[2]
Undergraduates 8,920 (2014/15)[2]
Postgraduates 4,750 (2014/15)[2]
Location Cardiff, Wales
Campus Llandaff, Cyncoed
Colours
                    
Affiliations University Alliance,
Association of Commonwealth Universities
Wallace Group
Website www.cardiffmet.ac.uk

Cardiff Metropolitan University (Welsh: Prifysgol Fetropolitan Caerdydd), formerly University of Wales Institute, Cardiff (UWIC), is a university situated in Cardiff, Wales. It operates from two campuses: Llandaff on Western Avenue and Cyncoed campus to the north-east of the city.

The university has over 12,000 students. The university offers degree courses in a variety of disciplines. Study is available at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, full-time and part-time, and research opportunities are offered. Cardiff Metropolitan University has a number of research and enterprise centres, including the Food Industry Centre, the Welsh Centre for Tourism Research, and the National Centre for Product Design and Development Research.

History

The former Colchester Avenue campus in 2010

Split from University of Wales

Under its previous name (the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff, or UWIC), the university had its degrees awarded by the University of Wales. However, UWIC formally ended its association with the University of Wales, and was renamed Cardiff Metropolitan University in November 2011.[4] The university will also now award all of its degrees in its own name.

Despite this 'withdrawal' from the University of Wales, the new Cardiff Metropolitan University retains close formal links with it. Until summer 2012 they shared the same Pro Vice Chancellor of Research, Professor Robert Brown. Cardiff Metropolitan University briefly continued to supply its staff for the University of Wales to use as moderators for their overseas franchised degrees.[5] From 2004 to 2007, Cardiff Metropolitan University's Vice Chancellor, Tony Chapman, was the Senior Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Wales, whilst also holding the post of Vice Chancellor at UWIC.[6]

Pressure to merge with other HE institutions

In December 2003, UWIC withdrew from merger talks with the University of Glamorgan, stating that it was not in the ‘best interests of UWIC and the students’. In December 2004, UWIC announced merger talks with University of Wales, Newport, but withdrew from merger talks in July 2005 when HEFCW stated they indicated that any proposed merger must also include the University of Glamorgan.[7]

On 4 July 2011, UWIC pulled out of merger talks with both Swansea Metropolitan University and the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, for a new University of Wales citing the fact that it was ‘dissatisfied with a lack of attention to good governance, due process and administration (in the University of Wales)'.[8] This was despite the fact that its own Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research, Professor Robert Brown, was also one of the most senior figures in the University of Wales, serving as a member of the University of Wales Council.[9] In December 2011 the newly established Cardiff Metropolitan University rejected HEFCW plans for the future structure of Wales’ universities which proposed merging it with the universities of Glamorgan and Newport to form the UK’s largest higher education institution.[10]

Pressure on Cardiff Met to merge continued to mount throughout 2011 and 2012, however, in line with Leighton Andrews' controversial Higher Education agenda. This included a plan to create a new super-university of 45,000 students in the Welsh Valleys, involving the University of Glamorgan, the University of Wales, Newport, and Cardiff Metropolitan. Newport had already agreed to merger plans put forward by Glamorgan, although it was described as a 'bilateral arrangement' with neither institution technically taking precedence. This merger plan left open the possibility of a third university becoming involved, which was recognised as a reference to Cardiff Met's position.[11]

Cardiff Metropolitan continued to oppose a merger with its neighbours, citing the lack of a business case, concerns that the new institution (which would be the largest campus university in Britain) would simply be too big to manage properly, and the 'predatory' attitude of Glamorgan, which has led to concerns they were intent on taking over rather than merging with Newport and Cardiff Met.[12] In response to their efforts, Leighton Andrews (a strong supporter of the mergers on any terms) threatened to forcibly dissolve Cardiff Metropolitan and hand its assets over to the University formed by Glamorgan and Newport's merger.[13] As of October 2012, more time had been granted to consider a three-way merger, but Cardiff Metropolitan still demanded more evidence before committing to further talks.[14] Cardiff Metropolitan has described the existing plans as high cost and high risk, and have threatened to refer the matter to spending watchdogs, including the Auditor General.[15] However, Cardiff Metropolitan stressed that it retained an 'open mind' on the subject of a merger, and has ruled out moving to the private sector.[16]

On 6 November 2012, the threat of dissolution was removed when the Education Minister made a statement to the Senedd that he had taken the decision to cancel the previous consultation on the proposed dissolutions because of a request from the chairs of the University of Glamorgan and the University of Wales, Newport. It was on that basis that the Minister took the decision to cancel the consultation that was previously in operation.[17] Responding to the statement Angela Burns AM, shadow minister for education, said: "This is a massive climb-down for the Education Minister, but a win for diplomacy over belligerence and aggression." [18]

Campus

Cardiff Met's Llandaff campus

Since 2007, £50 million has been invested in estate developments.[19] In May 2009 the £5million Food Industry Centre – Zero2Five at the Llandaff Campus opened. Cardiff Met's £20 million Cardiff School of Management building officially opened in October 2010 at the Llandaff site. Student facilities, learning centres and the provisions within have also been updated.

The Cyncoed campus opened the a campus centre in October 2009, which house the Students' Union, bar and cafe for student, staff and visitor use.

UWIC's Student Centre at Cyncoed

The Student I-Zone opened in October 2010, to provide important information to students from one dedicated location.

The UWIC Foundation has been set up to help advance the work of the university by developing, promoting and encouraging improvements to the quality of teaching and research at the university. It is funded through charitable donations.

In 2012 the University commenced the building of a major new development for its School of Art & Design. The £14m investment will enable a new building to be built on the University's Llandaff campus, and existing accommodation will be substantially improved to provide a contemporary home for the internationally recognised School.[20]

Organisation

Schools

Cardiff Metropolitan University is made up of five academic schools:

Research & Enterprise Centres

Cardiff Metropolitan University's research is organised through a number of research centres, offering applied research and consultancy to business and industry, and to local and national government across the UK and abroad.

National Centre for Product Design & Development Research (PDR)

Designated a National Centre of Excellence for Technology & Industrial Collaboration, PDR works in partnership with manufacturing companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and Government bodies, offering applied research and consultancy in the fields of product design, development and manufacture. PDR works to aid the development and adaptation of new processes, tools and techniques for use in new product development.

School of Art & Design

Cardiff School of Art & Design opened in 1865 as the Cardiff School of Art and is the oldest constituent part of the university. From September 2012 onwards CSAD’s learning & teaching, research and enterprise activities are focused in nine 'subjects': Fine Art; Illustration; Textiles; Ceramics, Artist, Designer: Maker; Graphic Communication; Product Design; and Architectural Studies. The School has a number of research groups which have been rated 'World Leading'. The school is housed in a new purpose built building with extensive studios and workshops on the Universities Llandaff Campus.

The school was assessed as number 39 of the top 80 destinations to study art and design in the UK by the Guardian's University Guide in 2010.[21] The postgraduate programme includes MA MDes, MFA, and MPhil/PhD and Professional Doctorates in Art and also Design, which can be taken in any of the Schools subject areas, as well as MA Ceramics, MSc Advanced Product Design. A transnational MDes is co-taught with Samsung Art and Design Academy (SADI) in Korea.

School of Education

The School of Education has over 2000 students supported by over 100 academic and administrative staff.

The School was established in 1951 to provide Initial Teacher Education Training (ITET) provision in Cardiff, and it remains the largest in Wales and one of the largest centres for ITET in the United Kingdom. It has been publicly recognised by Estyn through its inspection process.

Initial Teacher Education and Training courses include: BA Educational Studies (non QTS), BA Youth & Community Education, PGCE Primary (1yr), PGCE Secondary Education.

In 2011 the School closed its Humanities courses in Sociology, Criminology, Modern History, Politics and Popular Culture at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The only Humanities courses remaining in the School and at Cardiff Metropolitan University from 2011 onwards are those connected with English.

Professional Development courses include: Post Compulsory Education & Training, MA English, Management in the Community Professions.

School of Health Sciences

The School of Health Sciences is made up of 9 areas and provides applied research and consultancy services. The Centre for Biomedical Research conducts research on the biology of disease with a focus on molecular and cell biology. In addition to research funded by medical charities, government and industry, the centre provides a range of consultancy services to the private sector.

The Centre for Health, Safety & the Environment delivers applied research and consultancy in occupational and personal health and safety, environmental risk management, pollution and health and waste management. It works with industry partners and has a collaborative programme with the School of Professional and Continuing Education at the University of Hong Kong.

The Food Research & Consultancy Unit conducts applied food safety research, with specialist expertise in research on the psychology of food handlers' behaviour. The unit delivers applied research and consultancy in food science, nutrition & health for numerous clients including the Food Standards Agency, Welsh Assembly Government and industry.

The Zero2Five Food Industry Centre is a partner in Food Network Wales, and provides consultancy to the Welsh Food Industry and undertakes consultancy services and training programmes for clients in the UK and overseas.

The Wales Centre for Podiatric Studies was established in 1970 for training health care professionals, integrating of theory and evidence-based practice. The Centre uses its own facilities including three large clinics, laboratories, x-ray unit and a private practice facility.

The Department of Applied Psychology offers an undergraduate degree BSc(Hons) Psychology that is fully accredited by the British Psychological Society[22] and also MSc Health Psychology and MSc Forensic Psychology. There are also four active research centres Health Psychology, Forensic Psychology, Applied Cognitive Psychology and Educational Psychology.

School of Management

Cardiff Met's Cardiff School of Management Building

The School of Management is based at the Llandaff Campus, moved to a new management school building in October 2010, following the closure of the Colchester Avenue campus.[23]

Research activities at the School are organised into five broad themes within business and management and six Research Centres in specific areas.

The Institute for Social Innovation (ISI) acts as an umbrella organisation for various streams of work within the Cardiff School of Management (CSM). Centres of research activity include: The Welsh Centre for Tourism Research, The Wales Institute for Research into Cooperatives, and EUSPRIG – the spread sheet risk research centre. In addition, research groups focusing on management in higher education and the pedagogy of business and management education have been established. In the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise the Business and Management entry for the School scored an average of 1.350.[24]

The Wales Institute for Research into Co-operatives is a national research unit providing basic, strategic and applied research to the social economy, broadly defined as the area covering the relationship between political and social objectives and their economic implementation. The Institute works with industry, commerce and local communities to help to achieve sustainable growth in localities that are vulnerable as a result of factors such as social exclusion, the decline of old industries and the pressures of the international market.

The Welsh Centre for Tourism Research (WCTR) conducts research and consultancy in critical tourism studies, in partnership with universities in the Netherlands and New Zealand. Researchers also have links with industry and engage in applied tourism industry research, especially in the areas of tourism advertising and branding, coastal tourism environments, small tourism business innovation, and ITC applications in tourism.

The European Spreadsheet Risk Group was founded in 1999 by CSM staff in collaboration with staff from HMRC and University of Greenwich. EuSpRIG’s purpose is to raise awareness of the problems associated with the use of spreadsheets in organisations and develop risk reduction techniques. It conducts research in partnership both with industry organisations and with academic institutions. The most famous alumni of school is Vikas Jain who is one of the prominent analysts in financial community globally. The Centre for International Competitiveness was founded in 2007, and focuses on researching and exploring the competitiveness of economies and businesses. It aims to stimulate and disseminate research on competitiveness for business, policy-makers, and academic communities.

School of Sport

The School of Sport is based at the Cyncoed Campus, Cardiff.

The National Indoor Athletics Centre is an indoor athletics centre housed at the university's Cyncoed campus, and was opened in January 2000 by Colin Jackson OBE. The centre offers multi-sport provision and includes a sports injuries clinic and biomechanics laboratory. It is the only designated 'High Performance Centre' in Wales.[25] The Centre for Performance Analysis conducts performance analysis research and development.

Academic profile

Reputation and rankings

Rankings
Complete[26]
(2017, national)
79
The Guardian[27]
(2016, national)
95
Times/Sunday Times[28]
(2016, national)
103

As of 2012 the university is ranked as the top 'new' university in Wales by the major university guides – The Guardian University Guide 2013,[29] the Complete University Guide 2013[30] published in The Independent and the Times Good University Guide 2013.

The results of the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE 2008) recognised the university's success in supporting the development of world class research. It was ranked as 4th in UK and 1st in Wales for quality of international student experience.

Cardiff Metropolitan University has been independently acclaimed for its academic standards, with its most recent QAA Institutional Report (2008)[31] stating that ‘confidence can be placed in the soundness of the institution's current and likely future management of the quality of its programmes and of the academic standards of the associated awards.’

Partnerships

Samsung Art & Design Institute

Cardiff School of Art & Design and the Samsung Art & Design Institute[32] offer a trans-national Master of Design (MDes). Students study component parts in for this master's degree in both Cardiff and Seoul and a system of free study and research exchange exists between the two institutions. A new Professional Doctorate in Design which will act as a doctoral extension of the Masters award will commence in October 2012.

London School of Commerce

London School of Commerce (LSC) is an associate college of the university[33] and the relationship dates back to 2004; they deliver MBA, BA Business Studies, MSc Management Consultancy, MSc Hospitality/Tourism Management, BSc/MSc in Computing, Research degrees and an International Foundation Programme to over 6000 students across 130 countries. Westminster International College Malaysia is an Associate College of London school of commerce and the relationship dates back to 2008 they deliver MBA, BA Business Studies.

International College of Business and Technology(ICBT)

Set up in 2000, the International College of Business and Technology (ICBT)[34] is one of the leading tertiary education providers in Sri Lanka. Popularly known as ICBT Campus, it delivers Certificate, Diplomas, pre University programs, Undergraduate programs, Masters level programs including Doctorate level programs in association with some of the best Universities and educational service providers in UK, Australia, Thailand, India and Sweden.

ICBT Campus has expanded their operation in setting up branches island wide. Main branch is located at Mount Lavinia. Other branches are located in Bambalapitiya, Kandy, Matara, Nugegoda, Galle, Negombo, Kollupitiya & Jaffna.

Other partnerships

The EASB East Asia Institute of Management has delivered the university's programmes at its Singapore campus since 2005. Over 100 EASB students are currently studying for franchised degrees in subjects including Accountancy, International Hospitality Management, Business and Management Studies and Both the Singapore Ministry of Education and Economic Development Board are supporting the proposed development of a branded building on the EASB campus.

In 2009 the university entered into a partnership with the Arab Academy for Science and Technology (AAST), Egypt. Students at AAST are studying for franchised degrees in Marketing Management, Accounting and Finance, Economics and the MBA.

Cardiff Metropolitan University programmes are also delivered at the Superior Institutions of Science and Technology (SIST), Morocco. Students at SIST can study for degrees in Marketing Management, Business and Management Studies, Tourism Management and the MBA.

Since 2009 the International University College (IUC), Bulgaria have delivered the university's degrees in International Business Management, Business Information Systems, Hospitality Management and the MBA.

Student life

Accommodation

Cardiff Metropolitan University has student accommodation available close to its campuses in Cyncoed and at Plas Gwyn.[35] The university also has agreements with private residences such as Tŷ Pont Haearn in the city centre, which has 179 beds reserved for students and Victoria Hall which is located near to the Llandaff Campus[36] and has 198 beds reserved for students.

Sport

The university's sporting Roll of Honour includes over 300 International performers from 30 different sports. The Roll includes:

Sports teams
Cardiff Metropolitan University Archers

National Indoor Athletics Centre

This large indoor sporting facility is a venue for many sporting events such as the Welsh Open Taekwon-Do Championships hosted there each year[37] by the United Kingdom Taekwon-Do Association. The UK Open Taekwon-Do Championships is often held there too.

Notable alumni

Cardiff Metropolitan University (formerly UWIC) has alumni in the fields of sport, art, education, design, nutrition, business, healthcare and media.[38]

See also

References

  1. "Professor Antony J Chapman – Cardiff Met Vice-Chancellor & Principal.".
  2. 1 2 3 "2014/15 Students by HE provider, level, mode and domicile" (XLSX). Higher Education Statistics Agency. Retrieved 19 January 2016.
  3. http://www.uwic.ac.uk/csm
  4. "UWIC Name Change". .cardiffmet.ac.uk. Retrieved 2013-07-26.
  5. Archived 7 January 2012 at the Wayback Machine.
  6. "Professor Antony J Chapman". .cardiffmet.ac.uk. Retrieved 2013-07-26.
  7. UWIC withdraws from merger talks with Newport University
  8. "Uwic no longer involved in 'super university' plan". BBC News. 4 July 2011.
  9. "The University Council – University of Wales". Wales.ac.uk. Retrieved 2013-07-26.
  10. "Cardiff Metropolitan University governor slams plans to merge three universities". Wales Online. 2011-12-02. Retrieved 2013-04-22.
  11. Evans, Gareth (4 July 2012). "Super university merger plans unveiled for Glamorgan and Newport". Western Mail. Retrieved 13 October 2012.
  12. Evans, Gareth (12 October 2012). "UWIC attacks University of Glamorgan over 'predatory' attitude towards merger". Western Mail. Retrieved 13 October 2012.
  13. Matthews, David (17 July 2012). "Merge or dissolve: Andrews plays his cards in Cardiff Met row". Times Higher Educational Supplement. Retrieved 13 October 2012.
  14. "More time for Cardiff Met, Glamorgan and Newport Merger". BBC Website. 3 October 2012. Retrieved 13 October 2012.
  15. "University merger plan: Cardiff Met's watchdog threat". BBC Website. Retrieved 13 October 2012.
  16. Evans, Gareth (5 October 2012). "University rules out privatisation as an alternative to merger". Western Mail. Retrieved 13 October 2012.
  17. "Leighton Andrews scraps plans to dissolve Cardiff Metropolitan University – Wales News – News". WalesOnline. 2012-11-06. Retrieved 2013-07-26.
  18. "Leighton Andrews scraps plans to dissolve Cardiff Metropolitan University – Wales News – News". WalesOnline. 2012-11-06.
  19. "Investing in your future". .cardiffmet.ac.uk. Retrieved 2013-07-26.
  20. New £14m Arts and Design Building Formally Unveiled
  21. "University Guide, guardian.co.uk". London: Guardian. 8 June 2010. Retrieved 26 July 2011.
  22. "Accredited courses & training programmes". BPS. Retrieved 2013-07-26.
  23. "New Management School officially unveiled". .uwic.ac.uk. Retrieved 2013-07-26.
  24. "RAE (Education),Business and management studies (Education subject),Research (Higher education),Higher education (Universities etc.),Education". The Guardian (London). 18 December 2008.
  25. "Uwic opens centre of sporting excellence". Wales Online. 2011-01-07. Retrieved 2013-07-26.
  26. "University League Table 2017". The Complete University Guide. Retrieved 25 April 2016.
  27. "University league tables 2016". The Guardian. 25 May 2015. Retrieved 25 May 2015.
  28. "The Times and Sunday Times University Good University Guide 2016". Times Newspapers. Retrieved 21 September 2015.
  29. "University guide 2013: University league table". Guardian. 2012-05-21. Retrieved 2013-07-26.
  30. "Top UK University League Tables and Rankings 2013". Complete University Guide. Retrieved 2013-07-26.
  31. "QAA Institutional Report 2008". Qaa.ac.uk. 2008-08-21. Retrieved 2013-07-26.
  32. "Samsung Art and Design Institute, Korea". .cardiffmet.ac.uk. Retrieved 2013-07-26.
  33. "London School of Commerce". .cardiffmet.ac.uk. Retrieved 2013-07-26.
  34. "International College of Business and Technology Ltd". .cardiffmet.ac.uk. Retrieved 2013-07-26.
  35. "Accommodation". UWIC. Retrieved 26 July 2011.
  36. "Nomination Agreements with private halls". UWIC. Retrieved 26 July 2011.
  37. "More Competitions". Tkdcompetitions.co.uk. Retrieved 26 July 2011.
  38. "Alumni Profiles". .cardiffmet.ac.uk. Retrieved 2013-07-26.
  39. "TV presenter Inverdale signs up to save the Vulcan pub". South Wales Echo. 11 November 2008. Retrieved 11 November 2008.
  40. "Player profile: Alex Jones". www.mccuniversities.org. Retrieved 8 November 2011.

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Coordinates: 51°29′03″N 3°09′54″W / 51.4843°N 3.1649°W / 51.4843; -3.1649

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