Loughborough University

Loughborough University is a higher education institution based in Loughborough, in Leicestershire, England.

History

Origins

The University traces its history back to 1909, with the founding of the Loughborough Technical Institute. In the early years, efforts were made to mimic the environment of an Oxbridge college (e.g. requiring students to wear gowns to lectures) whilst maintaining a strong practical counterbalance to academic learning. During World War I, the Institute served as an "Instructional Factory", training workers for the munitions industry.

Related Topics:
Oxbridge - World War I

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The Loughborough Colleges

Following the war, the Institute fragmented into four separate colleges:

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• Loughborough Training College (Teacher Training)
• Loughborough College of Art (Art and Design)
• Loughborough College of Further Education (Technical and Vocational)
• Loughborough College of Technology (Technology and Science)

The latter was to become the nucleus of the present university. Its rapid expansion from a small provincial college to a world famous seat of learning was due largely to the efforts of its dynamic principal Dr. Herbert Schofield (1882-1963).

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The influence of Herbert Schofield

Schofield became principal in 1915 and continued to lead the College of Technology until 1950. Over his years as principal, the college changed almost beyond recognition. He purchased the estate of Burleigh Manor on the western outskirts of the town, which became the nucleus of the present 200 acre (0.8 km²) campus. He also oversaw the building of the beautiful Hazlerigg and Rutland halls of residence. The strong sporting tradition all developed under Schofield's influence.

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From College to University

In 1963, the Robbins Report on higher education recommended that all Colleges of Advanced Technology should be given the status of universities. Consequently, in 1966 Loughborough College of Technology was granted the Royal Charter and became Loughborough University of Technology. It gradually remodelled itself in the image of the New Universities of the period, which had also been created under Robbins.

Related Topics:
Robbins Report - New Universities

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Later history

In 1977, Loughborough Training College (now renamed Loughborough College of Education) was absorbed into the University. The Arts College was also amalgamated with the University in 1998. These additions have diluted the technological flavour of the institution, causing it to resemble more a traditional university with its mix of humanities, arts and sciences. Consequently in 1996, the University dropped the "of Technology" from its title, becoming "Loughborough University", a step much applauded by its non-technological members.

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