University of York

:This article is about the British university. For the Canadian university, see York University.

Future expansion

Over the next decade, the University plans to increase student numbers by around 5,000, and to introduce a number of new subjects, including Law, Pharmacy, Dentistry, and Theatre Film and Television studies. These plans are based upon calculations of expansion of University numbers nationally and a re-targetting of the University's assets. For most of its history, its core strengths were regarded as being in the technology departments - Physics, Computer Science and Electronics - and the traditional liberal arts - History and English. Successes in cancer research lead to a re-structuring of the Chemistry and Biology departments to bring them closer together, the founding of a Health Sciences department, the establishment of courses in Nursing and Midwifery, and the creation of the Hull York Medical School or HYMS. This entry into medical and health care training has lead to a change in the University's priorities.

Related Topics:
Law - Pharmacy - Dentistry - Theatre - Film - Television - Liberal arts - Hull York Medical School

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On the arts side, the University is building upon its reputation for fostering interdisciplinary studies. The Centre for Medieval Studies has been regarded as being at the forefront of combining history, art history, archaeology, literary studies, architectural studies and drama to give a more rounded view of historical events and culture. Its model has been succesfully replicated with the establishment of the Centre for Eighteenth Century Studies. This is to be followed by the opening of the Centre for Renassiance and Early Modern Studies in 2007. This Centre intends to admit its first postgraduate students in 2008. At the same time, the Department of English and Related Literature intends to expand upon its literary studies by placing more emphasis on creative writing and performance.

Related Topics:
Centre for Medieval Studies - Centre for Eighteenth Century Studies - Centre for Renassiance and Early Modern Studies

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For a number of years, the University's expansion plans have been limited by planning restrictions on the Heslington campus. Since the campus lies within the York green belt, planning conditions stipulate that only 20% of the land may be built upon. In the academic year 2003/04, plans were finalised for a second campus, on the other side of Heslington village. Called the Heslington East campus, the proposal is for a new 70 hectare campus designed to mirror the existing main Heslington campus. Situated by the Grimston Bar park and ride carpark, it will involve construction on land currently used for arable farming. The plans involve landscaping the area, with the construction of an artificial lake and the planting of light woodland. Several departments are being considered for new, purpose-built facilities on the campus, including Computer Science and Law. Current University Chancellor Greg Dyke has already made a pledge of funds to subsidise a professorship in the new Theatre, Film and Television department.

Related Topics:
Green belt - Heslington - Park and ride - Arable - Artificial lake - Woodland - Computer Science - Law - Greg Dyke - Theatre - Film - Television

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Heslington East will be connected to the existing campus by a network of pathways and light transport links. Construction is hoped to begin in the 2006/07 academic year, with the first buildings coming into use the following year. However, there is still a lengthy consultation and planning exercise to be undertaken, and designs have yet to be finalised for the site and for the new buildings.

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