About Nottingham Trent University
Nottingham Trent University (NTU) is a public university in Nottingham, England. It was founded as a new university in 1992 fromTrent Polytechnic (later Nottingham Polytechnic). Its roots go back to 1843 with the establishment of the Nottingham Government School of Design which still exists within the university today. It is the 16th largest university in the UK (out of 165) with 26,890 students split over three different campuses.
Nottingham Trent University was ranked in the number 700 and above (701+) category in the world by the QS World University Rankings. In 2008 The Complete University Guide named Nottingham Trent the "top post-1992 University" in the country. The university has "one of the best employability records of any university in England and Wales". It maintains close ties to over 6,000 businesses and 94% of students progress to full-time employment or further education within six months of graduating.The Guardian calls Nottingham Trent "the most environmentally friendly university in the country".
In 2009 it was awarded the title of "the most environmentally friendly university in the UK", by The People & Planet Green League (the only independent ranking of British universities' environmental and ethical performance). Also since 2009, 100% of the university's electricity has been generated by renewable sources.
The university has a strong research arm with, in 2008, 74% of the university's research considered of "international status" and "an impressive 8% ranked as world-leading".The 2014 REF upgraded the status of the university's research, with 90% considered of either "world-leading", "internationally-excellent", or "internationally-recognised" status. In November 2015, the university was awarded the Queen's Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education, "the highest national honour for a UK University" based on numerous research projects.
History of NTU
The university was formed by the amalgamation of many separate institutions of higher education. It originated from the Nottingham Government School of Design founded in 1843.
In 1945, the Nottingham and District Technical College was established. In 1958, Nottingham Regional College of Technology opened and in 1959, the Nottingham College of Education began at Clifton. In 1964, Nottingham Regional College was opened and in 1966, the original Nottingham College of Design was linked with the Regional College. Together they merged and the institution was upgraded to Polytechnic status in 1970 to become 'Trent Polytechnic'. In 1975, it amalgamated with Nottingham College of Education and in 1988, the official name changed to 'Nottingham Polytechnic'.
Under the Further and Higher Education Act 1992 all Polytechnics and some higher education colleges became eligible for full university status; at this point, the institution officially became 'Nottingham Trent University'.
Accreditation
Institutional Accreditation or Recognition - Privy Council
Year of first Accreditation - 1992
Rankings
- Globally, Nottingham Trent University was ranked in the number 700 and above (701+) category in the world by the QS World University Rankings, to which it was also awarded a '4 star' (out of 5) rating.
- In 2008 The Complete University Guide named Nottingham Trent the "top post-1992 University" in the country.
- The Guardian said Nottingham Trent University was "one of the top places in the country for graduate employment", with 94% of students progress to full-time employment or further education within six months of graduating.
- The university has significant international recognition for its work in Art and Design, Communication, Business, Cultural and Media Studies and English Language and Literature, and for its Professions allied to Medicine, French and Law.
- The university was named "the most environmentally friendly university in the country" by The Guardian, and in 2009 it was awarded the title of "the most environmentally friendly university in the UK", by The People & Planet Green League (the only independent ranking of British universities' environmental and ethical performance); with 100% of the university's electricity generated by renewable sources since 2009.
- In 2015, WhatUni ranked the university 12th in its 'Student Choice Awards'.
- In the same year, the Times Higher Education ranked the university as 31st out of 113 universities in the country for student experience.
Student life @NTU
Your time at NTU certainly won't be all about studying. There are so many opportunities to discover yourself and get involved!
Work hard, play hard – sport at NTU
Sport is a huge part of the NTU experience, and we’re encouraging you to get involved – whether you’re an elite competitor, or just looking to try something new. Make friends, have fun, and find a new challenge – turn your potential into performance, and be a better you!You don’t need to be an expert – whether it’s cheerleading, water-skiing, dodgeball or ice hockey, everyone starts somewhere. Make that somewhere NTU. Our range of classes and clubs offer something for everyone, at every level. You may be looking to channel your competitive streak, or you might just want to blow off steam between lectures. Whatever the plan, we’re ready when you are.
Whichever campus you’re based at, you’ll have great facilities on your doorstep. You can count on world-class equipment, plus the enthusiasm, support, and expertise of NTU Sport’s dedicated team.
The Lee Westwood Sports Centre opened in 2010, as the heart of our Clifton campus Sports Village. It’s the heartbeat of NTU’s sports and athletics scene, and includes:
- two huge multi-purpose sports halls
- a 65-station gym, with cutting-edge fitness and conditioning equipment
- three brand new glass-backed squash courts
- floodlit Astroturf and 3G pitches, for football and hockey
- a fitness suite
- a mirrored dance studio
- a brand new clubhouse with viewing terrace, social area and changing rooms.
- a purpose-built High Performance Centre, aiding athletic development
- a Sports Science Laboratory, and Sports Therapy Clinic
- a Nutrition Centre, providing dietary advice and guidance for NTU's athletes.
- and coming soon in Autumn 2016 – a brand new state of the art indoor tennis centre.
Discover yourself – volunteering at NTU
Community volunteering
Take your learning outside of the classroom – work with local organisations and build your personal skills and course-related experience.
Schools volunteering
Would you like the opportunity to volunteer with local schools and colleges? These NTV opportunities give you the chance to deliver voluntary projects in local schools and colleges, either creating your own or taking part in an existing one.
Sports volunteering
Passionate about sport? Be a sports volunteer with NTU, and make a difference doing what you love – whether it’s supporting PE lessons, delivering after-school sports clubs, or coaching a local sports club.
International volunteering
An NTV scheme for the truly ambitious – experience new cultures and places by volunteering abroad. These global experiences will enhance your career prospects, broaden your horizons, and give you a chance to discover who you can really be.
Nottingham Trent Students’ Union
Whichever campus you’re on, the Students’ Union will be a big part of your university experience. As soon as you enrol at NTU, you’ll automatically become a member. And whether it’s entertainment, social and leisure spaces, sports facilities or information and advice you’re looking for, NTSU provides all of this and more. NTSU really is at the heart of student life, run by students for students – making sure your time in Nottingham is the most rewarding it can be.
It’s no wonder our students are impressed by the Students’ Union building at our City site. After all, we designed it around our students’ vision. With its three storeys of exciting social and leisure spaces, there’s so much to enhance your student experience – all under one roof.
Grab a burger and chips in the bar, get down to some work in the café, hit the gym, dance studio or climbing wall, and more. Then in the evening, see the Students’ Union transform into the place to be – from cosy quiz nights, to formal balls, to high profile gigs, it all happens here.
At our City site, you’re in for a treat with our 2,400 capacity nightclub venue. With our £1 million investment in light and sound equipment and the large stage, this is a top class space for live music and entertainment – and it even doubles up as a daytime bar.
You’ll also find:
- two licensed bars, with subsidised drinks
- a large café area with Wi-Fi
- an underground retreat – with its dimmed lighting and comfortable seating, this is the perfect cosy spot to take time out
- a well-stocked shop – selling snacks, drinks, newspapers, stationery, convenience meals, and NTU’s own clothing line
- the Students’ Union Executive offices and our activities HQ
- a media hub with a radio studio.
Over at Clifton campus, there’s a shop and Student Advice Centre, but the place we hope you’ll really get excited about is The Point – a pub, diner, café and club all rolled into one. Meet your mates here, grab a bite to eat, play pool or watch the footy on a huge screen.
If you’re studying at our beautiful Brackenhurst campus, you too will have a shop on your doorstep, as well as the refurbished Brack Bar with its new lighting and sound equipment. Then there’s the Orangery café right next door – grab a coffee and snack and admire the view!
Whether you’re at our City site, Clifton campus, or Brackenhurst campus, you’ll be able to enjoy NTSU’s varied programme of entertainment including intimate comedy performances, fun-packed quizzes, gigs featuring international touring bands, and some of the biggest club nights in the Midlands.
Get involved – NTU societies
We’ve got over 80 societies to tempt you with, so you’re really spoilt for choice. Interested in politics? Want to help the local community? Keen to be involved in a faith-based group? Or maybe an activity or sport is more your thing?
We have societies in a diverse range of categories, including:
- academic
- artistic
- common interest
- cultural
- faith
- hall groups
- philanthropic
- political
- sports clubs
- Trent Media.
Hitting the right notes – music at NTU
Music has a big place here. We offer a range of scholarships for musicians, and we’re continually investing in our Music Centre to give you the best facilities possible.You don’t need to be an expert. If you’re interested in learning something new, we’ll help you through your first steps, building your knowledge and confidence. We’ll do everything we can to nurture your passion for music.
Led by our Director of Music, Matthew Hopkins, the NTU Music Team can offer you expert guidance in one-to-one or group tuition sessions. You can make new friends and develop your skills by joining one of our ensembles, and explore the world by travelling to compete in international competitions.
The Music Centre at our City site offers:
- two practice rooms
- a large, 200-capacity rehearsal space
- a studio room
- plenty of equipment for you to use
- tuition for all levels of ability
- instrument hire.
From our 100-strong choir, to our orchestras and concert bands, there’s a wide range of friendly ensembles ready and waiting for you. Meet new people, play exciting pieces, and put on concerts throughout the year—take part in international competitions, and immerse yourself in different musical cultures. It's the NTU Music experience!