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This is a summary of Ms McGowan's talk to us on Monday 21st November 2011
Ms McGowan began by explaining her role within the University; she is responsible for media relations, corporate communications and public affairs. She then outlined some interesting facts about the University.
- It is 120 years old - its original home was Battersea.
- There are 2597 members of staff and 14,780 students on campus. There is also a campus in China with another 1500 students.
- Students come from 140 different countries, including 41% from Asia and 31% from Europe. Students come to the University as high achievers, and applications are increasing; there are now eight applicants for every place.
- The University is a member of the 1994 Group of research led institutions. This is one down from the Russell Group and puts the University on a par with Durham and St Andrews.
- The University has strong links with business and industry, and owns the Surrey Research Park.
- The University has an enviable market position, above eight universities in the Russell Group, and hovering around the twentieth mark, depending on which paper you read. It is number one for graduate employment.
- There are 160 degree programmes and forty four subject areas in four groups: Engineering and Physical Sciences, Arts and Human Sciences, Health and Medical Sciences and Business, Economics and Law.
- UK spending on higher education is below average, compared with others; as a percentage of GNP, the UK spends 1.3%, compared to the USA's 3.1%
Ms McGowan went on to look at the relationship between the University and the wider world, outlining areas where public engagement is involved. The University undertakes pioneering research which focuses on practical applications, and is bringing benefits to many spheres such as health, medicine, space, science and the environment. The Surrey Research Park is one of only three research parks owned, funded and managed by a university; it supports well over 100 diverse companies providing a variety of services - health and pharmaceutical, IT systems, energy consultants and space and satellite among many others.
Links to the wider community are extremely varied. The Surrey Sports Park will be a training venue for the 2012 Olympics but it is open to the public and offers a variety of activities including fitness, health, well-being and dance classes, a climbing wall and a range of programmes for the under 18s.
The University now houses the Guildford School of Acting which provides training in all aspects of theatre. There are links with the Electric Theatre, and the University works with SCC and GBC, collaborating in Book and Music Festivals and the Woking Dance Festival. People can attend public interest lectures, drama/music/dance performances and visual arts exhibitions. The Surrey Science Circus is a popular annual event.
Voluntary work is very important to the University. This can mean anything from working with the Surrey Wildlife Trust to helping local residents. There are strong links with local schools, primary as well as secondary; the Technology Bus is always well-received.
If you would like more information, please visit the University website.
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