Outstanding in their Fields

Every university and college is different and special in its own way. Some though are, arguably,, more special than others and have attributes or assets which, if not unique, are certainly distinctive. I wanted to compile a slightly random list of  possibly unique features at a selection of UK institutions. There will be more of course and it’s possible some of these aren’t entirely accurate so do let me know where I’ve got it wrong or of others I’ve missed.

The Leeds Corridor

First up is the internationally renowned corridor at the University of Leeds. Part of the EC Stoner Building, when this corridor was built it was, at over a fifth of a mile long, the longest in Europe. It’s still up there in the corridor rankings I am sure. What an accolade though.

The Reading Bunker

This one is new to me and I must admit to being slightly sceptical but it does exist it seems. According to this BBC article it was 

designed for about 50 people, the facility was built on two levels, with the bunker lying beneath an unassuming 50s-era building covered in pebbledash

There are also dormitories and a central control room.

Needless to say, it is no longer part of the civil defence architecture and it does not appear to be used by the university for any activities. I’m sure some creative use could be made of it though – might be the ideal venue for senior management retreats perhaps?

Bobsleigh and Skeleton Bob Track

As anyone watching Team GB’s achievements at the recent Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics will be aware, there is a distinctive specialism in skeleton which has been supported by this remarkable (non-iced) training track at the University of Bath. It is the only such facility in the UK which is why the British Bobsleigh and Skeleton Association is based at the University. 

It’s certainly an unusual feature. An presumably helpful for attracting applications from a particular kind of aspiring Olympian.

Distinctive Academic Programmes

I’ve written about niche higher ed programmes on many occasions before, including here in an attempt to rebut ‘Mickey Mouse’ course allegations. But here are three distinctive courses I don’t think I’ve mentioned before:

• Birmingham City University features a BA in Horology, which might still be unique (or may not be any more)

• The University of Edinburgh offers an undergraduate module in Parapsychology and it is possible to undertake postgraduate research in the discipline (I think) at the Koestler Parapsychology Unit.

• The Royal School of Needlework hosts the only full-time BA (Hons) Hand Embroidery degree in Europe it says here (I think it is validated by Kingston University). Niche.

Time for a Dip

The University of Exeter is home to what I think is the only UK university outdoor swimming pool. As the website describes it:

Open seven days a week during our Spring and Summer months, our four-lane, 25-metre outdoor swimming pool is set in a large grass and patio area, heated to a constant twenty-nine degrees and staffed by qualified lifeguards.

There are also changing rooms and, if you have enough friends, you can book it for a pool party for a very competitive price. All you then need is the right weather…

Another Longest Thing

One of the interesting nuggets of information which emerged from the recently announced merger between the universities of Kent and Greenwich is that their existing shared venture in Medway included the Drill Hall Library in Chatham. This library, which started life, as the name suggests, as a military drill hall, forms part of a campus these two institutions share with Canterbury Christ Church University. All three share the library which, as it turns out, is the longest library in Europe at 228m. No idea who is measuring these things but it is certainly an unusual accolade.

Up, up and Away!

Cranfield University, currently in the news because of a planned merger, is one of the few universities in the world with its own airport.

Not only does the airport offer general and business aviation it has as you would expect, a strong research focus:

Cranfield’s global research airport offers a unique environment for transformational research into the aerospace sector. As one of the few universities in the world with our own airport, we are at the forefront of aerospace technology, working to address the challenges of digital aviation and rethink the airports, airlines, airspace management and aircraft of the future.

It wasn’t that long ago when there quite a few university vice-chancellors who were also keen aviators. I think they all had a soft spot for Cranfield Airport and its competitive landing charges.

See it, Say it, Sorted

I think it is still the case that only two UK universities have stations. As noted in this earlier blog the larger of these is the University station at the University of Birmingham  which has recently been upgraded. It is very handy indeed for travel to the University. The other one is a bit smaller and serves the University of Ulster at Coleraine. 

Are there other unique or very distinctive university or college features you know of?