University of Chichester
Higher education, Bishop Otter campus and student life
The University of Chichester is a small, modern university with its main campus, Bishop Otter, located in the western part of the city on College Lane. The university has a second campus at Bognor Regis. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees across a range of subjects, with particular strengths in education, performing arts, sport and business.
The Bishop Otter campus takes its name from Bishop William Otter, who founded the original teacher training college on the site in 1839. The campus retains some of its original buildings alongside more modern teaching and residential blocks. The chapel, which dates from the Victorian foundation, remains in use. The campus has a relatively intimate feel compared to larger universities, and this is part of its appeal. Students and staff tend to know each other, and the sense of community is strong.
The university's performing arts programmes are among its best-known offerings. Degrees in acting, musical theatre, dance and music attract students from across the country, and the university has a good track record of producing graduates who go on to work in the performing arts industry. The proximity of Chichester Festival Theatre, one of the country's leading producing theatres, provides a professional context that enriches the academic programmes.
Education remains a core subject, reflecting the university's origins as a teacher training college. Primary and secondary teaching degrees, along with education studies and related programmes, are well established. Sport and exercise science, business management, psychology and history are among the other popular subjects.
Student life in Chichester revolves around the campus and the city centre. The university has a students' union, sports clubs, societies and social events, though the scale is modest compared to larger universities. The city provides pubs, cafes, restaurants and cultural venues within walking distance of the campus, and the coast and Downs are close enough for weekend exploration.
Accommodation is provided on campus in halls of residence, with additional student housing in the surrounding streets. The private rental market, as discussed elsewhere, is competitive, and students looking for off-campus accommodation need to start their search early.
The university's contribution to the city is significant. It brings a young population, supports local businesses and adds to the cultural life of Chichester through performances, exhibitions and public events. The relationship between town and gown is generally positive, though the usual issues around student housing, noise and parking arise from time to time.
Research at the university covers a range of areas, with particular strengths in sport and exercise, education and the creative arts. The university holds degree-awarding powers and has been a fully independent university since 2005.
Student life in Chichester revolves around the campus and the city centre, which are close enough together that the walk between the two takes only a few minutes. The university has a students union, sports clubs, societies and social events, though the scale is modest compared to larger universities in bigger cities. The city provides pubs, cafes, restaurants and cultural venues within walking distance of the campus, and the coast and Downs are close enough for weekend exploration by bus, bike or car.
Accommodation is provided on campus in halls of residence for first-year students, with additional student housing in the surrounding streets managed by private landlords. The private rental market is competitive, and students looking for off-campus accommodation for their second and third years need to start their search early in the academic year to secure the best properties at reasonable rents.
Research at the university covers a range of areas, with particular strengths in sport and exercise science, education and the creative arts. The university holds degree-awarding powers and has been a fully independent university since 2005, having previously been a university college and, before that, a teacher training college with a history stretching back to the Victorian era.