August 2018 at the University of Winchester

3 Sep 2018

As we enjoyed the last few weeks of summer, we were pleased to celebrate a number of student and staff achievements and confirm places for a new cohort of students.

Read about our highlights from the month below:

West Downs development progress

Take a look at the progress over the first six months since the building work began on our new teaching and learning building at the West Downs Quarter on Romsey Road, Winchester.

The new building will be home to our Digital Futures computer and digital-related degree programmes and business management courses. The state-of-the-art facilities will include a 250-seat auditorium, art gallery, café, food hall, library, social learning areas and teaching spaces.

The building represents an important investment in the University’s future, helping us to maintain our strong position in the higher education sector by improving our estate, facilities and learning resources.

Find out more about the West Downs development here

Research breakthrough by Winchester visiting professor makes the news

Closeup of stethoscope

Professor Richard Hindley, Visiting Professor of Knowledge Exchange in the University’s Health and Wellbeing Research Group, worked with Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust to develop a breakthrough treatment to help men with enlarged prostates.

The treatment, called Rezum, involves injecting steam into the prostate to shrink the gland. A study led by Professor Hindley found that the treatment could provide an effective alternative to conventional surgical treatments and that it causes minimal side effects.

Find out more 

Winchester academic recognised with national teaching award

Man in white shirt sitting at desk with computer

Marcus Leaning, Professor of Digital Media Education, has been awarded a National Teaching Fellowship.

The scheme, managed by Advance HE, celebrates and recognises individuals who have made an outstanding impact on student outcomes and the teaching profession in higher education. He will now play an ongoing role in enhancing teaching and learning within at Winchester, in the higher education sector and further afield.

Marcus teaches on the Media and Communication degree. He has a strong interest in the issues faced by neuro-diverse students - specifically those with dyslexia and dyspraxia. Working with dyslexic specialists he has designed activities and experiences specifically for students who learn in alternative ways.

Find out more about Marcus on his staff profile here

Winchester Creative Writing graduate shortlisted for ‘Search for a Bestseller’ competition

Claire Gradidge shortlisted for Search for Bestseller competition

Creative Writing PhD graduate and Associate Lecturer at the University, Claire Gradidge, has been shortlisted in TV duo Richard and Judy’s annual ‘Search for a Bestseller’ competition for Home to Roost, a novel she started writing as part of her PhD

The historical crime novel follows a woman who returns to her home town for the first time in 26 years and discovers a family secret.

The winner will be announced in January 2019 and will receive a £30,000 world rights publishing deal from Bonnier Zaffre and specialist advice from literary agency Furniss Lawton.

Good luck, Claire!

Find out more

We partnered with Winchester Poetry Festival

Winchester Poetry Festival programme with painting of man carrying castle on his back

We signed a five-year agreement with Winchester Poetry Festival to strengthen the cultural life of the city and encourage more participation from young people. 

The partnership opens up opportunities for Winchester students at the Festival and will see the University hosting a poetry-themed educational project for local sixth-form students.

"It's brilliant to welcome the Winchester Poetry Festival to our growing family of cultural partners," said Professor Alec Charles, Dean of the University's Faculty of Arts. "This is a fantastic opportunity for our students to take part in a series of wonderful literary events in the heart of Winchester."

Find out more

Sharing our history and heritage at Winchester Heritage Open Days

Winton Building exterior

We are welcoming local history and heritage enthusiasts onto our campus and sharing our historical expertise as part of Winchester Heritage Open Days again this year.

From 13-16 September, the University is hosting free history-themed guided walks, talks, exhibitions, panels and workshops on campus and across the city.

Professor Joy Carter DL, CBE, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Winchester, said: “As an institution, our history is tightly interwoven with that of Winchester city and we look forward to celebrating the historical life of our city and campus. This is a fantastic opportunity to open our beautiful, award-winning campus to visitors and for our academics to share their research and expertise with the local community.”

See the full programme and book now

We celebrated A-level results day

On 16 August, we congratulated thousands of students who received their A-level results and confirmed places for those who have chosen to study with us.

We look forward to welcoming our new and returning students in September!

Blog highlight: Five Minutes with Lewis Moody MBE

Lewis Moody pictured with Richard Cheetham

Former professional rugby union flanker and England international, Lewis Moody, shares highlights from his sporting career and speaks about finding a new focus in life post-rugby in our recent interview.

Find out more

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