Brunel University London finds its beginnings in 1798, having been started by John Lanacaster as a school for young, poor boys in need of an education in the neighbourhood. The school was known at its earliest as Borough Road College, and through its efforts to provide education to those less fortunate, established the foundation of the university’s ongoing efforts towards providing education that supports the masses.
After many years of establishing technical colleges with courses aided by local employers as early as 1957, pioneering the concepts of placements and internships, and expanding its faculties of education from handicraft and technology to feature a wider variety, the institution earned its status as a university in 1966, becoming officially known as Brunel University London. From there, Brunel University continued to expand to represent what it has become today, with faculties of study growing to include much more than just the fundamental subjects, incorporating humanities, sports sciences, health, social work, art, and more as well.
Speaking of faculties of study, students with different sets of interests will be able to enjoy a selection of subjects divided between the university’s following three colleges of study: College of Business, Arts and Social Sciences; College of Engineering, Design and Physical Sciences; and College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences. Among these colleges, there are a fair variety of subjects to be chosen from to suit the individual student’s needs.
The list of subjects available are as follows:
College of Business, Arts and Social Sciences
- Anthropology
- Arts Psychotherapy
- Business School
- Communications and Media Studies
- Creative Writing
- Criminology
- Economics and Finance
- Education
- English
- Film and Television Studies
- Games Design
- Global Challenges
- History
- Journalism
- Law
- Music
- Politics and International Relations
- Sociology
- Theatre
College of Engineering, Design and Physical Sciences
- Aerospace Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Science
- Design
- Digital Media
- Electronic and Electrical Engineering
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences
- Advanced Clinical Practice
- Biomedical Sciences
- Environmental Sciences
- Life Sciences
- Medicine
- Musculoskeletal Ultrasound
- Nursing
- Occupational Therapy
- Physician Associate
- Physiotherapy
- Psychology
- Public Health and Health Promotion
- Social Work
- Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences
Furthermore, considering its humble beginnings as providing education for the poor, the university continues on its pursuit towards inclusive learning of all types. As such, the institution has policies towards equality and diversity in spheres of gender, gender identities (especially as it relates to offering transgender students necessary support), race, ethnic prejudice (with regards to antisemitism), disability aid, and so on.
Students will also gain a rich social experience being that the university is located in London, which many would know is rich in culture, diversity and nightlife, giving students the perfect environment to unwind when they are not studying. The university also has opportunities for sociability for its students, with there being multiple ways to get involved with school activities, including: joining the student union; enrolling in open courses in the arts such as singing, acting, creative writing, oil painting, pottery, guitar groups and more, regardless of what the student may be studying; joining a student society; or joining a sport.
There are also representative opportunities available to students outside of the student union activities, such as the Student Ambassador Scheme, where chosen students will be allowed to represent the university at various events and activities, such as campus tours or higher education conventions. Students will also earn the opportunity to find jobs on-campus and off-campus during their studies through the university’s Job Shop option.
Finally, for newcomers who might be intimidated by the university experience when they first arrive, the university also has a Brunel Buddies scheme, which is said to support new students during their first few weeks of study, preparing them to enter into the university world on their own once they have become comfortable enough.
Those who express interest in the university can find more information at Brunel University London’s official website here.