Harper Adams awarded full university status
Harper Adams has been granted full university status under the biggest expansion of higher education for 20 years.
Prime minister David Cameron announced the decision to award the college a full university title on Monday (10 December).
The agri-food science institute has already changed its title on its website to “Harper Adams University”.
David Llewelyn, founding vice-chancellor of Harper Adams, said: “From day one, we have become a strong, new member of the university community.
“We bring outstanding credentials, which include being the only newly-created university to already have both taught and research degree awarding powers.
“We have also shown how we match up to other universities in our position in the Sunday Times University Guide where, this year, we are first for graduate employment and third for teaching excellence.”
Dr Llewelyn added that the change in title signified that Harper Adams was now the leading university in the country for rural and land-based higher education, enhanced by strong international links across several continents.
“Our fine tradition of innovative, applied agri-food research, of direct relevance to industry and a recognised national priority, will only be enhanced by this change,” he said.
“University title will not alter the fundamental things that make this such a strong institution, but it will allow us to compete and collaborate on a level playing field with other universities both at home and overseas.”
Last month, universities minister David Willetts announced that 10 specialist colleges, including Harper Adams, were being invited to apply for full university status after the government relaxed rules on student numbers needed to achieve official status.
Two flagship ag colleges set for university status