Academic excellence
Why study at Reading?
The University of Reading is consistently one of the most popular higher education choices in the UK. We receive, on average, eight applications for every undergraduate place. People choose to study with us for many reasons:
- the exceptional quality of our delivery
- innovative teaching fed by the latest research
- the rich diversity of provision and the flexibility to combine courses or transfer from one programme to another
- our highly supportive, state-of-the art learning environment
- an inclusive, international culture.
Our programmes
Our unusually broad portfolio of full- and part-time degree programmes covers the arts, humanities, sciences and social sciences. We offer courses and research in the specialist areas of agriculture, construction management, horticulture, cybernetics, meteorology, real estate and typography, where there are few other national providers. We regularly update our programmes as new ideas emerge and industry needs change.
Our staff
Many of our academic staff members are leading authorities in their fields, engaged in international research. Their calibre and commitment are major factors in our continually high performance in national assessments and league tables. We are involved with four national Centres for Excellence in Teaching and Learning. Two are exclusive to the University (applied undergraduate research skills and career management skills); two are in partnerships with other UK universities.
We encourage teaching staff to take advantage of professional development opportunities at the University. We have established a dedicated Centre for the Development of Teaching and Learning to keep our delivery at the cutting edge. It also helps staff practise new techniques and technologies. Throughout the year we recognise particular excellence, leadership and innovation with staff awards.
Our resources
First-class resources support world-class teaching. Helping students to succeed are:
- the University library containing over a million volumes
- advanced computing and communications facilities
- electronic media and communication tools at our Student Access to Independent Learning suite
- online study resources via ‘Blackboard’, our virtual learning environment.
