Learn about red brick universities
Red Brick universities are British universities founded in the 19s and 20s. The term “Red Brick” has been used to refer to educational institutions founded after older universities such as the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge.
Red Brick Universities were established based on the Higher Education Expansion Act in the United Kingdom, which mandated expanding university education opportunities and establishing new universities in different regions of the country.
It was constructed using red brick as a building material, which led to it being called “Red Brick Universities”.
List of red brick universities
- University of Liverpool
- University of Manchester
- University of Birmingham
- University of Leeds
- University of Bristol
- University of Sheffield
These universities are considered leading educational institutions in the United Kingdom, and have a proven track record in providing higher education and scientific research. Although it was founded in the twentieth century, it has an outstanding reputation and is considered an important part of the British university system.
| the University | Founded on | Development and establishment |
|---|---|---|
| University of Manchester | Manchester Mechanical Institute in 1824 | It later developed into the current University of Manchester |
| University of Birmingham | Birmingham Medical School in 1825 | The University of Birmingham was founded |
| University of Leeds | Leeds Medical College in 1831 | Developed for the University of Leeds |
| University of Bristol | It began as a university college in 1876 in Bristol | Developed for the University of Bristol |
| University of Liverpool | University College in 1881 | Developed for the University of Liverpool |
| University of Sheffield | Medical College in 1828, and Technical School in 1884 | Developed for the University of Sheffield |
| Newcastle University | Beginning with a medical school in 1834, it merged with Durham University in 1852 | Developed for Newcastle University |
| University of Reading | As an extension college by the University of Oxford in 1892 | The University of Reading was founded |
| University of Nottingham | As a civil college in 1881, students received degrees from the University of London until it received its royal charter in 1948. | The University of Nottingham was founded |
These universities developed from private research and teaching institutes in the nineteenth century, and offered programs of study including science, engineering, medicine, arts, and social sciences. These universities combine a long history and important university status in the United Kingdom.
History of the English Universities Constituency
The English university constituency relates to a special system of parliamentary representation that granted the right to vote to graduates of some English universities.
This system was created under the Representation of the People Act of 1918. Here is an overview of the history of this electoral district:
1918: The English university constituency system was put into effect as part of the Representation of the People Act 1918. This system gave graduates of some universities the right to vote in general elections. This idea was established to represent educational groups in Parliament.
Universities included: The right to vote was granted to graduates of Durham University and six British red brick universities: Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester and Sheffield. These universities were chosen due to their excellence in education and research.
Cancellation: The English university constituency was abolished in 1950. Subsequently, voting rights were expanded to include all adult citizens of the United Kingdom.
University of Reading: The University of Reading was added to the included university constituency in 1928. Before this, University of Reading graduates belonged to the London constituency.
It is noted that this system was part of efforts to expand the partnership between higher education and government, and was also aimed at strengthening the role of universities in the political decision-making process. This period represents a turning point in the history of English universities and the relationship between higher education and politics in the United Kingdom.
Features of red brick universities
These English “Red Brick” universities are distinguished by a set of features that distinguish them from other universities, which focus on providing a non-university education that includes all men regardless of religion or background. Here is a summary of the features that distinguish these universities:
She accepts men without reference to religion or background:
These universities were distinguished by the fact that they opened their doors to all men, regardless of their religion or background. This approach was different from older universities that imposed religious requirements and tests on students and staff.
Focus on transferring real-world skills:
These universities focused on imparting applied and practical skills and knowledge that qualify students to deal with challenges and needs in the real world. She was interested in providing students with knowledge that they could apply in multiple fields.
Connection to engineering and medicine:
These universities had a strong focus on fields such as engineering and medicine. It aimed to provide the necessary training for professionals in these two vital fields.
Influenced by Humboldt University in Berlin:
These universities followed an educational pattern similar to Humboldt University in Berlin. Emphasizing practical knowledge and practical application rather than the academic type.
Focus on practical application:
The focus on practical application in their education distinguished these universities and created a distinguished reputation for providing education and applied knowledge.
Contrast with other universities:
These universities differed from older universities and other English universities such as Durham University, which emphasized divinity and the liberal arts and imposed religious examinations on students and staff.
These features show how these universities distinguish themselves and their role in providing specialized education and practical application to students, and this has had a significant impact on the development of the approach to university education in the United Kingdom.