Bristol backs new university in Hereford

Artist's impression of the new collaboratory - a dynamic and innovative new teaching and social space at the heart of NMITE (image courtesy of architects Architype)

Artist's impression of the new collaboratory: a dynamic and innovative new teaching and social space at the heart of NMITE. Architects Architype, in collaboration with Niall McLaughlin Architects, are working in partnership with NMITE to design an exciting purpose-built campus.Architype (www.architype.co.uk)

Press release issued: 5 March 2015

The first new ‘greenfield’ university in Britain was launched today with the support of a strong coalition of leading universities – including the University of Bristol – and engineers, businesspeople and politicians. It will open its doors to the first 300 students at its city centre campus in Hereford in September 2017.

The New Model In Technology & Engineering (NMITE) seeks to radically change the way engineering and related technologies are taught in Britain. Its aim is to help tackle the growing shortage of graduates who combine such degrees with the broad range of additional applied analytical thinking, innovation, interpersonal and leadership skills that employers seek.

Inspired and supported by the radical and renowned Olin College of Engineering in America, Karen Usher, co-leader of the development team (who has been involved since its inception) said: "Today marks the point at which Britain gets a new university to help address the country's chronic shortage of suitable technology and engineering graduates. The combination of widespread backing from three world-class academic partners means that our doors will open in Autumn 2017 for the first students to enter this ground-breaking new university in a brand new campus in Hereford's historic centre.

"It will be the first university in Europe to apply the tried and tested approach of America's highly innovative Olin College of Engineering. It will be about not just giving Britain more great engineering graduates, but importantly graduates who will be equipped additionally with the broader business, innovation, entrepreneurship and leadership skills that British employers need but find to be in very short supply."

The launch included the unveiling of the new university’s backing by leading UK universities Bristol and Warwick; its name – New Model In Technology & Engineering; confirmation of the zone in which the Hereford campus will be built; and outline designs of some of the initial university buildings.

Sir Eric Thomas, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bristol, said: “We are very pleased to be involved in this new venture in Hereford, drawing on our expertise in delivering high quality engineering programmes to provide advice on curriculum development and the deployment of innovative teaching methods.

“All universities have a responsibility to equip their students with the skills needed for their future lives, and we will be working with NMITE to see how these methods can be used for the benefit of their students, the engineering and technology sector and the UK.”