The University of Worcester is a public research university, based in Worcester, England. Worcester is the only university based in the counties of Worcestershire and Herefordshire. With a history dating back to 1946, the university began awarding degrees in 1997 and was granted full university status in 2005.
The University of Worcester is the UK’s fastest-growing university.[21] Applications increased by 10.6% in 2009 and by 100% since 2004.[22] The university has consistently recorded the largest increases in applications of any UK University for 7 years in a row.
Applications have risen 100 percent over the last 5 years, and the student population will be allowed to grow a further 1,500 places in 2010, despite national trends.
An Ofsted report for the overall standard of the Institute of Education’s teaching programme rated the university as “Excellent”. The training of teachers was rated ‘Outstanding’ by OFSTED in June 2010. Results in the first four National Student Surveys have placed Worcester in the top 40 universities for student satisfaction in 2008, the most satisfied being in English, History and Teacher Training.
In March 2010, the university was ranked 54th of the top public sector places to work.