University of Chichester

University of Chichester

Former names	West Sussex Institute of Higher Education (1977-1995), Chichester Institute of Higher Education (1995-1999), University College Chichester (1999-2005)
Motto	Latin: Docendo discimus
Motto in English	By teaching, we learn
Type	Public
Established	2005
Vice-Chancellor	Clive Behagg
Administrative staff	600
Students	5,445 (2014/15)
Undergraduates	4,645 (2014/15)
Postgraduates	800 (2014/15)
Location	Chichester, West Sussex, UK 50°50′41″N 0°46′28″W / 50.844674°N 0.774429°W / 50.844674; -0.774429Coordinates: 50°50′41″N 0°46′28″W / 50.844674°N 0.774429°W / 50.844674; -0.774429
Campus	Semi-urban
Affiliations	Cathedrals Group
Website	www.chi.ac.uk

The University of Chichester is a public university located in West Sussex, England which became a university in 2005. Campuses are based in the city of Chichester and the nearby coastal resort of Bognor Regis and an associate campus for music production on the Isle of Wight.

Today its many teaching and research specialisms include: Humanities (History, English, Theology); Social Sciences (e.g. Psychology; Childhood Studies); Media Studies and Media Production, Music and Performing Arts; and Sports Studies and Education. Its heritage stretches back into the nineteenth century when, in 1839, Bishop Otter College was established. As of 2013, major expansion-led building works have been undertaken through National Lottery Funding and other subscriptions which includes a large Sports Facility, Student Support, Library, Academic Hub and proposed new Media Production facilities (2018) to launch the University into a new phase of competitive relevant industry-related educational and training provision for the south-east region.

In 1839, a school for training 'Masters' was founded by William Otter, Bishop of Chichester, known as the Bishop Otter College. The original buildings, created in a neo-Tudor style, were designed by the architect J. Butler.

In 1873, the campus became a training institute for women teachers due to the activism of Louisa Hubbard after the Elementary Education Act 1870 created demand for school teachers. Men were later admitted to the college in 1960.

In the 20th century the campus was gradually expanded to meet demand. There was a large extension in the 1960s, including a steep gabled cruciform chapel, designed by the architect, Peter Shepheard.

During the 1970s Bishop Otter College was regarded as one of the most successful teacher training colleges in the country. During that period, the Principal of that establishment was Gordon McGregor, who went on to be Principal of Ripon and York St John and latterly Emeritus Professor of Education at the University of Leeds.