The only way is up! :: Wessex Scene Online

The only way is up!

27th September 2002

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There is further cause for celebration in Southampton University’s Golden Jubilee year. The latest Sunday Times League Tables published this month, rank Southampton in 11th place out of 123 universities.

This is Southampton’s highest ranking to date - a substantial increase of ten places on last year’s performance. Such an achievement coincides with the 50th anniversary of the University’s charter - commemorated with much celebration last semester when staff and students were given a day off work.

After stating that the University has had “an outstanding year”, the Sunday Times notes in its review that “the University has achieved perfect teaching scores seven times”, and has made a “sharp improvement in the latest research ratings”. Such praise led the University to be short-listed for the Sunday Times University of the Year award - just missing out to St. Andrews, university of choice for Prince William. Vice-Chancellor Professor Bill Wakeham said: “It is extremely satisfying to have reached such high ranking in the Sunday Times league table. The results reflect the significant progress made by the University in learning, teaching and research over recent years. The recognition of the improved quality of our accomplishments in these activities is very welcome. “The subjects particularly commended for their improvement were archaeology, politics and philosophy, which join a long list of departments rated excellent for their teaching”.

The improvements look set to continue, and not only in the academic field. The redevelopment of the Union facilities promises a greater nightlife for students, while the new sports facility will provide increased opportunities for fitness and recreation, hopefully raising the level of sporting achievement.

Congratulations are therefore owed to both students and staff of the University for this achievement. The students of Southampton have long since known the university to be among the best in Britain, why else would they have come here? The Vice-Chancellor speaks for all when, in response to this news, he says: “I am proud to have joined an institution which is so committed to success and I have no doubt that this success will be continued in the future”.