University of Winchester

The University of Winchester is a public research university in the city of Winchester, Hampshire. It began as the Winchester Diocesan Training School in 1840, with the aim of training elementary schoolmasters.

It now offers undergraduate and postgraduate study in a range of subjects within the arts, humanities, health and social care, social sciences, business, law, sport and education. Students of the university graduate at Winchester Cathedral, which is one of the largest in Europe. Once graduated, students can use the post-nominal title of "Winton" from the Latin Wintoniensis meaning "of Winchester".

The main university campus, King Alfred, is a 10 minute walk to the city centre of Winchester. Major redevelopment has been carried out in recent years, with the aim of modernising the campus - in 2007, the former refectory was transformed into the University Centre by architects Design Empire, to include a new student union, catering facilities, a bookshop, a convenience store and a social learning space. This also includes The Vault, an event space with a capacity of 1,200, which is used for cinema screenings, gigs and parties. The West Downs Campus was a boys boarding school in the 18th century and the Grade II-listed building was refurbished in 2001.

The university is also home to a boarding college, Winchester Shoei College, which opened in 1982 and is an affiliate of the Shoei Gakuin, a junior and senior high school for girls in Shirokanedai, Minato, Tokyo.

Usage of reusable coffee cups has increased by 900 per cent, as the University of Winchester introduced its own sustainable cups, made partly with recycled chewing gum.

Notable alumni include TV journalist Martin Bashir, comedian Shappi Khorsandi and sports presenter Mike Bushell.