Ancient? Red Brick? Glass Plate? What's the difference?
- Meredith Guthrie
- Aug 27, 2024
- 3 min read
If you spend much time reading about British universities, you are bound to come across a few terms that attempt to categorize them according to when they were founded. Understanding the distinctions between the Ancient, Red Brick, Glass Plate, and Post-92 universities can offer valuable insights into the evolution of higher education in the UK. Here’s a closer look at these categories and what sets them apart.
Ancient Universities
The term "Ancient Universities" refers to the oldest institutions of higher learning in the UK. This group includes the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, the University of St Andrews, the University of Glasgow, the University of Edinburgh, and the University of Aberdeen. Founded between the 12th and 15th centuries (depending on how you define 'founded'), these universities have long-standing traditions and a rich academic heritage.
Ancient universities are renowned for their academic standards and historic architecture. These institutions are often highly selective and attract students from around the world, maintaining their prestige through centuries of academic excellence.
Red Brick Universities
The term "Red Brick" refers to a group of universities established in major industrial cities of England during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These institutions were characterized by their use of red brick in their architecture and their focus on practical, professional education to meet the demands of the industrial revolution. Key examples include the University of Manchester, the University of Birmingham, and the University of Leeds.
Red Brick universities were founded to provide higher education to a broader segment of society, moving away from the elitist model of the Ancient universities. They played a crucial role in the expansion of higher education and the professionalization of various fields, including engineering, business, and the sciences. Today, they are known for their diverse student populations and strong emphasis on research and vocational training.
Glass Plate Universities
The "Glass Plate" universities emerged in the mid-20th century, a term that metaphorically reflects their modern and innovative approach to higher education. These institutions, such as the University of East Anglia and the University of Sussex, were founded in the 1960s and 1970s as part of a significant expansion in the higher education sector. The name "Glass Plate" signifies their modernist architectural styles, often featuring glass facades and open-plan designs.
These universities were designed to address the growing demand for higher education and to promote a more flexible and interdisciplinary approach to learning. They are known for their emphasis on research and their commitment to providing a broad range of academic programs. The Glass Plate universities have been influential in shaping contemporary higher education by fostering a dynamic and inclusive learning environment.
Post-92 Universities
The Post-92 universities, also known as New Universities, include institutions that gained university status after the Further and Higher Education Act of 1992. This act allowed several polytechnics and other higher education colleges to become universities, reflecting a major shift in the landscape of British higher education.
These universities, such as the University of Wolverhampton and the University of Portsmouth, were established to increase access to higher education and to cater to the changing needs of the workforce. They often focus on vocational training, professional development, and applied research. While they may not have the historical prestige of Ancient or Red Brick universities, Post-92 universities are highly regarded for their practical approach to education and their strong links with industry.
The British higher education system is diverse and evolving, with each category of university playing a unique role in shaping the academic and professional landscape. Ancient universities uphold centuries-old traditions and academic excellence, Red Brick universities mark a significant historical shift towards accessible education, Glass Plate universities embody modern educational ideals, and Post-92 universities represent a more recent development focused on vocational and practical training. Understanding these differences highlights the rich history of British higher education and provides insight into the various pathways available for students seeking higher learning in the UK.