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The University of Chichester can trace its origins back to 1839. In the early part of the 19th century, there was considerable debate about the Church and the state's role in university education. In 1828 students were accepted for the first secular university institution in the country, which later became University College London. In response, it was felt that London needed another university institution where the role of the Church would be formally recognized. In 1829 King's College London was established, with William Otter as its first Principal. William Otter moved on to become Bishop of Chichester in 1836 and took a genuine interest in promoting education. After his death, a college for training schoolmasters was established as his memorial in April 1839. Eventually, Bishop's Training College moved to new buildings on the new site in October 1850 and was named Bishop Otter College. These buildings are the historic core of the University at the Chichester campus. In 1942, during the Second World War, students and staff of the College were evacuated to Stockwell College in Bromley, and the RAF took over Bishop Otter College. Chichester played a crucial part in the D-Day landings of 1944. One of the lecture rooms on the Bishop Otter campus became the Operations Room of RAF Tangmere, the nerve center controlling squadrons of fighter planes involved in the D-Day landing. In 1873 the College became a training college for women due to the campaign by Louisa Hubbard to encourage the acceptance of women as teachers. Male students were not introduced until 1957. The Bognor Regis College of Education was set up in 1946 as an emergency training college for men and women to meet the severe shortage of teachers after the war. It was located in a crescent of three beautiful Regency houses. The West Sussex Institute of Higher Education was formed in 1977 due to the merger between the two colleges (Bishop Otter College and the Bognor Regis College of Education). It was a single institution of higher education, which allowed the two colleges to retain some of their traditions and identity. Initially, degrees were awarded by Sussex and Southampton Universities. However, the Institute moved to a single degree-awarding body, the Council for National Academic Awards (CNAA). With the demise of the Council, the Institute became an accredited college of the University of Southampton, awarding Southampton degrees. In 1995, the Institute changed its name to Chichester Institute of Higher Education to confirm its unitary identity and prime location. In 1999 the Institute gained degree-awarding powers in its own right, and the name was changed to University College Chichester. The title 'University of Chichester' was approved by the Privy Council on 12 October 2005. THE UNIVERSITY IS A MEMBER OF: GuildHE of the United Kingdom Council of Church Colleges and Universities (CCCU) of the United Kingdom Colleges and Universities of the Anglican Communion (CUAC) registered in New York, USA. The University is recognized by the United States Government for Federal Student Loans US students studying at the University of Chichester can obtain Federal and State funding for the period of their study here. Our Registration (OPE Identification) Number is 0369 4300. The British Council recognizes us for the teaching of English as a Second Language. Our mission is to be a university community that inspires and enables individuals to exceed their expectations. Our vision is that, by 2020, the University of Chichester will be internationally recognized as a beacon of good practice for high quality, student-centered higher education within a supportive community of learning. We believe our University is enriched by having students and staff from a wide variety of backgrounds. Higher education should be open to everyone who has the ability and potential to benefit from it, regardless of age, ethnicity, disability, or family background. We know from our experience that a diverse student group creates a lively and thriving community. The University of Chichester comprises two campuses based in Bognor Regis and Chichester, located in West Sussex. Both campuses are set within vibrant communities, with business, culture, and performance creating the perfect mix for our students. The Freedom of Information Act promotes greater openness and accountability across the public sector by requiring all public authorities to make information through a publication scheme proactively. The University's Articles of Association, Annual Reports, Financial Statements, approved Policies, and details about the governance arrangements can be found on The Board of Governor's webpages. You can also find further information under Standards, Quality, and Regulations. The University of Chichester aims to be socially responsible, recognized internationally, significant nationally, important regionally, and vital locally – not only in teaching and student experience but also in research and its diverse communities and the public, private and voluntary sectors. We aspire to be excellent in everything we do and in the services we offer. Under the terms of the Freedom of Information Act 2000, the University of Chichester is a public body. It is required to make available a range of information about the institution and its activities. This Publication Scheme adopts the Definition Document for Universities issued by the Information Commissioner's Office in 2013. The University hopes that the website includes information that will help applicants (both students and staff), partners, employers, accrediting and regulatory bodies, and any organization interested in what we do. View full university