University of Salford MediaCityUK opening date revealed

MediaCityUK

The University of Salford has announced that 4 October 2011 is the date when around 1,500 students will begin their studies at its new digital learning, teaching and research space at MediaCityUK.

The achievement represents the culmination of an intense four year project which has seen hundreds of staff across 16 separate workstreams delivering what will become the most technically advanced learning environment in the UK.

The University's new facility sits in a unique position at the heart of MediaCityUK, next to the BBC and in the same building as ITV. It is also positioned alongside a host of leading digital, broadcast, post-production and creative businesses such as SIS LIVE.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Martin Hall said: "To be able to announce that we will be moving in on schedule is a real cause for celebration. The design, fit-out and timetabling for our hi-tech new facility has been the most complex project the university has ever undertaken, and I am extremely proud of the part all our staff, students and partners have played in making our vision a reality.

"Our space has been designed to mirror workspaces in organisations such as the BBC. This will really help our students get to grips with the ways in which business and industry operate in a rapidly changing world - and ultimately, boost their employability. We are looking forward to welcoming our students into the facility on 4 October and celebrating what has is a massive achievement for everyone involved."

Cutting edge facilities will include HD TV studios, radio broadcast studios, a digital media and performance lab, post-production and editing facilities, meeting pods and dubbing theatres. 

The new facility will offer a wide range of courses for both undergraduates and postgraduates in subjects including audio technology, journalism, animation, computer and video games, digital broadcast technology, and creative technology. Students will begin their studies at MediaCityUK on 4 October, following an orientation week on the main Salford campus when the teaching term begins.

Stephen Wild, Managing Director of MediaCityUK said: "The opening of the University of Salford facility is an extremely exciting milestone for MediaCityUK. The fusion of industry excellence, such as the BBC and ITV, with academic talent from the University, is a key ingredient to delivering an environment where talent can network and prosper. We wish the students and staff based at MediaCityUK an enjoyable and fruitful stay in their new home".

Jon Corner, Director of MediaCityUK for the University of Salford, added: "Our teams have worked incredibly hard to get the new facility up and running for students and staff. This opening is a major achievement, representing just the beginning of the journey.

"Students will now be able to benefit from our fantastic new facilities, and they'll also be able to rub shoulders with some of the best creative and technical minds in the country. We're now concentrating on widening the circle of partners we have, increasing opportunities for students, and ensuring the wider business community recognises what the University can offer in terms of research and innovation."

To celebrate the opening of the facility a number of innovative launch events are being planned, as well as opportunities for the local community to explore the new building and take part in a number of interactive digital projects.