YOUR LINK to School of Arts, Histories and Cultures
Despite the severe financial pressures placed on universities within the last couple of years, I'm delighted to announce that since September 2011 we have appointed, or are about to appoint, to several posts, including those in Art History & Visual Studies (including to the world-famous Pilkington Chair), Drama, History, and Religions & Theology. Applications to our courses for 2012 look generally healthy, despite the new fee regime, and we are producing fascinating research which regularly attracts media attention. The novelist and writer Colm Tóibín started as Professor of Creative Writing for the academic year in September 2011, and has been engaging with students, colleagues, and the wider regional community during his period in residence.
If you haven't been to the University for several years, on your next visit you will see various major new buildings and changes to the look of the campus. The Martin Harris Centre for Music and Drama (opened in 2004) boasts world-class facilities and has become a leading venue for concerts and productions in the region. For those of you who used to study in the Faculty of Arts Building (renamed Humanities Lime Grove in 2004 and then the Samuel Alexander Building in 2007), a massive landscaping and building project has re-shaped its environs. The very useful but frankly very ugly 1970s Refectory and Staff House has been demolished. Part of this nearest Oxford Road is being transformed into a 'Learning Commons' and study space for students, but the demolition has opened up the area between the Arts building and the Old Quadrangle, allowing a wonderful view of the Arts Building to emerge.
We are always keen to keep in touch with you and hope you will visit us when you are next in Manchester. In particular, we are interested in connecting our current students to our alumni, letting them know what kinds of careers you have had since leaving the University. If any of you would be interested in coming to talk about your life after University to a group of students, we would be delighted to host you.
My best wishes for 2012,
Jeremy Gregory
Head of School of Arts, Histories and Cultures