A Study Of The Civic Universities In England(1851-1939)

In the second half of the 19 th century,a combination of social factors led to the establishment of a new type of higher education institution,the Civic University,in many industrial cities in England.The Civic University scientifically assessed the needs of higher education in their cities,adjusted and reformed their philosophy of operation,curriculum,admissions,women’s education and management mechanisms,and actively integrated into local social and economic development affairs,which had a far-reaching impact on the development of local cities and the British higher education system.This thesis collects and utilizes relevant literature and uses a combination of historical documentation,case study,and comparative analysis methods to study six civic universities in England,namely the University of Manchester,the University of Birmingham,the University of Bristol,the University of Leeds,the University of Liverpool,and the University of Sheffield,in an attempt to clearly sort out the historical development process of the Civic University in England and to distil the characteristics of the Civic University at different stages of development.This thesis illustrates the innovation of educational philosophy and the transformation of educational practice in urban universities,highlighting the organic integration of both utilitarian values and scientific spirit in modern higher education.It also looks at the mechanisms by which the Civic University can turn around their educational dilemmas,choose further paths of development,shape their own identities,and gain the support of local cities and the state for their growth and development.Based on the historical lineage and development logic of the Civic University,this article divides the establishment and development of the Civic University in England from 1851 to 1939 into four stages: the establishment of Owens College,the pioneer of the Civic University(1851-1873),the wave of the founding of the Civic University and the development of the Civic University(1874-1881),the rapid development of the Civic University and the acquisition of university status(1882 to the outbreak of WWI),and the restructuring and persistence of the Civic University(WWI to 1939).This study focuses on the philosophy,curriculum reform,governance system,university functions and other micro-levels of the civic university,in order to sort out the internal development trajectory of the Civic University.First of all,civic university has constantly adapted its philosophy based on its own experience and the external environment.In the early stages of its development,it gradually shifted from an emphasis on liberal education to a focus on practical scientific training and regional service;as it developed further,it defined itself as a ’municipal service station’;after receiving its university charter,it no longer saw itself as a purely local institution,but sought to strike a balance between integration into the national higher education system and local service.Secondly,in terms of curriculum reform,the Civic University initially established a curriculum that prioritized classical courses and took into account modern disciplines.With a clear vision of scientific education,the University began to develop applied sciences and to provide the commercial education required by the industrial and commercial city;in order to achieve true university status,the University further strengthened its humanities curriculum,integrating traditional classical education with modern industrial training.Furthermore,in terms of governance,the rights of lay people were gradually ceded,and Civic University eventually developed a ’triple structure’ system of governance consisting of a Board of Trustees,a Council and a Senate,achieving effective academic autonomy within a framework of lay control.Finally,in terms of university functions,the Civic University emphasises the dual function of teaching and research in higher education institutions.The Civic University faculty,represented by Henry Roscoe and Thomas Tout,promoted academic research in the sciences and humanities,leading to the further development of the Civic University.The thesis summarizes the development experience of England civic universities:maintaining close ties with the local community has been an important driving force in the development of the Civic University;developing and valuing the research function of the university is both a contribution of the Civic University and an important way to maintain their institutional vitality and competitiveness;adhering to the scientifically oriented path of modern university development is a distinct educational characteristic of the Civic University.The establishment and development of the Civic University in England has important implications for the construction and development of local universities in China at present.