Bede University was founded in 1967, named after a seventh century Saint who had lived in the north-east of England. It is located in Gilliland New Town, named after James Gilliland, who was president of the Durham Miners Association in 1935.
The University has eight colleges which consist of classic ‘university’ quadrangles, and contain a melange of shops, cafes and bars on the ground floor, academic departments on the first and second floor and student accommodation on the upper floors. This distinctive arrangement encourages interaction between students and staff, although the different needs of these communities occasionally require careful negotiation.
Each college has developed its own distinctive identity, traditions and expectations, contributing to a rich and occasionally spirited sense of community across the campus.
Every summer term there is always an inter-college sports day – last year Jesmond narrowly beat Barnard for the top title, a result which continues to be discussed in some quarters. Who will win this year?
