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The Site

Faculty History

Not only does Birley and the Hulme area have strong historical connections with Manchester’s history of education, community health and social care, the faculties based at Birley have also had a long and illustrious history in providing training and education for many decades at different sites, evolving from teacher training colleges, adult education and women’s colleges, among other amalgamated institutions to become the present day faculties

More information about the History of the Faculties is contained in this PDF document and viewed in the timeline below.

Didsbury college children
Didsbury College

The image gallery highlights the history of some of the former premises. For more information about the faculties and Birley read more at the University's Birley page.

1946

Didsbury College of Education founded.

1951

College of Commerce founded.

1951

Manchester Training College founded.

1961

Expansion of the Manchester College of Housecraft to the Elizabeth Gaskell College.

1963

Mather Teacher Training College founded.

1969

Introduction of male students to Elizabeth Gaskell College.

1970

The polytechnic's director put forward proposals for a new faculty structure.

1971

Didsbury College of Education celebrated its Silver Jubilee.

1983

Manchester College of Higher Education became part of the Polytechnic.

1992

The restructuring of facilities introduces new departments to The Faculty of Community Studies and Education.

2004

The Faculty of Community Studies, Law and Education becomes The Faculty of Health, Social Care and Education.

2007

The Faculty is divided with education to become The Faculty of Health, Psychology and Social Care.

2008

Institute of Education becomes Faculty of Education.

2014

The Faculty of Education and The Faculty of Health, Psychology and Social Care are brought together at the newly built Brooks Building on the Birley Campus.