Harper Adams University

ABOUT UNIVERSITY

Harper Adams University was founded in 1901 as Harper Adams College through the bequest of wealthy Shropshire farmer Thomas Harper Adams, beginning with just six students. Under its first principal, Headworth Foulkes, the institution developed a strong agricultural focus and introduced specialist poultry husbandry studies in 1909. During the First World War, it became the first agricultural institution in Britain to admit women to wartime farm courses and later as full-time students. Despite agricultural depression and declining enrolment during the 1920s, the college expanded its reputation through the establishment of the National Institute of Poultry Husbandry in 1926 and remained operational throughout the Second World War. Academic growth accelerated after 1946, with rising student numbers, new residential facilities, and the introduction of Higher National Diploma programs in 1969. Degree courses began in 1981, including one of the UK's earliest BSc sandwich programs, and the institution later gained authority to validate its own courses. It received degree-awarding powers in 1996, became a University College in 1998, and expanded research, industry collaboration, and campus facilities throughout the 2000s. In 2012, it was granted full university status, becoming Shropshire’s first university. Further milestones include sponsorship of the JCB Academy and the launch of the Harper and Keele Veterinary School with Keele University in 2020.