UA92 was announced in September 2017 and offers “broader courses than traditional degrees, designed to enhance life skills as well as employability”. Degrees have a focus on personal and character development, and the skills needed for the workplace. UA92 was co-founded by Lancaster University and members of the Class of '92, the Manchester United football players who won the 1992 FA Youth Cup, including Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Phil Neville and Nicky Butt. Following their successful careers after football, the players wanted to open a university which would attract students who "otherwise might not go on to higher education". The approval by the Department of Education to allow UA92 the use of 'University Academy 92' was questioned with critics claiming the decision to approve the use of the name makes it 'too easy' for new providers to use ‘university’ in a new institution's name. UA92 works in partnership with industry to develop a curriculum inspired by business needs. Current partners include Microsoft, Trafford College, KPMG and Lancashire Cricket Club.
Legal dispute
In July 2018 it was revealed that UA92 had filed a lawsuit against Brendan Flood, who founded the University Campus of Football Business. The lawsuit claimed trademark infringement after Flood incorporated a series of companies and trademarks using the name UA92 soon after the announcement of University Academy 92, and sought at injunction to stop Flood using the name.
The campus
The plans were approved by Trafford Council in a vote in January 2018. The main campus is currently under refurbishment and will open in September 2019. It will be located on Brian Statham Way and will eventually cater for up to 6,500 students. Local opinion on the project was divided as it reached the planning application stage. UA92 will take up space in the building on a phased basis initially occupying the ground and first floors, totalling circa 50,000 sq ft. There is also an option for the university to take the upper two floors, again totalling around 50,000 sq ft, in subsequent academic years. In August 2018 the campus plans were approved by Trafford Council and work commenced in October 2018 on converting the former Kellogg's building into UA92's campus. The campus was officially launched on 20 September 2019 and the first hundred students started in October 2019.
Academic profile
Degree programmes
UA92 is promoting six undergraduate degrees for September 2019 entry - Accounting and Finance, Business Studies, Journalism, Media and Communications, Physical Education and Sports Science. Further courses will launch in 2020, including Computer Science and Sports Management. Students apply via UCAS. Certificates in Higher Education are also offered. UA92 works in partnership with industry to develop a curriculum influenced by business needs. Current partners include Microsoft, Trafford College, KPMG and Lancashire Cricket Club.
Academic model
UA92’s academic model takes place over a full academic year, worth 120 credits, and is studied over four blocks. Each block lasts six weeks, consisting of five weeks of subject study, worth 25 credits, and a one week focus on the Target Talent Curriculum, worth five credits. Assessments are contained within each block, there are no traditional end-of-year examinations. The academic year concludes in April, enabling students to pursue paid work/placements during summer.
Target Talent Curriculum
The Target Talent Curriculum is a specialised programme of learning focusing on the personal skills and attributes required for life and the workplace, developing cognitive, emotional and social intelligence, an understanding of physical and mental well-being, and preparedness for employment. Themes include: resilience, professionalism, leadership, health and well-being, team-working, financial and digital literacy, problem solving, career preparedness, reflective practice and communication skills. This will be underpinned by support from a personal development coach, throughout study.
Staff
Professor Craig Gaskell was appointed as Principal and CEO of UA92, and commenced his post in September 2018.
