University of Westminster

The University of Westminster was founded in 1838. This was Britain's first Polytechnic. Europe's first photographic studio was opened here and the University of Westminster held the first public displays of moving images. The Polytechnic was designed to encourage science to be applied to industry by showcasing new technologies. Prince Albert would visit the University of Westminster and in 1841 the name was changed to the Royal Polytechnic Institution. In 1851 the Polytechnic produced a scientific showcase for the Great Exhibition- which proved to have a profound effect on Victorian London. The Institution was almost entirely funded by charging admission to its exhibitions- a testament to its popularity. Today the University of Westminster has over 20,000 students in attendance. Among its impressive facilities is a library holding more than half a million volumes- many of them unique. The University of Westminster has now even broader horizons and has become a great force in social studies and foreign language.