Thames Valley University – or TVU – is the new name for Reading College and School of Arts & Design following a merger that took place in January 2004. This created the first genuinely dual sector institution in the UK, with equal emphasis being given to both Further and Higher Education.

As a result, TVU is a place for everyone. It offers students at all ages an unrivalled range of subjects and qualifications; serves communities and businesses throughout the Thames Valley; and provides the largest single source of skilled and qualified people for employers.

For the 47,000 students, this merger means that the existing facilities, opportunities and learning resources are far greater than ever before. Students can access facilities within a technologically advanced university environment in Ealing, Reading and Slough as well as benefiting from high levels of teaching and study support. At the Reading campus this includes access to a dedicated Sixth Form Academy plus support from Specialist Personal Tutors and trained Student Mentors.

To promote its very strong commitment to widening participation, the University has around twenty outreach centres in and around Reading, Southall and Heathrow Airport. The University leads the London West Aimhigher partnership as well as being a co-partner in the Berkshire partnership.