# Thames Valley University
**Wikidata**: [Q15850436](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q15850436)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thames_Valley_University)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/thames-valley-university

## Summary
Thames Valley University was a higher education institution founded in 1860 that was later replaced by the University of West London. At its peak, the university enrolled over 52,890 students, making it one of the largest academic institutions in the United Kingdom.

## Key Facts
- Thames Valley University was founded in 1860
- The university was replaced by the University of West London
- At its peak, Thames Valley University enrolled 52,890 students
- The university's website was http://www.tvu.ac.uk/
- Thames Valley University was classified as a university (institution of higher education)
- The university had 3 Wikipedia language editions (German, English, French)
- Thames Valley University had the ISNI identifier 0000000121857124
- The GND identifier for Thames Valley University was 5092114-9
- Thames Valley University was indexed in the VIAF catalog under three different names

## FAQs
### Q: What was Thames Valley University?
A: Thames Valley University was a higher education institution in the United Kingdom that operated from 1992 until it was replaced by the University of West London. It was originally founded in 1860 and offered a wide range of academic programs to over 52,890 students at its peak.

### Q: When was Thames Valley University founded?
A: Thames Valley University was founded in 1860, though it was known by different names throughout its history before becoming Thames Valley University. The institution evolved over time to become the larger university that eventually transformed into the University of West London.

### Q: What happened to Thames Valley University?
A: Thames Valley University was replaced by the University of West London as part of institutional reorganization. This transition preserved the academic programs and student body while rebranding under the new name.

### Q: How many students did Thames Valley University have?
A: Thames Valley University enrolled 52,890 students at its peak, making it one of the largest higher education institutions in the United Kingdom by student population.

## Why It Matters
Thames Valley University played a significant role in expanding higher education access in the United Kingdom, particularly through its large enrollment numbers. As one of the country's largest universities, it provided educational opportunities to tens of thousands of students across various disciplines. Its evolution from an institution founded in 1860 to its eventual transformation into the University of West London represents the changing landscape of higher education in the UK, emphasizing accessibility and comprehensive educational offerings. The university's substantial student body demonstrates its importance in the educational ecosystem, particularly for non-traditional and mature students seeking higher education opportunities.

## Notable For
- Having one of the largest student enrollments among UK universities with 52,890 students
- Evolving from an institution founded in 1860 through various names to Thames Valley University
- Being replaced by the University of West London as part of institutional restructuring
- Maintaining a significant international presence with coverage across three Wikipedia language editions
- Preserving its academic mission through institutional transformation while maintaining student access

## Body
### History and Evolution
Thames Valley University was founded in 1860, marking the beginning of what would become a significant educational institution in the United Kingdom. The university underwent several name changes throughout its history before becoming known as Thames Valley University. It ultimately transformed into the University of West London, representing a new chapter in its long educational legacy.

### Academic Profile
Thames Valley University was classified as a university, indicating its status as an institution of higher education offering degrees across multiple disciplines. The institution maintained a substantial academic operation with 52,890 students enrolled, demonstrating its scale and importance in the UK higher education landscape. The university's website was accessible at http://www.tvu.ac.uk/, serving as a digital gateway for prospective and current students.

### Institutional Identity
Thames Valley University held several unique identifiers in major library and authority databases:
- ISNI: 0000000121857124
- GND: 5092114-9
- VIAF entries under three different names (Polytechnic of West London, University of West London, Thames Valley University)
- Library of Congress Authority ID: no2003090377
- National Library of Israel J9U ID: 987007335125305171

### International Recognition
The university maintained a notable international presence with its coverage across three Wikipedia language editions: German, English, and French. Additionally, it was cataloged in international library systems and academic databases, reflecting its global recognition in the academic community. The institution was also included in the UK Parliament Thesaurus with ID 83522, indicating its recognition in government information systems.

### Transformation
The most significant transition in the university's history was its replacement by the University of West London. This institutional transformation preserved the academic programs, student body, and institutional legacy while establishing a new identity and potentially different organizational structure. The change was documented in various databases, with Companies House referencing the transition from Thames Valley University to the University of West London.

## References

1. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File