Using the archive

The University Archive is open to the public by appointment only.

Visiting the Archives 

The Archive's opening hours are Monday-Friday 10am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-5pm. We also provide an enquiry service. 

Contact the University Archivist to make an appointment.

Researchers visiting the University Archive for the first time will be required to provide evidence of identity, such as a passport or a driving licence, and to complete a registration form.

The registration form incorporates an undertaking to abide by the Regulations for Access. The regulations for access are designed to protect unique and often fragile materials and to safeguard them for the future. On each visit to the University Archive all researchers will also be required to sign the day register.

Researchers new to archive research should note that only pencils or laptop computers may be used for taking notes (a power socket is available). No pens or hand-held scanners are allowed in the reading room.

Archive material must only be consulted in the archive reading room, which will be supervised at all times. Please see below for information about making copies.

In line with the Freedom of Information Act 2000 the general administrative records held in the University Archives are open to the public, unless subject to specific exemption.

Records containing personal data remain closed to the public for 80 years, in compliance with the Data Protection Act 1998. Under certain conditions, it may be possible for researchers to view these records. Contact the University Archivist for further information.

Location 

The Archive Reading Room is located in the Law School Building, 4-12 Little Titchfield Street. Visitors to the Archive should report to the reception desk – immediately inside the main entrance – and ask for the University Archivist. The nearest tube station is Oxford Circus. There is no parking available, though parking space for the disabled can usually be arranged by giving advance notice.

Map and directions

General historical and genealogy enquiries

We are happy to answer enquiries about the history of the University and the nature of the archive collections. We will search the archives in response to specific enquiries, but such searches will be time-limited and we are unable to undertake detailed research on behalf of enquirers. Before contacting the University Archive with an enquiry, please first check the list of collections we hold, and any relevant information published in our research guides.

We are also happy to answer family history enquiries. The conditions detailed above apply. Family History enquirers should note that the surviving records of the University of Westminster and its predecessor bodies are incomplete, and therefore it may not be possible to verify staff employment details or student attendance.

Records containing personal data relating to living individuals may be exempt from disclosure under the provisions of the Data Protection Act 1998. In some cases, it may be possible for readers to view these records. Contact the University Archivist for further information.

Qualification enquiries

If you were a student at the University of Westminster or one of its predecessor bodies and would like confirmation of your qualifications you should contact the ceremonies and conferments office.

If you would like to access any other personal data held on you by the University please see our information ondata protection.

Copying services

You are welcome to bring a digital camera with you on your visit to the archive. You will be asked to sign a Copyright Declaration Form and to keep a record of the documents you make copies from.

Please note that tripods and monopods are not allowed in the reading room and any copies made should be for the purposes of research and private study only.

Please see our self service digital photography policy document for further details.

Please contact the University Archivist if you subsequently wish to publish any of the images.