University of Reading

University of Reading is a higher education institution that provides undergraduate and postgraduate teaching across a range of academic disciplines. It delivers degree programmes to students seeking qualifications in arts, sciences, social sciences and professional fields. The university also engages in research activities, generating new knowledge and collaborating with external partners. Its services are primarily aimed at domestic and international students, scholars and the wider community seeking education and expertise.

As a research-intensive university, the University of Reading is recognised for its contributions to areas such as environmental science, agriculture and meteorology. It operates under the regulatory framework of UK higher education, adhering to standards set by bodies such as the Office for Students. In September 2020, the institution was affected by a ransomware attack on the cloud services provider Blackbaud, which resulted in the exfiltration of personal data belonging to some of its staff, students and affiliates. The breach prompted notifications to potentially impacted individuals and raised concerns about data protection compliance under GDPR.

The University of Reading is a publicly funded higher education corporation, established under UK law and overseen by a governing council. It is not a subsidiary of another organisation but operates as an independent entity with its own governance structure. Its principal campus is located in the town of Reading, Berkshire, in the United Kingdom. The institution receives funding from government sources, tuition fees and research grants to support its teaching and research missions.