BOSSES at the University of Bolton have defended its reputation after it was ranked bottom in a table published today.

The university fell two places to 116 in The Complete University Guide, but chiefs say the table is not a true reflection — and added that the university was joint top in Greater Manchester for student satisfaction in last year’s National Student Survey.

Pro Vice Chancellor Professor Rob Campbell said: “The University of Bolton has a very good reputation of producing industryready graduates in various highly-skilled academic and profes- sional industries, such as smart materials and engineering.

“Our aim is to provide students with programmes that will help them develop academically, and also give them a solid foundation and preparation for the professional world.

“It is true the university does not perform well in the traditional league tables, but such tables concentrate only on one group of our student body — fulltime undergraduates.”

He added the university caters for parttime students, and also professional development.

Prof Campbell said: “Take these areas into account and our record stands well in comparison with many other modern/new universities.

Our reputation among our own students is solid as well.”

He added: “These tables are also based on data collated at least two years ago and do not take into account any such improvements, or provisions, to the university’s current standing.

“At Bolton we have a proud tradition of providing high-quality university education to anyone with the ability to succeed, no matter what their social, financial, or cultural background.

“The university is dedicated to these traditions and to providing a standard of service and education that it can be proud of.”

Prof Campbell said the university was investing in facilities, including the £100,000 purpose- built moot court in the law department, and Bolton One, an “elite-level” learning and training facility for its sport and healthrelated courses.