University of Wales Associated College

In 1993 NEWI became an incorporated higher education institution.

This meant that all its further education provision (Ordinary National Diplomas etc) were transferred to Yale College, whilst NEWI retained the higher education of degrees and Higher National Diplomas.

Incorporation also meant that a new FE college on the old Kelsterton College site was established under the name Deeside College.

Until 1993 NEWI had been offering a number of degree courses with qualifications from Salford University, with which NEWI had developed a good relationship. After incorporation NEWI concentrated on offering degrees from the University of Wales and became an Associated College of the University with representation on the University's governing body.

The number and range of courses grew considerably during this period as NEWI responded to a changing market place for its students. It also worked very closely with industrial partners and became one of the founding members of the Wales TCS Centre, providing small businesses with the expertise and the staff needed to undertake important development projects.

NEWI's work in the local community has strengthened further with the Institute's involvement with the Wrexham International Science Festival, the largest festival of its kind in Britain and an excellent opportunity to promote a wider understanding of science.

In 2001, a new Senior Executive team took over at NEWI under the new Principal and Chief Executive, Professor Michael Scott. This has coincided with the promotion by the government of the policy of widening participation, an idea implemented with great enthusiasm by all staff at NEWI. NEWI has been praised many times by political and social leaders for its great contribution towards removing elitism and opening up higher education for everyone.

Since his appointment the campus has developed almost beyond recognition. A new animation centre was opened in February 2002 by Rhodri Morgan, the First Minister of Wales. This was followed by a recording studio opened by Menna Richards, the Controller of BBC Wales, and a new art gallery opened by Jenny Randerson, the Minister for Sport, Culture and the Welsh Language.