Dundee School of Economics

Record of final examination results 1931-1954; student record cards c.1931-1951; library cards 1950-1954; Students' Union visitors' book 1932-1957; correspondence and miscellaneous papers referring to the foundation, finance and status of the School 1919-1936; legal papers, bonds and related papers re. endowment to and funding of the School 1928-1941; miscellaneous papers relating to the School and to Dr James A. Bowie including papers and photographs relating to John Buchan, Second Baron Tweedsmuir, 1937-1977; card file containing salary, superannuation, National Insurance and sick-leave details of all members of staff 1948-1955; correspondence, memoranda and other related papers concerning proposed amalgamation between University College Dundee, and St Andrews University 1947-1961; correspondence concerning future development of Dundee School of Economics and Commerce 1950-1954; miscellaneous papers relating to the award of the Bowie Memorial Prize and Annie and Leonard Coulthard Memorial Prize 1951-1957; Students Representative Council secretary's papers 1953-1954; copies of minutes and correspondence relating to the Dr James A. Bowie Fund 1950-1951; biographical material, mainly on life and work of George Bonar with covering letters 1983-1984; miscellaneous reports 1936-1940; Pamphlet for the inauguration of the School of Economics and Commerce, Dundee 1931; photographs 1931-1947.

The Dundee School of Economics was founded in 1931 by George Bonar, a Dundee jute and flax manufacturer. Bonar had envisaged a department of commerce within the University of Dundee, but as no agreement could be found on precise conditions, the School came under the control of the Trustees of Dundee City Corporation, its first principal being Dr J A Bowie of Manchester. The School had its premises in Bell Street, built on land acquired in 1928, where it stayed until incorporation into Queens College. An early need for expansion was voiced by Dr Bowie, when it was found that there was a wish to increase library facilities, provide for research, and enhance its reputation by strengthening contacts with local business.

The initial intake of students in 1931 was 60; twenty of these were day students, with an additional 40 attending evening classes. These students could study such subjects as modern business, business administration, commercial accounting, industrial management, secretarial work, and banking. Students could progress toward a two year diploma for day students or four year diploma for evening students. A one year post graduate course in business management was later added. The latter part of the School of Economics' existence, however, saw a steady decline in the number of students registering by the late 1940s and early 1950s. Dundee School of Economics ceased to exist in 1953 under the terms of the University of St Andrews Act, when if became part of Queens College, Dundee.

Records are arranged within series.

Open for consultation subject to preservation requirements. Access must also conform to the restrictions of the Data Protection Act and any other appropriate legislation.

The records were deposited by various depositors between 1977 and 1994 (AccM/25, AccM/60, AccM/62, AccM/82, AccM/306, MS 15/54).

This collection was previously catalogued as MS 33 and part of it was MS 15/54.

Fonds level description compiled by Sarah Chubb, Archives Hub Project Archivist, June 2002.

Descriptive list. Subject source lists and databases are also available.

No known copies.

Reproduction is available subject to preservation requirements. Charges are made for this service, and copyright and other restrictions may apply.

Unknown

None expected.

UR-QC Queens College, Dundee

Some papers are copies of those in Dundee City Archives.