Who we are
Independent minds. Collective spirit. All for the public good.
I am proud of York’s international outlook. Internationalism is at the heart of our ten-year vision for the University. We will continue to develop purposeful international engagement which pushes the pursuit for public good beyond national boundaries.
Professor Charlie Jeffery, Vice-Chancellor and President
Study with us
Ranked 12th in the UK (Complete University Guide 2026), York is where academic excellence meets a supportive community. You'll benefit from a prestigious Russell Group education and enjoy student life in a safe, historic and unique city.
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Beyond the impressive academics, the campus vibe, friendly locals, and the overall safety of the city made it the perfect choice for me. It's not just about hitting the books here; it's about being part of a top-tier academic community while enjoying a vibrant and also welcoming atmosphere.
Nur from Malaysia, BA (Hons) International Relations
Study abroad for York students: explore a variety of global experiences to enrich your studies.
Tackling global challenges together
By working closely with communities locally and worldwide, we exchange knowledge and cultural insights, track societal shifts, and deliver effective solutions to address economic and global pressures.
Improving population health and reducing health inequalities through transformative economic models.
Combating chronic child malnutrition and supporting sustainable rural livelihoods through resilient local food systems.
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Breaking the political deadlock on drought and building global resilience through policy.
Digitally reconstructing historic submerged villages to amplify the marginalised voices of Egyptian cultural history.
Partnering with Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology in India on food systems and security.
Tackling systemic power imbalances through a strategic research partnership with Mahidol University, Thailand.
- Driving sustainable solutions: Through BioYorkshire, we’re working with partners to make North Yorkshire the UK’s first carbon-negative region.
- Advancing equitable technology: From low-cost technologies for safe drinking water to farmer-led innovation – explore our Equitable Technology Laboratory.
- Understanding political mediators: We're exploring the vital roles of Afghan interpreters and political mediators in bridging cultural and political divides - discover more from Sara de Jong's research story.
- BioTime 2.0: York researchers are part of a major initiative involving 400 research institutions worldwide which offers unprecedented insight into how biodiversity is changing through time across the globe, spanning nearly 150 years of ecological records from 1874 to 2023.
- Transforming how visually impaired audiences experience film: Our research is enabling immersive, accessible and inclusive film and television experiences for visually impaired audiences – find out what drives Mariana López in her research.
- Alumnus wins the Nobel Prize for Economics: Daron Acemoglu has been jointly awarded the prize for research demonstrating the importance of societal institutions for a country’s prosperity.
Our research into the recovery of marine life in a protected area on the west coast of Scotland is one example of our important work at the forefront of worldwide marine conservation and protection.
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"Humanity is facing major challenges at the moment but this work that we're doing gives me hope that humanity is going to get through all these crises." Sarah West, Centre Director of the Stockholm Environment Institute - York.
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"We want to develop new knowledge and new evidence to deliver inclusive growth whether that be locally, regionally or internationally." Professor Bob Doherty, School for Business and Society.
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"There has got to be a way to generate funds for local people to have a sense of belonging about their past and heritage sites." Akinbowale Akintayo, Postdoctoral Research Associate, Department of Archaeology.
Collaborating for global impact
With research and teaching collaborations in over 50 countries, we aim to contribute to the public good on a truly global scale and improve lives through research and education.
We foster partnerships that encompass a variety of activities, including joint research, staff and student exchanges and collaborative teaching. Fairness, trust and mutual benefit underpin everything we do.
At the Institute for Safe Autonomy we're exploring how robotics and connected autonomous systems can benefit people and the planet.
Dynamic international partnerships
Our collaborations and networks at local, regional and national levels foster mutually beneficial connections, bringing complementary strengths together. These partnerships expand the global relevance of our curriculum, expose students to diverse perspectives, and enhance the impact of our research.
Undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in AI, Computer Science, Business and the Creative Industries, driven by world-class research.
Joint research and supervision opportunities, staff exchanges, and student work and study abroad placements.
- World Universities Network (WUN): As a member of a network of 24 research-intensive universities across six continents, we leverage diverse perspectives to address major global challenges.
- York-Maastricht Partnership: Our partnership with Maastricht University in the Netherlands enables joint research, teaching collaborations, knowledge exchange and study abroad opportunities.
- Valuing Voices: A blueprint for international research collaboration
We're working in partnership with Mahidol University in Thailand to address power imbalances through a project that supports best practices in research and research culture. - The Global Classroom: Staff and students from our MA in Global Development Politics are working with the Brazilian Centre for Planning and Development, OP Jindal Global University, Mahidol University, and Witwatersrand University in South Africa to explore the politics of global development.
- Entrepreneur exchange in Greece: Enterprise Works, the University’s small business hub, supported three North Yorkshire businesses in securing potential overseas investment opportunities.
- European University Association (EUA)
- Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU)
- O.P. Jindal Global University (India)
- UK-Jiangsu World-Class Universities Consortium
Already part of our York community?
Find out how you can benefit from our partnerships, networks and study abroad opportunities.
Discover more about York
City of sanctuary
Providing sanctuary for refugees, asylum seekers and others who are displaced.
Beautiful green campus
Known for green spaces - our campus is within walking distance of the city centre.