History of the University
Though plans for a university in York first appeared as early as 1617, it would be over three centuries before they came to fruition. In 1960, permission was finally granted for the University of York to be built, marking the beginning of our journey.
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Foundations
Before the Second World War, Heslington was a quiet rural retreat with a local aristocracy, and a working agricultural village.
1960s
Fresh, young, forward-looking and enthusiastic, the University was known for its friendly atmosphere before it even opened its doors.
1970s
In the 1970s, college social life began to blossom.
1980s
The start of the 1980s was not promising, seeing the start of cuts across higher education and a fire in the Chemistry Department.
1990s
By the end of the 1990s, York was dominating national league tables for research and teaching.
2000s
The new Millennium saw a sea-change in the way that Britain viewed higher education.
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2010s
The last decade saw the University expand with new facilities and investments across our campus.
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Dr Heather Melville, OBE is our current Chancellor.
People
Our Chancellors, Vice-Chancellors and Students' Union Presidents have contributed to the University's development in many ways. They've led a diverse group of students, academics and support staff in building a venerable institution in sixty years.
Oral history
In 2013, as we celebrated our 50th anniversary, the Department of History and Borthwick Institute for Archives conducted an oral history project to capture the memories and opinions of fifty people who played a part in the University's first half century.
Campus architecture
Explore our campus roots and how we've grown over time.
Dr Erhan Tamur, lecturer in the Department of History of Art, discusses the creation of the original campus and reflects on the process, evolution and the University's original vision.
Long Boi - a feather in our cap
Long Boi was a much loved duck who lived at the University between 2018 and 2023. His tall stature and friendly demeanour saw him become a cherished figure on campus, then an internet and media sensation.
Find out more about his life and how he became top of our bill.