Our history: 1990s

In 1990, the Vice-Chancellor, Berrick Saul, recounted to court that York had been described by a senior member of the Universities Funding Council as "a well-run university with a relatively low profile."

What a difference a decade makes.

By the end of the 1990s, York was dominating national league tables for research and teaching and was receiving international press coverage for achievement across the disciplines.

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Key people

  • Professor Berrick Saul, Vice-Chancellor (1979 to 1993)
  • Professor Sir Ron Cooke, Vice-Chancellor (1993 to 2002)
  • Lord Swann, Chancellor (1979 to 1990)
  • Dame Janet Baker, Chancellor (1991 to 2004)

Students' Union Presidents

  • James Minton (1990/91)
  • David Wheeldon (1991/92)
  • Benjamin Drake (1992/93)
  • Fleur Anderson (1993/94)
  • Lee Findell (1994/95)
  • Jago Parker (1995/96)
  • Fergus Drake (1996/97)
  • Jenny Wood (1997/98)
  • Claire Ainsley (1998/99)
  • Helen Woolnough (1999/00)

From top left to bottom right: Professor Berrick Saul, Professor Sir Ron Cooke, Lord Swann and Dame Janet Baker.

1990s in pictures

University live on the web for the first time, 19 September 1994 (York Digital Library)
Sir Ronald Cooke (left) officially opening the door to King's Manor Gardens, July 1994 (York Digital Library)
Music students marking Britain's first Chair in Railway Studies, 1995
The Science Park was opened in 1991
Dame Janet Baker opening the Centre for Medieval Studies, 1995
A pair of scissors appeared one morning on University Road, 1990s
University Chancellor Dame Janet Baker (right) at the opening of the University's Baby Unit, October 1994 (York Digital Library)
The Overseas Students' Association International Fiesta, 1990s

Rapid growth

The decade was characterised by advancement and recognition. York remained a popular choice among prospective students growing from 4,300 to 8,500 students without compromising its high entry standards. As the Sunday Times pointed out, "elitism does not appear to be the price of excellence at York". York was one of only very few universities whose entry from state schools and colleges (around 80 per cent) was the same as the proportion of A-level students in the state system.

The introduction of official quality assessments and the proliferation of newspaper league tables saw the University's stock rocket. After years of academic advancement, York began to get the recognition it deserved. National recognition attracted additional funding and investment. Research grants rose to over £20m per annum, and the University enjoyed one of the highest incomes per researcher in the higher education sector.

A competitive market

A relationship with industry was more actively sought, and the University began to develop a more entrepreneurial side to its character. The Science Park opened in 1991 with Smith & Nephew as its first tenant. Developed to enhance links between the University and commerce, it now houses a cluster of knowledge-led businesses and is known as a key national incubator of biotech and IT start-ups.

Students' approach to education paralleled the University's move closer to industry. Faced with the introduction of tuition fees and loans, students increasingly began to see their education as an investment.

A York education was still attractive for its rigour and opportunity for personal development, but students were concerned with their "employability" after graduation. The graduate job market became very competitive. The University responded with new flexible courses and the "York Award", focusing on transferable skills.

Next decade

Explore the 2000s

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