Founded on principles of excellence, equality and opportunity for all, the University of York opened in 1963 with just 230 students. Since then they have become one of the world's leading universities, carving out a reputation as an academic powerhouse where a clear focus on excellence has secured national and international recognition alongside longer established institutions.

Mission and strategies: the University Plan

In 2014, in consultation with all staff and students, Vice-Chancellor Koen Lamberts led the development of a new University Strategy. This strategy will guide and inform their activities until 2020.

The University Strategy

Key objectives

1. -To be a world leader in research
2. -To offer outstanding teaching and learning
3. -To offer all their students an outstanding and valuable experience

Supporting objectives

1. -To be sufficiently large to be excellent, resilient and financially sustainable
2. -To be organised in the most efficient and effective way
3. -To work effectively with other organisations and stakeholders

Origins of the University

While petitions were drawn up as early as 1617, permission to establish a university in York was not granted until 1960.  The development of the University and its vision was headed by Baron James of Rusholme, the university's first Vice-Chancellor.

With Heslington Hall and The King's Manor as the primary venues, the University opened its doors in October 1963 to 230 students and 28 staff.

Campus development

To maintain its position as one of the top universities in the world, the University must upgrade and expand its campus.  In addition to improvements to existing facilities, the University is expanding to Heslington East.

 

Major improvements of the existing Heslington campus include the refurbishment of the JB Morrell Library and the construction of the Berrick Saul and Centre for Immunology and Infection buildings.