Our £750m campus expansion has seen the opening of seven new purpose-built buildings
High calibre staff and students come from all corners of the world, building a global campus community
Our campus is located within walking distance of York's historic city centre
90,000 former York students live and work all over the world, spread across 133 countries
About the University
Founded on principles of excellence, equality and opportunity for all, the University of York opened in 1963 with just 230 students. In less than 50 years we have become one of the world's leading universities.
Academic excellence
York has become one of the top ten universities in the UK for teaching and research – and is first in the UK and eighth in the world in the Times Higher Education world rankings of universities less than 50 years old.
There are now over 30 academic departments and research centres and the student body has expanded to nearly 16,000.
Former students
Former students of the University include Editor of The Times John Witherow; former Director-General of the BBC Greg Dyke; authors Jung Chang and Helen Dunmore; comedian Harry Enfield, and ten MPs.
News and publications
Facts and figures
The campus and the city
Located within walking distance of York city centre, our safe and attractive Heslington campus is home to our eight colleges and most of our departments. We also have several departments located in the city centre at the historic King's Manor.
In recent years, our £750m campus expansion has seen the opening of seven new buildings, increasing our capacity for student numbers and providing more world-class facilities for the 21st century. Sustainability plays a key role in this ambitious development.
Our community
All York students become members of our college system, which encourages inclusivity and a valuable sense of community.
Partnerships
50th Anniversary
This year we are celebrating 50 years since our foundation in 1963.
As well as looking at our own history, throughout the year we're also reflecting on the benefits we have brought to society and how we have changed our understanding of the world we live in.
How the University is run
The Vice-Chancellor
The Vice-Chancellor of the University is Professor Brian Cantor.
York's fifth Vice-Chancellor, he joined the University in October 2002. Professor Cantor is stepping down from his role at the end of 2013 to return to full time employment as a scientist and engineer.
The Chancellor
The Chancellor of the University is Greg Dyke, former Director-General of the BBC.
He is the University's fifth Chancellor and took up his position in August 2004.
