About the University
Enquiring minds, inspirational teaching, pioneering research, global ambition, local commitment and social purpose.
These are the foundations that shape the University of York.
Academic excellence in teaching and research
A member of the prestigious Russell Group, we are a dynamic, research-intensive university.
We work collaboratively in partnership with institutions across the world to develop life-saving discoveries and new technologies that tackle some of the most pressing global challenges.
Our 30+ academic departments undertake groundbreaking research that underpins our inspiring teaching and challenges students to dream big, think critically and change the world.

An electronic engineer working in the robotics lab
Facts and figures
At the heart of the region
The University is deeply embedded in the local community of North Yorkshire. Our values and commitment to the public good have never been more important. We are a hub for sharing knowledge, inspiring collaboration and enriching lives.
Across the University, we are mobilising our knowledge, our people and our resources to tackle the immediate and long-term challenges created by the coronavirus crisis.
Our Centre for Lifelong Learning has been offering high-quality courses and rewarding experiences for over 25 years.
The York Festival of Ideas welcomes a wide audience to free events that provoke new ideas and inspire change. We also open up access to our diverse research through YorkTalks, an annual showcase of free bite-sized talks from our academics.

YorkTalks 2018
An international outlook

Our campus community
Located within walking distance of York city centre, our safe and beautiful campus is home to our ten colleges and most departments. We also have departments located in the city centre at the historic King's Manor, and we are investing in the sustainable development of our whole campus.
All York students become members of our college system, which provides an inclusive and a valuable sense of community on campus alongside the cultural offerings of the thriving city of York. Find out more about:
How the University is governed and led
The University was created by Royal Charter and is a public higher education institution and exempt charity in England.
- Dr Heather Melville, OBE is Chancellor, the ceremonial head of the University,
- Alice Maynard is the Chair of Council, the governing body and trustee board with statutory and strategic oversight of the University
- Professor Charlie Jeffery is Vice-Chancellor and President, the chief academic and executive officer responsible for leadership of the University
Find out more about:

left to right: Charlie Jeffery, Alice Maynard and Heather Melville

Annual Review 2022
In times of uncertainty and global unrest, the achievements of our staff and students continue to inspire us and pioneer positive impact on local, national and global scales.
- Find out more in our Annual Review 2022

Opportunity for all
Anchored by the highest academic standards, our founding principles of equality and opportunity for all place the importance of widening access to higher education at the heart of what we do.
The University delivers regular talks and hands-on activities in schools and colleges across the region, plus on-campus events that enthuse talented young people from all backgrounds about higher education.
We stay true to this ethos by offering continued support for the diverse community that we welcome on campus. This culture of inclusivity provides a safe place for refugees, asylum seekers and other people who have been forced to migrate.
Find out more about:
