University of York facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
University of York

Latin: Universitas Eboracensis
Motto	Latin: In limine sapientiae
Motto in English	On the threshold of wisdom
Type	Public research university
Established	1963 (1963)
Endowment	£7.42 million (2023)
Budget	£496.6 million (2022/23)
Chancellor	Heather Melville
Vice-Chancellor	Charlie Jeffery
Academic staff	2,295 (2021/22)
Students	23,420 (2021/22)
Undergraduates	15,350 (2021/22)
Postgraduates	8,070 (2021/22)
Location	Heslington, York , England
Campus	Heslington West, Heslington East, and King's Manor
Colours	Dark blue and dark green
Affiliations	ACU EUA N8 Group Russell Group Sutton 13 Universities UK White Rose Consortium WUN

The University of York, often called York, is a public university in York, England. It was started in 1963. The university has grown a lot since then. It now has over thirty departments and centres. These cover many different school subjects.

The university campus is located south-east of the city of York. It covers about 500 acres. The first part, Campus West, has the York Science Park. It also has the National Science Learning Centre. This campus is known for its wildlife, lakes, and green spaces.

In 2007, the university got permission to build more. This new part, Campus East, opened in 2009. It now has five colleges and three departments. It also has places for conferences and a sports area. The university also uses King's Manor in York city centre.

York was one of the "plate glass universities" built in the 1960s. It has a special college system. As of 2022, there are 11 colleges. The newest one, David Kato College, opened in 2022. The university is part of important groups like the Russell Group.

History of the University

Early Ideas

People first asked for a university in York in 1617. Another request was made in 1641. But the English Civil War stopped it. A third request in 1647 was also turned down. In the 1820s, there were more talks. But Durham University was founded instead in 1832. In 1903, a "Victoria University of Yorkshire" was suggested.

Oliver Sheldon, a director at Rowntree's, helped a lot. He worked hard to get the university started.

Starting the University

John Bowes Morrell was key to making the university happen. York welcomed its first students in 1963. This was the year Morrell passed away. It started with 216 undergraduate students. There were also 14 postgraduate students. And 28 staff members.

The university began with six departments. These were Economics, Education, English, History, Mathematics, and Politics. At first, there were only three buildings. These included the historic King's Manor in the city. And Heslington Hall in Heslington village. A year later, new buildings started on the Heslington Campus. This is now the main part of the university.

Baron James of Rusholme was the first Vice-Chancellor. He wanted the university to have colleges. He also wanted it to focus on fewer subjects. And for teaching to be done in small groups. Students are involved in running the university. This idea came from Graeme Moodie. His model is now used widely.

York's first two colleges opened in 1965. They were Derwent and Langwith. The University of York Library also opened then. Alcuin and Vanbrugh followed in 1967. Goodricke opened in 1968. Wentworth College opened in 1972.

The university was known for new teaching ideas. It was one of the first to offer "joint honours" degrees. These combined different subjects. For example, history and biology.

Growing Bigger

After 1972, no new colleges were built until 1990. That's when James College was founded. James College was first meant for postgraduate students only. But the university grew quickly. Student numbers almost doubled. So, in 1993, James College opened to all students.

More student housing was also built. This was called 'Halifax Court'. In 2002, Halifax Court became a full college. It was renamed Halifax College.

Central Hall and the lake

In 2003, the university planned to expand. They wanted space for 5,000 more students. And to add new subjects like law and dentistry. For years, building plans were limited. The original campus was full.

In 2004, plans for a new campus were ready. It was first called Heslington East. It was designed to be like the existing campus. Now they are called Campus East and Campus West. The new campus would be built on farmland. This land was specially removed from the green belt. After many talks, the plans were approved in 2007.

Constantine College was founded in 2014.

Construction started in 2008. The first buildings opened in October 2009. Goodricke College moved to the new campus. James College took over its old building. The Duke of York officially opened Goodricke in 2010. In 2012, Langwith College also moved to Campus East. Derwent College took over its old buildings.

In 2014, the ninth college opened on Campus East. It was named Constantine College. This was after the Roman emperor Constantine the Great. He was made emperor in York in 306 AD.

In 2019, work began on two more new colleges. They will have about 1,400 student rooms. And new social areas. The university plans to build them carefully. They want to protect the natural beauty around the lake.

Life on Campus

Campus West

The campus from the air looking south in September 2005

Work on Campus West began in 1964. The land was marshy, so it was drained. The large, winding lake was built. And the area was made into a beautiful landscape. The first buildings were designed by famous architects. They used a special building system. This is why York is called a "plate glass university". Buildings are connected by covered walkways. Most arts departments are in college buildings. Many science departments have their own buildings.

Central Hall

Central Hall is a famous building. It is a half-octagonal concert hall. It is used for graduations and exams. It also hosts plays and music shows. It is a Grade II-listed building. This means it is historically important. Famous bands like Pink Floyd have played there.

University Library

The University of York Library opened in 1965. It has three connected buildings. These are the JB Morrell, Raymond Burton, and Fairhurst buildings. The Raymond Burton library was added in 2003. It holds humanities research and archives. In 2012, the library had a big renovation. It now has many study spaces.

There is also a smaller library at King's Manor.

The JB Morrell and Raymond Burton library buildings

Campus Grounds

The campus lake is very large. It is the biggest plastic-bottomed lake in Europe. It was built to give the university a unique look. And to help with drainage. The lake has many wild birds. These include geese, ducks, and coots. There are also black swans. The south end of the lake is a bird sanctuary.

The campus also has many rabbits. Fishing is allowed in season.

Campus West has both indoor and outdoor sports areas. This includes a sports pitch and a cricket pitch. A large tent-like building is used for indoor sports.

Heslington Hall

Heslington Hall was built in 1568

Heslington Hall is a historic manor house. It was built in 1568. It is a Grade II* listed building. During the Second World War, it was used by the Royal Air Force. After the war, the university took it over. It is now the university's main office.

Science Park and Other Groups

The York Science Park is next to the university. It has many important organisations. These include the Higher Education Academy. And the York Neuroimaging Centre. Some parts of the School of Physics are also here. The Science Park is also home to the York Plasma Institute.

King's Manor

King's Manor

King's Manor is in York city centre. It is about 2 miles from the main campus. It used to be the Abbot's House of St Mary's Abbey. Later, it became a government office. Since 1966, it has housed the Institute of Advanced Architectural Studies. It is now home to the Archaeology, Medieval Studies, and Eighteenth Century Studies departments. It also has a public restaurant.

Near King's Manor is the Minster Library. University students and staff can use this library. It has a large collection of old books.

Campus East

Goodricke College, Heslington East campus

Campus East has new buildings for several departments. These include Law and the York Management School. In 2010, the Department of Theatre, Film and Television moved there. The Department of Computer Science also moved.

Campus East also has the York Sports Village. It has a new Olympic-sized outdoor velodrome. This is the only one in Yorkshire.

Other University Buildings

The university owns other buildings too. These include Catherine House and Constantine House. The university helps students find housing off-campus.

University Structure and Colleges

The College System

Physics Block, University of York.

York is a collegiate university. This means it has eleven colleges. All colleges are equal. Each college has its own rules and is run by a College Council. This council includes staff and students. College staff manage the daily activities.

Most colleges have a Junior Common Room (JCR). This is for undergraduate students. It is run by elected students. Some colleges also have a Graduate Common Room for postgraduate students. And a Senior Common Room for staff. The colleges mix students and staff from all subjects. This helps create strong communities. The university has built three new colleges on Campus East recently.

• 

  Halifax College

Academic Departments

The Archeology Department of the University of York

The university has many research centres. These include the Borthwick Institute for Archives. And the Centre for Medieval Studies. The Department of Politics also has a Centre for Applied Human Rights.

Campus West has the National Science Learning Centre. It opened in 2006. It helps improve science teaching in schools.

University Leaders

Heather Melville OBE, the current Chancellor (2022)

The university has a Chancellor and a Vice-Chancellor. The Chancellor is like a ceremonial head. The Vice-Chancellor is in charge of daily operations.

Chancellors

• George Lascelles, 7th Earl of Harewood (1962–1967)
• Kenneth Clark, Baron Clark (1967–1978)
• Michael Swann, Baron Swann (1979–1990)
• Dame Janet Baker (1991–2004)
• Greg Dyke (2004–2015)
• Sir Malcolm Grant (2015–2022)
• Dr Heather Melville, OBE (2022–present)

Vice-Chancellors

• Eric James, Baron James of Rusholme (1962–1973)
• Morris Carstairs (1973–1978)
• Berrick Saul (1979–1993)
• Ron Cooke (1993–2002)
• Brian Cantor (2002–2013)
• Jane Grenville, acting (2013)
• Koen Lamberts (2014–2018)
• Saul Tendler, acting (2018–2019)
• Charlie Jeffery (2019–present)

University of York Music Press

The University of York Music Press (UYMP) started in 1995. It publishes music by composers. It has published over a thousand projects.

University Rankings

University of York's national league table performance over the past ten years

The University of York is highly ranked. QS placed York at 162 in the world for 2023. And at 167 for 2024. All three main UK rankings place York in the top 21. The Times ranked it 17th. The Guardian ranked it 21st. And The Complete University Guide ranked it 20th for 2023.

In a 10-year average ranking, York was 6th in the UK. In 2000, the Sutton Trust named York a top university. It was placed 6th overall.

In 2010, York was named "University of the Year." Judges praised its excellent academics. And its success in including all students. In 2014, York was named the 8th best university in the world under 50 years old. It was first in the UK for this category.

In 2022, the Shanghai Academic Ranking of World Universities ranked York's sociology department 49th. Atmospheric science and economics were ranked 51–75.

Admissions and Students

The Quiet Place by Heslington Hall

The average student at York has high grades. York requires the new A* grade for some courses. The university offers admission to about 78.5% of applicants. This is one of the lowest rates among top universities.

There are about 6.2 applications for each undergraduate spot. About 93.2% of students finish their degrees. And about 80% graduate with top grades.

About 17.9% of York's students come from private schools. This is one of the highest rates in the UK. In 2016–17, 80% of students were from the UK. 5% were from the EU. And 16% were from outside the EU. More women attend than men (56% women, 44% men). Most international students (56.2%) are from China.

In 2024, the university announced changes. They will lower entry requirements for international students. This is to help with financial challenges.

Coat of Arms above King's Manor.

Student Life and Activities

Student Representation

Heslington Hall in winter

The University of York Students' Union (YUSU) represents all students. In 2008, YUSU opened its first venue, The Courtyard. There is also the Graduate Students' Association (GSA). It represents postgraduate students.

Each college has its own student committee. These committees run college events. They also help students with their well-being. They organise Freshers' Fortnight activities.

There are many political societies at the university. The York Student Think Tank does research. The York Union Society holds debates. There are also active party political groups. These include Labour, Liberal Democrat, Conservative, and Green groups. They campaign on issues and host speakers.

There are groups for LGBT students. YUSU LGBTQ+ works to support and represent students. It campaigns for issues on campus. It also runs social events. The LGBTQ Social Society organises social events too.

Student Union Venues

The Students' Union runs several bars and venues. These include The Courtyard, The Kitchen, and The Glasshouse. They also have The Lounge and Vanbrugh Arms. D-Bar in Derwent College reopened in 2022.

In 2020, a new venue called The Forest was opened. It was used for many events. In 2021, The Lakeside Tap replaced The Forest. But it closed the next year.

Student Media

York Student Television control room, located in James College

York Student Television (YSTV) started in 1967. It is England's oldest student TV station. YSTV has won awards for best student television station. The University of York Filmmaking Society made films. Some were shown at national film festivals.

University Radio York (URY) is the oldest independent radio station in the UK. It won Best Station Award in 2020.

Nouse is a student newspaper. It started in 1964. It has won many awards. Its rival newspaper, Vision, has also won many awards. It is the most awarded student newspaper in the UK.

The Lemon Press is York's satire magazine. It started in 2009. It won an award in 2010. The Yorker is an online publication. It was started by students in 2007.

York Student Cinema (YSC) shows films. It uses professional projectors and a large screen. It has won awards for best film society. In 2019, the History of Art department started a research journal. It is called Aspectus.

Sports

The university teams wear black and gold. York is part of British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS). It has 65 teams. In 2013/14, York ranked 38th out of 145 universities.

Every summer, York competes in the Roses Tournament. This is a sports competition against Lancaster University. It is the biggest inter-university tournament in Europe. The location changes each year. It includes many sports. As of 2018, York has won 27 times. Lancaster has won 26 times. There was one draw in 1974.

A new tournament, "College Varsity," started in 2014. It is between the Colleges of the University of York and the Colleges of Durham University.

Arts

The courtyard at King's Manor. A bronze sculpture of a Frisian calf by Sally Arnup can be seen.

The University of York Music Society is very active. So is the University of York Drama Society. They have performances every week. Central Hall Musical Society puts on shows too.

Other groups include the Gilbert and Sullivan Society. PantSoc stages student-written pantomimes. York ComedySoc is a very active comedy group. It puts on a show every week. They also do workshops. ComedySoc sends two shows to the Edinburgh Fringe each year.

Long Boi

Long Boi was a tall duck. He lived by Derwent College. He became an unofficial mascot for the university. In 2022, students wanted a statue of him. They said he was important to student life. The university announced in 2023 that Long Boi was presumed dead. A fundraising campaign started. It raised enough money for a bronze statue. The statue is expected to be unveiled in 2024.

FUSION

Fusion is a group that promotes urban music. It also raises money for charity.

In 2004, a student started York Carnival. It is a day celebrating music and arts. It helps connect the university with the city. It has grown into a big annual event. It attracts up to 5,000 people.

Famous People from York University

Member of Parliament Harriet Harman is an alumna of York.

Many famous people have studied at York. This includes politicians. For example, Harriet Harman is a Member of Parliament. The former President of Portugal Aníbal Cavaco Silva got his doctorate in economics here. The former Governor-General of Belize Colville Young also has a doctorate from York.

The university has also educated people in arts and social sciences. The author Anthony Horowitz studied English literature. Greg Dyke, who led the Football Association, also studied here. He later became the university's Chancellor. Writer and critic Victor Lewis-Smith studied music. The director of the Natural History Museum, Sir Michael Dixon, has a PhD from York. Businesswoman Sara Davies from Dragons' Den also graduated from York.

More recently, York has produced computer scientists. These include Ethereum co-founder Gavin Wood. And computational biologist Sue Jones.

Famous teachers at York include F. R. Leavis. And anti-apartheid activist Adrian Leftwich.

See also

In Spanish: Universidad de York para niños

• Armorial of UK universities
• List of UK universities
• Plate glass university
• White Rose Theatre, theatre company originating at the university
• York College, further education college in York
• York St John University, another university in York