The University of York
Who we are
York is the home of enquiring minds, inspiring teachers, pioneering researchers and committed professional services staff, all of whom are determined to make the world a better place.
A world-class University
We are a high-performing Russell Group university where enquiring minds, inspiring lecturers and world-class researchers thrive. We provide exceptional learning experiences that stay with our students for the rest of their lives, enabling them to flourish within and beyond their studies.
Since our foundation in 1963, York’s focus on academic excellence has resulted in a strong reputation across the globe. In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2020 we were ranked in the Top 40 in the world for Arts and Humanities and in the top 100 for Social Sciences.
Our founding values of excellence, equality and opportunity for all, anchored by the highest academic standards, are as true today as they were when the University of York opened its doors. We started out with just over 230 students and are now home to more than 18,000 students from over 150 countries.
Pursuing academic excellence
Our research-intensive, supportive environment allows collaboration and innovation to flourish, attracting world-class researchers who are solving global problems and inspiring students from across the world.
- Our Research Strategy encompasses our vision that York should provide a home for some of the best research in the world
- £86m total research income in 2018-19, a 39 per cent growth in the last five years
- A recent report by London Economics assessed our total economic impact at £1.82bn
- The total economic impact of research conducted by the University in 2016-17 was estimated to be £537.1m
- Our latest Annual Report and Financial Statements provides a full breakdown of our financial position
Helping great minds to thrive
We are committed to nurturing our highly talented staff and students by supporting their ambitions and giving them opportunities to develop and grow.
- We have articulated a distinctive York pedagogy that sets clear and challenging goals and ensures students are supported to achieve them.
- The impact of teaching and learning generated by the 2016-17 cohort of University of York students stood at £487.9 million.
- Our strategic aim Providing an education that empowers will allow us to nurture and fulfil ambitions, preparing students for an ever-evolving world.
Fostering a culture of inclusion
There is a diverse mix of cultures and nationalities on campus. This provides the opportunity to benefit from different perspectives and gain a greater understanding of the wider world.
- Our campus community originates from around the globe and we are proud to nurture an eclectic mix of cultures and experiences. 24 per cent of our students are from outside the UK.
- Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy speaks to the core of our values.
- We hold 15 awards from Athena SWAN, recognising the advancement of gender equality: representation, progression and success for all.
- We have a very successful widening participation programme and York has one of the highest percentages amongst the Russell Group of students coming from state schools.
- We recognise our responsibility to the wider community in which we live and learn, and pride ourselves on forging local partnerships.
- Our approach to public engagement is anchored by the York Festival of Ideas. We provide access for diverse audiences to an array of free events that demonstrate the relevance and transformational value of higher education, research and ideas.
Creating independent critical thinkers
Our research-led teaching encourages creativity and problem solving and challenges our students to push the boundaries of knowledge and excel in their studies.
- We seek talented students from all backgrounds and respect them as individuals, valuing their unique contribution to the University.
- We have active and award-winning student media outlets online, in print and on air.
- Our research-led teaching means that our students are taught by people who are passionate about their subject, and leaders in their field of expertise.
- We support and encourage academic challenge and debate to promote critical thinking.
Helping students prosper in a global workplace
We provide opportunities and experiences for our students to enhance their personal and professional development, helping to meet the needs of global employers.
- 94 per cent of our graduates are employed or in further study within six months of graduating.
- More than 13 per cent of our students engage in international mobility programmes - one of the highest participation rates in the Russell Group - which includes a huge range of study/work/volunteer abroad opportunities for students to gain international experiences through Global You.
- Through our innovative employability programme York Futures, we are committed to supporting our students’ career aspirations and ambitions and helping to meet the needs of global employers.
- Our current students are helped to identify their strengths through the York Strengths programme, taking charge of their futures and developing skills valued by employers.
- The Careers and Placements Annual Report for 2022 and our Employability Strategy explain our approach.
- We foster collaborative and respectful relationships with our students through extensive student participation and strong student unions, University of York Students' Union (YUSU) and Graduate Students' Association (GSA).
Solving problems through strong interdisciplinary collaboration
York has an excellent reputation for fostering a rigorously interdisciplinary approach to research. Our collegial culture and a track record of forging partnerships with external organisations allows us to address complex global problems in innovative ways.
- Our seven research themes were agreed through extensive consultation with our academic community.
- York's inter-disciplinary research centres include BioYork, Digital Creativity Labs, Institute for Safe Autonomy, Interdisciplinary Global Development Centre, Leverhulme Centre for Anthropocene Biodiversity and York Environmental Sustainability Institute.
- Our partnerships with universities overseas in China, Brazil and Europe provide opportunities for staff and students to visit and exchange ideas, learning and culture.
- The University of York has signed a major partnership with Maastricht University. We will establish joint research projects, teaching collaborations, knowledge exchange, student exchanges and will share best practice among staff.
- York is one of the three White Rose Universities who have opened the White Rose Brussels Office to promote the long-term strategic positioning of the three White Rose universities to key stakeholders in Brussels to influence EU research policy.
An excellent environment in which to live and learn
Those who study and work here get the best of both worlds: a green and open campus close to a historic and cosmopolitan city.
- The University of York’s 500-acre parkland campus holds the Green Flag award for the sixth time, in recognition of the quality of its landscaped green space.
- A number of buildings and other features on campus hold Grade II listed status and much of our landscape is designated as a Registered Park and Garden, the status held by some of Britain's finest estates.
- We've invested over £500m in state-of-the-art facilities including new teaching buildings and student facilities.
- York is regularly voted one of the best places to live and visit in the UK and was named the best place to live in Britain by The Sunday Times in 2018.
- Our colleges provide an opportunity for students from diverse backgrounds to live independently in a supportive and enabling environment.
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