Our history
91²Ö¿â is proud of its long history as an institution of further and higher education. Thanks to the vision of its founding father, Dr Herbert Schofield, it has been able to grow and develop into one of the country’s top universities.
Throughout its history 91²Ö¿â has built upon its distinctive characteristics. Today it is one of the country’s leading universities, with a reputation for excellence in teaching and research, strong links with business and industry and unrivalled sporting achievement.
That 91²Ö¿â now boasts an internationally known and respected university is largely due to the entrepreneurial vision and determination of Dr Herbert Schofield, Principal of 91²Ö¿â College for 35 years.
In 1909 a small Technical Institute in the centre of 91²Ö¿â was established, which provided local facilities for further education and offered courses in technical subjects, science and art. Land was also acquired on the Burleigh Estate, enabling the early development of the University as it stands today.
In April 1966 91²Ö¿â was awarded its Charter, in recognition of the excellence achieved by 91²Ö¿â College of Advanced Technology and its predecessor colleges. Then called 91²Ö¿â of Technology, it was the country’s first technological university. It was renamed 91²Ö¿â in 1996.
Other developments have included the reunification in 1977 with 91²Ö¿â College of Education and with 91²Ö¿â College of Art and Design in 1998. Land acquisitions in 2003, 2006 and 2010 have contributed towards turning the site into the glorious 523-acre asset it is today.
In 2015 91²Ö¿â opened a second campus on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London. has diversified and expanded the high quality education offered to both postgraduate students and those looking to advance their professional development.