Our history
From one bold, visionary to a century of changemakers - this is the story of how far we've come, and where we're heading.
We didn’t come this far by holding back
Since 1927, we’ve been passing on our knowledge to generations of learners. People who’ve left their mark on their fields, their profession and the world. How have we thrived for so long? Because it’s in our blood. Yes, we deserve to look back on all we’ve achieved. But it’s always with a view of forging ahead with renewed energy, purpose and determination.
It takes one person to change countless lives
The University of Hull was founded in 1927 – originally as University College Hull – thanks to a financial gift of £250,000 and a donation of land from local philanthropist and entrepreneur, Thomas Ferens.
The following year the Duke of York, later King George VI, laid the foundation stone during a prestigious ceremony. We opened our doors to around 39 students, 16 academics, two assistant teachers, and admin staff. We’ve come a long way since then.
Our University motto, Lampada Ferens (‘carrying the light of learning’), honours the ambition of our founding father. A hundred years on, we’re still driven by an unwavering desire for progress. Then as now, we continue to share this light with generations of changemakers to come.
The Duke of York laying the foundation stone in 1928.
Where do we start? In the future.
From its founding almost 100 years ago to today's generation of changemakers, the University of Hull has a rich and evolving story. Here are just some of our key milestones –from landmark research breakthroughs and campus expansions to moments of social and cultural impact – that have defined Hull’s place in history over the last century.
An exceptional education for the many
Our Royal Charter says our mission is to:
“...advance education, scholarship, knowledge and understanding by teaching and research, for the benefit of individuals and society at large.”
We believe that your background should never limit your future. At Hull, it’s what you know - not who you know - that matters. Here, everyone is empowered to succeed in their own way.
Our work here is never done
For nearly 100 years, we’ve been working hard to make the world a safer, fairer, better place. But we’re just getting started.
We believe in a future where fossil fuels are propelled into the past. Where modern slavery is rooted out for good. More people survive and thrive from life-threatening diseases. We’ve outsmarted AI – making it work for us, not against us. A sustainable planet home to greater opportunity, equality and justice.
It won’t be easy. And there will be new challenges to overcome along the way. But that’s never stopped us before. Because we know that every step – and misstep – will take us closer towards the world we want.