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.
2027
The University celebrates its 100th birthday. Watch this space for our 2027 centenary plans. Who knows what our next 100 years will bring. But one thing’s for sure, we’re ready for it.
2023
The Rt. Hon. Alan Johnson becomes our new Chancellor. In July, we officially open the Centre of Excellence for Data Science, AI & Modelling (DAIM).
2017
Hull starts its celebrations as UK City of Culture 2017 with the University as its principal partner. Queen Elizabeth II officially opens our Allam Medical Building.
2012-2015
Our £28-million Library redevelopment includes a new Reading Room, Art Gallery and Exhibition Hall. Officially opened by Poet Laureate, Carol Ann Duffy.
2003
Hull York Medical School (HYMS) is established: a partnership between the Universities of Hull and York.
1999
Hull University Business School is established. It’s among fewer than 2% of the world's best business schools to hold the AACSB and AMBA double crown.
1984-1985
Professor Stuart Palmer and his team are successful in applying ultrasound to the diagnosis of osteoporosis. This leads to commercial ultrasound heel scanners being used worldwide.
1973
Professor George Gray is instrumental in creating stable liquid crystals in our labs, which would later make laptops, smartphones and flat-screen TVs possible.
1955
Poet Philip Larkin joins as University Librarian. He serves for 30 years and is instrumental in creating the new Brynmor Jones Library, still the beating heart of our campus today.
1954
The University gains its Royal Charter on 6 September 1954, empowering it to award its own degrees. This officially makes us the 14th oldest university in England.
1928
The Duke of York, later King George VI, lays the University’s foundation stone on 28 April 1928, and we open our doors to around 39 students on 11 October.
1925
On 2 February 1925, local philanthropist and entrepreneur Thomas Ferens announces a gift of £250,000 to establish a university in Hull. Construction work begins on 24 August 1927.
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.