About
About
Founded in 1841, we transform lives through the power of education across the generations.
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At York St John University we pride ourselves on our community and heritage.
We have been teaching people from across the world for 180 years. We are passionate about giving our students a teaching and learning environment that is safe, exciting, inclusive and inspirational.
With official 'Sanctuary' status, we also see our role as something bigger than an education provider. Our role in the city of York is one we take seriously. Many of our students and staff are activists, engaging directly with our wider community.
Our Strategy 2026 Refresh
In the year 2026 York St John will celebrate its 185th anniversary and 20 years of full University status. Our refreshed strategy sets out what we aim to achieve by then and how our mission, vision, values and priorities are helping us respond to a changing world.
Facts and figures
Who we are
180 years of teaching people from across the world in the heart of York
Top 15 We have been named 13th out of 135 universities in the country for teaching quality in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023
Radical Our unique contextual offer scheme, described as radical by the Office for Students, gives more people a fair chance to access Higher Education
40,000 We are connected to a network of over 40,000 alumni from across the years and across the world
Our economic and social impact
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Our economic and social impact
Our University plays a substantial role in the region’s economy and makes an important social impact through widening educational participation, research and enabling development.
An independent evaluation of our social and economic impact in the 2021/22 academic year highlights our strong commitment to social justice and the added value we generate for the UK economy in return for the public funding we receive.
Read the Economic and Social Impact report summary:
York St John University Economic and Social Impact Summary (PDF, 0.2MB)
More about York St John
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Leadership and governance
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Campus and facilities
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Partnerships
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Our home in York
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Our graduate attributes
Higher York
Higher York is a partnership between University of York, York St John University, Askham Bryan College and York College.
As a place-based partnership of institutions, the Higher York institutions are committed to the economic, social and environmental and cultural life of the York City Region. Higher York has a strong track record of collaboration and partnership with key City Region stakeholders to overcome the challenges facing our local communities.
Read more about the commitments and contributions in the PDF below:
Featured news
Article
International student experience at York St John University ranked among the best in the UK
Employability, student support and welcoming environment all praised in the International Student Barometer 2023
- 16 April 2024
- International
Article
Institute for Social Justice event highlights students’ work to drive positive change
Students, academics and guest speakers come together for Doing Change 2024
- 15 April 2024
Article
Call for video games to adopt a ‘positive PEGI’ system after new research uncovers self-care benefits of gaming
Academics from York St John University have published a groundbreaking new study on the positive effects of video games in helping young people manage loss.
- 15 April 2024
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Article
Landmark agreement to develop the next generation of innovative and highly skilled healthcare professionals
A landmark joint working agreement between education and health providers aims to enhance training opportunities and develop the next generation of innovative and highly skilled healthcare professionals.
- 9 April 2024
- Research
- Vice Chancellor
Article
Dance and drama student runs fun educational workshops for children over Easter
Exciting new theatre experience incorporating dance, drama and art
- 8 April 2024
- Community
- Students
