Our timeline
Explore our timeline to see how key events from our past are shaping our future, and how we are investing for the next 175 years – though the UK City of Culture 2021 and beyond.
Celebrating our 175th anniversary
1843
Then: Coventry School of Design opens in a former ribbon factory at the Burges to provide core skills to the community.
Now: This ethos remains in work-based learning and business-backed teaching.
1863
Then: A new School of Art building opens in Ford Street at a cost of £2,586 seeing growth of dedicated teaching sites.
Now: We are continuing to invest in our students and communities with continued regeneration across the city.
1868
Then: The School of Art is ranked as 15th out of 102 facilities in the country.
Now: Coventry is continuing to be rewarded for its excellence in teaching and learning.
1887
Then: A Technical Institute opens to stop Coventry falling behind European competitors in education provision.
Now: We still teach for a global workplace and create industry-ready graduates.
1902
Then: The renamed Technical College replaces the former Technical Institute.
Now: Coventry continues to offer technical education, encouraging more women in science and engineering than ever.
1929
Then: Rugby College of Technology and Arts opens as one of three institutions that would later become Coventry University.
Now: Our teaching spreads across the UK to offer flexible learning options and widen access to education.
1940
Then: Bombing during the Coventry Blitz in November destroys two thirds of city buildings including the School of Art and cathedral.
Now: The community responded with resilience and city is still recognised as a place of peace and reconciliation.
1948
Then: The NHS is born and healthcare training including nursing and midwifery will soon come to Coventry.
Now: Coventry University now trains 75% of the Midlands’ healthcare professionals and offers care services for the community.
1960
Then: The first Students’ Union forms at Lanchester College of Technology.
Now: CUSU still runs social groups and activities and helps students link with the city through community and volunteering projects.
1965
Then: Coventry University begins to emerge as a leader in the field of research.
Now: This investment continues today with a wide range of innovative research projects with global impact.
1970
Then: Lanchester (Coventry) Polytechnic forms through mergers of city institutions.
Now: The legacy of Frederick Lanchester lives on to inspire a new generation through the Lanchester Interactive Archive.
1979
Then: A new movement of 2-Tone Ska begins at 'The Lanch’ students' union
Now: We continue to support emerging talent and preserve our music legacy.
1990
Then: Coventry Business School founded in a restructuring of Coventry Polytechnic.
Now: Teaching now covers business and law and includes distance learning and industry-supported courses.
1992
Then: Coventry Polytechnic becomes Coventry University under The Further and Higher Education Act.
Now: Coventry University is now investing in teaching globally and continuing to see league table success globally.
1995
Then: Lord Charles Henry Plumb becomes university’s first chancellor, holding the position until 2007.
Now: Building on her work in diversity and inclusion, Margaret Casely-Hayford was appointed in 2017.
1999
Then: Ellen Terry building opens to performing arts students in the former Odeon cinema.
Now: The building now hosts performing arts teaching and annual Degree Shows.
2010
Then: Coventry University London Campus opens in the heart of the capital city.
Now: Renamed, Coventry University London, it still specialises in postgraduate teaching predominantly for business studies.
2014
Then: Coventry University Social Enterprise is created to help support student entrepreneurs.
Now: CUSE now helps student businesses and community starts-ups across the city.
2018
Then: The new HLS building in Whitefriars Street is officially opened by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
Now: Thanks to innovative facilities the university now offers state-of-the-art healthcare training to students.
2021
Now: Coventry is awarded the title of City of Culture 2021 after a successful joint bid.
The future: The eyes of the world will be watching Coventry as it celebrates diversity and inclusion with a year of activities.