It was in 1970 that Coventry College of Art amalgamated with Lanchester College of Technology and Rugby College of Engineering Technology.The resulting institution was called Lanchester Polytechnic: 'Lanchester' after the Midlands automotive industry pioneer, Dr Frederick Lanchester, and 'Polytechnic' meaning 'skilled in many sciences and arts'.
In 1987 the name changed to Coventry Polytechnic and in 1992 the University was set up under UK Government legislation, as laid out in the University’s Instrument and Articles of Government.The Lanchester name has been preserved in the title of our art gallery, the Lanchester Gallery, as well as in the Lanchester Library.
Timeline
Explore our timeline to see how key events from our past are shaping our future.
1843
Coventry School of Design opens in a former ribbon factory at the Burges to provide core skills to the community.
Today Coventry University is one of the most prominent universities in the apprenticeship industry.
1863
A new School of Art building opens in Ford Street at a cost of £2,586 seeing growth of dedicated teaching sites.
We are continuing to invest in our students and communities with continued regeneration across the city.
1868
The School of Art is ranked as 15th out of 102 facilities in the country.
Coventry is continuing to be rewarded for its excellence in teaching and learning.
1887
A Technical Institute opens to stop Coventry falling behind European competitors in education provision.
We still teach for a global workplace and create industry-ready graduates.
1902
The renamed Technical College replaces the former Technical Institute.
Coventry offers a range of scholarships and bursaries to help with the costs of university.
1929
Rugby College of Technology and Arts opens as one of three institutions that would later become Coventry University.
Our teaching spreads across the UK to offer flexible learning options and widen access to education.
1940
Bombing during the Coventry Blitz in November destroys two thirds of city buildings including the School of Art and cathedral.
The community responded with resilience and city is still recognised as a place of peace and reconciliation. The Centre for Peace and Security (CPS) focuses on integrated peacebuilding, trust and social and community relations as part of Coventry University’s commitment to research with a focus on the security and quality of life of people worldwide.
1948
The NHS is born and healthcare training including nursing and midwifery will soon come to Coventry.
Coventry University now trains 75% of the Midlands’ healthcare professionals and offers care services for the community.
1960
The first Students’ Union forms at Lanchester College of Technology.
Your Students' Union still runs social groups and activities and helps students link with the city through community and volunteering projects.
1965
Coventry University begins to emerge as a leader in the field of research.
This investment continues today with a wide range of innovative research projects with global impact. Explore Coventry University Group challenge-led research and innovation.
1970
Lanchester (Coventry) Polytechnic forms through mergers of city institutions.
The legacy of Frederick Lanchester lives on to inspire a new generation through the Lanchester Interactive Archive.
1979
A new movement of 2-Tone Ska begins at the students' union
We continue to support emerging talent and preserve our music legacy. 
1990
Coventry Business School founded in a restructuring of Coventry Polytechnic.
Teaching now covers business and law and includes distance learning and industry-supported courses. 
1992
Coventry Polytechnic becomes Coventry University under The Further and Higher Education Act.
Coventry University is now investing in teaching globally and continuing to see league table success globally.
1995
Lord Charles Henry Plumb becomes university’s first chancellor, holding the position until 2007.
Eng Ahmed El Sewedy was appointed in 2024.
1999
Ellen Terry building opens to performing arts students in the former Odeon cinema.
The building hosts performing arts teaching and annual Degree Shows.
2010
Coventry University London Campus opens in the heart of the capital city.
Renamed, Coventry University London, it still specialises in postgraduate teaching predominantly for business studies.
2012
CU Coventry opens at Mile Lane, part of the Coventry University Group, is dedicated to ensuring higher education is an option for everyone.
2016
CU Scarborough opens if you study at CU Scarborough upon graduation, you will receive a qualification awarded by Coventry University. The campus building is close to the centre of Scarborough and offers a modern learning environment.
2017
Our CU London Dagenham site opened in September 2017 , part of the Coventry University Group, is dedicated to ensuring higher education is an option for everyone offering intakes throughout the year and flexible timetables.
2018
The new HLS building in Whitefriars Street is officially opened by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
Thanks to innovative facilities the university now offers state-of-the-art healthcare training to students.
2020
Opened in autumn 2020 Coventry University Wrocław, is the only British university with a campus. All students study for a Coventry University award.
2020
The new £25 million Beatrice Shilling Building opens the building is named in honour of Beatrice "Tilly" Shilling who was one of the most significant engineers of her time.
Thanks to innovative facilities the university offers state-of-the-art engineering and computing training to students.
2021
The university unveiled Starley Gardens, – a striking open-air urban space which helps open up the campus for the local community and visitors to the city to enjoy.
2023
Coventry University names flagship new building after city icon Delia Derbyshire. The home of our Art, Design and Digital Media courses the Delia Derbyshire building provides a range of fantastic facilities that students from across the College of Arts and Society can use to boost their creativity .
