The University of York was founded in 1963 with 200 students. Since then, it has expanded to 11,000 students and has over 30 academic departments and research centres.

The main campus at Heslington is a 200-acre landscaped park, well known for its lake and wildfowl. Here the colleges and academic buildings are on a level site within walking distance of each other. Proximity to the historic city of York makes the University a popular choice and provides a pleasant working and residential environment.