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, CU Coventry offers industry-focused BA, BEng and BSc degrees and is dedicated to ensuring higher education is an option for everyone.
2016
CU Scarborough opens. Part of the Coventry University Group, CU Scarborough offers courses designed to fit around your life.
2017
CU London opens. Part of Coventry University Group, CU London offers a wide range of study options including degrees, top-up degrees and foundation year qualifications.
2017 Singapore Hub
Coventry University Group opens Singapore Hub. Strategically located, our Singapore Hub aims to foster collaborations with organisations throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
2018 Belgium Hub
Coventry University Group opens Belgium Hub. Located in Brussels, our Belgium Hub connects us with European partners as we focus on research impact and excellence, influence and shape EU policymaking and promote international staff and student mobility.
2019 Branch campus in Egypt
Coventry University Group launches first branch campus in Egypt. A collaboration with El Sewedy Education located in The Knowledge Hub, our branch campus delivers undergraduate courses across the schools of Engineering, Computing, and Design and Media.
2020
Coventry University Wrocław opens. As the only British university with a campus in Poland, our Wroclaw location focuses on developing the skills and employability of our students.
2020
Beatrice Shilling Building opens in Coventry.The £25 million facility is named in honour of Beatrice “Tilly” Shilling and provides our students with access to state-of-the-art engineering, environment and science facilities.
2021 Africa Hub
Coventry University Group opens Africa Hub. Located in Kigali, Rwanda, our Africa Hub aims to foster strategic partnerships with organisations in Sub-Saharan Africa and supports their global aspirations.
2021
Starley Gardens opens in Coventry.Created on the former site of our James Starley building, Starley Gardens is an open-air urban space featuring pedestrian areas and landscaped gardens.
2022 Branch campus in Morocco
Coventry University Group becomes first UK university to open a branch campus in Morrocco. Offering courses in engineering, architecture and business, our branch campus in collaboration with The British Schools Educational Services Prives helps develop vital skills in the region.
2022 China Hub
Coventry University Group opens China Hub. Offering courses in engineering, architecture and business, our branch campus in collaboration with The British Schools Educational Services Prives helps develop vital skills in the region.
2023 Joint education institution in China
Coventry University Group establishes joint education institution in China.The collaboration with Communication University of China helps build skills and foster collaboration in research across the country.
2023
Delia Derbyshire building opens in Coventry. Home to our art and design courses, the building features game-changing technology and spaces that inspire the next generation of innovators and visionaries to develop their ideas.
2024 Coventry University Kazakhstan
Coventry University Kazakhstan opens.Located in Astana, our Kazakhstan campus has been hailed a “major step forward” by local leaders and supports the brightest minds of the country through high-quality British education.
2024 India Hub
Coventry University Group opens India Hub. Located in Delhi, our India Hub is a driving force for collaboration with the Indian Government, academia and industry.
