OUR HISTORY AND IMPACT
The University of Brighton has been a proud part of the city of Brighton & Hove since 1859, starting as a school of art in the kitchens of the Royal Pavilion and growing to become the diverse, modern and inclusive institution it is today.
In 2022 we celebrated the completion of our Big Build, a major initiative that transformed our Moulsecoomb campus and the surrounding areas including the historic Preston Barracks site. The partnership between the University of Brighton, Brighton & Hove City Council and private developers has created a new gateway into the city and enhanced the local area to the benefit of all who live, work and learn here. The Big Build included student accommodation for 800 students, a new home for our School of Business and Law at Elm House, an accessible pedestrian bridge across Lewes Road, a multi-storey parking facility, Students’ Union cafe and bar, and gym and fitness facilities – all constructed to the highest environmental standards, delivering significant and lasting benefits for our staff, students and the local community.
In 2024 a major redevelopment of our Falmer campus was completed, enabling us to bring together sport, health and education courses onto one campus, with world-class facilities to support their teaching, learning and research. Sports facilities on campus for learning and leisure have been enhanced following the creation of the new Brighton Sport and Health Complex.
Mithras House also underwent a major refurbishment to create a new home for humanities and social science students with spaces to study and innovative lab spaces for hands-on learning.
investment in our student accommodation, facilities and resources
Falmer campus
Brighton Sport and Health Complex
sport and leisure facilities for students, staff and the local community
Elm House
a new space for our business and law students to study and connect
TOP PERFORMING POST-92 UNIVERSITY
of research world-leading, internationally excellent or internationally recognised (GPA 3.02)
VERY HIGH RATING
for research partnerships, public and community engagement, and working with the public and third sectors
KEF5
HIGH RATING
for working with business, and local growth and regeneration
KEF5
Significant improvements in league table performance
Guardian University Guide
up 44 in the last four years
Sunday Times Good University Guide
up 46 in the last three years
Daily Mail University Guide
up 44 in the last three years
What we’ve done matters.
A short history
UNIVERSITY OF BRIGHTON
(1859–present)
Brighton School of Art
Brighton School of Art opens with the first 110 students learning in the kitchens of the Royal Pavilion.
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Chelsea School
The Chelsea School opens in London as an institution training women and girls in physical education.
Brighton Technical College
Brighton Technical College becomes the Brighton College of Technology, intended for more advanced studies than those offered by the technical college. Brighton College of Technology opens on the site of school playing fields on Lewes Road.
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Falmer campus
The College of Education is rehoused in a new 32-acre site at Falmer.
Brighton Polytechnic
Brighton College of Art and Brighton College of Technology merge to form Brighton Polytechnic.
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University of Brighton
Brighton Polytechnic is granted university status and becomes the University of Brighton.
Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS)
Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) jointly managed by the University of Brighton and University of Sussex opens in 2003 and the first cohort graduates in 2008.
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Big Build completion
In 2022 we celebrate the completion of our Big Build, which transforms our Moulsecoomb campus as part of a bigger masterplan that includes the neighbouring Preston Barracks site. Together they create a new gateway into the city and transform the local area to the benefit of all who live, work and learn here. The Big Build includes student accommodation for 800 students, a new home for our School of Business and Law at Elm House, the accessible pedestrian bridge across Lewes Road, a multi-storey car park, Students’ Union cafe and bar, and gym and fitness facilities – all constructed to the highest environmental standards, delivering significant and lasting benefits for our staff, students and the local community.
Campus consolidation
We complete a significant redevelopment programme at Falmer, enabling us to bring our sport and health courses together, alongside our education courses, on a single campus for the first time.
Mithras House also undergoes a major refurbishment as it becomes home to humanities and social science students.
Both projects focus on bringing innnovative and world-class facilities to each campus, supporting teaching, learning and research.
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