TRANSFORMING LIVES.
since 1859
TRANSFORMING LIVES.
since 1859
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.
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, which transformed our Moulsecoomb campus as part of a bigger masterplan that includes the neighbouring Preston Barracks site. Together they have created a new gateway into the city and transformed 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 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.
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 sector
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.
18 59
18 70
Chelsea School
The Chelsea School opens in London in 1898 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 in 1963.
19 60s
19 65
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.
19 70
19 92
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.
20 03
20 22
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.
Falmer consolidation
We complete a significant redevelopment programme at our Falmer campus, enabling us to bring all our sport and health courses together on a single campus for the first time. The redevelopment includes the conversion of a former private health club into a mixed-use academic and leisure facility and the repurposing of existing spaces to provide a better experience for students and staff.
Consolidating sport and health courses at Falmer is a key strand of our estate strategy designed to deliver long-term financial and environmental sustainability. As part of this, our Eastbourne campus closed in the summer of 2024.
20 24