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Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE

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History and Heritage

The opening of the James Graham building

Our history

At Leeds Beckett University we are proud of our history and our place within the community. As a modern university we have 200 years of history, our activities and endeavours over many years have not only had positive impacts on us as an institution but have also been transformative to the world around us. Throughout our history, it is people who have shaped us and who continue to do so today.

Today we have over 253,000 former students, including Olympic and Paralympic medallists, Oscar award winners, politicians and business innovators. Over the years, our graduates have changed the world. They've helped to shape our society. They've come from 166 countries to learn and grow.

Among our 253,000-strong alumni community, we’re proud to boast some truly outstanding individuals, including:

  • Britain’s most determined female Paralympian, Dame Sarah Storey
  • 80s band Soft Cell’s singer, Marc Almond OBE
  • Game of Thrones cinematographer, Fabian Wagner
  • Designer of the London Olympic Torch, Edward Barber OBE
Leeds Polytechnic in the 1980s

Explore our campus

Our campuses

At Leeds Becket University we are proud of our heritage and our place within the community. We are a modern University with 200 years of History. Let's look at some of the key points that mark our origins.

  • 1752: The Grange - Ivy House Farm
  • 1824: Leeds Mechanics Institute
  • 1897: The Leeds Institute of Science and Art and Literature
  • 1906: Transfer of schools to Leeds Corporation
  • 1907: City of Leeds Training College
  • 1920: Yorkshire Training College of Housecraft
  • 1924: Leeds Law School
  • 1926: Leeds College of Commerce
  • 1927: Leeds College of Art
  • 1933: Carnegie College of Physical Training
  • 1937: Leeds College of Technology
  • 1956: The Leeds Central College
  • 1968: College merger at Beckett Park
  • 1970: Leeds Polytechnic
  • 1976: Leeds Polytechnic grows
  • 1992: Leeds Metropolitan University
  • 2014: Leeds Beckett University
  • 2020: Carnegie School of Sport building
  • 2021: Leeds School of Arts building
  • 2024: Investing in facilities

Our history helps shape our future, and a Leeds Becket University education embeds practical experience alongside academic learning.

Our mission is to ensure we use our knowledge and resources to make a positive and decisive difference to people, communities and organizations now and always.

Our Events

Graduation is a defining moment in a student’s life! From friendships forged to late nights in the library, graduation is their chance to celebrate all they have achieved throughout their time at Leeds Beckett University with their loved ones. Between 15 – 19 July 2024 we will celebrate the success of 9,500 students as they don their caps and gowns to cross the stage at the first direct arena in Leeds. Our 2024 graduates have joined a community of over 253,000 alumni in 166 countries around the world.

Graduation, July 2024

Graduation celebration space outside the Rose Bowl building
A historic classroom image from Leeds Beckett University

Our people

The history of our university has seen a wide range of students, staff, and alumni from diverse backgrounds.

Find out more

Our blogs

Blog LBU Together

Alumni authors of Leeds Beckett University

Woman reading
Leeds Beckett Logo View all by Alumni
By Alumni
04 Mar 2025
Blog LBU Together

Celebrating the legacy of LBU’s women on International Women’s Day

Image of women holding hands
Leeds Beckett Logo View all by Alumni
By Alumni
03 Mar 2025
All blog posts

Be part of our history

Our alumni, staff, and students are an integral part of our community. As part of our history, you can share messages, memories and photos with the Leeds Beckett community. Please email us at alumni@leedsbeckett.ac.uk with your message, university memory, and/or a photo from your time with us.
alumni@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
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