The University of Wolverhampton is a leading modern university with a tradition of providing opportunity and academic excellence dating back nearly 200 years.
The roots of the University of Wolverhampton lie in the 19th century growth of Mechanics Institutes, which provided vocational and general education for working men. The Wolverhampton Free Library also developed technical, scientific, commercial and general classes.
Teaching first began in 1851 at the School of Art, and the study of art became a key focus – with new buildings, and a new name for the Municipal School of Art in 1885.
Early 20th century (1900-1944)
By 1903, an educational foundation had firmly been established with over 1,300 students studying courses including coach building, house painting and pattern making. In 1905, the first student scholarships were awarded.
As student numbers continued to grow, expansion became necessary. In 1912, the ‘Deanery House’ in Wulfruna Street was bought and in 1920 it was demolished, making way for the iconic Wulfruna building you see today in Wulfruna Street.
In 1933, the Wolverhampton Local Authority annual report states: “The college makes ample provision for the general education of young men and women not privileged to obtain their higher education by residence at a University. Particularly it is the local home of higher scientific and industrial studies.”
Wolverhampton Polytechnic (1969-1991)
On 1 September 1969, the College was officially designated a Polytechnic. Comprising five Faculties: Applied Science, Art and Design, Arts, Engineering, and Social Sciences, a further Faculty of Education was established in 1977.
The seventies also saw Wolverhampton develop into a truly international community with students from Iran, Malaysia, and Nigeria. The delivery of Wolverhampton courses internationally beginning to flourish, with the faculty of Art and Design entering into academic exchange programmes with Alfred University (New York), and the Faculty of Education began consultancy work in Egypt.
In 1983, a second Royal visit, this time from HRH The Duke of Kent, officially opened Wolverhampton Polytechnic as a stage VIII Polytechnic institution, and this was followed by a period of rapid expansion over the next ten years. A merger with the West Midlands College of Education in 1991 led to the creation of what is now Walsall Campus, and further mergers with Teacher Training Colleges in Wolverhampton and Dudley led to the construction of an ambitious third campus in Telford.
The University of Wolverhampton (1992-present)
In 1992, Wolverhampton Polytechnic was granted university status and became the University of Wolverhampton. Today our three faculties offer courses in over 70 different subjects and over 4,000 students graduate from Wolverhampton each year.
The University of Wolverhampton continue to invest in our students, staff, alumni and in the local and international community. We have invested more than £125 million on campus developments and teaching facilities, including £50 million on improving our facilities at Walsall Campus; the innovative Performance Hub; new and refurbished Students’ Unions and further modernization of our Learning Centres.
The University of Wolverhampton offers a broad range of postgraduate and undergraduate courses starting from January to May 2025.
While many university courses begin in September, these courses provide flexibility to those who missed an autumn start or who wish to join in spring. Many of The University of Wolverhampton courses offer part-time and distance learning study options for degree courses that fit your lifestyle.
Course content does not change from those starting in September – only the timeline for your studies. Register your interest or apply now.
Postgraduate study at the University of Wolverhampton
Unlock a world of new opportunities with postgraduate courses at the University of Wolverhampton.
Whether you’re looking to retrain, boost your employability, enrich your CPD, or take the next step in your career, The University of Wolverhampton postgraduate programmes are designed to open doors.
At the University of Wolverhampton, focus is aimed at developing postgraduate students’ leadership skills and knowledge to not only enhance their career prospects, but give them the confidence needed to lead the pack in their area of postgraduate study. The University of Wolverhampton recognize the need to be flexible and supportive, to put each student first and encourage their full potential.
The University of Wolverhampton offer a range of postgraduate study options including full-time and part-time courses, conversion courses, 100% online courses, and accredited CPD courses. Take a look at our postgraduate courses and start your journey with us today!
- Business Postgraduate degrees
- Civil Engineering and Built Environment Postgraduate degrees
- Cyber Security Postgraduate degrees
- Education Postgraduate degrees
- Health Sciences Postgraduate degrees
- Allied Health Postgraduate degrees
- Law Postgraduate degrees
- Nursing Postgraduate degrees
- View our full range of Postgraduate courses.
Scholarship at The University of Wolverhampton
Starting your course in January or April and haven’t applied for funding yet? Don’t worry, you still have time; but it’s vital that you apply early as possible. It’s important your funding is in place so you can start your academic career without any financial worries. If you are starting this academic year then you still need to apply now to ensure that your student finance is in place ready for the start of term.
The University of Wolverhampton, ensure that every postgraduate student is included, with the right support, opportunities and facilities to help every student achieve their potential. The University of Wolverhampton is committed to flexible and personalized learning routes for postgraduate students, helping you study in ways that best suit your life as well as committing to study success, The University of Wolverhampton concentrate efforts on making life as a University of Wolverhampton postgraduate fulfilling and inclusive. Take a look at our award-winning support services, quality accommodation and university life to find out more.
Applications for part time and postgraduate funding are open now. Visit student finance on the gov.uk website (opens in new window) to find out more about the application processes and eligibility criteria.
You or your parents/guardian/partner may be asked to provide evidence to support your funding application, so it’s important to check your emails and ensure this is provided promptly.
In The University of Wolverhampton there are no age limits on eligibility for tuition fee loans and means-tested maintenance loans for undergraduate study, so mature students can apply – provided you’re studying for your first degree. The University of Wolverhampton runs regular events for mature learners who want to find out more information on the application process, writing personal statements, what it is like to be a mature student, the funding available and much more. if you have any questions contact our Gateway team at: gateway@wlv.ac.uk.
If you are concerned about the cost of living and managing your money while you are at the University of Wolverhampton, then more information on budgeting and useful financial tips for students can be found at funding and budgeting. A parents’ guide to Student Finance can be found at Parents’ Guide.