Our history
The history timeline of the University of Winchester
1840
The roots of the University of Winchester began in 1840 when the Winchester Diocesan Training School was founded as a Church of England foundation.
It was designed to provide for the training of elementary schoolmasters. The School was initially quite small and housed in St Swithun’s Street, Winchester.
1847
The School moved to the Bishop’s Palace at Wolvesey, where it became Winchester Training College.
1862
A new building (now the main building on the King Alfred Campus) was established for the College, on land granted by the Cathedral.
The building programme was funded by public donations with £100 being donated by Queen Victoria.
1928
The College became King Alfred’s College in 1928.
1970 - 1990
The College grew considerably becoming a General College of Higher Education.
1992
King Alfred’s College signed an accreditation agreement with the University of Southampton.
2003
The Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) established that the College’s standards and quality were fully commensurate with the university sector as a whole.
2004
Degree awarding powers were conferred and the institution became known as University College Winchester.
2005
The Privy Council conferred the title of The University of Winchester.
2008
Research degree awarding powers were granted by the Privy Council.