A history based on innovation

Brunel University London has a proud history stretching over 200 years.

Our namesake, Isambard Kingdom Brunel, embodied the self-reliance, hard work and inventiveness which was a core achievement of his time as a nineteenth century engineer. This man, by sheer brilliance of invention and force of will, helped transform modern transport, engineering and architecture. He lived in a society that recognised the vital interaction between the worlds of art, industry and science.

These qualities are still at the core of our University today. Our graduates embody his spirit and stand out to employers.

Our Royal Charter was awarded in 1966 but our foundations trace back much further to 1798 through our predecessor colleges including Maria Grey, Shoreditch and Acton Technical College.

Brunel’s original focus was in engineering, science, technology, education and management; but mergers in the last 25 years added expertise in new subject areas such as performing arts, humanities, health, sport sciences and business as well as, most recently, our Medical School.

The University continues to offer a broad-based technical provision. Brunel’s pioneering use of ‘sandwich courses’ in 1957 – a work placement year that has now been adopted by many other universities – is just as relevant today.

We continue to place high value on immersive workplace experiences and industry input for our students, working with employers in business, industry and the public sector to combine teaching and research excellence with the practical and entrepreneurial approach pioneered by our namesake.