Greenwich University traces its roots to 1890, when Britain’s second polytechnic was opened near the Thames at Woolwich to teach practical and commercial skills to London workers. An innovator from the start, the polytechnic pioneered the country’s first part-time day-release and sandwich courses.

Over the years a range of specialist organisations have joined the institution, giving it the diverse strengths it has today in subjects such as teacher training, architecture, engineering and history. The name Thames Polytechnic was adopted in 1970 and university status awarded in 1992.