DMU - A Rich and Vibrant History of Improving Lives through Education

De Montfort University has a long and vibrant history of improving people's lives through education. Founded in 1870 as the Leicester School of Art, the university has undergone many changes to become the institution it is today.

Over the years, DMU has evolved to reflect the changing needs of society. The university has its roots in the late 19th century and early 20th century, when the School of Art and Leicester Technical School began training apprentices for industries such as boot and shoe manufacture, furniture making and design, hosiery and textiles manufacture, engineering, printing and bookbinding. Today, many modern DMU courses have their roots in these early programs, either as courses in their own right or as integral components of more contemporary courses.

DMU has always been committed to ensuring that its teaching keeps pace with the changing needs of businesses. Computing courses were introduced in the 1960s, and DMU's computing degrees are still highly valued by industry. The university has also embraced other modern fields of study, such as footwear, physical sciences, and architecture, which were taught at the schools and are still in evidence at DMU today.

The university has a rich and diverse history that is reflected in its many incarnations. Originally called the Leicester School of Art, it has also been known as the Leicester Colleges of Art and Technology and Leicester Polytechnic. Leicester Polytechnic officially became De Montfort University on June 26, 1992, in commemoration of the celebrated Simon de Montfort, Earl of Leicester, a crucial figure in medieval history who established the first parliament in 1265.

DMU has grown and evolved over the years, but it is still dedicated to providing inspirational teaching to students and is proud to have a significant impact on the world around it. DMU has embraced the concept of public engagement, launching the award-winning DMU Square Mile project, which initially delivered life-changing skills and opportunities to the local community in a square mile area near campus, but was later extended to cover the entire city of Leicester as part of the DMU Local initiative.

DMU has achieved a lot over the years, including being awarded Gold, the highest ranking possible, in the Teaching Excellence Framework in 2017, the first-ever assessment by the UK government of teaching quality in higher education. DMU was also named the first-ever University of the Year for Social Inclusion by The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2019.

In 2018, DMU was chosen as a Global Hub to support the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 16, which promotes peace, justice and strong institutions. The university was also ranked among the top 50 universities in the world for sustainability by the Times Higher Education University Impact Rankings.

DMU has come a long way since its humble beginnings as the Leicester School of Art. Today, it is a dynamic institution that is known for its commitment to providing high-quality education that is tailored to the needs of students and society. With a long and vibrant history, DMU is proud of the impact it has had on the world around it and is dedicated to continuing to improve people's lives through education.

Thanks for reading,

- Ilya :u: