University Archive Collection

The University Archive was set up in 1977 to preserve the records of the University of Leeds and its predecessors the Yorkshire College of Science, Yorkshire College, and Leeds Medical School.

The records date from 1831 to the present day and are held in paper and digital format.

We actively collect material in order to preserve the memory of our institution and provide an evidence base for its activity.

The University Archive catalogue

The Leeds University Archive catalogue contains over 9000 records and is arranged into twelve sub-collections.

There are records for:

• committee
• administrative
• academic
• other departmental services
• staff, students and other individuals with close personal associations to the University.

We also have large collections of plans, drawings and photographs that give insight into campus development and life.

Access the University Archive

We are committed to making this material accessible to researchers. Where possible we make digital content available to access off-campus, but if this is not possible archival documents – whether paper or digital – can be consulted in the Special Collections Reading Room.

Please contact Special Collections to arrange an appointment to use the Reading Room and order the material required in advance.

Part of our collection of historic student newspapers is now available to search online.

Related University material

A number of published sources relating to the history of the University are available for reference in the Special Collections reading room.

Special Collections also holds material that, although not officially part of the University Archive, covers many aspects of the University's history, including archives of named individuals such as Edward Boyle, Kathleen Raven and Edmund Clifton Stoner.