Founded in 1968, still growing.
Marlowe started as a small teacher-training college and has grown into a full university — but we've tried hard to keep the parts of it that made it feel like a community in the first place.
Our mission
We want every student who studies here to leave more capable, more curious and more employable than when they arrived — regardless of their background or what they could afford to bring with them.
That means keeping fees manageable, offering real financial support, and building courses around skills employers actually ask for, not just what's easy to teach.
Our story
A few of the moments that shaped the university we are today.
- 1968 Marlowe College is founded as a teacher-training college with just three subjects on offer.
- 1984 The college merges with the neighbouring School of Engineering, adding its first science and technology courses.
- 1997 Marlowe is granted full university status and admits its first postgraduate cohort.
- 2011 The Redfield campus library and student union building open, both still in use today.
- 2020 Online and hybrid degree options launch, opening study up to students who can't relocate.
Campus life
What a typical week outside lectures might look like.
Sport & fitness
A sports centre with a pool, gym and courts, plus 20+ intramural and competitive teams for every skill level.
Wellbeing
Free, confidential counselling appointments, a quiet room in every building, and a peer-support scheme run by trained students.
Culture & events
Regular gigs, an international food festival each spring, and a student-run gallery in the arts building.
Want to see it for yourself?
Open days run every month during term time. Get in touch and we'll save you a place.
Get in touch