A brief history of Teesside University

Graduating class of 1992 crossing the road at Teesside University

The story of Teesside University began almost 100 years ago, when it was originally established as Constantine Technical College.

Since then, there have been plenty of changes. So, we’re looking back at some of the main milestones in its rich history.

Black and white photograph of Constantine Technical College

1930: Constantine Technical College

Teesside University started out in Middlesbrough as Constantine Technical College, offering subjects such as metallurgy, engineering, chemistry and art.

It was named after a local shipping magnate who helped finance its construction and formally opened by the Prince of Wales on Wednesday 2 July 1930, who became King Edward VIII six years later. He went on to abdicate the throne and marry divorcee Wallis Simpson.

Waterhouse building at Teesside University

1960s: Waterhouse building 

Constantine Technical College acquired the historic Waterhouse building in the 1960s.

It was built in 1877 by Alfred Waterhouse, the architect behind the Natural History Museum in London, and used as Middlesbrough High School.

The Grade II listed building remains to be a focal point in Teesside University’s campus.

Teesside Polytechnic
Image: My Town My Future

1969: Teesside Polytechnic

In 1969, Constantine Technical College became the thirteenth polytechnic in Britain.

The upgrade allowed for further expansions to the campus and the curriculum and ensured that students were prepared to meet the business and industrial needs of the region.

Teesside Polytechnic sign on building
Image: My Town My Future

1970s: More building

Teesside Polytechnic was growing, and the Clarendon and Stephenson buildings were opened in 1973 and 1976 respectively.

A library opened in 1977. One year later, Teesside Polytechnic merged with Teesside College of Education and gained the Flatts Lane site.

Class of 1992 graduates

1992: University status

Teesside Polytechnic achieved university status in 1992.

The change came to reflect its strong academic offering, meet the demand for higher education across the country and help to address the divide between polytechnics and existing universities.

It was at this time that the polytechnic officially became known as the University of Teesside.

Teesside University logo replaced on a building

2009: Name change

To reflect its growth, the University of Teesside developed a new visual identity complete with a new name and logo. Thus, Teesside University was born.

It was a busy year for the University, as it was also named University of the Year by Times Higher Education.

Darlington campus building

2011: Darlington campus

Another expansion for Teesside University came when it developed a site close to its main campus in Middlesbrough.

The Darlington campus was established to grow the University’s presence in the region and offer more educational opportunities to its people.

Now, the Darlington campus is primarily focused on delivering courses within health and life sciences. It is home to Teesside University’s National Horizons Centre, a centre of excellence for bioscience.

Students walking around Campus Heart

2015: Campus Heart

Teesside University’s ambitions to develop a pedestrianised Campus Heart on Southfield Road were realised in 2015.

The £30m project included landscaping, a living wall, a large digital screen and the iconic Curve building.

At the time, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Professor Paul Croney OBE said: “This is the biggest programme of development the University has seen and will completely change the look and atmosphere of the central campus.”

Two students walking around the Teesside University London site

2023: To the capital

Teesside University announced bold plans to launch a new campus in the capital in 2022 – and Teesside University London opened its doors the following year.

Based at London’s Here East, at the former media centre for the Olympic Village, Teesside University London is bolstering global opportunities for students.

Courses primarily revolve around digital technologies and enterprise.

Looking back, Teesside University has certainly come a long way since 1930.

And there’s plenty to be looking forward to in the near future too. Our Digital Life building is almost ready to open, and Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council has pledged support for our ambitions to launch a Medical School.

Do you remember any of these milestones? Are there others which were significant to you? Let us know in the comments.

Author: Lauren

Since completing her undergraduate studies in Journalism at Teesside University, Lauren has taken on the role of Communications Assistant (Content Production). She knows a thing or two about student life, as she’s currently working towards achieving her master’s degree at the University.

One thought on “A brief history of Teesside University”

  1. I was on the first year of the CNAA BSc degree course for Social Studies, which started as a common year and then split between Sociology and Social Work. Previously, the Poly offered an external London degree. Our Sociology course was overseen by Durham University. We used part of the old Constantine College, the tower block, portacabins next to Southfield Road and a converted terraced house nearby. Additionally, there was the Buttery and the nearby building where the Folk Club met. I recall seeing Vin Garbutt, the Fettlers and (I believe) a young Barbara Dickson.
    Amongst the staff whose names come to mind were Eric Carlton, Peter Cross, Dr Pollard, Jim Leonard, Anne Leonard, Mike Featherstone, Norman Gibson, Paul Le Petite, Charlie Smith, Barbara Paulucey, Phil Semp and Paul Ryan. I can remember others but their names elude me – my apologies. Away from that department, I met up with Dr Keith Lindsey (Cemical Engineering), whose wife, Kathy, had been a teacher at my school. They befrieneded me, introduced me to the Eastern Ravens Trust in Stockton and gave me a view of life beyond that of a student.

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