Reconnecting with our past
Our story began in 1890 as Britain's second polytechnic institution—Woolwich Polytechnic. We later became Thames Polytechnic in 1970 before emerging as the University of Greenwich in 1992.
In March 2024, we reached out to alumni from our polytechnic era and early university years. Their stories paint a vivid picture of university life: late-night study sessions, thought-provoking discussions with professors, and memorable campus events that shaped their experiences.
These shared memories form the cornerstone of our university's identity. Whether you studied at Woolwich Polytechnic, Thames Polytechnic, or the University of Greenwich, we warmly invite you to contribute your own stories to our growing collection.
Building our community: past, present and future
The University of Greenwich's journey—from Woolwich Polytechnic to Thames Polytechnic and beyond—represents over a century of academic excellence and innovation. While our institution has evolved, the connections forged here remain timeless.
We're excited to launch our new Facebook community exclusively for Thames and Woolwich Polytechnic alumni. This digital space offers a chance to reconnect with former classmates, share cherished memories, and stay updated on university developments.
Whether you're reminiscing about student days or sharing professional achievements, this platform strengthens the bonds that make our university community special.
Join us to rediscover old friendships and forge new connections with fellow alumni who shared our historic campus during these transformative years.
"My time at the Thames was transformative. Through my degree, I had incredible opportunities like joining a band, engaging with a community in London, and even meeting my future wife."
Join us on a journey through time
Together, we can open doors for talented students, fund innovative research projects, and enhance our world-class facilities.
1890 Woolwich Polytechnic, the second-oldest polytechnic in the United Kingdom, opened in south east London.
Woolwich Polytechnic started with 504 students. Located close to the Royal Arsenal, various riverside factories and opposite the Victoria and Albert Docks, it was established to serve the poorest in the local community
1922 Tommy Flowers enrolled in evening classes at Woolwich Polytechnic. Passing the Intermediate Exam in Engineering in 1926 provided the foundation for his future success as a World War Two codebreaker alongside Alan Turing.
1957 Nobel Prize winner, Sir Charles Kao, the “Father of Fibre Optics” graduated in Electrical Engineering from Woolwich Polytechnic.
“My social life was busy, and I met my future wife at one of the student dances I organised… Student life is not all study or play, and Woolwich Polytechnic gave opportunities for students to grow into whole people.”
1992 Thames Polytechnic was granted university status and then later renamed the University of Greenwich (in 1993).
2016 Greenwich celebrated 20 years at Medway, which comprises: the University of Greenwich, the University of Kent and Canterbury Christ Church University, all located on the conjoint campus at Chatham Maritime
2024 and beyond
Earlier this year a group of students designed a mural in the Stockwell Street library to highlight the history of the University of Greenwich.
1916 While the Battle of the Somme was being fought in France, the Engineering workshops of the Polytechnic were kept open. Two months after the Armistice the Chief Superintendent of Ordnance Factories thanked the Polytechnic for their help in making tools for munitions.
1943 Ewen Whitaker graduated in Mechanical Engineering from the Polytechnic. He pioneered new lunar photography techniques, which determined landing sites for the Apollo space missions. This earned him a reputation as one of the preeminent lunar experts of his generation.
1970 Woolwich Polytechnic merged with part of Hammersmith College of Art and Building to form Thames Polytechnic.
Throughout its 22-year history, Thames Polytechnic merged with a number of smaller institutions. These included Dartford College (1976), Avery Hill College (1985) and Garnett College (1987).
1996 Several hundred students moved to Medway when the Natural Resources Institute became part of the University of Greenwich. In doing so, the Pembroke site became a campus of the university.
2018 In 2018 there were 18,944 students enrolled in the University of Greenwich.
2030
Read about our vision for 2030 in the 'This is our time strategy 2021-2030'.
1890 Woolwich Polytechnic, the second-oldest polytechnic in the United Kingdom, opened in south east London.
Woolwich Polytechnic started with 504 students. Located close to the Royal Arsenal, various riverside factories and opposite the Victoria and Albert Docks, it was established to serve the poorest in the local community
1916 While the Battle of the Somme was being fought in France, the Engineering workshops of the Polytechnic were kept open. Two months after the Armistice the Chief Superintendent of Ordnance Factories thanked the Polytechnic for their help in making tools for munitions.
1922 Tommy Flowers enrolled in evening classes at Woolwich Polytechnic. Passing the Intermediate Exam in Engineering in 1926 provided the foundation for his future success as a World War Two codebreaker alongside Alan Turing.
1943 Ewen Whitaker graduated in Mechanical Engineering from the Polytechnic. He pioneered new lunar photography techniques, which determined landing sites for the Apollo space missions. This earned him a reputation as one of the preeminent lunar experts of his generation.
1957 Nobel Prize winner, Sir Charles Kao, the “Father of Fibre Optics” graduated in Electrical Engineering from Woolwich Polytechnic.
“My social life was busy, and I met my future wife at one of the student dances I organised… Student life is not all study or play, and Woolwich Polytechnic gave opportunities for students to grow into whole people.”
1970 Woolwich Polytechnic merged with part of Hammersmith College of Art and Building to form Thames Polytechnic.
Throughout its 22-year history, Thames Polytechnic merged with a number of smaller institutions. These included Dartford College (1976), Avery Hill College (1985) and Garnett College (1987).
1992 Thames Polytechnic was granted university status and then later renamed the University of Greenwich (in 1993).
1996 Several hundred students moved to Medway when the Natural Resources Institute became part of the University of Greenwich. In doing so, the Pembroke site became a campus of the university.
2016 Greenwich celebrated 20 years at Medway, which comprises: the University of Greenwich, the University of Kent and Canterbury Christ Church University, all located on the conjoint campus at Chatham Maritime
2018 In 2018 there were 18,944 students enrolled in the University of Greenwich.
2024 and beyond
Earlier this year a group of students designed a mural in the Stockwell Street library to highlight the history of the University of Greenwich.
2030
Read about our vision for 2030 in the 'This is our time strategy 2021-2030'.
