University of Liverpool Management School

The University of Liverpool was originally founded as University College, Liverpool in 1881. It officially opened its doors a year later in 1882 to just 45 students, with 6 chair positions and 2 lectureships. The first college building was located on Ashton Street, which is still at the heart of campus today.

In 1884, the College was admitted as a member of the federal Victoria University in association with colleges in Manchester and Leeds. From that point, it began to progress rapidly in terms of available equipment and teaching strength. In the following years, a number of buildings were erected to house large laboratories, funded by gifts from local philanthropists and benefactors. These laboratories helped to significantly increase the institution’s teaching strength in chemistry, engineering, physiology and pathology. During the 1890s, 8 more chair positions were endowed, as well as many lectureships and scholarships.

The late 19th century saw one of the major events in the University’s history. Construction started on our iconic red brick Victoria Building in 1889, designed by architect Alfred Waterhouse. This would not have been possible without the generous gifts and fundraising from the people of Liverpool. Sir William Hartley funded the clock and bells for the tower, while Sir Henry Tate funded the entire library block of the building (now the Tate Hall).

The Victoria Building was officially opened in 1892 by Lord Spencer, marking Liverpool as the original redbrick. During the early 1900s, the College gained confidence and gained substantial respect from the city of Liverpool. More subject-based schools were established, including a training college for teachers and schools of architecture, commerce, law, public health and tropical medicine.

The establishment of these schools meant the College gained a positive reputation among the intellectuals of the city, as well as showcasing the direct impact of higher education studies to the wider Liverpool community. As public and city council support for the College grew with increased collaboration, the college began to develop its own distinctive character.