Founded in 1841 and receiving the title of ‘University’ in 2006, York St John University has a long and proud tradition as a distinguished education provider. The University has around 7000 students studying on a range of undergraduate, postgraduate and professional courses in faculties of Arts, Health and Life Sciences, Education & Theology, and the York St John Business School. As a major regional employer and education provider, York St John is working with a range of partners to support companies through the economic downturn and address the immediate challenges faced by existing businesses, graduates and other entrepreneurs. The Phoenix Centre creative incubator, developed initially with Science City York, opened on campus in 2009 with twelve start-up businesses benefiting from access to specialist facilities, business support, mentoring and training. York St John is a relatively small university which prides itself on its tight-knit community and its reputation of putting students at the heart of everything it does. Alongside teaching, the University offers a significant and valued range of support, including professional advice, careers guidance, counselling, referral, training, assessment and support. York St John’s campus is a stone’s throw from the bustling and vibrant city centre, with many of the shops, restaurants, pubs, galleries and tourist attractions just five minutes walk away. The original campus which is built around a quadrangle, is complemented by newer buildings including the multi-award winning signature building De Grey Court and the Fountains Learning Centre. The University has invested over £100 million in recent years on its estates, ensuring that students benefit from the latest cutting-edge facilities and brand new accommodation in the city centre.