It gained taught degree awarding powers in 2012,[3] applied for full university status,[4] and was granted on 3 December 2012.

It occupied the premises of an earlier, unsuccessful training establishment for female teachers, which had been built in 1842 with a chapel, lecture rooms and a school for teaching practice.

The college began awarding degrees of Bachelor of Education (BEd), originally validated by the University of Nottingham.

[11] The university is on a single-site campus in uphill Lincoln, a short walk from the historic Bailgate area, the Cathedral and Castle.

In 1862, Sir Arthur Blomfield designed the simple and plainer chapel, which stands between these buildings and the road.

[13] An extension to the Sibthorp Library (the Cornerstone Building) was completed in 2012 and officially opened by Anne, Princess Royal in 2013.

[19] Extensive development work took place on the university campus during 2013, refurbishing existing accommodation and providing a new £4.3m hall of residence.

Development of Constance Stewart Hall during 2016 – 2017 added teaching rooms in an extension designed by LK2 Architects.

Constance Stewart Hall (CSH), erected in the 1950s, was renovated and upgraded to provide self-catering accommodation and improved facilities for students.

[23] Bishop Grosseteste University offers apprenticeships, doctoral study, and foundation and honours degrees at undergraduate and postgraduate level.

This includes multiple routes into teaching such as BA, BSc and Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).

There are two full-time sabbatical officers, a CEO, a part-time volunteer team of 15 students and 6 support staff focused on administration and communications.