It was founded by Frank Didden, supported by and following the principles of Quintin Hogg, and opened to students in October 1891.

Like Hogg's pioneering venture in London's Regent Street, it initially combined education with social and religious functions.

[12] In 2019, the university's main cafeteria was operated by BaxterStorey, which paid its workers £9.25 per hour without contractual sick pay.

[13] After four strike days in October 2019, Greenwich University announced in early January 2020 that all outsourced cafe workers, cleaners and security guards would receive the London living wage of £10.55, in addition to the same sick pay and annual leave as university staff.

The campus has a large library at Stockwell Street which houses an extensive collection of books and journals, language labs and a 300-PC computing facility.

The Stephen Lawrence Gallery, in the Stockwell Street building, showcases the work of contemporary artists and is linked to the School of Design.

The award-winning Dreadnought Building hosts the Students Union and the Faculty of Education, Health and Human Sciences.

Courses taught at the site include Teacher Training, Nursing (Adult, Child, Mental Health, Community, Learning Disability), Midwifery, Paramedic Science, Speech and Language Therapy, Physiotherapy, PE and Sport, and Sports Science.

GLASC enables student trainees and experienced health professionals to gain hands-on experience and learn new clinical skills by engaging in multi-professional simulation activities.

[19] The Medway Campus is located on a former Royal Navy shorebase (called HMS Pembroke) opened in 1903 at Chatham Maritime, Kent.

Social facilities include a sports hall, bar, gym and outdoor tennis courts.

Greenwich research seeks to influence and enhance health, education, science, engineering, computing and social policy, and attracts international agencies, government departments and global corporations from over 50 countries.

[35] Subjects taught at Greenwich have seen rises in the Guardian university league tables for 2022: Chemistry was at 10, up 10 places since 2021.

The Stockwell Street Building opened in 2014 and is now home to the campus library, film and TV studios, and editing suites.

On-site facilities include a café, canteen, shop, launderette, bicycle parking, and a gym.

In June 2021, representatives from multiple countries called for the award of the Nobel Peace Prize to Abiy to be re-considered because of the war crimes committed in Tigray.