Established in 1841, it achieved university status in 2006 and in 2015 was given research degree awarding powers for PhD and other doctoral programmes.

York St John University's founding mission was to improve access to education for people from all walks of life.

In 1990 the combined institution formally became a college of the University of Leeds; this arrangement allowed it to award degrees in the name of the latter, while remaining in practice largely autonomous.

The facilities include consultation rooms, specialist camera and audio systems, and simulation spaces.

The facilities at the site also include grass pitches, outdoor tennis courts, sprint track, sports barn and strength and conditioning suites.

[12][13] During the 2021 Rugby League World Cup the sports park hosted the Cook Islands women's team[14] and was the venue for the warm-up match between the York Valkyrie and the Papua New Guinea Orchids on 20 October 2022.

It provides access to resources of all kinds including books, journals, DVDs and videos, media equipment, approximately 400 computers and a 200-seat lecture theatre.

[17] In 2018 York St John University's London campus opened, offering various postgraduate programmes in Business Management and Computer Science.

[18] Around 100 degree course options are available to students at foundation and undergraduate level, including biomedical science, computer science, nursing, film and television production (see filmmaking), media production, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, literature, linguistics, Japanese, Korean, British Sign Language (BSL), psychology, counselling, business management, marketing, tourism, sociology, criminology, law, professional policing, video game design, history, creative writing, music, music production, art, design, geography, politics, theatre, dance, sport, theology and primary education.

At postgraduate level, subject areas offered at postgraduate level include business, MBA courses, creative writing, literature, publishing, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, psychology, theology, education, theatre, fine art, design, music production, film production, music, counselling, health, law, linguistics and TESOL.

[25] The YSJ Students' Union (YSJSU), is associated with nearly 50 clubs and societies, covering activities and interests such as sports, languages, music, drama, religion and art.

In partnership with Mind, Oxfam, RSCPA and the York Community Furniture Store, the campaign aimed to reduce waste being created when students moved out of their accommodation and redistribute items to those in need.

The campaign aimed to normalise social anxiety, support local businesses and give advice on how to stay safe on nights out.

In 2002, a campaign entitled "SSHH – Silent Students Happy Homes" was initiated to combat local residents' concerns about studentification.

This has subsequently been adopted by other Students' Unions around the UK, although in many instances the expansion of the abbreviation has been dropped, leaving campaigns called "Shh", "Sshh", or variants.

York St John University Rowing Club was founded 11 years after the college in 1852 and caters for all levels of experience; from competent rowers to complete beginners.

The club offers 10 types of classes (including ballet, jazz and street) to all its members and six to those on the competition team.

The university regularly hosts in person and virtual lectures, discussions, art displays and presentations for the public to attend.

[33] Founded in 2016 and based on the university campus, the Communities Centre offers counselling, support groups and drop-in sessions for local residents.