The story of how the University of Salford as we know it today came to exist is a rather complicated series of mergers and separations.

Back in 1896, Salford Working Men's College joined forces with the Pendleton Mechanics Institute to form the Salford Technical Institute - which quickly became the Royal Technical Institute, Salford, upon being granted royal assent. The Duke and Duchess of York (later to become HRH King George V and Queen Mary) officiated at the opening ceremony, and Mr Halle's orchestra turned out to accompany the proceedings.

At the turn of the century, mechanical engineering, chemical works, textiles and construction dominated the industrial scene in Salford and led the choice of subjects on offer. Initially, students became part of one of nine departments: Mathematics, Engineering, Chemistry, Electrical Engineering & Applied Physics, Building, Dyeing, Spinning & Weaving, Domestic, and Art. 1,240 students registered for the first session, and there were only nineteen members of staff.

In 1921 the institute was renamed the Royal Technical College, Salford, but in 1958 it split into two separate parts. One part, the Royal College of Advanced Technology, went on to become the University of Salford in 1967. Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, was the first Chancellor. The other part, Peel Park Technical College, changed its name first to Salford Technical Institute (in 1961), then to Salford College of Technology (in 1970), and finally to University College Salford (in 1992).

Finally, in 1996, simplicity won through and both organisations joined together again to form the University of Salford as it is today.