In its pre-charter days, the University of Sheffield was known initially as Firth Collage and later as University Collage, Sheffield.

The first connection it established with local militia was in 1900 when, as a result of the patriotism engendered by the Boer War, an enthusiastic group of University staff joined the West Yorkshire Royal Engineers to establish G company, described as the University and Professional Company.

One of the academic strengths of University Collage lay in its Engineering faculty, so a connection with the Royal Engineers seemed appropriate. In 1908, when the Territorial Force was established, a formal cadet unit came into being. Subsequently in, 1911, the unit became the University's Officers' Training Corps (OTC.)

The balance between time spent in academic training and military training has, even from the beginning, been a sensitive issue. When an OTC was established, each university was required to from a Military Education Committee (MEC) in order to consider any problems which might arise in the relationship between students' academic work and the demands which membership of an OTC placed upon their available time.

The University of Sheffield MEC represents the interests of the students and staff of the two constituent universities, the staff of the OTC and the Territorial Army. It provides a useful medium through which the unit is able to gain support and ensure a balance between academic learning and military education.

The interests of the MEC also extend to the Sheffield students who are members of the Yorkshire University Air Squadron, based at Church Fenton, York and the Yorkshire Universities Royal Naval Unit, based in Hull.

Until 1969, membership of the University of Sheffield OTC tended to be limited to students of  the University of Sheffield, even though the unit has always been open to young professionals undergoing training.

When the Sheffield Polytechnic was established, students from that institution were successfully recruited and members of the Polytechnic staff were invited to join the MEC. The University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University are now partners in support of the University of Sheffield OTC.  
  
The authorised structure establishment of Sheffield UOTC was last revised in October 1995, to its current level of 12 Officers, 24 TA soldiers, 4 civilians and 140 Officer Cadets. In reality, the number of Officer Cadets is frequently exceeded at the start of the academic year, with an annual membership enlistment of about 150.

Today, the primary role of the OTC is providing a practical link between the Army and the Universities, with a view to fostering an interest in and an understanding of the Army and its role in Defence policy.

The OTC aims, through practical leadership training, to introduce students to the Army as an armed service, profession and a way of life. This experience brings much welcome added value to a University degree.