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Lancaster University is a public research university in the English town of Lancaster, Lancashire. By royal charter, the institution was founded in 1964. Known for its superior research and instruction, Lancaster University is a highly regarded institution of higher learning to study in UK. Lancaster University is ranked 122nd in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023 and ranked #146 in the QS World University Rankings 2023. The university was also ranked 12th in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023.
Nine colleges are part of the university. The colleges of Lancaster include Bowland College, Lonsdale College, Furness College, Fylde College, The County College, Cartmel College, Pendle College, Grizedale College, and the Graduate College. The university has a distinguished list of graduates who have attained success in their respective fields. Ralph Ineson, an English actor; Ranvir Singh, a television presenter; W. Brian Arthur, an economist; and Mark Price, managing director of Waitrose, are a few examples.
One of the top public research universities in the UK is Lancaster University, and according to the REF 2021, 91% of Lancaster's research has received an independent rating of "excellent" or higher on a global scale. It is also one of the few collegiate institutions in the United Kingdom. In a collegiate system, each college has self-government and financial independence while still being connected to the main institution as a whole.
University life offers more than just experiences. With plenty of scholarships in UK and bursaries available, Lancaster University believes any talented student should be able to succeed despite financial constraints. The university is situated in Lancaster, a county town with two universities and a near to 15,000 student population. With affordable living expenses, a welcoming climate, and a vibrant student community, Lancashire is an excellent county for students to study in the UK.
Highlights | Data |
Lancaster University fees | £1,850-£9,250 |
Lancaster University campus area | 560 acres |
Number of colleges at Lancaster University | 9 Colleges |
Official Website of Lancaster University | www.lancaster.ac.uk |
Lancaster University Ranking | QS 2024 - 122 THE 2023 - 122 |
Tests Accepted | IELTS PTE TOEFL |
Application Fees | 27.50 Pounds ( UG) 40 Pounds (PG MA course) |
Place | Bailrigg, UK |
Min & Max Temperature | 12℃-17℃ |
Distance from London | 250.9 miles |
In terms of academic excellence, research output, international student-to-student ratio, research infrastructure, student-to-faculty ratio, graduate employability, sustainability, etc., this University manages to place itself among the top international universities according to the QS World University Rankings and the US News & World Report rankings.
According to the most recent THE global league table, Lancaster University is now ranked joint-122nd after moving up 24 spots in the QS World University Rankings 2024.
QS- World University Rankings 2024 - 122 out of 1401
THE- Global League Table 2023 - 122 out of 1502
International Outlook- Global League Table 2023 - 49
US News & World Report- Global Ranking 2022-2023 - 182 out of 1740
Center For World University Rankings- Global Ranking 2023 - 345 out of 1994
Academy Ranking Of World Universities- Global Ranking 2023 - 301 out of 1000
Financial Times- Global Ranking 2023 - 96 out of 100
The Guardian- Global Ranking 2023 - 10 out of 200
Round University Ranking- Global Ranking 2023 - 149 out of 800
Lancaster University provides a diverse range of scholarships and support programmes to enhance the academic experience of its students. With over 280 undergraduate degree programmes and a dynamic postgraduate community offering various taught master's degrees, the university aims to foster research at the highest international level.
For international students, Lancaster also offers pre-sessional courses to help them meet English language expectations, communicate effectively in academic contexts, and succeed in UK higher education. The length of these programmes varies based on the student's English language proficiency when applying.
To be eligible for these pre-sessional programmes, students must have an active offer for an academic course at Lancaster University and an English language test score that meets the programme's requirements. The pre-sessional courses are conducted in person on campus, but there may be online options available for those unable to attend in person.
For international applicants who do not fully meet the entry requirements for degree study, Lancaster offers foundation courses like the International Foundation Year and Pre-Master's programmes.
Additionally, the university also provides free online courses, known as MOOCs (massive open online courses). These offerings provide valuable learning opportunities.
Lancaster University itself offers financial guidance and support to help students manage their finances effectively. The Student Money Adviser assists with budgeting, financial management, and other expenses.
The key costs include accommodation, utilities, medical expenses, contents insurance, food, clothing, travel, study materials, insurance, TV license, and miscellaneous expenses. Lancaster University offers various accommodation options, including standard rooms and catered accommodations. Students should plan and budget according to their specific circumstances, including initial start-up costs and unforeseen expenses. Moreover, they can even look for part-time job opportunities to add to their savings and expenses. Part-time work opportunities are available on and off-campus, subject to visa status and eligibility.
On average, a single student may spend around £924 per month, including accommodation (International students should also consider currency conversion and potential contingencies).
Accommodation options vary in cost, and on-campus rent usually includes utilities. The university also promotes financial responsibility and provides resources to help students budget effectively and manage their expenses during their academic journey.
Here is a table that will help you out in planning your budget at Lancaster University:
Type of Cost | Approximate spendings |
Accommodation | £924 per month |
Food |
|
Toiletries |
|
Books and other study/research-related materials | £500 per year (40 weeks) |
Phone Bill |
|
Laundry |
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Clothes | £15 per week / £400 per year (£40 weeks) |
Membership of societies | Free - £30 one-off payment depending on the society |
Sugarbus | £1.65(for a return trip Wednesday and Friday term time) |
Taxi (Town to Campus) | £12(may vary depending on location and time) |
TV Licence | £14 per month / £159 per year |
Bus travel | £305 for Terms 1, 2 and 3 (40 weeks for Lancaster Unirider) |
Sports Centre Membership | Starts from £123 per year for Bronze |
Childcare (on Campus) |
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How to apply for Lancaster University admissions?
Lancaster University admissions are accepted for undergraduate programmes through the UCAS system. Potential applicants can submit their applications immediately through the university's website application portal for postgraduate programmes.
Visit the UCAS website - ucas.com.
Search the university name, and the list of courses will appear on the screen. Click on the course name.
Carefully read the details mentioned about the course, including the entry requirements, fees, and other details.
Click on the "Apply" button. Now, register on the UCAS portal by providing the necessary details.
Select the "Register" button.
Now, login using the email address and password.
Fill out educational details and previous work experience (if any).
Add the personal statement, reference, and declaration.
Now, pay the application fee using a credit or debit card.
Save the application form and take a printout of it for future reference.
Documents required for Lancaster University admissions
Applicants need to submit a specified set of documents in order to be taken into consideration for admission to the university. Additional documentation is also necessary for international students.
Official academic transcripts
Passport photocopy
Letter of Recommendation (LOR)
Ideally, at least one reference is required.
A research proposal will be required for research degrees.
Curriculum Vitae (CV)/Resume
Official English Proficiency Test Scores (TOEFL, IELTS, or CEFR)
There are around 200 plus courses available at the University, to which students can apply online.
University application fees can vary depending on factors like the level of study (undergraduate, postgraduate, etc.) and the applicant's nationality or residency status.
The undergraduate application fee is 27.50 Pounds.
The application fee for postgraduates is 40 Pounds.
Lancaster University offers various scholarships and financial support options to undergraduate and postgraduate students starting their studies in 2023.
The Lancaster Scholarship provides £2,000 in the first year for UK Home fee-paying applicants who achieve AAA and above at A Level (or equivalent) with at least five GCSEs grade A/7 or above. This scholarship is for full-time degree programme candidates.
The Lancaster Opportunity Scholarship is available to UK Home fee-paying applicants who are part of specific contextual offer schemes or have completed certain access programs. It gives the eligible applicants £1,000 per year of study.
High-achieving international applicants can apply for the Lancaster Global Scholarship, which offers a tuition fee waiver for undergraduate and postgraduate taught programs (excluding MBA programs) for 2023 entry. The scholarship gives £5,000 in your first year of study. To be eligible for the scholarship, undergraduate students must achieve A*A*A at A level or equivalent.
Undergraduate students with a household income of less than £30,000 can qualify for the Lancaster University Bursary of £1,000 each year of their studies if they meet eligibility for UK government funding support.
Lancaster University provides scholarships like the Lancaster Master's Scholarship, through which, students who enrol in postgraduate taught programmes offered by the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences can receive a scholarship of £2,000 for their first year of study. Students who enrol in postgraduate programs offered by the Faculty of Science and Technology and the Faculty of Health and Medicine can receive a scholarship of £4,000 for their first year of study. Moreover, those in Management School (but not MBA) receive £5,000 for their first year of study.
Alumni Loyalty Scholarship is based on the prior academic achievements of postgraduate students and offers tuition cost reductions to qualified applicants enrolling in taught master's, MRes, and master's by research programmes.
Management School Master's Scholarship is suited for those students who need to pay international tuition fees and who have earned the equivalent of a UK 2.1 undergraduate degree and will be given a significant grant worth £4,000.
Lancaster Global Scholarship is awarded to high-achieving international applicants from the EU, Asia, Africa, North America, and South America who are eligible for the scholarship and are given a tuition fee waiver for undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (excluding MBA programmes) for 2023 entry. The scholarship is automatically given if students meet the other eligibility requirements and terms and conditions listed on the official website. The scholarship gives £5,000 in your first year of study. It is available for postgraduate students at Lancaster University, requiring specific academic achievements, and non-fully funded or partially funded fee-paying status, excluding certain articulation programs and subject to fee classification for international students.
Lancaster Sanctuary Scholarship offers a limited number of Scholarships each year, but they are available to students who are seeking asylum in the UK and are not eligible for statutory student financial support from Student Finance England or the Student Awards Agency for Scotland. It provides the beneficiaries with free accommodation and also waives their fee.
The Management School MBA Scholarship is available for the full-time Lancaster MBA curriculum. Lancaster University offers a variety of scholarships with a maximum grant of £15,000. Outstanding academic record, outstanding managerial experience, and virtues of a responsible leader, such as participation in volunteer work, community service, or sustainable development projects are crucial qualities for the scholarship candidate. Also, applicants who will boost the class's diversity will be considered.
External scholarships from various sources like the GREAT Scholarships, China Scholarships Council, Fulbright Award, Commonwealth Scholarships, and Chevening Scholarships are offered to eligible postgraduate students.
Lancaster University admissions are difficult, with an acceptance rate of approximately 19 percent, although some of their colleges are easier to get into. The entry requirements are A Level ABB or its equivalent for international students. For Indian students, AAB equivalency is 80 percent. International students also need proof of English proficiency. Other qualifications include the International Baccalaureate, with 32 points overall and 16 points from the best three higher-level subjects.
The Lancaster University student life tends to revolve around the activities organised by individual colleges. Students at Lancaster will learn new things and create fresh memories. They will interact with new people from various walks of life while engaging in their favourite pastimes or trying out new ones.
There are over 175 societies, representing a broad range of activities, interests, and causes. Students can join a society to expand their academic network, meet individuals who share their interests, try something entirely new, or learn about a different culture.
The representative body for students at the university is the Lancaster University Students' Union. The union is there to support students in all facets of student life and is open to all students by default. To make Lancaster University student life as enjoyable, gratifying, and amazing as possible, they offer a large variety of services.
To foster student growth and create an effective learning environment, the university provides its students a wide range of services. These services include:
Funding, such as grants and bursaries, is available to students from the HEI.
Welfare and counselling services
Health, including medical services
Careers service
Chaplaincy services
Sports and recreational facilities
Facilities relating to music, art, and other cultural activities
Museums, libraries, special collections, and archives
Conference facilities
Advice and guidance
At the centre of Lancaster University is the library. With its central location on the Bailrigg campus, the library building offers a warm, open space for university and library activity. It offers access to almost half a million printed objects in the library building, in addition to hundreds of thousands of electronic journal articles, ebooks, and other materials.
The college has a wi-fi facility for all students and staff.
Lancaster University supports students dealing with any kind of mental health problems or issues so that it doesn’t hamper their academic life. A certified practitioner is available to guide and advise the students dealing with any kind of mental issue, anxiety, or psychological problem. Lancaster also offers multiple services to disabled students for removing any kind of hurdle coming on their way in education and career.
Lancaster University has a wide variety of food options to meet all dietary needs. A variety of freshly made flatbreads, salads, topped toast, omelettes, and hot daily specials are available at HIVE. A robust hot meal with sweet and savoury selections as well as a nutritious salad bar are available at The Marketplace. Sandwiches and soups are available alongside sweet snacks and fresh cakes. Other bars, cafés, and restaurants include Barkers, The Deli, Costa, The Lounge, Grizedale Café Bar, The Red Lion, and Pendle Rooms.
Four sports halls, all with equipment suitable for competition, are part of the Lancaster University Sports Centre and can be reserved online for a variety of events. The new Sports Hall has more than 500 bleacher seats and a show court for badminton, basketball, futsal, and volleyball. The Roses tournament frequently referred to as the largest varsity competition in Europe, pits the students against the University of York every summer term. The university hosts a number of intercollegiate sporting events.
Lancaster University also offers a gym that is well equipped with racks, benches, watt bikes, free weights, curved unpowered treadmills, rowing machines, ski ergometers, and other functional equipment. Personal trainers are also available for one-to-one sessions at an additional cost. Students can also download the MyWellness App where they can track their progress and monitor their pulse rate, heart rate, session time and amount of calories burnt, etc.
Interested students can also take swimming lessons where they can learn swimming and basic stroke techniques. Multiple classes are being offered at different times both for beginners and for professionals.
Lancaster has an excellent transportation system with excellent connections between the city, campus, and other areas. At Lancaster University, buses are the most used mode of transportation by students. There are many bus stations on campus, and during peak hours, buses arrive every five minutes. The train station is also accessible from the bus stop or the city's centre via a short walk. Since it takes just over 3 miles to walk from the city centre to college, students also favour cycling and walking.
Lancaster University ensures that students have access to quality accommodation as it provides a vibrant and diverse range of options for its students.
The University of Lancaster offers on-campus accommodation for both undergraduate and postgraduate students, fostering community and convenience. With eight undergraduate colleges, students can choose from ensuite bedrooms, shared facilities bedrooms, and self-contained studios.
The accommodation offerings encompass three primary room categories:
Ensuite Bedrooms: With 3,661 rooms available, these provide a private bathroom within the room for enhanced convenience.
Shared Facilities Bedrooms: Comprising 1,952 rooms, this category features shared toilet and shower facilities, promoting social interaction and camaraderie.
Self-contained Studios: Ideal for those who value greater independence, the 154 units offer private toilet and shower facilities along with a kitchenette.
Postgraduates primarily reside in the Graduate College on the south-west campus, with ensuite and shared facilities rooms, along with access to tailored facilities.
The postgraduate accommodation array comprises two primary categories:
Ensuite Rooms: With 712 rooms, this category ensures privacy through individual bathroom facilities.
Shared Facilities Rooms: Encompassing 189 rooms, this category promotes interaction among postgraduate peers.
Family-friendly accommodation options are available, enabling students with children to balance academic pursuits and family life effectively.
To alleviate concerns about renting in the private sector, Lancaster University Homes was established to guide students through the process and approved landlords commit to a student-friendly code of practice, providing a professional and reliable tenancy service.
Here's a table summarizing the accommodation options and their costs for both undergraduate and postgraduate students on campus at Lancaster University:
Accommodation Type | Weekly Cost (in £) | Annual Cost (in £) |
Standard Room | £98 - £117 | £3,920 - £4,680 |
Ensuite Room | £135 - £153 | £5,400 - £6,120 |
Superior Ensuite | £156 - £164 | £6,240 - £6,560 |
Townhouse | £139 | £5,560 |
Single Person Studio | £183 | £7,320 |
Two Person Studio | £207 (£104 per person) | £8,280 (£4,160 per person) |
Catered Accommodation | £190 - £211 | £7,600 - £8,440 |
Accommodation Type | Weekly Cost (in £) | Annual Cost (in £) |
Standard Room | £117 | £5,850 |
Ensuite Room | £153 | £7,650 |
Superior Ensuite | £156 | £7,800 |
Townhouse | £139 | £6,950 |
Single Person Studio | £183 | £9,150 |
Two Person Studio | £207 (£104 per person) | £10,350 (£5,200 per person) |
One Bedroom Flat | £182 - £212 | £9,100 - £10,600 |