The University of Lancaster

Now half a century old, Lancaster University is a world-class centre for teaching and research and is located on a beautiful campus in the North West of England. Lancaster is now one of only six collegiate universities in England and has nine colleges which each provide students with small close-knit communities and a "home from home" More than £400m has been invested over the last few years to transform the campus which is set in 360 acres of parkland near the historic city of Lancaster on the edge of the Lake District.  

 

Background and History

The University of Lancaster is a research-intensive institution. The university was established by Royal Charter in 1964. The first students were accepted in 1964 and the first science students in 1965. The university was temporarily based in the city. Construction of the Bailrigg campus began in November 1965, with the first building completed a year later. Four colleges were initially set up: Bowland and Lonsdale, Cartmel and County, and another five followed by 1990 - Furness and Fylde, Pendle and Grizedale, and the Graduate College. The university now has about twelve thousand full-time students studying at Lancaster for first and higher degrees, and about seven hundred academic staff out of a total staff complement of over two thousand.

Location and Accessibility

Lancaster University is set in 360 acres of beautiful parkland and lies approximately three miles south of the City of Lancaster. The campus is easily accessible via road, rail and bicycle and is within 70 miles of Manchester's International Airport.

By car: Leave the M6 motorway at Junction 33 and take the A6 north towards Lancaster.

For Lancaster University main campus - turn right at the third set of traffic lights on the A6 into the University main drive. Take the first exit left from the roundabout at the top of the main drive, then the first avenue on your right. This brings you to the Reception Lodge where security staff will direct you to your destination on campus.

For Alexandra Park (south end of campus) - turn right at the second set of traffic lights on the A6 into Barkers Drive and turn left at the roundabout into Alexandra Park Drive.

By bus: In the city, the bus station is situated on Damside Street in the City Centre. Buses (services 2, 2A, 3, 4) leave for the University every five minutes on weekdays and most services also stop at Common Garden Street. Additionally, the X1 bus serviceruns every 20 minutes between the Railway Station and the University (hourly on Sunday afternoons and evenings) - this service does not route via the main bus station but does have various pick-up points through the city centre.

What's on Offer?

Lancaster University offers a variety of undergraduate degrees (BSc, BA, BEng) as well as postgraduate opportunities (MRes, MSc, PhD, MPhil, PGCert).

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements vary with degree level and course chosen. But on average, 340 UCAS tariff points from your best 3 A levels are required for undergraduate degrees. See the university website for more information

University Accommodation

Lancaster University has a variety of award-winning accommodation options to choose from, all of it located within distinct college communities within the main university, enhancing the student experience. They even have a dedicated college for Postgraduate students. They have on-campus accommodation for over 6,800 undergraduate students, a collegiate set up that makes it easy to settle in, great value for money and with a safety score of 97%. There are standard, superior and en-suite rooms available.

Faculties and Departments

Lancaster University is organised into four main faculties, each of which is comprised of multiple departments, institutes and centres. The faculties are: The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, the Faculty of Health and Medicine, the Faculty of Management and the Faculty of Science and Technology.

Academic Strengths and Research Profile

Lancaster University is consistently rated among the top UK universities for research and teaching and is ranked in the top one per cent of universities in the world. A high proportion of research was rated world leading' in the Research Assessment Exercise published in 2008, while overall, 92 per cent of research was recognised as being of an international standard. The 2011 National Student Survey rated Lancaster students more satisfied with their course than the average UK student.

Tuition Fees

Undergraduate degrees currently cost £9,000, while fees for Postgraduate courses vary. For further information it is advisable to contact the university directly or visit their website.  

Financial Support

Students achieving the specified grades in their A-level examinations (or equivalent academic qualifications) who place Lancaster as their firm choice will receive a £1,000 a year Lancaster scholarship during their undergraduate studies. A combined £5,000 bursary package will help students from England whose household incomes are less than £25,000 a year with fees and living costs.

Academic Facilities

More than £300m has been invested in the estate over the last few years, transforming the campus. Lancaster's eco-friendly residences have won a number of environmental awards.    

Other on-site Amenities

Recent new developments include a £20m sports centre including fitness suites, pool and climbing wall, a £10m contemporary arts institute and a 24 hour Student Learning Zone. There are also social facilities including a complete upgrade of bars and student social space.  

Medical and Social Care

The campus has its own medical practice, dental surgery and pharmacy. There are also a number of natural health care practitioners based in the Chaplaincy Centre. In addition, there is an experienced counselling team available for students.  

What's on in the Area?

Lancaster is a great combination of the city, coast and countryside. As a city, it is small and welcoming with many museums and even a castle. Shops and restaurants are plentiful, even if you are on a budget. The nearby town of Morecambe is a great seaside destination for an ice cream on those sunny days. The Lune Valley provides perfect countryside attractions and is perfect for walks, cycle rides, fishing, bird watching and horse riding.  

Moving On

94% of Lancaster University graduates have gone into work or further study within 6 months of graduating. The university has a dedicated service for careers and employability available not only for students but also for recent graduates.

The university's motto is 'Patet omnibus veritas', meaning 'Truth lies open to all'. Lancaster Canal has the longest lock-free stretch of man-made waterway in the country.