York St John University

Address and Location

York St John is one of two universities situated in the historic city. Home to 6,000 students, the university is a modern institution spread over a dedicated 11-acre campus in the city centre.  

Background and History

York St John University has religious roots, descending from two Anglican training colleges founded after 1841. As an academic institution the university has gone through several evolutions: from the College of Ripon and York St John to a partner college of Leeds University, then finally to full university status in 2006.

Location and Accessibility

By Road: The university's central location makes it accessible from several directions; visitors from the South use the A19, those from the West the A59, and those from East the A1079. The A64 serves as a ring road around the city. Directions to the campus are clearly signposted within York itself.

By Rail: York is within 2 hours of London, Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh by train, and the university campus is a 20-minute walk from the city's central station.

What's on Offer

The university offers a range of foundational, top-up, undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.

Entry Requirements

Entry standards vary between subjects, with all requiring at least two passes at A-Level. Specific course information can be found on the university website.

University Accommodation

The university offers accommodation across the city, all within a 20-minute walk from the campus. Semi-catered, self-catered and private halls are all available to students.  

Private Accommodation

The university provides an approved list of private accommodation for second and third-year students looking for housing.

Academic Strengths and Research Profile

As a relatively new university York St John lacks an established reputation. That said, the quality of teaching courses at the institution is high, theology and TV film programmes are also well-regarded.  

Tuition Fees

Undergraduate courses currently cost £9,000 per year. Fees for international students and postgraduates vary.    

Financial Support: A variety of scholarships and means-tested bursaries are available to undergraduates and postgraduates. Check the university website for more details.

Academic Facilities

£1.1 million has recently been spent building the Fountains Learning Centre. This central space contains over 200 computers for students, a comprehensive library and dedicated ICT and printing services. Wi-fi is provided across campus, and labs and classrooms are generally of a good standard.  

Other on-site Amenities

St John's students' union is located on campus and has a 'silver accreditation' from the Students' Union Evaluation Initiative. It regularly hosts events and boasts a wide array of clubs and societies. The university also recently redeveloped 57 acres of land to be used for students sports.

Medical and Social Care

Students have access to on-campus healthcare through the York Medical Group. The university also provides a number of support systems for students experiencing hardship.    

What's On in the Area

York is not only steeped in history and culture, the city also has a rich and diverse social scene, boasting two theatres, nightclubs, a concert house and several live music venues.    

Moving On

The university offers a comprehensive careers' support service for students, both before and after graduation.

Because of its religious foundations, York St John is one of only ten UK HE institutions of its type, having been founded as an Anglican Church college for teacher training in 1841. Alumni of note include football referee Matt Messias, folk singer Bella Hardy and musician Alistair Griffon.

Is York St John the right place for you?

Students looking for a social, varied university experience in historical surroundings would do well to consider St John's. York is a bustling city offering something for everyone, and the new university consistently achieves high student satisfaction levels. For something similar, consider Liverpool John Moores University.