University of Cumbria

The University of Cumbria provides a unique UK study experience for international learners, with hundreds of international students attending each year. Cumbria students go on to great success, with 97 percent of graduates finding professional employment or further studies within 15 months of graduating. This places the University of Cumbria in the top 10 universities in the UK for graduate employability (HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024).

There are undergraduate and postgraduate taught and postgraduate research courses on offer to international students, delivered through five specialist academic departments:

• Institute of Health
• Institute of Education, Arts and Society
• Institute of Business, Industry and Leadership
• Institute of Science and Environment
• Institute of Engineering, Computing and Advanced Manufacturing – new for 2025/26

Pre-Sessional English language programmes are also available, designed to help non-native speakers improve their language abilities.

All of Cumbria's campuses provide a unique learning experience in unique and inspiring surroundings. They are based in:

• Lancaster and Carlisle – both vibrant and historic cities
• Ambleside – in the heart of the English Lake District, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Barrow-in-Furness (new in 2025/26), located next door to BAE systems and the coast.

Each of these locations have excellent transport connections, as well as a range of renowned tourist attractions and easy access to the UK's coast and countryside.

Campuses at Cumbria are self-contained, welcoming, safe and well-equipped with support services.

Student life at Cumbria is rich with social activities and events, as well as endless options for students to pursue their interests or make friends.

Residences at the University of Cumbria are great value, comfortable and conveniently located. There's guaranteed accommodation for all first-year students who apply by the specified deadline.

Excellent education

The University of Cumbria provides an exceptional education. Classes are small in size where students receive personalised teaching. Tutors get to know their students and are committed to their success.

In the Guardian University League Tables 2023 the University of Cumbria was ranked:

• Number 14 in the UK for law (1st in the North West of England)
• Number 12 in the UK for animal science and agriculture (1st in the North West of England)
• Number 11 in the UK for psychology
• Number 62 in the UK for film production and photography
• Number 23 in the UK for social work
• Number 18 in the UK for zoology

All students are assigned a personal tutor who mentors them throughout their studies. They meet regularly throughout the term, where tutors support academic performance.

Pre-sessional English programmes

Pre-sessional programmes are for international students who need to improve their skills before degree-level study. They are specially designed for non-native English speakers. Programmes have 15 hours of classes each week, plus personal tutorials and independent studies. Students can develop their English language skills for academic purposes and daily communication. There are two programmes:

• 12-week – for bachelor's/master's students with IELTS score 5.0/5.5
• Six-week – for bachelors'/master's students with IELTS score 5.5/6.0

All Pre-Sessional English courses are delivered online. More information is available from the International Office.

Cumbria is comprised of five Institutes, each teaching multidisciplinary courses.

Institute of Education, Arts and Society

Students learn all about the arts, multimedia, education, culture and more at this purpose-built specialist campus, combined with the Institute of Education. Students can access courses in:

• Art and design
• Film and media arts
• Games design and user experience
• Performing arts
• English literature and creative writing

Through the Institute of Education, those looking to work in the public or private education sector can become a:

• Early Years, Primary or Secondary Teacher
• Mentor
• Researcher
• Administrator
• Educational Leader or Manager

Institute of Business, Industry and Leadership

Students become more critically aware and learn important global skills, ready for the professional world of business. Courses are in:

• Accounting and finance
• Business and management
• Criminology
• Law
• Marketing
• Risk management and security
• Project management / leadership
• Social sciences

Institute of Health

Students can gain critical healthcare skills to make a positive difference in the world of health. The institute specialises in areas of healthcare such as:

• Healthcare sciences
• Nursing
• Occupational therapy
• Physiotherapy
• Psychology
• Sports science

Institute of Science and Environment

Students curious about the natural world and environment can pursue a range of courses in:

• Biomedical science
• Conservation
• Forensic science
• Forestry
• Geography
• Outdoor studies and leadership
• Sustainability and the environment

Institute of Engineering, Computing and Advanced Manufacturing (NEW 2025/26)

New for 2025/26, offering courses in:

• Computer Science

For admission to Cumbria, international students may need to show proof of English language proficiency. The level required will depend on their chosen course.

Undergraduate

Students generally need one of the following, or equivalent:

• IELTS – minimum score of 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in each band
• GCSE English as a first language – grade C

For BSc Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Social Work, and Physiotherapy students will need an IELTS score of 7.0 (or equivalent).

Postgraduate

Students generally need the following, or equivalent:

• Master's, PgC or PgD – IELTS score of 6.5 with no less than 5.5 in each band
• MA Social Work, MSc Occupational Therapy or MSc Physiotherapy – IELTS score of 7.0 with no less than 6.5 in each band
• PhD – IELTS score of 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in each band

International students who can't quite meet the English language requirements can take Pre-Sessional or In-Sessional English language courses.

The university's campuses are in some of the UK's most iconic and popular locations, such as the English Lake District, Lancaster, and Carlisle. Cumbria is the only UK university based within a national park and UNESCO World Heritage Site. These exciting locations provide unique opportunities for students in and out of the classroom.

IT facilities

Students can take advantage of Cumbria's extensive digital technologies. They can access resources and systems on campus or elsewhere. This includes electronic books, e-journals, online learning, email, support, instant messaging, file storage and video conferencing.

Food and drink

The university is committed to providing fair trade options. Fair trade foods are available to buy in all campus stores and are used in all restaurants, cafes and bars.

Art gallery

The Vallum Gallery holds in-house and external exhibitions every year. It showcases final projects of art students. The degree show and gallery were finalists for Art of Cultural Initiative of the Year (Carlisle Living Awards).

Sports

There are many facilities at Cumbria designed to make sport accessible and inclusive. Students are members of the University of Cumbria Students' Union Sport when they enrol at the university. They can also join membership packages or CPD courses.

Accommodation

A range of affordable housing options to suit everyone's budget are available. The North West of England is considered one of the best value for money student areas in the country. Students can choose between different types of room:

• Standard or en suite
• Self-catered
• On-campus or off-campus

Cumbria Global Scholarships 2023/24

The university's International scholarship scheme is designed to ensure that it provides real opportunities to future global talent. Awards of up to GBP 2,000 are available.

European Excellence Scholarship

This scholarship reduces fees for eligible EU/EEA students to the same as home students. This will apply for the duration of a student's course and will take the form of a reduction to the tuition fees charged. The reduced fee will be stated on the Confirmation of Acceptance for Study (CAS).

Cumbria Bursary

The Cumbria Bursary is an award for first year home undergraduate students starting their courses in 2023/24. Eligible students with a household income of less than GBP 25,000 may receive up to GBP 1,000 per year of study.

Money Advice Service

Both current students and applicants can receive free and confidential advice from Cumbria's Money Advice Service. Expert advisers are experienced in guiding students. They provide support with any finance-related issues such as funding, bursaries, scholarships and budgeting. One-to-one advice can be given on campus or over the phone.

A New Flagship Campus for the University of Cumbria

The university has recently had approval from the city council on its ambitious and innovative plans for a new Carlisle Citadels campus project. These exciting plans will see two listed rotundas of the 16^th century citadel located in the heart of Carlisle, using them as a new modern gateway for a brand-new campus site, including cutting-edge facilities and contemporary workspaces.

Completion of the facility is expected in 2026, significantly enhancing the accessibility and impact of the university's academic offerings and energising the city centre.

New Barrow-in-Furness campus

The university has also developed a new campus in Barrow-in-Furness, specialising in world-leading computer science and advanced manufacturing training and education. It's perfectly located in one of the UK's leading advanced manufacturing clusters, with our partner and industry innovator BAE systems nearby. As well as industry-linked education and unprecedented practical learning opportunities, students will benefit from a picturesque coastal location and great transport links.

Top worldwide university for education quality

The university has been ranked within the top ten universities in the world by the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2020. These rankings assess universities against the UN's important Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For the Quality Education SDG, out of 676 institutions, Cumbria ranked:

• 1^st in the UK
• 8^th in the world