The University of Cumbria is an educational provider that has student experience and quality education at the heart of everything it does.
The university offers study options that are research-informed and career focused. Students benefit from the university’s small class sizes that ensure personalised attention. Tutors at the university understand student needs and are committed to helping students succeed.
Students enjoy a low cost, but high standard of living, with one of the most affordable campus accommodation options in the UK. International students can take advantage of a number of scholarships, bursaries and discounts if they require financial aid.
The University of Cumbria has links to industry and its curriculum helps equip students with employable skills. Within 15 months of graduating, 97 percent of the university’s graduates enter employment or further study.
Students of Cumbria have excellent graduate progression rates, amongst the best in the UK. The University of Cumbria is ranked in the Top Ten in the UK for employability, with 97 percent of graduates going into employment or further study within 15 months (HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024).
The university appreciates that education is an investment for the future. As a result, it ensures courses and services are tailored to helping students gain the knowledge and global skills they need for the professional world.
At each campus, students can access extensive career support. Friendly, experienced advisers provide one-to-one advice, helping students explore their options and reach their goals. Services include:
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 16th 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.
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.
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:
11,59,056 Undergraduate Fees are for indicative purposes, check with institution for details
14,57,192 Postgraduate Fees are for indicative purposes, check with institution for details
2,78,928 Living costs
3,20,331 To live on campus
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.
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).
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.
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.
For admission to Cumbria, international students may need to show proof of English language proficiency. The level required will depend on their chosen course.
Students generally need one of the following, or equivalent:
For BSc Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Social Work, and Physiotherapy students will need an IELTS score of 7.0 (or equivalent).
Students generally need the following, or equivalent:
International students who can’t quite meet the English language requirements can take Pre-Sessional or In-Sessional English language courses.
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:
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 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:
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.
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:
Through the Institute of Education, those looking to work in the public or private education sector can become a:
Students become more critically aware and learn important global skills, ready for the professional world of business. Courses are in:
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:
Students curious about the natural world and environment can pursue a range of courses in:
New for 2025/26, offering courses in:
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