The University of Cumbria offers international students a unique study experience in the UK, attracting hundreds of overseas learners every year. Its students go on to great success, with 96 per cent of the university’s graduates finding professional employment or further studies within six months of graduating (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020).
International students can study undergraduate and postgraduate taught and postgraduate research courses. These are taught by five specialist academic departments:
The majority of courses have a 90 to 100 per cent student satisfaction rate. There are also Pre-Sessional English language programmes available. These help non-native speakers with their language abilities.
Each of Cumbria’s campuses offer unique learning experiences and exceptional surroundings. They are based in:
All of these locations have great transport links, popular tourist attractions and proximity to the beautiful UK coast and countryside.
Campuses are safe, self-contained, friendly and full of expert support services. The university has an award-winning support team. It's committed to helping all students towards their goals and ambitions and resolving problems, and offers dedicated support for international students.
University residences are comfortable, convenient and offer amazing value for money. Students who apply to Cumbria by the given deadline are guaranteed on-campus accommodation for the first year. Campus living provides many opportunities for students. They can get involved with social activities and events, pursue their interests.
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 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:
£13,400 Undergraduate Fees are for indicative purposes, check with institution for details
£14,380 Postgraduate Fees are for indicative purposes, check with institution for details
£2,560 Living costs
£2,940 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.
The Cumbria Bursary is an award for first-year home and EU 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, Midwifery, Occupational Therapy, Social Work, Physiotherapy and Diagnostic Radiography, 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. Most courses have a 90 to 100 per cent student satisfaction rate. 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 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.
Students learn all about the arts, multimedia and culture at this purpose-built specialist campus through courses in:
Students become more critically aware and learn important global skills, ready for the professional world of business. Courses are in:
93 per cent of the institute’s graduates found employment or continued their studies within 15 months of graduating.
Those looking to work in the public or private education sector can become a:
90 per cent of students find employment or continue their studies within 15 months of graduating from the Institute of Education.
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:
95 per cent of the institute’s students found professional employment or furthered their training within 15 months of graduation.
Students curious about the natural world and environment can pursue a range of courses in:
97 per cent of the institute’s students found professional employment or furthered their training within15 months of graduation.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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: