Lancaster University

Lancaster University is a public research university founded by Royal Charter in 1964 as one of the campus universities established in England during the 1960s. Its main campus is at Bailrigg, about three miles south of the historic city of Lancaster, on a landscaped parkland site close to the Lake District and the Lancashire coast.

Lancaster is a collegiate university: every student belongs to one of nine colleges, eight for undergraduates and one for postgraduates, which provide accommodation, welfare support and a social community. The university has around 29,000 students worldwide, of whom roughly one third study for Lancaster degrees at partner locations overseas. Teaching and research are organised into four faculties covering Arts and Social Sciences, Health and Medicine, Science and Technology, and the Lancaster University Management School. Lancaster holds a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework, awarded in both 2017 and 2023, and is a member of the N8 Research Partnership of research-intensive universities in the north of England. Research strengths include physics, environmental science, sustainable energy, end-of-life care and interdisciplinary work.

Information for International Students

Lancaster has students from more than 130 countries and an expert Visa and Immigration team that supports applicants throughout the Student visa process. A Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) is issued electronically once an applicant holds an unconditional offer and has supplied passport details, and the team also advises on ATAS certificates and registration requirements.

Most undergraduate programmes typically require IELTS 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each component, with higher scores for some subjects. Pre-sessional English programmes are offered in several formats, including a 10-week course available on campus or online, a 4-week on-campus course and a 5-week online course.

Foundation and pre-master's pathway programmes are delivered on campus at the Lancaster University International Study Centre, operated in partnership with INTO, with progression to Lancaster degrees. During the main arrival period the university runs an airport collection service for international students, followed by Welcome Week activities that introduce students to their department and college. Buddy schemes offer additional support during the first weeks. Graduates may be eligible for the UK Graduate Route after completing their studies.