University of Cumbria

Although the University of Cumbria was formed only in 2007, its history can be traced to 1822, and among its antecedents is the teacher training work begun in the 1890s by the educationist Charlotte Mason. It was created from the Cumbria Institute of the Arts, St Martin's College in Lancaster and the University of Central Lancashire's campuses in Cumbria. Headquartered in Carlisle, it teaches at several locations across north-west England as well as one in London. In Carlisle there are two campuses: Fusehill Street, covering business, education, health, law, policing, science and conservation, and Brampton Road, which is home to the creative and media arts. Lancaster focuses on sport, health, business and education. Ambleside, within the Lake District National Park, is the centre for forestry, conservation, tourism and outdoor studies. Barrow-in-Furness teaches manufacturing and engineering and Workington business and leadership, while the London campus offers education and business.

With around 9,000 students, the university is recognised for outdoor and environmental subjects, nursing and the allied health professions, and teacher education. A member of the Cathedrals Group, it partners Imperial College London on the Pears Cumbria School of Medicine.

Information for International Students

The International team advises applicants, while enrolled students rely on the International Student Support service. Malvern International runs the University of Cumbria International College on campus, offering preparation through an International Foundation Programme with pathways in health and medical biosciences, computer science, and business and management, as well as a Pre-Master's Programme and International Year One. Oxford International Digital Institute, the university's language partner, delivers online pre-sessional English lasting six or twelve weeks. The equivalent of IELTS 6.0 is generally required for undergraduate courses, and IELTS 6.5 for taught postgraduate courses. The CAS is issued after the offer conditions have been met and the deposit paid.

Ambleside, Carlisle and Lancaster are the campuses where international students are based, and Welcome Week at each campus mixes online induction with sessions held in person. Manchester Airport is the suggested point of arrival. Applicants who put the university down as their first choice are guaranteed a room in halls. Scholarships and the option to pay in instalments are available, and the careers service advises students who intend to find work in the UK once they graduate on the Graduate Route.