University is internationally renowned for excellence in research, teaching and student satisfaction. Ranked highly in the UK universities, it welcomes staff and students from over 100 countries to its Lancaster campus, located in Northwest England. It’s a collegiate university and its nine colleges provide students with supportive communities and a home from home.
Lancaster has partnerships with institutions around the world, opening up a world of opportunities to study, travel and volunteer abroad. Students learn in a research-led environment and its graduates are highly regarded by employers.
HISTORY OF LANCASTER UNIVERSITY
On 14 September 1964 Her Majesty the Queen approved the Charter and Statutes for Lancaster University, and the first students were admitted in October 1964. Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra was installed as Chancellor in November 1964 and remained in post until December 2004.
The motto adopted by the new university "Patet omnibus veritas" which means "Truth Lies Open to All" reflected the hope that the expansion of higher education would lead to the extension of education to all. The colours of the university are red and Quaker grey, the latter reflecting the strong Quaker presence in the town and region.
The founding subjects were in the natural sciences, business subjects, and the humanities, including an emphasis on modern languages, while the second generation of subjects focused particularly on social sciences and technology.
From the outset, the university was committed to undertaking research as well as teaching, and many successful teams built on early initiatives; for example, on the environment, low-temperature physics, or the study of the creative arts. The seven research assessment exercises between 1986 and 2014 saw Lancaster rising steadily in the ascendant. The University has maintained its outstanding research reputation, and continuously seeks ways in which its research can be applied for the good of society. This work includes the development of three knowledge business centres, based on InfoLab21, the Management School, and the Lancaster Environment Centre.
SPECIALIST AREAS AT LANCASTER UNIVERSITY
The quality, reach and significance of research produced in Lancaster University's vibrant research environment is world-leading. A major strength of Lancaster University is its thriving ecosystem of interdisciplinary research. This collaborative approach is fostered by bringing together experts from different disciplines to address regional, national and global challenges.
Along with the research within subject departments, Lancaster has a number of multidisciplinary centres and institutes:
· Data Science Institute
· Materials Science
· Institute for Social Futures
· Security Lancaster
· Future Cities Research Institute
· Cyber Security
Areas of focus that have been highlighted in rankings and ratings include:
-
Educational Research
-
Faculty of Health and Medicine
-
Lancaster Environment Centre
-
Lancaster University Management School
-
Linguistics
-
Mathematics and Statistics
-
Developmental Psychology
-
Physics
LIFE ON CAMPUS
Lancaster has so much to offer. On the campus, in the city and in the community, you’ll find your place – whoever you are.
Campus is a home from home. It offers all you’d expect: accommodation, shops, a library and other study spaces, places to eat, sporting facilities. And things you might not expect: an ice cream shop, a theatre, a woodland trail, farmers' market and even its own Greggs.
Campus has everything needed for an enriching student experience, with modern and well-equipped teaching facilities, award winning accommodation and a welcoming community from around the world. Lancaster’s colleges are central to the student experience, providing college events, a variety of social spaces and a genuine community. Across campus, there are social spaces to suit every mood – from cosy cafes to lively bars, places to eat and art venues. A 24/7 library in term time, and everything needed for the day to day—laundrettes, post office, supermarkets.
STUDENT SUPPORT AT LANCASTER UNIVERSITY
Lancaster University offers a wide range of support to students in all areas, from study and academia to finance and health. Support includes:
-
An expert visa team that supports new and current students.
-
An in-house employment service that promotes part-time work on-campus and in the city.
-
English language programmes to help applicants get to the required level for them to succeed at Lancaster.
-
Access to study spaces and IT equipment across campus, and college spaces to socialise and meet new people.
-
Campus security available 24/7, 365 days a year. Each college has a dedicated porter team, providing 24-hour assistance to students during term time.
-
Personal academic advisors.
-
Mentoring and study workshops.
-
Online courses to help develop independent study skills.
-
A medical centre, which is part of the Lancaster Medical Practice, and a pharmacy on campus. Students can opt to be seen at the campus practice or at one of the other six sites in the area.
-
Counselling service and trained mental health advisers.
-
Regular skills sessions offer guidance on building a healthy routine, tackling procrastination, and managing anxiety and stress.
-
Money advice, academic scholarships and hardship funds.
LANCASTER UNIVERSITY FACILITIES
Open 24/7 in term time, Lancaster University library has facilities for every type of study, with dedicated silent and group study spaces. Freshly renovated, the library has over half a million printed titles and thousands of e-books, all free to borrow.
Additionally, study spaces across campus include computer rooms and quiet rooms in colleges and departments, and the Learning Zone which is open 24/7.
There are staff dedicated to supporting student learning, helping you to find resources or showing you how to use them.
The on-campus chaplaincy centre welcomes people of all faiths or no faith, with an Anglican and Free Church chapel, Islamic prayer rooms, a Jewish lounge and Roman Catholic chapel.
Specialist study demands specialist facilities. Your subject will determine what spaces and tools you’ll find most useful, but your department will have everything that you will need. Maybe you’ll discover the ultra-low noise labs in Physics or the Clinical Anatomy Learning Centre in medicine. If you’re an architect, designer or artist you’ll find studios in all shapes and sizes, and plenty of exhibition space. You might get to grips with finance and figures in the Financial Markets Lab, or hone your mooting skills in the mock courtroom.
SPORTS AND SOCIETIES AT LANCASTER UNIVERSITY
Keep healthy with the university's extensive sports facilities, including sports halls, a climbing wall, swimming pool, fitness suite, strength and conditioning room, outdoor pitches and courts, and a 2.6-mile trim trail that spans the campus.
Whatever your interest, you’ll find your people at Lancaster, with over 175 student-run clubs and societies to choose from.
Each year Lancaster battles against the University of York in the Roses sporting competition. Lancaster University’s intercollegiate competitions are big events and each year they draw big crowds. More serious student competitors will join one (or more) of the 60 University Sports Clubs on offer and represent the University at BUCS (British University College Sport) competitions against UK universities.
The Students' Union play an integral part in enhancing the student experience on campus during their stay with Lancaster University. This ranges from working with elite athletes and organising the amazing annual Roses tournament to supporting the range of recreational and collegiate sporting opportunities.
A society is a group of like-minded students, working together to do what they love. Students can join a society to meet people who share their interests, to try something completely new, to discover a new culture or to increase academic networks. Throughout the year, there will be rehearsals for performances and competitions, campaigns, cooking, guest speaker events, and endless opportunities to socialise!
ACCOMMODATION AT LANCASTER UNIVERSITY
Lancaster’s diverse accommodation portfolio is made up of around 6,700 bed spaces and provides homes for undergraduates, postgraduates and families. The range of accommodation suits different preferences and budgets.
Lancaster University offers award-winning accommodation to suit a wide range of students, from undergraduate to postgraduate. Campus is home to options for all tastes and budgets, including single bedrooms with ensuite or shared facilities.
Most new undergraduate students choose to live on campus in their first year and find the collegiate setup the perfect way to make friends and settle in. There are eight undergraduate colleges to choose from and one postgraduate, breaking down the university population into smaller communities, and all accommodation is located within these colleges. Two thirds of the accommodation is ensuite, but there is also accommodation with shared toilet and shower facilities. Most of the accommodation is self-catered, but a catered package is available in some of the colleges if students want to spend less time cooking and more time on other things.
There are staff on duty round the clock, ready to help – whether it’s a friendly word of advice, or something more serious. Students start with their college on day one, and graduate with their college.
INTERNATIONAL FOCUS
Lancaster’s community includes people from over 100 countries, giving students the chance to make lifelong connections that cross borders and cultures. The university offers wellbeing, financial, careers and visa application support for international students. Multiple international societies help bring people together to celebrate and share culture.
Lancaster hosts regular pre-departure events and videos from international students on YouTube to help students discover campus. International students can talk to current students via Lancaster University’s website to get answers to questions and insights into life at Lancaster. An airport collection service brings new students to campus. Current students help with moving in and getting settled. Welcome week provides the chance to make friends, find out about facilities and services, and join societies and sports teams.
INDUSTRY CONNECTIONS
Lancaster is home to a thriving research environment. Interdisciplinarity and collaboration is encouraged, to help answer questions that affect us all. Lancaster researchers make pioneering contributions toward tackling global challenges, having real-world positive impacts on lives and communities worldwide.
There are degrees with a placement year which provide the option for students to spend the third year of a four-year course working in a paid graduate-level role. This valuable opportunity will help apply the skills developed in the first and second year of study, refine career plans and make a fantastic addition to CV’s, significantly boosting prospects for graduate employment.
Thanks to the excellent business connections, they can support students to source and apply for industrial placements, internships, and work experience opportunities to help them realise their career ambitions. And with connections to some of the top global graduate recruiters, high growth businesses and employers across every sector, Lancaster University can help them take their first vital steps in the world of work.
Volunteering is a great way to develop skills, enhance your CV and make a positive contribution to the community. Lancaster has a thriving volunteering community for you to get involved with.
To help students stand out from the crowd and enhance their future employment prospects you can complete the Lancaster Award. Developed in partnership with employers, it is formal recognition of all the activities you undertake during your studies that enhance your employability.
STUDY ABROAD OPPORTUNITIES AND INTERNSHIPS
Studying abroad is a great opportunity to develop as a global citizen. At Lancaster, students will study alongside students from all over the world, gaining experience of life in the UK and gaining insights from a global community.
Lancaster has partner universities in Europe, the USA, Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, and Asia offering opportunities to be immersed in another culture.
Lancaster also offers a range of summer schools, providing a great opportunity to connect with students from around the world, develop key global competencies and experience a varied programme of lectures, small group work, field trips and social activities.
EMPLOYABILITY AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Lancaster offers regular opportunities to meet top graduate and placement year recruiters, including careers fairs, skills workshops, employer presentations and panels, and sector insight days.
Lancaster’s career mentoring programme matches students with a professional mentor in their career or industry of interest. And the careers portal helps you identify your career aspirations. It also prepares you to take the next step with expert advice on CVs, an interview simulator, and resources to develop key career skills.
The on-campus Employment and Recruitment service helps students find part-time, flexible and temporary work opportunities. A dedicated job search portal lists thousands of graduate opportunities each year. In the past three years, over 3,000 employers have posted their job placements and events.
Developed in partnership with employers, the Lancaster Award gives formal recognition for your extracurricular activities. Students can also take part in programmes to help develop employability and networking skills, and build confidence.
Graduates have free lifetime access to support from Lancaster’s careers service. The University also has The Work in Progress enterprise hub, which helps students develop entrepreneurial skills and offers support for start-up businesses.
Helping to enhance students’ employability, Lancaster Students’ Union offers volunteering opportunities with a number of charities, schools and local organisations. Additionally, the University offers study abroad and placement year programmes.
STUDY IN LANCASTER CITY
The university is 3 miles from Lancaster city centre. It’s easy to travel between the two by bus, car, bike or on foot. There’s a bus station at the heart of campus and direct cycle routes from campus to the city centre.
Lancaster has excellent travel links including buses to the Lake District and regular direct trains to the UK’s major cities.
A small but lively city, Lancaster is home to a thriving nightlife with places to suit every vibe, including cosy pubs, buzzing clubs, and cocktail bars. Home to a mix of restaurants offering cuisines from around the world. Arts venues are in abundance in Lancaster with museums, theatres and cinemas. Highlights of Lancaster’s annual events calendar include Lancaster Music Festival, Light up Lancaster, and the region’s largest open-air music festival, Highest Point.
WHY STUDY AT LANCASTER UNIVERSITY
Campus has everything needed for an enriching student experience, with modern and well-equipped teaching facilities, award-winning accommodation and a welcoming community from around the world. Lancaster’s colleges are central to the student experience, providing college events, a variety of social spaces and a genuine community. Across campus, there are social spaces to suit every mood – from cosy cafes to lively bars, places to eat and art venues. Extensive sport facilities suitable for a multitude of sports, including sports halls, a climbing wall, swimming pool and fitness suite. A 24/7 library in term time, and everything needed for the day to day—launderettes, post office, supermarkets. The City of Lancaster’s fascinating heritage and stunning architecture give student life an impressive setting.
Located just three miles from Lancaster city centre in England's scenic North-West, Lancaster University is situated on a spacious green campus that is home to a community from around the world. The location means choice. On any given day students could choose culture, hustle, bustle and urban bliss in the city or the scenic quiet of the Lake District and Trough of Bowland. The next day choose from the seaside charm of Morecambe Bay, or travel to Manchester, London, Scotland or further afield. Just 1 hour from Manchester or Liverpool or 2.5 hours from London, Glasgow or Edinburgh, Lancaster is well connected and easy to get to.
