University of Cumbria
Carlisle, United Kingdom
University of Cumbria
Carlisle, United Kingdom
Founded
2007
Institution Type
Public University
Total Students
10,000+
Campuses
5 Locations
University of Cumbria: Overview & History
University of Cumbria: Overview & History
The University of Cumbria is a public university headquartered in Carlisle with major campuses in Lancaster, Ambleside, and London. Established in 2007 through the merger of St Martin's College, the Cumbria Institute of the Arts, and the Cumbrian campuses of the University of Central Lancashire, it is one of Britain's newest universities with a heritage stretching back to 1822.
The university's roots trace to the Society for the Encouragement of Fine Arts, established in Carlisle in 1822, and the teacher training college founded by Charlotte Mason in the 1890s. Today, the university offers a broad portfolio of courses in education, healthcare, arts, business, science, law, outdoor studies, and forestry, with a strong emphasis on employability and hands-on learning.
The University of Cumbria is the only UK university with a campus in a national park and UNESCO World Heritage Site, located in Ambleside in the Lake District. It is ranked in the top 10 nationally for graduate outcomes, with 97% of graduates in employment or further study within 15 months of graduating according to the HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2025.
Key Milestones
- 1822: Society for the Encouragement of Fine Arts established in Carlisle, the earliest predecessor institution.
- 1892: Charlotte Mason established her House of Education teacher training school in Ambleside.
- 2007: University of Cumbria officially formed through the merger of three institutions and granted university title by the Privy Council.
- 2019: Authority to award research degrees granted by the Privy Council, expanding the university's postgraduate research capacity.
Academic Structure & Programmes
Academic Structure & Programmes
The University of Cumbria offers over 140 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across five specialist academic departments. Courses are designed with a strong focus on employability, featuring work placements, small class sizes, and close collaboration with industry partners.
Institute of Health
Delivers programmes in nursing, paramedic science, occupational therapy, and allied health professions with strong NHS partnerships and clinical placements across Cumbria and the North West.
- BSc (Hons) Nursing (Adult)
- BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science
- BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy
Institute of Education
One of the largest providers of teacher training in England, building on the legacy of Charlotte Mason and St Martin's College with programmes from primary through to secondary and further education.
- BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS
- PGCE Primary
- PGCE Secondary
Institute of the Arts
Based at the Brampton Road campus in Carlisle, the Institute provides creative programmes in fine art, photography, performing arts, film, and games design within a vibrant artistic community.
- BA (Hons) Fine Art
- BA (Hons) Photography
- BA (Hons) Film & Television
Institute of Business, Industry and Leadership
Offers business, management, MBA, law, criminology, and policing programmes with a focus on practical skills and professional development for graduate careers.
- BA (Hons) Business Management
- LLB (Hons) Law
- MBA
Institute of Science and Environment
Delivers programmes in conservation, forestry, wildlife, and applied sciences, taking advantage of the Lake District location. Home to the National School of Forestry and the Centre for Wildlife Conservation.
- BSc (Hons) Forestry
- BSc (Hons) Wildlife Conservation
- BSc (Hons) Zoology
Institute of Sport, Outdoor and Social Sciences
Offers programmes in sport, outdoor education, social work, and criminology, with unparalleled access to outdoor environments across the Lake District and Cumbrian landscape.
- BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science
- BA (Hons) Outdoor Leadership
- BA (Hons) Social Work
Admission Requirements
Admission Requirements
Undergraduate Admissions
- Application RouteApply via UCAS or directly for international students
- A-Level RequirementsVaries by programme; typically 96-120 UCAS Tariff points
- IELTS (International)6.0 overall, minimum 5.5 in each component
- GCSE RequirementsEnglish and Maths at Grade C/4 or above for most programmes
- Additional RequirementsPersonal statement; some courses require interview or portfolio
Postgraduate Admissions
- Degree RequirementBachelor's degree or equivalent (typically 2:1 or above for some programmes)
- IELTS (International)6.5 overall for taught postgraduate courses
- Application RouteApply directly via the university website; PGCE via DfE Apply
- Supporting DocumentsAcademic transcripts, personal statement, references, passport copy
- Work ExperienceRequired for some programmes such as MBA and social work
All undergraduate applications received by this date are given equal consideration by the university.
Last date for international undergraduate applications through UCAS for the September intake.
Postgraduate taught programmes accept applications on a rolling basis until places are filled.
The primary intake is in September, with a January intake available for select programmes.
Tuition Fees & Scholarships
Tuition Fees & Scholarships
The University of Cumbria offers competitive tuition fees, particularly for a UK institution. International scholarship programmes are available to help reduce costs for overseas students.
| Fee Category | Home (UK) Students | International Students |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Tuition (per year) | GBP 9,535 | GBP 10,500 - 16,900 |
| Postgraduate Taught (per year) | Contact university for details | GBP 14,900 - 15,375 |
| Accommodation (per year) | GBP 3,200 - 4,264 | GBP 3,200 - 4,264 |
| Living Expenses (estimated per year) | GBP 7,920 - 15,000 | GBP 7,920 - 15,000 |
| Total | Contact university for current totals | Contact university for current totals |
Cumbria International UG Scholarship
Offers up to GBP 4,500 towards tuition fees (GBP 1,500 per year for a 3-year degree) for eligible full-time international undergraduate students in the 2026/27 academic year. Automatically applied to reduce tuition fees.
- Value: Up to GBP 4,500 (GBP 1,500/year)
- Eligibility: Self-funding international students with overseas fee status
- Application: Automatically applied; no separate application needed
Cumbria Global Excellence PGT Merit Scholarship
Offers GBP 5,000 towards tuition fees for eligible full-time taught master's programmes. Designed to attract high-achieving international students to postgraduate study at the University of Cumbria.
- Value: GBP 5,000
- Eligibility: High-achieving international postgraduate applicants
- Deadline: 5 July 2026 (for September 2026 entry)
Campus & Facilities
Campus & Facilities
The University of Cumbria operates across multiple campuses in some of the UK's most inspiring locations. From the historic city of Carlisle to the heart of the Lake District, each campus offers a unique learning environment with modern facilities.
The university's headquarters featuring listed buildings alongside state-of-the-art teaching facilities for STEM, health, sports, law, and business programmes.
Set within the UNESCO World Heritage Lake District, home to the National School of Forestry, Centre for Wildlife Conservation, and outdoor studies programmes.
The creative hub of the university, housing the Institute of the Arts with over 1,000 students studying photography, fine art, performing arts, games design, and illustration.
Housing & Dining
Accommodation
The university offers over 600 beds across its campuses with additional places through partner providers. First-choice applicants who meet eligibility criteria are guaranteed a place in halls.
- On-campus halls of residence at Carlisle and Lancaster
- Denton Holme Student Village with 250+ beds in Carlisle
- Affordable private rental options in all campus cities
Dining & Campus Services
All campuses feature cafes, restaurants, and student common areas. The university is committed to fair trade, with fair trade products available across all campus outlets.
- Campus cafes and restaurants at each location
- Fair trade food options across all outlets
- Library, sports facilities, and digital learning resources
Student Life at the University of Cumbria
Student Life at the University of Cumbria
Student life at the University of Cumbria is enriched by the stunning natural landscapes, close-knit campus communities, and a wide range of clubs and societies. The compact campuses foster strong relationships between students and staff, creating a supportive and engaging university experience.
Location: Carlisle & the Lake District
Location: Carlisle & the Lake District
Carlisle, Cumbria
Carlisle is a historic city in North West England, situated near the Scottish border and at the gateway to the Lake District National Park. With a rich heritage dating back to Roman times and Hadrian's Wall, the city combines centuries of history with a vibrant modern culture, excellent transport links, and a lower-than-average cost of living.
Lake District National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site just minutes from campus, offering world-renowned hiking, climbing, and outdoor pursuits amid stunning mountain and lake scenery.
Hadrian's Wall
The iconic Roman frontier runs through Carlisle and even crosses the Brampton Road campus, providing a living connection to nearly 2,000 years of history.
Excellent Transport Links
Carlisle sits on the West Coast Main Line with direct rail services to London, Edinburgh, Manchester, and Glasgow. The M6 motorway provides easy road access.
Affordable Cost of Living
Carlisle and the surrounding area offer a lower cost of living compared to many UK cities, making it an attractive and affordable choice for students.
Career Outcomes & Alumni
Career Outcomes & Alumni
Key Employment Sectors & Employers
Practical Information
Practical Information
For International Students
The International Development Office provides guidance on student visa applications, CAS issuance, and immigration requirements throughout your studies.
6-week and 12-week online pre-sessional English programmes are available for students who need to improve their language skills before starting their degree.
International students receive dedicated orientation support, personal tutoring, careers guidance, counselling, and wellbeing services throughout their time at the university.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
University Rankings
University Rankings
The University of Cumbria is recognised for its strong graduate outcomes and subject-specific excellence, particularly in education, law, and outdoor studies. While it is a newer institution, it continues to climb in national and regional rankings.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Paramedic Science | CUG / Guardian | #11 in UK |
| Law | Guardian University Guide | #15 in UK |
| Graduate Outcomes | HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey | Top 10 in UK |
| Quality Education (SDG 4) | THE Impact Rankings | #1 in UK (2020) |
Features
The University of Cumbria is committed to providing an inclusive environment, where staff, students and visitors are encouraged to be their true self, in order to enhance the individual and collective experience. As a university community, we share the social responsibility of enabling this inclusive environment by valuing, respecting and celebrating differences, to ensure that we generate a sense of understanding and belonging. The university recognises that our differences are our strength, seeking and valuing different perspectives and ideas, in an environment that is without prejudice and bias. We are committed to embracing our responsibility as a facilitator of change and continue to develop our equality agenda in line with and, where appropriate, beyond the Equality Act 2010. We do not tolerate discrimination, bullying or harassment in any form on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or sex.
Accommodation
Off-Campus Accommodations Students wishing to live off-campus need to research availability on their own, and should arrive well before the start of term to do so.
Work While Studying
See guidelines on working while studying here.
Co-op/Internship Participation
Even if you do NOT meet our minimum English requirement (IELTS or TOEFL), you still can get conditionally accepted in the program of your choice with the condition of completing our English program prior to starting your chosen program.
Featured Programmes
Average Time To Receive Acceptance Letter
September - June
Location
Fusehill St, Carlisle CA1 2HH, United Kingdom
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