Lancaster University Overview
Lancaster University is a highly ranked UK university with a global reputation for excellence in research and teaching. Lancaster is consistently ranked among the top 15 in all three major UK university league tables and continues to build a growing reputation both nationally and internationally.
The University offers a wide range of programmes at the foundation, undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD level as well as development courses for professionals. Its renowned research and expert academics underpin study at Lancaster. In the UK Government's 2021 Research Excellence Framework, 91% of its research was rated as 'internationally excellent' or 'world-leading' and 46% was rated in the highest category of 4*.
Students come to Lancaster from all over the world, and the diverse community has access to many exciting opportunities. Some choose to study abroad or work in industry, and others visit our overseas campuses in China, Germany, Ghana and Malaysia. There are lots of ways to get real-world experience, engage with businesses and meet people from different backgrounds.
The beautiful green campus provides the perfect place to live and learn. Lancaster’s UK campus has everything you need with modern facilities and study spaces, and shops, restaurants, cafés, a cinema, art galleries, a theatre, a post office, a medical centre and much, much more. The campus and city are hubs of activity, with a packed calendar of events and many things to do and see. There are music, art, crafts and food festivals, and lots of cultural events and celebrations.
Lancaster University is the 7th in the UK for social and environmental sustainability, a new league table from QS World University Rankings measures and compares efforts from universities across the globe. Lancaster's efforts range from zero-emission energy sources to locally sourced food and involve all staff and student body.
The Lancaster University acceptance rate is 18% and Lancaster University courses will set you up for a rich and fulfilling career. Key Lancaster University rankings include being 141st out of more than 1,000 global universities in the QS World University Rankings 2025 and 12th in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025. A wide variety of Lancaster University scholarships are available for eligible international students.
Lancaster University Services for International Students
Lancaster University assists international students every step of the way, from application through to graduation, and for the rest of their lives. They give guidance on obtaining visas, travelling to Lancaster, planning costs and pre-arrival information, and offer an airport pickup service from Manchester Airport before the beginning of the term.
Lancaster University Rankings
- 12th in the UK – Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025
- 11th in the UK – Guardian University Guide 2025
- 141st in the world – QS World University Rankings 2025
- 151st in the world – Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
91% of Lancaster's research has been independently rated as 'internationally excellent' or 'world leading', with 46% rated in the highest category of 4* in the REF 2021. Lancaster is 21st overall out of 157 institutions ranked by Times Higher Education. This places Lancaster above eight Russell Group universities for research quality.
Lancaster University was awarded five stars for overall performance by QS Stars. The university’s QS Stars evaluation features five-star ratings in seven categories: teaching, employability, internationalisation, research, facilities, subject ranking, and environmental impact.
National Student Survey
Nearly 88% of Lancaster students rated their academic support positively and more than 91% had a positive view of Lancaster’s learning resources which include its award-winning library, IT services, and ease of access to subject specific resources.
Lancaster University Accommodation
Accommodation at Lancaster University has been named 'Best University Halls' eight times since 2010 at the UK's prestigious National Student Housing Awards and is approved by the UK Code of Practice, committed to good quality student homes. Lancaster offers almost 7,000 bed spaces for undergraduates, postgraduates, and families, and there is an accommodation type on campus that fits every budget, including en suites, standard rooms, townhouses, and studio flats.
Student accommodation at Lancaster University is based within the University’s colleges; Lancaster is one of only a few UK universities with a collegiate system, with eight undergraduate and one postgraduate college, each with their own personality and facilities. Colleges are more than just a place to stay, students have the chance to study and socialise there and a full schedule of events to choose from like quizzes, live performances and sporting competitions. Colleges act as students’ university families and are places where lifelong friendships are made and support can be accessed 24/7.
Lancaster University Location
Lancaster University is a campus-based university located in the heart of the UK. The city of Lancaster is a short bus journey, bike ride or walk from campus. Lancaster is a small, friendly city with lots to explore, including lots of green space in its many parks; a variety of places to eat; cultural attractions (Lancaster Castle, music festivals, cultural celebrations, museums, cinema, theatres); a modern high street packed with shops, and a mix of night-time venues to suit everyone.
The Lake District, England’s largest National Park, is only a 40-minute drive from campus and is a recognised area of outstanding beauty; you are welcome to enjoy spectacular views of rolling English hills.
The University and the city are well connected, making them the perfect base to explore the rest of the UK and beyond. Manchester International Airport is 75 minutes from Lancaster by train, London is two and a half hours, and Glasgow is two hours.
Lancaster University Alumni
Lancaster graduates remain part of the community for life; they have access to a range of benefits including a global alumni network, career support and exclusive events. Some of Lancaster’s notable alumni include:
- Andy Serkis (Actor, director and producer)
- Audrey Azoulay (Director-General UNESCO, former French Minister of Culture)
- James May (Presenter and journalist)
- Jason Queally (Cyclist and Olympic gold medallist)
- Jon Moulton (Venture capitalist and founder of Better Capital)
- Nahed Taher (Co-founder and Non-Executive Director, Gulf One Investment Bank)
- Sarah Waters (Author)
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