The North West is a highly celebrated English region offering quality education and job opportunities. In addition to reputed universities, the region houses several top UK companies, including Betfred, Deloitte, and Fast Web Media. NW England is among the country's most student-friendly areas, with affordable university fees and a relatively lower cost of living.
North West university cities such as Liverpool and Manchester are home to a huge variety of world-class music, sports, nightlife, food, shopping and cultural activities, while smaller campuses outside of metropolitan areas provide the best of both worlds - outstanding natural beauty and exciting campus life.
Learn more about universities in North West England below and if you would like to apply, arrange a free consultation with SI-UK London today.
Universities in North West England
Lancaster University
The Lancaster University campus in North-West England occupies a beautiful 560-acre green site just three miles from Lancaster City. Across the campus, Lancaster offers exceptional learning facilities, from the labs and lecture theatres in faculties to the multi-million-pound sports centre and outstanding library facilities.
Lancaster city is full of character and culture. It is a small, friendly city with plenty to see and do, from busy shops and a vibrant nightlife to cultural attractions and beautiful parks.
- UK ranking: 12th
- Lancaster acceptance rate: 18.69%
University of Manchester
With academic roots stretching back to 1824, The University of Manchester is one of the most respected universities worldwide. With an unprecedented £1 billion investment into outstanding research and teaching facilities, including a new Engineering development, the Manchester campus includes more than 10,500 students from 180 countries outside the UK.
- UK ranking: 24th
- University of Manchester acceptance rate: 56%
University of Liverpool
The University of Liverpool teach students in state-of-the-art facilities across three faculties of Health and Life Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences and Science and Engineering, and is renowned for teaching and research excellence that relates explicitly to the professions including Medicine, Dentistry, Business, Law, Architecture and Engineering.
- UK ranking: 33rd
- Liverpool acceptance rate: 14%
Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU)
Manchester Metropolitan University is one of the largest universities in the UK and welcomes over 3,500 international students from more than 140 countries. The University is based in the city centre of Manchester, the UK’s best city to live in and home to a Triple Accredited Business School and one of the UK’s largest law schools.
- UK ranking: 60th
- MMU acceptance rate: 65%
Liverpool John Moores University
The 30th largest university in the UK with more than 25,000 students, Liverpool John Moores University is a member of the University Alliance, the Northern Consortium and the European University Association. Students can choose from over 200 undergraduate courses focusing on employability with "industry-informed practical learning and opportunities for work placements."
- UK ranking: 71st
- Liverpool John Moores acceptance rate: 23%
Liverpool Hope University (LHU)
Liverpool Hope University values the individual, encouraging students to achieve the highest academic standards while becoming responsible citizens. With a history extending more than 175 years, Liverpool Hope has developed a strong tradition of research excellence and top-quality teaching.
- UK ranking: 80th
- LHU acceptance rate: 85%
University of Salford
The University of Salford offers a range of study options for international students, including foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications. Whatever level you choose, you can be confident that a degree from Salford is more than just a certificate; it will guide you into your chosen career.
- UK ranking: 88th
- Salford acceptance rate: 62%
University of Chester
Established in 1839, the University of Chester is one of the oldest higher education institutions in the UK and offers a warm welcome to applicants from all parts of the world. Because university life is not just about getting a degree, social and leisure activities are an important and long-established part of Chester Campus life. On-campus sports facilities include squash courts, a fitness and leisure centre, a swimming pool, a sports hall and a floodlit all-weather pitch.
- UK ranking: 97th
- Chester acceptance rate: 30%
University of Central Lancashire (UCLan)
UCLan is a modern UK university with a truly international focus - a superb study destination for international students. A campus university in the city of Preston, UCLan has a long history of delivering high-quality, world-renowned
education. Students can study undergraduate, postgraduate or research courses across an attractive holistic subject range.
- UK ranking: 107th
- UCLan acceptance rate: 22.4%
University of Bolton
The University of Bolton is a modern and dynamic university with an academic heritage dating back nearly 200 years and a proud history of providing top-class, industry-relevant courses. Bolton offers distinctive, high-quality, student-focused programmes inspired by world-leading research produced at the University.
- UK ranking: 124th
- Bolton acceptance rate: 68%
University of Cumbria
At the University of Cumbria, situated in the North West of England and home to the iconic English Lake District, students are offered the academic and practical know-how they need to thrive and a variety of work experiences and internships to grow their knowledge and skills, even further. Nine out of 10 of our business students are in work or further education within six months of graduating!
- UK ranking: 129th
- Cumbria acceptance rate: 46%
Benefits of Studying in North West England
1. Academic excellence
England’s North-West is home to some of the most prestigious universities with immense global reputations. These institutes' academic standards, research excellence, and infrastructural superiority are second to none. The University of Manchester is ranked 28th worldwide and 6th nationally (QS World University Rankings 2023). Liverpool, Manchester, and Lancaster are part of the prestigious N8 group of the eight most research-intensive universities in Northern England.
2. Things to do
North West England is considered among the country's most beautiful and culturally diverse parts. From the serene beaches of Blackpool to the historical buildings of Chester and from Bowness-on-Windermere’s countryside to Preston’s museums & art galleries, NW England is full of tourist attractions. In addition, the city of Manchester allows you to witness the historic football rivalry between Manchester City and Manchester United, called the Manchester Derby.
3. Lower cost of living
Compared to the rest of the United Kingdom, North West is very much pocket-friendly. The cost of living suits international students. Liverpool is almost 50% cheaper than London, 25% cheaper than Edinburgh, and 17% cheaper than Birmingham. Manchester, the biggest city in the North West, is home to amazingly affordable housing options suited to students.
Study in England
Are you interested in studying in England? Arrange a free consultation with SI-UK London to get all your questions answered related to programme selection, accommodation, and visa requirements.