Overview

About this University

The University of Cumbria is an educational provider that has student experience and quality education at the heart of everything it does.

The university offers study options that are research-informed and career focused, with a high student satisfaction rate of 86 to 100 per cent. Students benefit from the university’s small class sizes that ensure personalised attention. Tutors at the university understand student needs and are committed to helping students succeed.

Students enjoy a low cost, but high standard of living, with one of the most affordable campus accommodation options in the UK. International students can take advantage of a number of scholarships, bursaries and discounts if they require financial aid.

The University of Cumbria has links to industry and its curriculum helps equip students with employable skills. Within six months of graduating, 96 per cent of the university’s graduates enter employment or further study.

Graduate outcomes

Students of Cumbria have excellent graduation rates, amongst the best in the UK. 96 per cent of students find professional employment or are in further study within six months of graduation.

The university is well aware that education is an investment for the future. It ensures courses and services are tailored to helping students gain the knowledge and global skills they need for the professional world.

Career support

At each campus, students can access extensive career support. Friendly, experienced advisers provide one-to-one advice, helping students explore their options and reach their goals. Services include:

• Personal advice
• Free online career hub
• Careers fairs
• Employability events
• Workshops
• Information on career options
• Strategies for finding work experiences
• CV and job application support
• Interview skills sessions
• Practice interviews

What's new

A safe campus environment from COVID-19

The University of Cumbria is working hard to provide the safest learning environment possible for the beginning of the new academic year. Campus services will be opened safely to ensure the health and wellbeing of students. Courses will be delivered using a ‘blended learning’ approach, a combination of face-to-face and online learning. All students will be able to spend approximately two days per week on-campus in the first semester, and until normal teaching can resume.

The wellbeing of staff and students is the university’s utmost priority. Cumbria is following government and health advice and guidelines to ensure its students remain safe and protected. The latest information about reopening the campuses in September 2020 can be found on the university website.

Top worldwide university for education quality

The university has been ranked within the top ten universities in the world by the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2020. These rankings assess universities against the UN’s important Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For the Quality Education SDG, out of 676 institutions, Cumbria ranked:

• 1st in the UK
• 8th in the world

Finances

How much will it cost?Average tuition fees per year

12,91,667Undergraduate

11,61,822Postgraduate

Living costs

2,48,062Living costs

2,84,884To live on campus

Scholarships & funding

In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the University of Cumbria has frozen its international fees for the academic year 2020/21.

The university’s International scholarship scheme is currently being reviewed to make it more accessible and ensure that it provides real opportunities to future global talent. The International Scholarship scheme should be relaunching soon. Students are encouraged keep checking the university website for any updates.

Cumbria Bursary

The Cumbria Bursary is an award for first-year home and EU undergraduate students starting their courses in 2020/21. Eligible students with a household income of less than GBP 25,000 may receive up to GBP 1,000 per year of study.

Money Advice Service

Both current students and applicants can receive free and confidential advice from Cumbria’s Money Advice Service. Expert advisers are experienced in guiding students. They provide support with any finance-related issues such as funding, bursaries, scholarships and budgeting. One-to-one advice can be given on campus or over the phone.

Discover scholarships

University of Cumbria provides scholarship for students enrolling for the courses offered by them
View all scholarships available

Eligibility

Entry requirements

For admission to Cumbria, international students may need to show proof of English language proficiency. The level required will depend on their chosen course.

Undergraduate

Students generally need one of the following, or equivalent:

• IELTS – minimum score of 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in each band
• GCSE English as a first language – grade C

For BSc Nursing, Midwifery, Occupational Therapy, Social Work, Physiotherapy and Diagnostic Radiography, students will need an IELTS score of 7.0 (or equivalent).

Postgraduate

Students generally need the following, or equivalent:

• Master’s, PgC or PgD – IELTS score of 6.5 with no less than 5.5 in each band
• MA Social Work, MSc Occupational Therapy or MSc Physiotherapy – IELTS score of 7.0 with no less than 6.5 in each band.
• PhD – IELTS score of 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in each area

International students who can’t quite meet the English language requirements can take Pre-Sessional or In-Sessional English language courses.

Department and Faculty

Teaching quality

Excellent education

The University of Cumbria provides an exceptional education. Most courses have a 90 to 100 per cent student satisfaction rate. Classes are small in size where students receive personalised teaching. Tutors get to know their students and are committed to their success.

In the Guardian University League Tables 2020 the University of Cumbria was ranked:

• Number 8 in the UK for law (1st in the North West of England)
• Number 14 in the UK for agriculture and forestry (1st in the North West of England)
• Number 22 in the UK for psychology
• Number 48 in the UK for film and media (and 6th in the North West of England)

All students are assigned a personal tutor who mentors them throughout their studies. They meet regularly throughout the term, where tutors support academic performance.

Pre-sessional English programmes

Pre-sessional programmes are for international students who need to improve their skills before degree-level study. They are specially designed for non-native English speakers. Programmes have 15 hours of classes each week, plus personal tutorials and independent studies. Students can develop their English language skills for academic purposes and daily communication. There are two programmes:

• 12-week – for bachelor’s/master’s students with IELTS score 5.0/5.5
• Six-week – for bachelor's/master’s students with IELTS score 5.5/6.0

All Pre-Sessional English courses have currently moved online. More information is available from the International Office.

Department structure

Cumbria is comprised of five Institutes, each teaching multidisciplinary courses. Undergraduate, postgraduate, foundation, CPD and short courses are available to study.

Institute of the Arts

Students learn all about the arts, multimedia and culture at this purpose-built specialist campus through courses in:

• Art and design
• Film and media arts
• Games design and user experience
• Performing arts
• English literature and creative writing

Institute of Business, Industry and Leadership

Students become more critically aware and learn important global skills, ready for the professional world of business. Courses are in:

• Accounting and finance
• Business and management
• Criminology
• Law
• Marketing
• Policing, risk management and security
• Project management / leadership
• Social sciences

93 per cent of the institute’s graduates found employment or continued their studies within six months of graduating (DLHE 2018).

Institute of Education

Those looking to work in the public or private education sector can become a:

• Early Years, Primary or Secondary Teacher
• Mentor
• Researcher
• Administrator
• Educational Leader or Manager

90 per cent of students find employment or continue their studies within six months of graduating from the Institute of Education (DLHE 2018).

Institute of Health

Students can gain critical healthcare skills to make a positive difference in the world of health. The institute specialises in areas of healthcare such as:

• Healthcare sciences
• Midwifery
• Nursing
• Occupational therapy
• Paramedicine
• Physiotherapy
• Psychology
• Sports science

95 per cent of the institute’s students found professional employment or furthered their training within six months of graduation (DLHE 2017).

Department of Science, Natural Resources and Outdoor Studies

Students curious about the natural world and environment can pursue a range of courses in:

• Biomedical science
• Conservation
• Forensic science
• Forestry
• Geography
• Outdoor studies and leadership
• Sustainability and the environment

97 per cent of the institute’s students found professional employment or furthered their training within six months of graduation (DLHE 2017).