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University of Cumbria

Carlisle, United Kingdom

  • Cost of Living£ 13,044
  • Tuition Fee From£ 13,250
  • Country Rank#126
  • Batch Strength5,350
  • Global Diversity1.8%
  • Gender Ratio69 : 31

Overview

About

The University of Cumbria is a public university located in the picturesque region of Cumbria, in the north-west of England. It was established in 2007, with the merger of St Martin's College, the Cumbria Institute of the Arts, and the University of Central Lancashire’s Cumbria sites. The university offers a range of academic programs in various fields, including arts and humanities, business, education, health and wellbeing, and science and technology. The campus is spread across various locations in the region, providing students with a unique and diverse study environment. It has quickly established a reputation for excellence in various academic fields, including outdoor studies, health and social care, and education. 

 

The university's commitment to providing students with a well-rounded education is reflected in its wide range of degree programs, which include not just traditional academic subjects but also practical skills such as outdoor leadership and sustainable tourism. With a strong emphasis on experiential learning and real-world experience, the University of Cumbria is an ideal choice for students looking to take their education to the next level.

University Name University of Cumbria
Official Website http://www.cumbria.ac.uk/study/international-students/
Year of Establishment 2007
Average Living Cost £12,744 - £13,244
Total International Students 9,900
Country Rank 125
University Type Public
For Study Abroad Counselling Click Here

Ranking

The University of Cumbria, established in 2007 through the merger of several institutions, is a public university primarily located in North West England with its main campus in Carlisle and additional sites in Lancaster, Ambleside, and London. Known for its strong programmes in education, health, and the arts, the university has maintained a consistent presence in various UK and European rankings. In The Complete University Guide Ranking for 2025, it holds the 123rd position among UK universities, showing a slight shift from its 122nd place in 2024 and 118th in 2023. The Guardian University Guide Ranking for 2024 places the university at 114th, demonstrating stability compared to its 115th ranking in 2023 and 110th in 2022. On a broader scale, the QS World University Rankings for 2024 positions the University of Cumbria at 601st in Europe, highlighting its standing within the European higher education landscape. These rankings collectively reflect the university's ongoing efforts to provide quality education and research opportunities in fields such as Teacher Training, Nursing, Outdoor Studies, and Business Management, while also indicating areas for potential growth in the competitive higher education sector.

 

University of Cumbria - The Guardian Ranking 2024

In The Guardian University Guide Ranking for 2024, the University of Cumbria was ranked 114th, maintaining a stable position compared to 115th in 2023 and 110th in 2022. 

 

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

University

110

115

114

 

University of Cumbria - The Complete University Guide Ranking 2025

In The Complete University Guide Ranking for 2025, the University of Cumbria is ranked 123rd among UK universities, showing a marginal increase from its 122nd position in 2024 and 118th in 2023. This steady performance indicates the university's commitment to academic improvement and student experience. 

 

Ranked by

2023

2024

2025

UK University

118

122

123

 

University of Cumbria - QS Ranking 2024

In the QS World University Rankings for 2024, the University of Cumbria is ranked 601st in Europe. This placement reflects its position within the European higher education landscape and its efforts in providing quality education and research opportunities.

 

Ranked by

2024

Europe

601

 

Learn More About: University of Cumbria Admission

 

University of Cumbria - The Guardian Ranking 2024

 

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

Business and Management

119

114

110

Law

10

14

25

Media and Film Studies

37

-

-

 

University of Cumbria - The Complete University Guide Ranking 2025

 

Ranked by

2023

2024

2025

Art and Design

77

60

76

Biological Sciences

99

95

93

Business and Management Studies UK

106

106

104

Communication and Media Studies

97

-

-

Law

96

106

103

Nursing

72

79

78

Psychology

82

95

94

Sociology

75

99

96

 

Course Ranking

 

B.A.

 

Ranked by

2023

2024

2025

The Complete University Guide - Sociology

75

99

96

The Complete University Guide - Art and Design

77

60

76

 

B.J.M.C.

 

Ranked by

2022

2023

The Guardian - Media and Film Studies

37

-

The Complete University Guide - Communication and Media Studies

-

97

 

B.Sc.

 

Ranked by

2023

2024

2025

The Complete University Guide - Biological Sciences

99

95

93

The Complete University Guide - Psychology

82

95

94

 

Learn More About: University of Cumbria Courses

 

BBA

 

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

The Guardian - Business and Management

119

114

110

The Complete University Guide - Business and Management Studies UK

-

106

106

 

BSN

 

Ranked by

2023

2024

2025

The Complete University Guide - Nursing

72

79

78

 

LL.B.

 

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

The Guardian - Law

10

14

25

The Complete University Guide - Law

-

96

106

 

Arts ( Fine / Visual / Performing )

 

Ranked by

2023

2024

2025

The Complete University Guide - Art and Design

77

60

76

 

Business & Management Studies

 

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

The Guardian - Business and Management

119

114

110

The Complete University Guide - Business and Management Studies UK

-

106

106

 

Humanities & Social Sciences

 

Ranked by

2023

2024

2025

The Complete University Guide - Psychology

82

95

94

The Complete University Guide - Sociology

75

99

96

 

Law

 

Ranked by

2022

2023

2024

The Guardian - Law

10

14

25

The Complete University Guide - Law

-

96

106

 

Mass Communication & Media

 

Ranked by

2022

2023

The Guardian - Media and Film Studies

37

-

The Complete University Guide - Communication and Media Studies

-

97

 

Nursing

 

Ranked by

2023

2024

2025

The Complete University Guide - Nursing

72

79

78

 

Science

 

Ranked by

2023

2024

2025

The Complete University Guide - Biological Sciences

99

95

93

 

Biology

 

Ranked by

2023

2024

2025

The Complete University Guide - Biological Sciences

99

95

93

 

Psychology

 

Ranked by

2023

2024

2025

The Complete University Guide - Psychology

82

95

94

 

Sociology

 

Ranked by

2023

2024

2025

The Complete University Guide - Sociology

75

99

96

 

Year

QS Ranks

US News Ranks

2023

-

-

2022

-

-

2021

-

-

Facilities

The University of Cumbria boasts an impressive array of facilities that support students in their academic and personal development. The library is a hub of activity, with various resources available to students, including books, journals, and online databases. The university also has state-of-the-art computer labs, equipment and technology-enhanced classrooms that allow students to engage with their coursework in new and exciting ways. Additionally, students get access to modern sports facilities, including a gym, sports hall, and playing fields. These facilities support a healthy lifestyle and provide opportunities for students to engage in a wide range of physical activities. The University of Cumbria facilities also include the Outdoor Adventure Centre, Stanwix Theatre and the Institute of Health, which provide students with access to cutting-edge equipment and resources to support their studies.

Notable Alumni

Helen Skelton
Helen Skelton
English television presenter and actress
Charlie Hunnam
Charlie Hunnam
English actor and screenwriter
Keith Tyson
Keith Tyson
Artist

Courses

Admission

Acceptance Rate

The University of Cumbria acceptance rate is around 67%. It means that 67 students out of 100 are chosen to be at the campus. This number is quite selective and students should look into achieving the best grades.

 

Entry Requirements

Generally, the university asks for a recognised English language qualification (SELT - Secure English Language Test). The university also offers pre-sessional language courses which will enable you to improve your language skills and acquire good scores in the test. The syllabus of the program includes, academic reading and writing, academic listening and discussion, and speaking skills. The University of Cumbria’s entry requirements also include work experience or language proficiency.

 

For undergraduate programmes, the university typically requires:

  •  A high school diploma or equivalent
  • A score of 6.0 in IELTS 
  • For some courses, you’ll need an overall score of 7.0 out of 9.0.

 

Likewise, for postgraduate programmes, the university typically requires:

  • A bachelor's degree or equivalent in a related field. 
  • For Master’s, PgC or PgD, you should have an overall score of 6.5.
  • For some courses, the candidate should have an overall score of 7.0.
  • For PhD, the candidate should have an overall score of 6.5.

 

English Language Requirements

The University of Cumbria has specific English language proficiency requirements for international students. Generally, non-native English speakers must demonstrate their language skills by achieving a minimum score on recognised tests like IELTS or TOEFL. The required scores vary depending on the program of study, but the university aims to ensure that all incoming students possess the necessary language competency to effectively participate in their chosen academic programmes.

 

Test 

Score

IELTS

6.0

TOEFL

80

 

Fees

The University of Cumbria’s fees vary depending on the programme and level of study. For undergraduate programmes, the university has a standard fee for full-time students and reduced fees for part-time students. Additionally, the university offers reduced fees for students from the European Union (EU) and several other international students. For postgraduate programs, the university has a standard fee for full-time students and reduced fees for part-time students and students from the EU. Financial aid is also available to eligible students to help them with tuition and living costs. The university has a dedicated team to advise on funding options, such as scholarships, bursaries and loans, to help students manage their educational costs.


 

  • BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Sciences - £13,250/yr
  • BA(Hons) in Fine Arts - £15,500/yr
  • BA (HONS) in Accounting and Finance - £13,250/yr
  • BA(Hons) in Business Management With Marketing - £13,250/yr
  • LLB (Hons) in Law - £16,000/yr
  • BA(Hons) in Games Design - £15,500/yr
  • Master's degree (MA, MSc) - £13,575
  • Master's degree in Health pre-registration programmes - £16,400

 

Placements

The University of Cumbria’s placement programmes emphasise strongly on providing its students with real-world experience through a variety of placements and internships. The university offers a range of opportunities for students to gain valuable work experience while they study, including sandwich courses, work-based learning, and volunteering. These placements are available across various industries and sectors, including healthcare, education, social work, and business. Many of these placements are part of the curriculum and are mandatory for specific programs, allowing students to apply their theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. The university also has a dedicated Careers and Employability Team, who provides support to students in finding and applying for placements, preparing for job interviews and career planning.

 

 

 

Scholarship

These are the various University of Cumbria scholarships for international students:
 

Name of the scholarship

Eligibility

Grants

Cumbria Global Scholarships

Non-EU and Non-EEA international students enrolling in 2024 academic year

£2,000 per year

International Scholarship

For undergraduate students

£1,000

British Council GREAT Scholarships

Scholarships to students from specific countries

Variable amount

Finances

Most international students are obligated to show proof of sufficient funds in order to obtain a visa. While some students may have the opportunity to make use of scholarships, not all students cut the eligibility to get a scholarship or a grant. Moreover, not all scholarships cover 100% of your study abroad expenses. At such times, most students resort to acquiring education loans to avoid the financial hassles associated with studying at the University of Cumbria. For Indian students, UniCreds is the ideal education loan marketplace if you’re looking for low-interest rates and free consultation services!

Accommodation

There are several student accommodations in Carlisle near University of Cumbria that are fully equipped for your needs. Student accommodation near University of Cumbria offers a wide choice of affordable yet elegant student flats, halls of residence, studios, ensuites, and more! You have the option of staying on campus in the university halls of residence or a private residence. Because of their proximity to the university, on-campus housing options may be ideal; nevertheless, they tend to fill up fast and are more expensive.

UniAcco simplifies the process of finding student housing and offers a variety of options. As a result, students can select from an array of available student accommodations near the university, such as luxury studios, en-suites, and shared apartments that are inexpensive and fully furnished with 24/7 staff support.

Cost of Living

The cost of living can be a significant consideration for students attending university. The university campus is in Carlisle, one of the most picturesque regions of the UK. The university provides detailed information on the average costs associated with living in the area, including accommodation, food, travel, and other expenses. The university provides a broad range of accommodation options for students, including on-campus residence halls, off-campus apartments, and homestays. Additionally, the university offers several bursaries and scholarships to help students with their living costs. The university also provides information on budgeting and money management to help students make the most of their money while they study.
 

 

Particulars

Cost (Monthly)

Off-Campus Accommodation 

£ 384

On-Campus Accommodation

£ 520

Transportation

£ -

Food Cost

£ 510

Entertainment

£ 24

Groceries

£ 96

Clothes

£ 73

Total Cost of Living with Off Campus Accommodation 

£ 1087

Total Cost of Living with On Campus Accommodation 

£ 1223

Annual Cost of Living

£ 13044

FAQs