University of Cumbria

About the University

We are one of Britain's newest universities, but we have a history of educating professionals going back over 150 years. We were formed in 2007 from Cumbria Institute of the Arts, St Martin's College and the Cumbrian campus of UCLan. With academic strengths in education, healthcare, sports, visual and performing arts, humanities, social science, law and criminology, science, outdoors, forestry and land studies we will have a great course to start your career. 

Our campuses are in Carlisle, Lancaster and Newton Rigg, Penrith. These are lively, safe, student-friendly cities with a lower than average cost of living. Transport links are excellent. We are on the West Coast mainline rail network and close to the M6 motorway. Carlisle to Lancaster is approximately one hour in a car or train. Lancaster to Manchester is just 55 mins on half hourly rail service.

The campuses are compact and situated within walking distance of the city centres. The great outdoors is on our doorstep from city centre parks to National Parks and the university's clubs and societies will help you to take advantage of all that our spectacular surroundings have to offer.

Small and friendly

Small study groups allow us to offer a more personal experience and dedicated tutors who can support you through your studies. Our student support teams, who can help with everything from academic skills to giving you support with your first steps on the career ladder, are knowledgeable and easy to access via our student support hubs.

Small and friendly campuses mean that whilst you study with us you are part of a whole campus community, including staff and academics as well as students from across all our courses.

We also have campuses in London, Ambleside and Lillyhall, Workington so we can offer courses near to where you are.

Widening Participation

The university has a firm commitment to, and a history of, accessible higher education regionally, nationally and internationally. At the centre of the university’s mission is the provision of an accessible and outstanding student experience and we aim to ensure as many people as possible benefit from the transformational opportunities provided by higher education. This includes seeing many students from less advantaged backgrounds succeed in higher education.

Commitment to quality

The university is committed to providing high quality courses which support future employability of students.