Overview
The University of York's founding principles of equality and opportunity for all are underpinned by the highest academic standards. A prestigious member of the research-led Russell Group, York is the proud home of over 20,000 students from more than 150 countries, each contributing to its inclusive community.
York challenges students to dream big and think critically. The university works in partnership with institutions across the world, pioneering solutions to society's most pressing global challenges. It builds these global connections and research activities into its teaching and co-curricular opportunities.
York Futures, an award-winning personal development programme created together with top employers, prepares students for employment and further study.
The University's unique college system provides a wealth of social activities and a supportive environment for all. Students become a member of one of 11 colleges, each of which encourages inclusivity and a sense of community. Over 250 societies and sports clubs make it easy for new students to integrate and feel at home throughout their studies. Upon graduation, students become part of an active network of over 135,000 alumni.
Close to the historic city centre, the University's beautiful parkland campus is home to a rich variety of wildlife, with lakes, wetlands, a tree trail, and a bird sanctuary. York is flourishing, safe and student-friendly and was recently named the best large UK city to visit (Which? 2022).
With excellent transport links to the rest of the country, the city has a vibrant social scene, offering shops, clubs, museums, bars, restaurants and activities for all. Frequent festivals, sporting events and cultural activities ensure it's big enough to feel lively but small enough to feel like home.
What's new
Campus investment
As part of the University's vision for a 21st-century campus, York continues to invest in new facilities.
Increased accommodation: Two brand new colleges launched in 2022 provide around 1,400 additional student bedrooms and modern community spaces. School for Business and Society building: The new Church Lane building features bespoke teaching and learning spaces, with a modern and flexible working environment and innovative outdoor social spaces. York Institute for Safe Autonomy: Set to open in 2022, the new facility will be a world-leading ecosystem for research and innovation, education, public engagement, and commercial realisation. New biomolecular research building: The Eleanor and Guy Dodson Building recently opened on campus, providing access to state-of-the-art facilities for determining protein structures. New Student Centre building: Plans are in place for a brand-new GBP 35 million student centre, which will act as a hub for the student community.
Academic schools
York has launched three new schools bringing together its collective knowledge and expertise, to create fresh and distinctive new collaborative research and teaching opportunities.
The School for Business and Society: bringing together expertise in management, social policy and social work. The School of Arts and Creative Technologies: bringing together expertise in music, theatre, film, television, and interactive media. The School of Physics, Engineering and Technology: bringing together expertise in engineering and physics.
Modularisation and semesterisation
In 2023/24, York will change the structure of its academic year to a semester model. Each semester will consist of:
One week for induction 11 weeks of teaching Four weeks for assessmentsThis is designed to align better with international partners and help facilitate student exchanges. Modules will also be standardised, giving students the opportunity to take modules across academic disciplines.
Teaching quality
Nurturing independent minds and a strong collective spirit, the University of York empowers people from all backgrounds to flourish. As a high-performing Russell Group university, York's ground-breaking research underpins its inspiring teaching, challenging students to dream big, think critically and change the world.
Throughout their studies, students study and learn with active researchers conducting work on some of the most exciting and cutting-edge issues in current times. This feeds directly into the teaching and course content, so students benefit from their tutors' academic insights and professional expertise. York also works closely with industry, governments, and international organisations to ensure that graduates have the skills they require. Many courses are accredited by professional bodies.
Students not only become specialists in their field but also develop vital skills ready for the world of work. Through group work and independent study, York students develop the problem-solving, analytical, team working, and leadership skills needed to thrive in their chosen career.
Research and teaching excellence
York's focus on teaching and research excellence has resulted in consistently high rankings in the UK and a first-class reputation globally:
A global top 150 university in the Times Higher Education's World University Rankings 2023 Top of the Russell Group for 'Academic support' of institutions included in the 2021 National student survey 10th for research impact in the Times Higher Education's ranking of the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021) 17th overall in the Times Good University Guide (2023) Nine subjects in the UK top 10 in the Complete University Guide (2022)
Facilities
The University of York's idyllic campus provides everything a student needs to make the most of their university experience.
Accommodation
York's accommodation is centred around 11 colleges, each offering a welcoming, supportive community. There's a variety of room types and options to suit every budget.
Sport and fitness
The University's award-winning sports facilities are recognised as some of the best in the region, helping students to unwind and stay healthy. Facilities include a competition-standard swimming pool, floodlit 3G football pitches, an Olympic-sized outdoor velodrome, a floodlit road cycle circuit, an athletics stadium and 39 acres of grass playing fields.
Library
The main campus library holds more than one million print books, as well as printed and digital journals. It also offers a range of study areas from silent study zones to innovative thinking spaces. There's also access to several specialist libraries on campus and in the city centre.
Food and drink
The campus has plenty of interesting and relaxing places to eat and drink. There are two supermarkets on site where students can pick up their groceries and essentials.
Culture and entertainment
The University is home to a range of facilities to help students unwind including its very own student-run theatre and cinema. Free open lectures and exhibitions also offer students an opportunity to hear about research at York. With over 250 student-run societies and over 65 sports clubs there are plenty of opportunities for students to try something new.
Getting around
The campus is situated within walking distance of the bustling city centre. York is a contemporary, student-friendly city, renowned for its rich history and heritage. With excellent transport links, York students also enjoy easy access to major cities like London and Manchester, as well as Yorkshire's beautiful countryside.
Scholarships & funding
As a university for public good, York offers a wide range of scholarships and awards to help talented students from all backgrounds achieve their goals. As well as offering subject and country-specific awards, the University recently launched two new scholarships to celebrate its 60th anniversary.
Be Exceptional 60th Anniversary Scholarships
The Be Exceptional 60th Anniversary Scholarships offer a GBP 7,500 tuition fee discount in the first year to help high-achieving undergraduate students reach their goals at the University of York. Details are available on the Be Exceptional 60th Anniversary Scholarships page of the University website.
Postgraduate 60th Anniversary Scholarships
York's Postgraduate 60th Anniversary Scholarships offer a tuition fee discount of GBP 5,000, GBP 7,500 or GBP 10,000 to high-achieving postgraduate students. If York makes you an offer, you will be considered for this scholarship automatically. Further details can be found on the Postgraduate 60th Anniversary Scholarships page of the University website.
Equal Access Scholarships
As a University of Sanctuary, York is proud to award Equal Access Scholarships which are awarded to students who are seeking refuge in the UK and who want to pursue an undergraduate degree programme. York also provides bursaries for refugee students and dedicated advice and support for all sanctuary-seeking students and applicants.
Chevening Scholarships
York is also a popular destination for Chevening Scholars and is proud to be a Chevening partner institution. Chevening Scholarships enable outstanding emerging leaders from all over the world to pursue a one-year Masters degree in the UK. They are typically awarded to people who have the passion, ideas and influence to create a better future.
Student support
Moving to another country can be daunting, but York offers plenty of help. From mental health support to financial advice, York's network of support services is there to help students get the best out of their time at university.
International student support
York offers dedicated international student support to provide vital help to students coming from overseas. This ranges from advice on visas and healthcare to opening bank accounts and organising travel. The University also provides a free airport collection service from Manchester Airport, facilities to practice faith and more.
A range of pre-sessional English language courses and international pathway courses is available through the International Pathways College. These courses are designed to improve students' study, academic and English language skills, with the aim of progressing onto degree courses.
Health and wellbeing
There's a healthcare centre close to campus which offers doctor's appointments and a repeat prescription service. York's Open Door team, consisting of mental health practitioners and student wellbeing officers, also provide support to registered students experiencing psychological or mental health difficulties. They can work with external support services if students are receiving therapeutic or medical help for a long-term condition. York's student-run Nightline provides a confidential listening and information service.
Study support
Each student is designated an academic supervisor who can be contacted for support. Supervisors advise students on their academic progress and can help with personal development. Students can also access free skills advice through the Academic Skills Community which provides online resources, workshops and 1:1 support on areas like English and Maths.
Additional support
Help with personal matters, academic issues and the transition to university life is also available from staff within the Colleges, the Student Hub and the Students' Union Advice and Support Centre.
Graduate outcomes
As a Russell Group university, York is a popular choice for many top recruiters, from large corporations to charities and third-sector employers.
As a result, York often appears among the most targeted universities by the UK's leading graduate employers, according to annual graduate market reports by High Fliers. York students typically progress to successful careers, with 93 percent of graduates entering work or further study within 15 months of graduating (HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2018/19).
Employment and careers support
The University's Careers and Placements and faculty career teams support students every step of the way. Students can access tailored support and advice to create a well-thought-out career plan.
All students can take part in the award-winning York Strengths Programme. This carefully crafted programme helps students identify their strengths and stand out to employers. York's award-winning employability programme York Futures offers a range of activities to help undergraduate students understand their options and plan for a career they'll thrive in.
York students have many opportunities to network with employers and gain valuable professional experience through careers fairs, employer-led events, networking meetings, placements, studying abroad, internships or volunteering. These experiences enhance students' global perspectives, making them stand out as exceptional candidates to employers around the world.
After graduation
After students graduate, they join the York Alumni Association, a dynamic community of over 135,000 alumni in more than 180 countries. All alumni maintain lifelong access to the University's career support and global networking opportunities. Masters discounts are also available for those wishing to explore further study.