Lancaster was ranked within the top 140 universities in the world in the QS World University Rankings 2021 and Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2021.Lancaster University is among the top 15 universities in the UK. We were recently named International University of the Year by The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2020. We have one of the safest campuses in the UK, where you can live, study and pursue your future career. Our new academic facilities are some of the best in Europe, and our college system provides personal support and an outstanding student experience.Lancaster University is a research-intensive university, with 91% of our research rated as 'internationally excellent' or 'world leading' and 46% rated in the highest category of 4* in the UK Government's latest independent review, the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.Our campus is one of the best and safest in the UK. It has everything you need to focus on your studies – you can live, study and socialise here without distractions. To help you to achieve success and make the most of university life, we've invested millions of pounds in our modern facilities. On campus you will easily find banks, shops, cafés and medical offices to make your daily life easy and relaxing. There are also theatres, art galleries, a multi-million pound sports centre and a multi-faith Chaplaincy Centre so you will always find exciting events and helpful people.

The Pre-Masters Programme is available over two or three terms at the International Study Centre, helping you to develop the skills to graduate with a postgraduate degree from a top-ranking UK university. You will build on the knowledge gained in your earlier studies whilst developing your practical English language and mathematical abilities, as well as your study and research skills. 

Gain international experience: Not only will you be gaining a higher education inside the classroom, but you will be doing so whilst living in another country – experiencing the culture and learning more about the world.

Develop your networking skills: You will be studying with people from all over the world, creating new connections and meeting new people.

Access career support: Throughout your Pre-Masters Programme, you will receive expert career support through our CareerAhead service – helping you plan for the future and develop the skills you need to succeed.

Study in a global language: Studying a postgraduate degree in the UK is an ideal way to develop your English language skills – with a particular focus on your chosen subject area.

Business, Law and Social Sciences, Engneering, Computing, Mathematics and Science

The International Foundation Year prepares you for undergraduate study at Lancaster. You will focus on English language, study skills and academic modules, and start planning for your future career. After your foundation year, you can progress to your chosen degree at Lancaster – one of the UK’s top universities.

When you apply to the International Study Centre at Lancaster, you choose the undergraduate degree you wish to study upon progression to the University. Following successful completion of your chosen course, as well as achieving the required grades, you will progress to your degree programme at the University.

Your degree aim/selected degree path is not fixed. During your first term at the International Study Centre, you will be asked to select three degree choices. You will receive a conditional offer and this will be made unconditional on successful completion of the course – and on achieving the required progression grades. You will be supported in making appropriate degree choices and submitting your application to the University, including advice on completion of your personal statement.

If your level of English language does not meet the entry requirements for our International Foundation Year or Pre-Masters Programme, you can join our English Language Preparation programme or English For Pre-Masters programme for one term. At the end of the programme, you will be ready to start your chosen pathway at the International Study Centre.

Online Pre-sessional English for Pre-Masters helps you to improve your English language skills to the level needed for our three-term Pre-Masters Programme. The 10 or 20-week programmes are taught via Study Group's Virtual Study Centre, allowing you to gain the skills necessary to succeed on your choice of Pre-Masters Programme.

Lancaster University is one of only a few UK universities to operate a collegiate system. This means you live, socialise and graduate with members of your college. The eight colleges are one of the most distinctive and valued features of Lancaster University.  It has its own identity, administration, student executive, social scene and facilities.

The University campus is located three miles from the historic city of Lancaster. It is surrounded by beautiful countryside and is close to Lancashire’s beaches, as well as the Lake District National Park. Our students love the University’s combination of a safe and friendly campus that has easy access to the city, coast and English countryside.

The city of Lancaster is a short bus ride from campus. Named as one of the most vibrant cities in the UK, Lancaster has everything you need but is small enough to feel safe and welcoming. Full of history, the city has a 12th-century castle, a historic canal, and several museums.

Lancaster city is a great place to shop, with brand-name shops, independent boutiques and exciting markets. You can explore a traditional English market every Wednesday and Saturday in Dalton Square – selling everything from food, crafts, books and plants.

Once you're finished shopping, transport yourself anywhere in the world by exploring the city's restaurant scene. You will be able to find restaurants serving different cuisines from African, French, Mexican, Malaysian and more.  

The coast

A real benefit of studying in Lancaster is its beautiful coastline. Lancashire’s sandy beaches are only a few miles from campus. The most famous areas include:

Morecambe Bay – a beautiful coastline with wildlife and seaside towns.

Blackpool – famous for its bright lights, sandy beach and rollercoaster rides.

Standard: £116.90 per week Shared toilet, shower and kitchen facilities, with a wash basin in your room

Ensuite: £134.40 - £150.60per week/ Private bathroom and shared kitchen

Superior Ensuite £155.61 - £163.52 per week/Private bathroom and shared kitchen

Townhouse £138.25 12 students each have their own room with 6 shared shower rooms, a large communal kitchen / dining area and lounge