A member of the prestigious Russell Group, the University of York is a globally celebrated research-intensive university located in one of England's most historic cities. The University ranks 12th in the UK, and 1st in Yorkshire and the Humber (Complete University Guide, 2026); and boasts 16 subjects ranked in the top ten. It's also one of only four universities to be ranked both Gold for teaching (latest Teaching Excellence Framework, 2023) and Top Ten for research (latest Research Excellence Framework, 2021).
The University offers over 200 courses to undergraduate students, as well as an expansive range of postgraduate taught and postgraduate research courses. Students have access to expert teaching staff, specialised facilities and extensive academic resources. All courses are fed by the very latest developments in research.
Learners join a diverse and welcoming student community of more than 20,000. The University uses a college system, ensuring students quickly become part of a family, and connect with like-minded friends. York Students' Union offers over 300 student societies and sports clubs to get involved in.
The University's picturesque and sustainable campus is made of 500 acres of landscaped greenery, with more than 20 places to eat, drink and shop. Students live and learn in a combination of historic and modern buildings, with the latest technologies. The campus is within walking distance of York's bustling city centre, and the city itself is well-connected by road and rail to the rest of the UK.
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4.2Students benefit from top-of-the-range facilities, equipment and resources at the University of York, which boost learning and add opportunities for practical experience and specialist insights.
In addition to standard seminar rooms and lecture theatres, specialised teaching spaces include purpose-built laboratories, performance spaces, TV and production studios, a simulated hospital ward, and more.
The University's main library offers an extensive selection of physical books, journals, archives, resources and study areas, in addition to an expansive online library. The campus is also filled with modern sporting facilities, social spaces, and places to eat, drink and shop.
York is one of the UK's most historic and picturesque cities – recently named the UK's friendliest city, and one of the safest and happiest (CUG 2024). It's well-connected to the rest of the UK by road and rail.
Students enjoy an active culture and entertainment scene with a very reasonable cost of living. As well as its vibrant nightlife and exciting shopping options, York is a thriving centre of industry, home to over 7,500 science-based businesses, and is also a UNESCO City of Media Arts.
Students can join over 300 student societies and sports clubs at the University of York, all run by York Students' Union.
Societies cover all areas of interest, including:
Students can also set up a new society, with support from York Students' Union.
3.9Together with its excellent careers service, award-winning employability programmes and exceptional work-experience opportunities, University of York degrees ensure students graduate with the practical skills and specialist insights to make them extremely sought-after candidates in the modern workforce. As a result, 92.5% of York students were in work, further study or another positive destination 15 months after graduation (latest HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2022/23).
Courses at the University emphasise building practical skills as well as theoretical knowledge, and students work in inspiring settings with access to state-of-the-art facilities. Many courses offer work-placement opportunities or optional placement years. All of this combined ensures that students graduate with specialist expertise, hands-on experience and industry connections with top graduate employers.
Careers service
The University of York's careers service offers extensive employability support to all students and alumni, for life. Students can make appointments with careers advisors, use ‘Handshake' – the University's careers platform – or find self-help resources online.
In a pioneering and comprehensive programme that starts from day one, students are supported across all areas of career development, including:
4.1The University of York offers a range of accommodation options conveniently located on or close to campus, with a choice of let lengths available for added convenience. Since the University uses a collegiate system, rooms are allocated through its 11 colleges. Students may choose between catered or non-catered, and en-suite or shared bathroom. In 2025, undergraduate accommodation prices start at £99 per week.
There are also many reputable private accommodation options near campus, and overnight accommodation available to commuting students. Students living off campus are still allocated a college for the duration of their studies for extra support and activities.
Scholarships at the University of York are typically awarded based on exceptional academic achievement, the candidate's background or personal circumstances, or to applicants studying particular subjects. Students usually apply directly for scholarships, and should familiarise themselves with the eligibility criteria, application process and deadlines of different opportunities.
Bursaries are usually focussed on students who can evidence real financial need, often assessed automatically as part of the application process. They often include the York Bursary for students from lower-income backgrounds.
York also offers a huge range of cost-of-living advice and support, as well as emergency loans and other help for those in need while studying.
Academic entry requirements at the University of York vary between courses. Courses are highly competitive, and students are advised to carefully check that they meet the requirements for their chosen course. Personal statements and experience are also taken into consideration as part of the overall application.
For undergraduate study, most students must hold a minimum of three A levels or equivalent qualifications. The University accepts a range of qualifications, and provides a range of alternative routes to entry; these include contextual offers for those from underrepresented backgrounds, and commuter offers for those who choose not to live in York.
International
International students can check the standard academic requirements and accepted qualifications from their home country on the University website.
Students must also demonstrate their English language proficiency to the level required for their chosen course. A common requirement at undergraduate level is an overall IELTS (Academic) score of between 6.0 and 7.0, depending on the course.
Tuition fees at the University of York are paid annually. For UK full-time undergraduate students (including Channel Islands, Isle of Man and EU settled status), the standard cost is £9,535 per year. Prices for international and postgraduate students vary between courses. Students are advised to check the cost of their course when they apply.
The University of York offers over 600 undergraduate and postgraduate courses. It's rated Gold for teaching (latest Teaching Excellence Framework, 2023), and provides an exceptional level of practical learning opportunities, on courses led by expert academics with significant experience in their field.
Research-led courses are taught through a blend of lectures, seminars and practical learning experiences (such as laboratory work), as well as industry placement opportunities. Most courses involve a degree of independent research, letting students dig into an area of specialist interest.
Many degrees are professionally accredited, meaning students graduate industry-ready with the skills, knowledge and qualifications to help them kickstart their career.
Degree types at undergraduate level include:
The University of York is renowned worldwide for its provision of teaching excellence and top-quality research. It's also one of only four universities to be ranked both Gold for teaching (latest Teaching Excellence Framework, 2023) and Top Ten for research (latest Research Excellence Framework, 2021), owing to an outstanding quality in the overall student experience. This includes the embedding of outstanding teaching, feedback and assessment practices; inspirational course content and delivery; and the meaningful and relevant use of research.
In the Complete University Guide (2026), the University of York ranks 12th overall, with 16 subjects ranking in the top ten. It ranks in the top five nationally for French; linguistics; psychology; and dance, drama and cinematics.
Research
As a research-intensive Russell Group institution, the University of York supports and encourages students to engage in active and meaningful research projects. It's one of the world's leading research universities.
Interdisciplinary research is highly encouraged, and students make use of exemplary facilities in dedicated research centres. All research then goes on to feed course curricula and ensure students are learning at the very forefront of their discipline.
3.7The University of York Students' Union is run by students, for students, and acts as a voice for the student community, ensuring important matters and concerns are heard by the University. It also manages an active schedule of events, provides dedicated support and advice, and runs clubs and societies.
4.0The University of York offers exemplary student support across all key areas. Students can visit the Student Hub to access the majority of services in person, or make use of self-help resources through the University website. Support includes:
Students can access mental-health support through student wellbeing officers, or through the Open Door service, which employs a team of mental-health practitioners. This service enables students to quickly access free and professional counselling services if they need them.
All students are appointed an academic supervisor for the duration of their studies, who can offer tailored support across both academic and pastoral matters. They can provide bespoke guidance on personal development, and signpost to external resources. Students can also make use of York Students' Union, college system and student communities to meet others for peer support.
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