York St John University

Overview

Situated in the historic city of York, York St John University has a lot to offer students. The university itself has a history dating back to 1841, when it opened with just a single student. In 1974 York St Johns merged with Ripon College, and in 2005 it became York St John University. 

In the city of York you’ll find plenty to suit a student lifestyle, from eccentric old bars and pubs to contemporary clubs and cinemas. From a cultural perspective, the city has a lot to offer. There’s a range of museums and galleries across the city, and a lot of places of historical interest can be seen just walking down the street. Head to The Shambles for quaint old shops on what’s probably the narrowest street you’ve ever seen, or the Minster for beautiful architecture. 

The uni prides itself on its commitment to sustainability. All its energy comes from low-carbon, sustainable sources, and it aims to have reduced its carbon emissions by 80% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels. Since 2016, none of its waste has gone to landfill, and over 1000 trees have been planted on its campuses in the last few years to encourage biodiversity. 

York has a major railway station well within walking distance of the city centre, with trains running direct to several different major UK cities. It’s also easily accessible by car as it’s just off the A1(M) and M1. The closest airport is Leeds Bradford. 

Most undergraduate degrees at York St John’s take three years to complete, but many courses have the option to study abroad or complete a placement year. These courses would typically take four years to complete if one of these options are added. Some courses are also available on a part-time basis and would typically take six years to complete. 

The uni also offers a range of course with a foundation year, which offers students who might miss the typical entry requirements access to a degree course. There’s also options to study a Degree Apprenticeship, which combines classroom learning with workplace experience. 

As well as single honours degrees, York St John’s offers some joint honours degrees, which allow you to combine two different degree subjects. You can study BA English Literature and Film Studies, for example, or BA Politics and History. 

Entry requirements are always provided as a guide only and may be subject to change. The admissions team at the university will be happy to answer any queries you may have about entry requirements. We’ve provided a sample of entry requirements here so you can get a feel for typical offers across a range of courses. 

BA Creative Writing and English Literature typically requires 104 UCAS Tariff points, and three GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, including English language. This is also the requirement for BA Accounting and Finance. 

BSc Biomedical Science also requires 104 UCAS points, but this must include a B at A-level (or equivalent) in biology. You should also have at least four GCSEs at grade C/4 or higher, including English language, maths, and double integrated science (or an equivalent). 

For BSc Software Engineering, you’ll want 104 UCAS points, as well as GCSE grade C/4 or above in maths, English language and another subject. 

Accommodation is guaranteed for first-year students who meet the application deadline. More information about the guarantee can be found on the university’s website. 

All university accommodation is within one mile of campus and are located in the centre of York, meaning you’ll have access to shops, bars and restaurants all on your doorstep. Rooms start from around £105 per week and vary depending on the hall of residence and the room option chosen, as many halls have different room types available. 

You’ll find a mixture of ensuite and shared bathroom room types on offer, and a variety of different sizes of room, which may come with a single, three-quarter or double bed. Most flats are arranged in groups of between five and ten students. 

All residences have laundry facilities and bike storage facilities available. Rent prices in university-managed accommodation are inclusive of utilities, internet, and maintenance. All residences are self-catered, so you’ll have access to kitchen spaces to cook your own meals. 

York St John University offers LaunchPad. LaunchPad is their careers service, based in the Holgate building. LaunchPad allows you to book careers appointments, find placements and part-time jobs, and provides advice on studying abroad, volunteering, and starting up a business. 

Support is also available to alumni, who have lifelong access to LaunchPad. You can access resources, view job postings and book careers events or appointments even after you graduate. 

The LaunchPad careers advisers can offer advice and support no matter what stage you’re at in your career planning. You might want to book an appointment to discuss your options, or you might want tips on CVs and job applications. 

Careers events York St John’s runs include part-time job fairs, graduate and work placement fairs, volunteering fairs, and university workshops. Workshops cover topics like application writing, preparing for psychometric tests and interview skills. 

York St John University has a wide range of scholarships and bursaries available for Home students, which are non-repayable and additional to support from the student loans company. 

York St John’s Scholars and students from low-income households may be eligible for a wide range of different bursaries including the Black, Asian and minority ethnicity scholarship, the estranged student scholarship and the care leaver’s scholarship. 

Other students may also be eligible for awards including the Excellence Scholarship for the 50 students with the highest UCAS points on entry, the Armed Forces Bereavement Scholarship for any student whose parent died serving in the army, and the Alumni Scholarships awarded to eight students in need of financial support. 

As well as these forms of support, students may also be able to access the Student Support Fund for any unexpected difficulties and the Funding Advice team can provide guidance and tips on budgeting at university.