Founded in 1841, York St John University (YSJ) has grown from a small institution with a single student into a thriving modern university, while maintaining its welcoming and supportive community. The university prides itself on creating a friendly, close-knit environment where students are encouraged to develop their individual talents and achieve their academic and professional goals. Alongside excellent student support, York St John is committed to making a positive impact through initiatives that promote social mobility, sustainability, and community engagement.
The university's campus is ideally located just a short walk from York city centre, offering students the best of both campus and city life. York is renowned for its rich history, stunning architecture, beautiful surrounding countryside, and vibrant arts and cultural scene. Students can also enjoy discounts at a wide range of local shops, restaurants, cafes, pubs, and entertainment venues, making it an exciting and affordable place to study and live.
York is consistently recognised as one of the UK's most desirable places to visit and live. In 2026, it was voted the most popular city in the UK in the YouGov rankings, reflecting its unique blend of heritage, culture, and modern city life. Studying at YSJ gives students the opportunity to experience all that this exceptional city has to offer while pursuing their academic ambitions.
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4.4York St John's campus is minutes away from the cobbles and architectural treasures of the old city. The campus itself has a mix of contemporary and Victorian buildings, and scenic gardens where you can take a break from your studies.
The uni's modern course facilities include specialist healthcare equipment in simulated hospital wards and clinics. In the new Creative Centre, you'll find innovative creative spaces for music, theatre and computer science students, with a theatre, recital room, editing suites, and more. If you commute to the uni, the Student Kitchen has microwaves and hot water available, with access 24 hours a day.
York St John is very eco-conscious and takes action to improve its sustainability. All its energy is from low-carbon sources, and you'll see solar panels on buildings and accommodation. Students can get involved too, through the uni's Green Ambassador programme.
For much of its early history, the city of York was England's second city, behind only London in importance. Wander its streets and you'll find museums, galleries and places of interest at every turn. Head to The Shambles for quaint old shops on what may be the narrowest street you've ever seen, or visit the Minster for beautiful architecture.
It's a great city for finding quirky pubs and cosy bars, and a range of popular nightclubs host student nights. If you want to clear your mind, there's no better place to go than the nearby North York Moors or Yorkshire Dales national parks.
York has a major railway station well within walking distance of the city centre, with direct trains to many major UK cities. It's also easy to get to by car as it's just off the A1(M) and M1. The closest airport is Leeds Bradford.
The best way to find out more about a uni is to visit it. Book your place on an open day to experience campus life or check out Whatuni's city guide to York.
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4.1Career support at York St John University is for life. This includes personal one-to-one advice from careers advisers, either online or in person. The team can also help you in finding volunteer or work experience and internships. You can build career skills by attending workshops to help perfect your CV, and opportunities to practise having an interview.
Many of the university's degrees are vocational in nature and prepare you for careers in policing, nursing, teaching, and more. But no matter which course you study, employability will be part of it. You'll get support to connect your learning with how to apply it in real-world settings.
Depending on your course, you could work on live briefs set by employer partners or network with professionals in the creative industries. Many courses offer placements or internships to give you experience, allowing you to gain confidence and connect with potential employers.
York St John likes to link your learning to the wider community – and you'll benefit in the process. For example, acting students create theatre productions with staff and prisoners at the nearby women's prison. Or enterprising students can learn how to turn their business ideas into reality, with mentoring and access to funding.
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4.1York St John University accommodation offers a mix of room types, from en-suite, studios and shared bathroom. Some accommodation is owned and run by York St John, while other sites are with partner providers. All residences are self-catered, so you'll have access to kitchen spaces to cook your own meals.
Accommodation is guaranteed for all first-year undergraduates, as long as you meet the application deadline. You can find out more about the accommodation guarantee on York St John's website. All accommodation is in the centre of York, within one mile of campus. This means you can easily get to lectures, do your shopping, and enjoy going out at night without having to travel far.
All accommodation is in the centre of York, within one mile of campus. This means you can easily get to lectures, do your shopping, and enjoy going out at night without having to travel far.
Accommodation costs are between £129–£222 per week. This includes your bills, other than for TV or laundry. WiFi is also included.
Residential support assistants are based at some of York St John's own accommodation sites to provide extra support. All university-run accommodation has support from a 24-hour security team on the campus.
York St John University has several scholarships and bursaries available for UK-resident students (aka Home students). These will give you extra cash to support your living costs and you won't need to pay anything back.
York St John prioritises its funding for students who may struggle to afford university life. For example, YSJ Scholars scholarships are for a range of students. These include care leavers, estranged students, and those with an eligible contextual offer. Black, Asian and minority ethnicity students are also eligible but must have a household income below £42,000.
Most scholarships or bursary support won't require any application. The university will decide whether you are eligible based on the information from your student loan application.
Other scholarships do need you to apply. To find out about these funding opportunities, visit York St John's website.
As well as these forms of support, students may also be able to access the Student Support Fund for any unexpected difficulties, and the uni's funding advisers can give you tips on budgeting at university.
For any scholarships that require an application, the key is applying early. Research your options and make sure you check the deadlines if you hope to study at York St John University.
York St John University's campus is just minutes from York's historic city centre, combining modern facilities with beautiful Victorian architecture and landscaped gardens. The campus provides an inspiring environment for study, with plenty of outdoor spaces to relax between lectures.
Students benefit from a range of specialist learning facilities designed to support practical and professional development. These include simulated hospital wards and clinical skills suites equipped with modern healthcare technology, alongside dedicated creative spaces featuring theatres, recital rooms, editing suites, and collaborative learning areas. For commuting students, the Student Kitchen offers 24-hour access to microwaves and hot water, providing a convenient space to eat and unwind throughout the day.
York St John University offers a wide variety of undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional courses across a range of subject areas.
Most of the uni's undergraduate degrees take three years to complete, but some have the option of a year on placement or studying abroad. If you do this, it'll take you four years to finish your course, but you'll have boosted your CV along the way.
If you don't meet the entry requirements to get straight onto a degree, York St John also offers foundation years. These allow you to gain study skills and grow in confidence as you start to explore your subject area.
One-year top-up degrees may also be available, allowing you to gain a full bachelor's degree if you've already completed a foundation degree.
Courses tend to be applied in nature, equipping you with the skills and experience you'll need for your career after you graduate.
The university's commitment to sustainability extends to your learning. Social and environmental responsibility features in many of the uni's degrees.
York St John has semesters rather than terms.
Fees for UK-resident undergraduates (Home students) are currently £9,535. Fees for international students may depend on the subject area.
Explore York St John's course listings on Whatuni to find out more.
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