University of Cumbria

The University of Cumbria is a prominent higher education institution based in the north west of England, offering postgraduate study options across a wide range of subject areas including the arts, business, education, health and science. 

The university’s history formally began in 2007 through the merging of Cumbria Institute of the Arts, St. Martin’s College and the Cumbrian sites of the University of Central Lancashire, but the heritage of each of its component parts go back decades further. 

The university has seven campus sites in total, allowing students to complete their studies across the north west or in London. Students in the north west will learn and grow in inspiring surroundings, with the Lake District National Park and two World Heritage Sites acting as the backdrop to postgraduate programmes – along with a variety of modern, cutting-edge facilities and spaces.  

Students at the London campus are just minutes away from Canary Wharf, the capital’s famous business district. With almost unlimited opportunities close by, it’s an ideal location for enterprising learners. 

With the opportunity to live across Lancaster, Carlisle, Barrow-in-Furness or Ambleside, nestled deep in the world famous Lake District, students will be able to experience everything the region has to offer. From a rich industrial history to pioneering artistic and cultural communities, as well as stunning mountains, valleys and lakes to explore, Cumbria draws visitors from all around the world. 

The University of Cumbria offers postgraduate students a comprehensive range of study options to choose from, ranging from research degrees to taught master’s qualifications and a range of professionally oriented shorter courses. There are over 100 different study options for postgraduate students to select from, 

Cumbria is an empowering setting for postgraduate research students, with a dedicated graduate school that allows students to join an active community of academics, researchers and scholars. Close supervision from experienced PhD supervisors, as well as a range of bespoke events for doctoral students, makes it a great place to launch a successful research career. 

Postgraduate programmes at Cumbria are designed with real-world progress in mind, so students will benefit from professional placement opportunities and flexible study patterns including part-time and online learning. 

Students can browse the full range of PG Certificates, PG Diplomas, master’s degrees, PGCEs and PhD programmes on the university’s website. 

The University of Cumbria provides offers of study for postgraduate students if they satisfy the entry requirements of their chosen course. Entry requirements vary between courses and may change over time. Students are encouraged to check the university website to make sure they have the most current information before applying. 

Students applying to the MA in Outdoor and Experiential Learning will need to have an undergraduate honours degree with a 2:2 grade or higher. Work experience, either through a student’s degree programme or in a professional setting, is also required. Applicants from backgrounds including social work, youth work, outdoor-related areas, education or philosophy are welcomed. 

Applicants for the PgC in Medical Imaging (Ultrasound) should have a 2:2 undergraduate honours degree or above in a healthcare or science discipline. Completion of a pre-course assessment is also required. A minimum of 12 months of full-time, post-registration experience in a clinical setting is also required. 

Applicants for the MBA Business Administration should have at least a 2:2 at undergraduate honours level, and will ideally have two or more years of work experience. 

Postgraduate students at the University of Cumbria benefit from strong graduate employability rates, reflective of the university’s continued efforts to build the skills, knowledge and connections of its students. National level surveys such as DLHE indicate that the majority of graduates from Cumbria find further study or employment opportunities within six months of leaving the university. 

Part of Cumbria’s success is driven by its Careers and Employability Service, which offers students a range of useful resources and tailored services to enhance career prospects. Students can access: 

• Drop in and arranged appointments with experienced careers advisers, exploring professional objectives, career direction and next steps 
• A busy calendar of employability events, including jobs fairs and presentations 
• Workshops around key employability and transferable skills 
• Help finding work experience opportunities including internships and placements 
• Assistance in searching and applying for graduate roles 
• Various online tools and resources, available 24-7 

In combination with progressive, innovative course content that reflects the new developments in their respective fields, students at Cumbria are able to prime themselves for career success after graduation and stand out to potential employers. 

Accommodation

The University of Cumbria maintains a broad suite of accommodation options, many of which are open to application from postgraduate students. It has some of the most affordable living options out of any university in the north west, ensuring that students of all backgrounds can enjoy a great lifestyle at Cumbria and get the most out of their student budget. 

Students can secure university-managed accommodation on a 40- or 42-week contract, and will be confident knowing that their living arrangements are all supported by The Student Accommodation Code. This guarantees the minimum quality of living options at Cumbria, ensuring they’re all comfortable, safe and convenient. 

The university also has a dedicated accommodation team, who can provide advice and support at every step of students’ journey in finding a place to live, whether it’s university-managed halls or private accommodation. 

Lancaster, Carlisle, Ambleside – these towns and cities are home to a wide range of private student lets and each provide postgraduates with a comfortable, welcoming community to live in. Carlisle and Lancaster are cities steeped in British history, with castles, medieval streets, cathedrals and ancient ruins to explore. In the present day, a variety of shops, bars, cafes, restaurants and entertainment options make them perfect places to relax during downtime. 

Postgraduate students at the University of Cumbria can make use of various scholarships, bursaries, discounts and other awards to help fund their studies. These funding options may be supported by the university or offered through external organisations, and each have their own eligibility criteria. 

Available awards include: 

• The University of Cumbria Postgraduate Discount, which provides a 20% discount to tuition fees for students who have completed an undergraduate degree at the university in the past five years. 
• The PGCE Scholarship, which offers students a cash payment of £1,000 as well as up to £1,000 in accommodation discounts. Students will need to be enrolled on a PGCE programme and be an alumnus of a university in the region. 
• The University of Cumbria Student Support Fund provides financial assistance to students experiencing serious financial difficulties. Further details can be found on the university website. 
• A range of external funding options are available, from bursaries to scholarships and research funding. Values and eligibility criteria vary. 

Students can explore the full range of scholarships and bursaries through the university’s website.