University of Lancaster, UK

Routinely ranked among the best universities in the UK and the top 200 worldwide, University of Lancaster is one of six varsities in the UK which follows the collegiate system

Established by royal charter in 1964, University of Lancaster (LU) has rapidly matured and is routinely ranked among the best universities in the UK and the top 200 worldwide. The 48-year-old varsity is ranked seventh among British universities in the Guardian University Guide 2012, eighth in the Times Higher Education league table 2011 and ninth in the Good University Guide 2012. Internationally, it’s ranked No. 131 in THE World University Rankings 2011 and No. 153 in QS World University Rankings 2011. Moreover a recent Research Assessment Exercise of the British government confirms that 92 percent of research conducted at LU — a member of the N8 group of research universities in the UK — is of “international quality”.

Its high national and global ranking apart, a distinguishing feature of University of Lancaster, UK is that it’s one of only six universities in the UK which follows the collegiate system. Under this system, every student admitted into LU is assigned to a college (regardless of the student’s field of study) which offers academic, housing, social and recreational facilities. Currently 12,000 including 1,500 foreign students from 150 countries, are enroled in LU’s nine colleges sited on a sprawling 360-acre campus in Lancaster, north England. Its four faculties — arts and social sciences, health and medicine, management, science and technology — offer a diverse range of bachelor’s and Masters study programmes.

Comments Prof. Mark E. Smith, vice chancellor: “Lancaster is one of the UK’s top universities, consistently highly ranked in the UK league tables and established as a world player in research and teaching as reflected in our rising global league tables position. The entry standard for undergraduates is now at its highest level ever, and Lancaster graduates are performing well in an increasingly competitive job market. The university places great emphasis on an excellent student experience and students work with academics who are experts in their fields. Since 2003, the university has invested over £400 million (Rs.3,400 crore) to transform the campus for students and boost research and teaching facilities. As we move towards the university’s golden anniversary in 2014, we will celebrate the inspiring work of our academic community and extend the opportunities that higher education brings to students from all backgrounds.”

Lancaster. Located in north west England on the river Lune, between Manchester and the Lake District, Lancaster (pop.50,000) offers rich history, culture and scenic countryside. Once a thriving Georgian port at the centre of trade with the West Indies, Lancaster boasts numerous historical monuments and museums including the Lancaster Castle, City Museum, Judges’ Lodgings and Ashton Memorial. The Lancaster Grand Theatre and Dukes are two of the city’s most notable venues for live performances offering open-air theatre, also offered in the award-winning Williamson Park. For recreation there are commercial cinemas, nightclubs, a variety of restaurants and numerous pubs and shops in and around the city centre. Lancaster was designated a cycling town in 2005 and benefits from a network of linked cycle tracks. For those who enjoy exploring the out-doors, the seaside town of Morecambe and the scenic vistas of the Lake District — immortalised by the 18th century poet William Wordsworth — are a short distance away.

The climate in Lancaster is typical of Britain. Winters are freezing with temperatures falling to below 0oC and the average summer temperature is 20-25o C. Rain is fairly common through the year so waterproofs are mandatory.

Campus facilities. The LU campus occupies a 360-acre parkland site at Bailrigg, a mere three miles from Lancaster city centre. Built between 1965-1970, the campus buildings are located on a hilltop, the landscaped lower slopes including the Carter Lake duck pond and playing fields. A disting-uishing feature of the campus is that each college is a centre of social and recreational facilities. Alexandra Square is the university’s main plaza and hosts the library, University House as well as banks and shops. To the south-east of the square is the tallest building on campus: the 14-storey Bowland Tower.

The University Library in Alexandra Square houses over 900,000 print volumes plus CD-ROMs and other electronic items. The nearby Ruskin Library hosts a unique collection of the works of John Ruskin, the well-known Victorian critic, writer and philanthropist. The Bailrigg campus boasts its own theatre, art gallery and concert series while the Nuffield Theatre hosts public performances of theatre, contemporary dance and live art featuring some of the best-known and respected companies in the UK and abroad. The Peter Scott is a contemporary art gallery, open to the public free of charge.

Sports facilities include the newly inaugurated £20 million (Rs.172 crore) Sports Centre which hosts a 25-metre eight-lane swimming pool, a climbing wall, health and fitness suites, sauna and steam rooms, a sports hall with eight badminton courts, four squash courts and outdoor changing facilities for field games. There is also a state-of-the-art 100-station gym.

Admission. The minimum eligibility requirement for admission into undergraduate programmes is successful completion of Plus Two with an average of 80-85 percent plus. In addition overseas students need to submit proof of proficiency in the English language — IELTS, TOEFL and PTE Academic test scores are acceptable. Admission applications to LU as with all British universities, need to be made through the Universities and Colleges Admission Service (UCAS). Applications should be submitted online at www.ucas.com before January 15 for the term beginning September. The UCAS code for LU is L14. Applications for admission into post-graduate study programmes must be made directly to the university.

For further information contact Lancaster University, Bailrigg, Lancaster, United Kingdom LA1 4YW; Tel: +44 (0)1524 592028; Email: [email protected]; website: www.lancaster.edu.

Accommodation. The university offers on-campus housing to 6,800 students with all first year foreign students guaranteed accommodation. Housing options range from standard rooms with shared kitchens and bathroom facilities, ensuite rooms, townhouses, and self-contained studios. Though most university accommodation is self-catering, limited catered housing is also available. All campus accommodation is linked to the nine colleges.

Degree programmes. LU’s four faculties offer a wide range of undergraduate, postgrad and doctoral programmes (see box).

Summiya Yasmeen