Few universities have a campus inside a national park. Cumbria's Ambleside site sits in the Lake District and teaches outdoor studies and conservation, while Carlisle and Lancaster handle nursing, teaching and business. Many international students study at the London campus, which focuses on business and health. The university was formed in 2007 from colleges across the north-west.
Carlisle, Cumbria, United Kingdom
Official website: cumbria.ac.uk
Public university in north-west England
2007
Carlisle, Lancaster, Ambleside and London
£14,000 – £16,500
International students, varies by campus and course
£10,000 – £13,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on cumbria.ac.uk before you apply.
BSc (Hons) Nursing (Adult)
Bachelors DegreeDuration
36 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 7.0, TOEFL: 100
BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS
Bachelors DegreeDuration
36 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 7.0, TOEFL: 100
BA (Hons) Business and Management
Bachelors DegreeDuration
36 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 80
MBA
Masters DegreeDuration
12 Months
Intake
Sep, Jan
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 88
Outdoor studies taught from a campus in the Lake District.
Nursing and teacher training with deep roots in the region.
A London campus aimed at business and health students.
Nursing graduates join NHS trusts across Cumbria and Lancashire.
Teaching graduates work in primary schools across England.
Business graduates from the London campus find work in the capital.
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
Rolling
Undergrad
Selected courses
Postgrad
Selected courses
Carlisle is a small border city with a castle, a cathedral and direct trains to Glasgow and London. The Fusehill Street campus is a short walk from the centre.
Ambleside is a village at the head of Windermere, surrounded by fells. Living costs are low in Carlisle and noticeably higher in the Lakes and London.
CAS from University of Cumbria
Proof of funds for fees and living costs
English test at B2 level or above
TB test certificate, if required
Immigration Health Surcharge payment
Valid passport with blank pages
Cumbria takes applications year-round. For September, apply by early summer; for January starts, apply by October. Leave time for the CAS and visa.
Most courses start in September. Business courses, especially at the London campus, also run January starts.
You'll apply for a Student visa. University of Cumbria gives you a CAS number once your offer is unconditional and the deposit is paid. You can then apply online up to six months before the course starts, with bank evidence and the Immigration Health Surcharge.
Nursing, primary education, business and the MBA are popular. Undergraduates need grades equivalent to UK A levels, and master's applicants need a bachelor's degree. IELTS 6.0 is typical, with 7.0 for nursing and teaching.
Cumbria offers some international scholarships as tuition discounts. Check the international fees page for current awards.
