University of York

Overview

The University of York is a Russell Group uni that regularly ranks well on annual university league tables. Amazingly, plans for the construction of the university first appeared in the early 17th century, despite the fact it was never opened until 1963. Although it’s a fairly new establishment, it has achieved a lot in its short history.

Situated in the north of England, near Leeds, York is a historic English city and one of the most visited destinations in the UK. Impressive architecture runs throughout, including York Minster, a 7th-century cathedral, and the city walls. It’s also famous for its museums, such as the impressive JORVIK Viking Centre.

Although it’s not a big city, there is certainly a nightlife scene, with plenty of pubs, restaurants and bars to choose from in the city centre. However, if you want to get out of the city for a bit, you’re also close to beautiful countryside, thanks to two National Parks, the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors.

It’s a well-connected city, with frequent and quick direct trains to both London and Edinburgh, among other places.

The uni itself is strongly ingrained in the city with the campus located within walking distance of its centre. The campus houses eleven colleges and most of the uni’s departments. All students are part of the college system at York.

Typically, undergraduate degrees at York take three or four years to study, but several courses include placement years, study abroad options or an integrated master’s year. These courses usually take four or five years to complete.

Most degrees include optional modules, as well as core modules, meaning you can study the degree topics you’re most interested in. These optional modules can lead to a more flexible and broad structure, especially as in some cases they can come from a different subject to your main degree subject.

It's also possible to combine two or three subjects within an undergraduate degree in what’s called a combined honours degree. For example, it’s fairly common to study a humanities course, like history, alongside a language, such as French or Spanish.

All courses at York aim to provide unique learning outcomes to help develop your skills and knowledge. All departments provide support through tutors, supervisors and peer groups to help with your academic progress.

Courses are taught through various methods, like lectures, seminars, lab sessions and tutorials. Many modules offer additional learning opportunities outside the classroom, e.g., through online resources.

York accepts a range of qualifications, such as A-levels, BTECs, T-levels, Cambridge Pre-Us and the Welsh Baccalaureate. All aspects of your application will be looked at, including your academic qualifications, personal statement, references and relevant experiences.

A-levels are the most common qualification used to apply and in general you’ll need three subjects ranging from A*AA–BBB. However, as all aspects of your application are taken into account, it’s sometimes possible to fall outside these grades and still be offered a place.

That being said, all courses will have specific grade requirements that usually need to be met. These can be found online in York’s specific course details pages but we’ve also given you an idea of the entry requirements for some subject areas here.

For example, to study a course in accounting, business and finance, you’ll need A-level grades ranging from AAA–AAB (or equivalent qualification). If you want to study a degree in the humanities, you’ll likely need AAB–ABB (or equivalent qualification). If, however, you want to attend York to study a science or maths degree, you’re likely looking at A-level requirements of A*AA–AAB (or equivalent qualification).

At York, you’ll be able to choose from a range of accommodation options around campus, as undergraduate accommodation is centred around the colleges. You can choose from several room types to match your requirements and budget.

All college rooms are located on Campus West and Campus East and are therefore close to the uni library, shops and sports facilities. The campuses are a 15-minute walk apart from each other and are serviced by a free bus.

You’ll have the chance to choose between catered and self-catered accommodation options, depending on whether you want your meals provided for you or not. Self-catered residences give you access to a shared kitchen so you can prepare your own meals. There are also both en suite and shared bathroom options available.

Students can rent uni accommodation for 40 weeks of the year, to cover term time only, or for 44 weeks, which includes four weeks renting in the summer break. Some residences offer 50 week lets to accommodate any students who don't wish to return home over summer.

In terms of prices, single self-catered rooms range from £99 to £194 per week, while catered options cost between £143 and £224 per week. It should be noted that these prices applied to the 2023/24 academic year and may be subject to change.

If uni accommodation isn’t for you, you can also find several private-sector options within close walking distance of campus.

The University of York’s Academic Skills Community is available to help you study effectively and increase your employability. The community provides online resources, workshops and one-to-one support in a number of areas.

Some of the services you have access to through the community include the opportunity to develop your communication skills, digital skills and self-assessment skills. This is done through workshops, training sessions, assessments and writing centres. You’ll also have the chance to learn a new language and go to wellbeing workshops.

The uni also runs an employability programme called York Futures which offers several activities to help you find out about possible career options and paths. Tailored support and advice is given to help you craft a career journey. Opportunities include placements, internships and studying abroad, as well as careers fairs.

Other careers resources you can use when at York include strength assessments, which help you discover and understand your strengths, campus events that showcase employers, and volunteering programmes. You’ll also find help and support in growing your professional network and finding and making contact with potential employers.

The University of York offers scholarships and bursaries, which don’t need to be repaid, to help eligible students with tuition fees and living costs.

Scholarships are usually awarded based on outstanding academic or extra-curricular achievements. Bursaries, however, are given out based on personal circumstances. For example, family annual income will be taken into account. This is usually assessed automatically and the uni will be in touch if you qualify.

Full details of the scholarships and bursaries available at York can be found online on the uni’s funding pages. Eligibility criteria can be found there as well. One bursary currently on offer is the Foundation Year Bursary, which provides funding for eligible students who are studying a course with a foundation year. With this bursary, you can claim a fee reduction of up to £5,600 if your household income is £25,000 or less. If your household income is over this figure, the fee reduction is worth up to £3,000.

An example of one of York’s scholarships is the York Opportunity Scholarship which is worth £3,300 over three years for eligible students who are identified as talented and have faced significant barriers to their education.