University of Cumbria
Carlisle, United Kingdom • Founded 2007 • World Rank #2531
Overview
Established in 2007, the University of Cumbria is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the small city of Carlisle (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), North West England.
This institution also has branch campuses in London, Lancaster, Ambleside and Workington. Officially recognized/chartered by the Privy Council, University of Cumbria is a small-sized coeducational UK higher education institution.
University of Cumbria offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor's degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation), bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 16-year-old UK higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic records and grades.
International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
University of Cumbria also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, financial aids and/or scholarships, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
University of Cumbria's on-the-ground location and digital channels to engage with the institution. Library access for prospective students is often arranged separately through the main library team.
Academic Details
University of Cumbria at the institutional level: enrolment, staffing, and accreditation summary. Accreditation has expiry and renewal cycles worth checking on the awarding body site for currency.
Academic Structures
University of Cumbria's teaching organisation from faculties down to institutes. Faculty websites typically list their own programme catalogue, faculty bios, and contact information separately from the central site.
Unit 5 items
- Faculty of Business, Social Science and Sport
- Faculty of Education
- Faculty of Health, Medical Sciences and Social Care
- Faculty of Science and Natural Resources
- Faculty of the Arts
Degrees
University of Cumbria's qualification tiers and the degrees within each. Foundation years for international students often run separately and feed into year-one of a bachelor's programme.
Doctoral 3 programs
Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.
- Education
- Educational Research
- Health Sciences
Faculties & Divisions
All faculties operate under Privy Council.
Education, Arts and Business (Faculty) 29 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Accountancy
- American Studies
- Business Administration
- Business Computing
- Ceramic Art
- Criminology
- Education
- English
- Film
- Finance
- Fine Arts
- Forestry
- Geography
- Graphic Design
- History
- Jewellery Art
- Journalism
- Law
- Literature
- Media Studies
- Multimedia
- Music
- Performing Arts
- Photography
- Police Studies
- Psychology
- Religious Studies
- Theatre
- Writing
Common Career Paths
- Business Analyst
- Operations Manager
- Strategy Consultant
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Health and Science (Faculty) 13 subjects offered
Specialisations & Subjects
- Animal Husbandry
- Biology
- Child Care and Development
- Engineering
- Forestry
- Marine Science and Oceanography
- Midwifery
- Nursing
- Psychiatry and Mental Health
- Rehabilitation and Therapy
- Social Work
- Sports
- Zoology
Common Career Paths
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Analyst
Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.
Programs Offered
Search the University of Cumbria programme catalogue or scan it by degree level. The catalogue updates periodically; recently added programmes may not yet appear in some search-engine results.
Master's Degree
17 programmes
University of Cumbria lists 17 programmes awarding a master's — the tier where graduates build the specialist credentials many senior and technical roles now expect.
Master of Research (MRes)
MSc Project Leadership
MSc International Management Business & Management
MA Education Education & Teaching
MA Education Leadership Education & Teaching
MA Outdoor Experiential and Sustainability Education Education & Teaching
MA Counselling and Psychotherapy Health Sciences
MA Social Work Social Work
MSc Forest Science Forestry & Natural Resources
MSc Conservation Management Business & Management
MSc Marine and Coastal Ecology Environmental Sciences
MPH - Master of Public Health Public Health
MSc Adult Nursing Pre-Registration Nursing
MSc Mental Health Nursing Pre-Registration Nursing
MSc Physiotherapy (Pre-registration) Physiotherapy
MSc Occupational Therapy (Pre-registration) Rehabilitation Sciences
MSc Medical Imaging (Ultrasound) Full-Time Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master of Business Administration
3 programmes
University of Cumbria lists 3 programmes awarding a master's — the tier where graduates build the specialist credentials many senior and technical roles now expect.
MBA (Masters of Business Administration) - Lancaster Business & Management
MBA (Masters of Business Administration) - London Business & Management
Executive MBA Business & Management
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Doctorate
1 programme
University of Cumbria delivers 1 programme at doctoral level for graduates committed to advancing the frontier of their discipline through original inquiry.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Philosophy & Ethics
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Professional Doctorate
1 programme
University of Cumbria delivers 1 programme at doctoral level for graduates committed to advancing the frontier of their discipline through original inquiry.
Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) Business Administration
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications
83 programmes
These 83 programmes cover University of Cumbria's associate, certificate, diploma, and foundation options — qualifications valued for fast, targeted, or pathway-oriented study.
PGCE with QTS Secondary Education Computer Science and ICT Education & Teaching
PGCE with QTS Secondary Education Modern Foreign Languages Education & Teaching
Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy Health Sciences
PGCE Postgraduate Certificate in Education (Non-QTS Online) Education & Teaching
PGCE with QTS General Primary Education (5-11 years) Education & Teaching
PGCE with QTS Early Years Primary Education (3-7 years) Education & Teaching
PGCE with QTS Secondary Education English English Language Studies
PGCE with QTS Secondary Education Mathematics Education & Teaching
PGCE with QTS Secondary Education Physics Education & Teaching
PGCE with QTS Secondary Education Chemistry Education & Teaching
PGCE with QTS Secondary Education Geography Education & Teaching
PGCE with QTS Secondary Education Physical Education Education & Teaching
Animation and Visual Effects Computer Science & IT 3 years On-campus
Biomedical Science Medicine & Health 3 years On-campus
Biomedical Science (with integrated foundation year) Medicine & Health 4 years On-campus
Business Management Business & Management 3 years On-campus
Computer Science Computer Science & IT 3 years On-campus
Computer Science (with sandwich placement) Computer Science & IT 4 years On-campus
Criminology and Forensic Investigation Natural Sciences & Mathematics 3 years On-campus
Criminology and Forensic Investigation (with integrated foundation year) Natural Sciences & Mathematics 4 years On-campus
Diagnostic Radiography Medicine & Health 3 years On-campus
Ecology and Wildlife Conservation Natural Sciences & Mathematics 3 years On-campus
Ecology and Wildlife Conservation (with placement year) Natural Sciences & Mathematics 4 years On-campus
Ecology and Wildlife Conservation (with integrated foundation year) Natural Sciences & Mathematics 4 years On-campus
Ecology and Wildlife Conservation (with integrated foundation year and placement year ) Natural Sciences & Mathematics 5 years On-campus
Fine Art Arts, Design & Architecture 3 years On-campus
Fine Art (with integrated foundation year) Arts, Design & Architecture 4 years On-campus
Film and Television Arts, Design & Architecture 3 years On-campus
Film and Television (with integrated foundation year) Arts, Design & Architecture 4 years On-campus
Forest Management Agriculture & Environmental Sciences 3 years On-campus
Forest Management (with placement) Agriculture & Environmental Sciences 4 years On-campus
Forest Management (with integrated foundation year) Agriculture & Environmental Sciences 4 years On-campus
Games Design Arts, Design & Architecture 3 years On-campus
Games Design (with integrated foundation year) Arts, Design & Architecture 4 years On-campus
Geography Agriculture & Environmental Sciences 3 years On-campus
Geography (with integrated foundation year) Agriculture & Environmental Sciences 4 years On-campus
Graphic Design Arts, Design & Architecture 3 years On-campus
Graphic Design (with integrated foundation year) Arts, Design & Architecture 4 years On-campus
Health and Social Care Social Sciences & Education 3 years On-campus
Health and Social Care (with integrated foundation year) Social Sciences & Education 4 years On-campus
Illustration Arts, Design & Architecture 3 years On-campus
Illustration (with integrated foundation year) Arts, Design & Architecture 4 years On-campus
International Business Management Business & Management 3 years On-campus
Midwifery Medicine & Health 3 years On-campus
Mechanical Engineering Engineering & Technology 3 years On-campus
Mechanical Engineering with Year in Industry Engineering & Technology 4 years On-campus
Mechanical Engineering (with integrated foundation year) Engineering & Technology 4 years On-campus
Mechanical Engineering with Year in Industry (with integrated foundation year) Engineering & Technology 5 years On-campus
Adult Nursing Medicine & Health 3 years On-campus
Children's Nursing Medicine & Health 3 years On-campus
Mental Health Nursing Medicine & Health 3 years On-campus
Occupational Therapy Medicine & Health 3 years On-campus
Outdoor Adventure and Environmental Studies Natural Sciences & Mathematics 3 years On-campus
Outdoor Adventure and Environmental Studies (with integrated foundation year) Natural Sciences & Mathematics 4 years On-campus
Outdoor Leadership Natural Sciences & Mathematics 3 years On-campus
Outdoor Leadership (with integrated foundation year) Natural Sciences & Mathematics 4 years On-campus
Sport Conditioning and Performance Analysis Natural Sciences & Mathematics 3 years On-campus
Sport Conditioning and Performance Analysis (with integrated foundation year) Natural Sciences & Mathematics 4 years On-campus
Photography Arts, Design & Architecture 3 years On-campus
Photography (with integrated foundation year) Arts, Design & Architecture 4 years On-campus
Physiotherapy Medicine & Health 3 years On-campus
Paramedic Science Medicine & Health 3 years On-campus
Psychology Social Sciences & Education 3 years On-campus
Psychology (with integrated foundation year) Social Sciences & Education 4 years On-campus
Psychology with Counselling and Psychotherapy Medicine & Health 3 years On-campus
Psychology with Counselling and Psychotherapy (with integrated foundation year) Medicine & Health 4 years On-campus
Social Work Social Sciences & Education 3 years On-campus
Sport Coaching and Physical Education Natural Sciences & Mathematics 3 years On-campus
Sport Coaching and Physical Education (with integrated foundation year) Natural Sciences & Mathematics 4 years On-campus
Sport Rehabilitation Natural Sciences & Mathematics 3 years On-campus
Sport Rehabilitation (with integrated foundation year) Natural Sciences & Mathematics 4 years On-campus
Wildlife Media Arts, Design & Architecture 3 years On-campus
Wildlife Media (with integrated foundation year) Arts, Design & Architecture 4 years On-campus
Woodland Ecology and Conservation Natural Sciences & Mathematics 3 years On-campus
Woodland Ecology and Conservation (with placement) Natural Sciences & Mathematics 4 years On-campus
Woodland Ecology and Conservation (with integrated foundation year) Natural Sciences & Mathematics 4 years On-campus
Zoology Natural Sciences & Mathematics 3 years On-campus
Zoology (with placement) Natural Sciences & Mathematics 4 years On-campus
Zoology (with integrated foundation year) Natural Sciences & Mathematics 4 years On-campus
Nursing Associate Medicine & Health 2 years On-campus
Law Law 3 years On-campus
Law (with integrated foundation year) Law 4 years On-campus
Primary and Early Years Education (3-11) with QTS Social Sciences & Education 3 years On-campus
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to University of Cumbria
What applying to University of Cumbria typically involves — research, eligibility check, document prep, submission, and follow-up.
- 1 Browse the programme catalogue
Use the programme finder to browse University of Cumbria's 105 active programmes. Filter by keyword or scan by degree level. Read curriculum details on each programme's dedicated page if available.
- 2 Check eligibility for your chosen programme
Programme-level requirements at University of Cumbria typically include academic transcripts, language proficiency proof, identity documents, and a personal statement or interview. Confirm specific requirements with the admissions office.
- 3 Get your documents ready
Prepare academic transcripts, ID/passport copies, language proficiency proof, a personal statement, and reference letters. International candidates may need apostilled or notarised translations — start early to avoid deadline pressure.
- 4 Apply through the official channel
University of Cumbria processes applications through www.cumbria.ac.uk. Create an account, fill out the application form, and submit your documents. Note application deadlines, which vary by intake and programme.
- 5 Reach out and track your application
Confirm receipt of your application with the admissions office and keep an eye on your portal for status changes. Reach the institution by phone at +44 (1228) 616 234. Quick responses to any follow-up requests keep your application moving smoothly through the review process.
Frequently Asked Questions about University of Cumbria
A short Q&A covering University of Cumbria's essentials — founding, location, scale, ranking, and academic structure.
How old is University of Cumbria?
The institution opened in 2007 (approximately 19 years ago).
In which city is University of Cumbria?
University of Cumbria is based in Carlisle, United Kingdom.
What is University of Cumbria's control type?
University of Cumbria operates as a public institution.
How many students study at University of Cumbria?
University of Cumbria has approximately 5,000-5,999 students.
Where does University of Cumbria stand in university rankings?
University of Cumbria holds rank #2531 globally and #116 in United Kingdom.
What qualification levels does University of Cumbria offer?
University of Cumbria delivers bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes across its academic units.
How many faculties does University of Cumbria have?
University of Cumbria has 5 academic units.
Who recognises University of Cumbria?
University of Cumbria is accredited by Privy Council.
Where can I learn more about University of Cumbria?
The institution's website is www.cumbria.ac.uk.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United Kingdom
These are the most highly ranked universities in the United Kingdom. Putting University of Cumbria alongside them gives a clearer picture of where it sits in the national academic landscape, especially when reputation matters for credential portability.
Members of Universities UK
Membership criteria for Universities UK signal what the network values — research output, teaching quality, internationalisation, or institutional governance. Knowing the criteria helps interpret what membership means.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
Regional industry partnerships shape career outcomes across the cluster near University of Cumbria. Comparable employer networks often persist whether you choose University of Cumbria or a neighbour.
Where Else to Study Natural Sciences & Mathematics
Industry partnership exclusives on Natural Sciences & Mathematics programmes vary — some the United Kingdom institutions hold sponsored chairs, others run rotating industry guest-teaching arrangements.
Universities Often Compared with University of Cumbria
Application tier strategy benefits from including peer institutions to University of Cumbria: safety, target, and reach picks within a comparable academic band keep your outcomes diversified.