You may find the answer to a specific question you have about the International Study Centre on this page:
- Your University degree
- The foundation course
- Location in the UK
- The University and its campus
- Accommodation
- Entry requirements
- English Language requirement
- Fees
- Dates
- Applying
- Pre-arrival (insurance, visas, travel etc)
- Contacting us
Your University degree
Q: What degrees can I study at the University?
A: Lancaster University degree subjects available to students successfully completing the Foundation Year can be seen in the progression table.
Q: How can I find out about the degree courses?
A: Information on all of Lancaster’s undergraduate degree courses can be found in the online course search.
Q: How long are University degrees in England?
A: England operates a 3 year degree system. On completion of the foundation year, students move into the first year of an undergraduate degree. Therefore, international students will complete their university study in 4 years.
Q: Am I guaranteed progression to a degree at that University?
A: Yes, if you obtain the required grades at the end of your foundation year, you are guaranteed a place on a Lancaster University degree.
Q: What grades do I need to gain a degree place?
A: You can find the grades required for each degree in the progression table.
Q: When do I have to choose the degree I want to study?
A: You apply to take a particular subject route through the foundation course, in line with your intended area of undergraduate study, and then select your actual degree course during your foundation year.
Q: Do I need to take an IELTS exam before progressing on to a degree?
A: No, but you must gain the English grade required for your chosen degree at the end of the Foundation course.
Q: Can I go on to study at a different university?
A: If you take your Foundation Year at Lancaster University International Study Centre you are expected to go on to study your degree at Lancaster University. In effect, you are enrolling for four years of study on the University campus.
The foundation course
Q: Who is the course approved by?
A: Lancaster University.
Q: Who is the course designed for?
A: The International Foundation Year is for non-EU students who have completed High School with good grades, but whose academic qualifications do not yet meet the University's general entrance or degree requirements. The foundation year is for you if you want a programme that takes you to the right academic level as well as improving your English.
Note that the International Foundation Year is NOT for British students who completed GCSEs in the UK.
If you come from an education system outside the EU, the International Foundation Year is designed to bridge the gap between your high-school studies and Lancaster's undergraduate degrees.
Q: Who is the course taught by?
A: The International Foundation Year is run and taught by Study Group, a world leader in education and training for international students. Every year, Study Group provides courses for 50,000 students from 120 countries. The International Study Centre is a dynamic partnership between the University and Study Group.
Q: Where is the course taught?
A: The course is taught on Lancaster University campus - you will study alongside British and other International students.
Q: What subjects can I study?
A: You can choose from four Foundation Year subject routes:
Q: What will I study on the foundation course?
A: The course is modular. You will study ten modules in total: five core subjects (English Skills 1 & 2, Study Skills, Project Study and Maths) and five specific subject modules which vary depending on your foundation route. You will study three of these modules in term 1, three in term 2 and four in the final term.
Q: How will I be assessed during the foundation year?
A: By a mixture of examinations, assessed coursework, presentations and extended essays.
Q: How many hours a week will I study?
A: Study is for 36 hours per week, including 16 hours of class contact time (lecture and seminar style) and a minimum of 20 hours per week made up of small group seminar work and directed self-study.
Q: How long does the Foundation course last?
A: 3 terms. The length of a term varies between 9 and 11 weeks.
Q: How long do I study each module?
A: Each module lasts one term and is studied for five hours per week.
Location in the UK
Q: How far is campus from the nearest city?
A: The campus is 3.5 miles (5.5 km) south of the city of Lancaster. It takes 20 minutes on the regular bus service. See a map of the local area (
, 82KB).
Q: How far is Lancaster from London?
A: 3 hours by train.
Q: What is the nearest city like?
A: Lancaster is a vibrant University city. Cinemas, cafés, restaurants, bars and clubs can be found in abundance. There are many small, independent boutiques and well known high street shops. The Visit Lancaster website gives further information. Lancaster is easily accessible by road and rail.
Q: What is the cost of living?
A: The cost of living in Lancaster is much lower than London, See sample monthly living costs.
Q: What area of England will I be studying in?
A: Lancaster is in the Northwest of England. Some of the most beautiful countryside England has to offer can be found just outside the city. The famous mountains of the Lake District provide breath-taking views, tranquil walks and opportunities for paragliding, mountain biking, hiking, sailing or sedate picnics. The coast is also nearby with Morecambe Bay and the famous seaside resort of Blackpool. View a map of the region.
Q: What is Lancaster's climate like?
A: The UK has four distinct seasons. In the North West of England, autumn average temperatures are around 10 degrees C (50 F). In the winter this is likely to fall to around 4 degrees C and then rise again through the spring. In summer, the average temperature is 20 degrees C, but is frequently higher (70 to 80 F). One thing is for certain – weather in the UK is changeable! Rain is fairly common at all times of the year in this part of the UK. See the current weather in Lancaster: 5-day forecast.
Q: What are the nearest international airports?
A: Manchester International Airport (MAN) is 90 minutes by train. There are also coach services from Manchester airport to the centre of Lancaster.
Q: What is the postal address of the International Study Centre?
A: The campus address of the ISC is only for use by students who are planning their travel to the University for the start of their course:
Lancaster International Study Centre
Room B8, Bailrigg House
Lancaster University
Bailrigg
LANCASTER
LA1 4YE
UK
The University and its campus
Q: How well regarded is the University?
A: Lancaster University is a world class institution. It is rated in the top ten UK universities for research and has an excellent track record for the quality of its teaching. Lancaster is ranked 19th in the UK by The Times Good University Guide 2009 and 12th by the Guardian League Table 2009. The Business School is rated in the top 4 in the UK for both teaching and research and is one of the very best in the world.
Q: Which subjects are rated particularly highly at the University?
A: The Times Good University Guide 2009 ranked these Lancaster undergraduate subjects in the following positions in the UK:
- 9th Mathematics
- 10th Business & Management Studies
- 10th Physics
- 11th General Engineering
- 11th Psychology
- 12th Sociology
- 14th Economics
- 18th Electronic and Electrical Engineering
- 23rd Computer Science
The Guardian League Table 2009 ranked these Lancaster undergraduate subjects in the following positions in the UK:
- 3rd Mathematics
- 5th Business & Management Studies
- 8th Computer Science
- 9th Physics and Astronomy
- 9th Economics
- 11th Electronic and Electrical Engineering
- 14th Sociology
- 25th Law
Lancaster's MBA is ranked 28th in the world and 5th in the UK by the Financial Times global MBA rankings 2007
Q: How many students does the University have?
A: Lancaster is a medium-sized university with a total of 11,500 students.
Q: How many international students and faculty does the University have?
A: There are 2,300 international students at Lancaster, representing over 100 nationalities. 25% of undergraduate students and 56% of postgraduate students are non-British. Of the faculty, 27% are international, coming from 58 countries.
Q: Will I be a University student while I study on the foundation year?
A: Yes, you will be a member of Lancaster University from the day you start your course.
Q: What is the campus like?
A: Lancaster University campus is set in 250 acres of parkland 10 minutes from the city centre. Academic departments, colleges, library, banks, shops and sporting facilities are all situated on campus making life cheaper, safer and easier than in many other places. There is a strong sense of community, enhanced by the colligate structure. Unlike Oxford and Cambridge, Lancaster’s nine colleges form an integral part of the self-contained university campus. Read more information about Lancaster's colleges.
Q: Will I have access to the University's academic and campus facilities?
A: You will have access to a range of University services and facilities. See more information about academic resources and campus services in general.
Accommodation
Q: Is on-campus accommodation guaranteed while I study on the International Foundation Year?
A: Yes, providing you have accepted your offer of an academic place, and you have booked accommodation directly through the university by any published deadlines, you are guaranteed a place in University-managed accommodation. Accommodation is allocated on a first come, first served basis.
Q: Is accommodation guaranteed while I study for my degree?
A: Yes, as an international student you are guaranteed University-managed accommodation for the duration of your degree at Lancaster.
Q: What type of accommodation is available to me?
A: On-campus accommodation is either an en-suite room or standard single room with a shared bathroom. View more information about accommodation.
Q: Are there cooking facilities in the accommodation?
Yes, all accommodation is self-catering and you will have access to a kitchen equipped with a microwave, cooker, fridge and freezer.
Q: What furniture and fittings will my bedroom have?
Each room contains a bed, desk chair, wardrobe and shelving. Some rooms have built-in TV points but assume you will require an aerial if you bring a TV with you. En-suite rooms have private shower and toilet facilities. Standard rooms all have their own washbasin. All rooms have telephone and computing network points.
Q: Is there internet access in my room, is it free?
Yes, all student bedrooms on campus have access to the University network, and the internet, free of charge.
Q: Where is the accommodation?
A: You can choose to live in one of the eight colleges that make up the University. Apply as early as possible to maximise your chances of being allocated to your preferred choice of college and accommodation. You can see the college locations on this map of the University campus (, 242K).
Q: How much is the accommodation?
A: Costs vary depending on the accommodation type. The weekly rent payable for University-managed accommodation in 2009/10 is set out on the accommodation page.
Q: What is included in the accommodation fees?
A: All utility bills (gas, water and electricity) are included. A cleaning service is included for communal areas. All rooms have a telephone and a computer network point.
Q: Can I stay in my room over the vacations at no extra charge?
A: If your tenancy agreement includes the Christmas and Easter vacation periods then vacation supplements will not be applicable.
Q: Can I opt to make my own accommodation arrangements?
A: Students over the age of 18 years can arrange private accommodation. The University has a website with private of campus accommodation options and a PDF with more information.
However, if you have not pre-booked accommodation in university residences, we are unable to confirm your place at the ISC until you provide contact details of where you intend to stay or details of the arrangements you are proposing to make. This must be completed pre-arrival. Students under 18 years of age are strongly encouraged to stay in University-managed accommodation.
Entry requirements
Q: What are the academic entry requirements for the foundation course?
A: A minimum academic background of high school graduation with good grades, or equivalent academic study. Contact us to find out if your qualification is accepted.
Q: What level of English language do I require for the foundation course?
A: Students must have an English language level equivalent to IELTS 5.0 (TOEFL 500 or 173 computer based test). Pre-course English Language Preparation is offered to students who do not have this level of English. See the English Language Preparation section below.
Q: Do I need to take an IELTS or TOEFL exam before applying to the International Study Centre?
A: No. You can take the ISC English test if you do not have a current IELTS or TOEFL grade. We can assess your approximate English Language level from this test before you arrive. Contact us if you need to take the test.
Q: How old do I have to be to start at the International Study Centre?
A: There is no legal minimum age requirement, but students are normally 17 years-of-age on commencement of the International Foundation Year.
Q: Can EU/EEA/Home* students apply to the International Study Centre?
A: Unfortunately not. We would not be able to guarantee progression for EU/EEA/Home* students taking the foundation course because competition for places from those students is very high. Instead we recommend students consider joining an A Level course.
*EU/EEA/Home includes the following categories:
- Permanent residents in the UK who have been resident in the UK for three years
- EEA (European Economic Area) migrant workers and their families in the UK who have lived in the EEA for three years
- EU nationals and their children who have lived in the EEA for three years
- Refugees (recognised by the UK government) and their families
- People who have applied for asylum and have been granted leave to enter/remain, and their families
English Language requirement
Q: How can I find out my English Language level?
We can assess your English level if you complete our English Test. Contact us about taking the test. You do not need an IELTS or TOEFL grade.
Q: My English Language level does not meet the Foundation Year entry requirement of IELTS 5.0?
A: Depending on your level of English, you can study one or two terms of English Language Preparation before you start the Foundation Year.
Q: What level of English language do I require to start English Language Preparation at the International Study Centre?
A: You need to have a minimum English Language level of the equivalent to IELTS 3.0.
Q: How long does English Language Preparation last?
A: One term for students with IELTS 4.0+. Two terms for student with IELTS 3.0+.
Q: How is my English Language assessed for progression onto the Foundation Year?
A: You are not required to take an IELTS exam. We measure your English language ability with an internal assessment based on the English Speaking Union System (ESU). The ESU provides a scale from 0 to 9. 0 is a beginner in English, and 9 is a near-native speaker. To start the Foundation Programme you need an ESU score of 5.0 (or the equivalent).
Fees
Q: What are the International Foundation Year and English Language Preparation tuition fees?
A: Tuition fees in pounds sterling (GBP) are shown on the fees page.
Q: When do fees increase each year?
Fees for the academic year 2009/10 come into effect on 31 March 2009. If you confirm your place before this date, you will be able to pay 2008/09 fee levels, as long as full fees are received a month before the start of term.
Q: What other costs might I need to pay?
A: You should also consider the costs of accommodation, insurance, airport transfer, bedding packs and other sundry charges for accommodation, internet access, and the credit card surcharge.
Q: What are the University degree fees?
A: For guidance, the fee for Undergraduate degree tuition in 2008/09 at Lancaster University ranged from £9,200 to £11,100. See more information about Lancaster University fees.
Q: When are the Foundation Year tuition and accommodation fees payable?
A: Once you accept your offer of a place, we require a deposit of £500 together with £500 advance payment of fees (plus any insurance fees applicable) - this being the required Confirmation Payment. The remaining tuition fees can either be paid in instalments, one month prior to the start of term, or in full in advance if preferred.
An accommodation confirmation payment of £2000 must be paid pre-arrival. The balance of accommodation fees is paid to the University after arrival.
Q: How can fees be paid?
A: We accept payment by cheque, Sterling bank draft, telegraphic transfer or credit card. Credit card payments are accepted in sterling from Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Switch, Solo, JCB or Debit Card.
Please note that a 2% surcharge will be added to payments made by credit card, and £1 charge for payments by debit card. However, these surcharges are waived if payment is made before the due date (1 month in advance of your programme start date).
Q: What bank account should fees be paid into?
A: Account name: International Study Centre
Account number: 60060832
Sort code: 53-61-02
Swift code: NWBK GB 2L
IBAN Number: GB92 NWBK 5361 0260 0608 32
Other information on payment of fees can be found in our Terms and Conditions.
Q: Do I get a refund if I cancel my place?
A: If you do not meet visa entry requirements, a full refund will be given. A cancellation fee is charged if visa entry requirements have been met. For details see our Terms and Conditions.
Dates
Q: When can I start the foundation course?
A: You can start the International Foundation Year in either September or January.
Q: When can I start the English Language Preparation (ELP) course?
A: ELP courses start in July and September each year. See the key facts section for the English Language Preparation start dates applicable to each Foundation Year entry point.
Q: What are the ISC term dates?
| Term | 2008/09 academic year | 2009/10 academic year |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn | 06 October to 19 December 2008 | 28 September to 11 December 2009 |
| Spring | 12 January to 27 March 2009 | 11 January to 26 March 2010 |
| Summer 1 | 14 April to 19 June 2009 | 12 April to 18 June 2010 |
| Summer 2 (Foundation Year) | 22 June to 21 August 2009 | 21 June to 20 August 2010 |
| Summer 2 (English Language Preparation) | 13 July to 25 September 2009 | 05 July to 17 September 2010 |
Q: What date do I start my Lancaster University degree?
A: You will start your degree in the autumn following your foundation year start, i.e. if you enter the foundation year in either September 2009 or January 2010, you will start your degree in autumn 2010.
Applying
Q: How do I apply for the Foundation Year and English Language Preparation course?
A: You need to apply directly to the International Study Centre. You do not apply through UCAS. You can apply in three different ways:
1. Contact our Student Enrolment Advisers using the online form to begin the application process. You will be required to submit copies of all relevant academic transcripts and certificates of English language qualifications later in the process.
2. Download the application form (, 322 kB), print it out, complete it and fax it back to us along with the relevant documentation.
3. Apply through your local educational representative.
Read about the steps in the application process.
Q: What happens after I submit my application?
A: Read about the steps in the admissions process.
Q: Who will help me with my application?
A: One of our team of expert Student Enrolment Advisers, based in the UK, will support you with your application and with the visa process right up until you arrive at the University. Read more in the Contacting us FAQs.
Q: If my application is successful, when will I receive the documentation required for visa application?
A: Once we have received your £1000 confirmation payment (see the fees section above for details), we will send you a Certificate of Enrolment and Visa Support letter. You will need to submit these with your visa application.
Q: How long does it take to apply to the International Study Centre?
A: The ISC application process is much faster than applying to a University through UCAS. If your application is successful, we can issue an offer within one working week once we have all your relevant documentation.
Q: What is the deadline for applications?
A: Although there is no official deadline for applications, we expect places on the courses to fill up far in advance of the start dates and therefore recommend applicants submit their application as early as possible. However, subject to availability, we do continue to consider applications up until the start of the Foundation Year. See foundation year start dates.
Note that the visa application process may cause delays to admission.
Pre-arrival
Q: Is there an insurance policy offered to international students?
A: Yes. StudyCare is a comprehensive insurance plan administered by ACE European Group Limited, a leading insurance provider. It has been developed specifically for international students by leading education specialists with over 35 years' experience. Read more about StudyCare.
Q: Do I need a visa to study at the ISC?
A: That depends on your nationality or country of residence. See our visa page for more information. Visas will be issued for 1 year duration, and you will need to apply for a second visa before you start your degree.
Q: How do I extend my visa?
A: Speak to the Centre Head a month before your visa ends. We will give you a visa extension form, part of which we need to fill in with details of your course, attendance, etc. If you have not attended a minimum of 80% of your classes, your request for an extension may be rejected.
Q: Can I work while I am a student in the United Kingdom?
A: If you are hoping to work while you are in the United Kingdom, you must check the stamp or sticker which is put on your passport by the immigration authorities. If you have a student visa you are allowed to work for 20 hours per week in term time and any amount per week in holiday times. It is a very serious offence if you work without permission. Further advice can be found on the Student Support Services pages.
Q: How do I get to Lancaster University?
Full details of how to travel to the University are on the Maps and Transport page.
Q: Can I arrange airport collection and how much is it?
A: You can book an airport pick-up during the application process. This means that a taxi will pick you up on arrival and take you to campus. Airport pick-ups operate from Manchester International Airport and cost £75 one-way.
Q: When should I arrive at the University?
You should aim to arrive at the University on the Saturday or Sunday before your course starts.
Q: What will happen when I arrive in the UK?
A: Specific pre-arrival information will be provided once we receive your flight details and due fees. It will give you the information you need before, during and after your arrival at Lancaster University, and about your induction at the International Study Centre. Read the general pre-arrival information for new students.
Contacting us
Q: How do I find out more about the courses, the ISC or the University?
If you have a question and cannot find the answer on this website, please contact us. We will be pleased to help you with any questions you have.
Q: How can I contact the ISC?
You can contact us using the online enquiry form, by telephone, by fax, by post, on Facebook or in person if we are visiting your country. Details are on the How to Contact us page.
Q: Who will answer my questions?
The ISC is run by Study Group, a world leader in education for international students, in partnership with Lancaster University.
Our team of expert Student Enrolment Advisers will assist you with any questions you have, and will help and support you through the application process, until you arrive at the University. Our advisers speak 15 languages between them: English, Cantonese, Mandarin, Arabic, Farsi, Japanese, Spanish, Norwegian, Hungarian, Polish, German, Russian, Portuguese, French and Italian.
Meet our Student Enrolment Advisers.
Q: What if my English isn't very good?
To make it as easy as possible for you, our Advisers speak a variety of languages (see list above), and understand several more. Do not worry if your English is not very good - we are experienced in communicating with non-native English speakers, and we will do our best to understand you.
Q: How can I get in content with current students at Lancaster?
Lancaster International Study Centre is on Facebook. Join our Facebook community to connect with ISC students and staff, ask questions and leave messages.
Q: I am trying to use your enquiry form but it does not work.
Apologies! We try to avoid errors on our enquiry form but sometimes they can occur. You may wish to contact us by phone or fax instead:
Phone: +44 (0) 1273 339333 (omit the zero if you are calling from outside the UK. Normal international charges apply. Our working hours are 09:00 to 17:30 GMT).
Fax: +44 (0) 1273 339398
Q: I have received an email from you, but it does not answer my question.
The first email you receive from us in response to your online enquiry is an automated response. You will receive another email shortly, from a Student Enrolment Adviser, who will answer your question. You will then be able to correspond with your dedicated Adviser by email.