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Study at York St John University

York, London

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Front facade of York St John University, York — Photo: Robert Dawson, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Location: York, London
Founded: 1841 (university status 2006)
Students: about 8,300
Type: Public university
Main intakes: September; January for select postgraduate courses
Study levels: Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Research

York St John University is a public university based on a historic city-centre campus in York, England. Founded as a teacher training college in 1841, it gained university status in 2006 and now teaches around 8,300 students across five schools. It has a close community feel, with teaching often in small groups, and a second campus at East India Dock in London offering postgraduate and top-up courses. The university is known for education, the arts, health-related subjects and business, and its York Business School teaches at both York and London. Research degree awarding powers were granted in 2015, covering PhD and professional doctorates. Its compact York site sits beside the city walls, a short walk from the railway station, and the Students' Union supports around 50 clubs and societies.

Location and student life

The main campus is on Lord Mayor's Walk in central York, beside the city walls and a short walk from York railway station and the historic centre. York is a compact, student-friendly city with direct rail links to Leeds, Manchester and London. The London campus at East India Dock, near Canary Wharf, sits next to the DLR for easy access across the capital. Students join a lively campus scene with the Students' Union, sports facilities including a sports park, and the city itself offering shops, cafes and cultural venues within walking distance.

Courses and subjects

York St John has five schools: the School of the Arts; Education, Language and Psychology; Humanities; Science, Technology and Health; and York Business School. Popular areas include education and teacher training, creative arts, psychology, sport and exercise science, biomedical science, computer science and business and management. Undergraduate courses are taught mainly in York, while the London campus offers postgraduate degrees and undergraduate top-up courses. Several degrees offer a foundation year for applicants who need extra preparation, and pre-sessional English programmes are available for students below the required language level.

Entry requirements for international students

International applicants apply with school-leaving qualifications or a bachelor's degree for postgraduate study; some courses ask for a related subject. For most courses the university asks for IELTS 6.0 with no skill below 5.5, though some courses set higher scores. Five- and ten-week pre-sessional English programmes are available for students just below the requirement. Requirements vary by course, so check the individual course page and your country's page on the official website before applying.

Accommodation

The university guarantees accommodation for all first-year undergraduate students, including international students, who meet the application deadlines. Options include university-managed halls and partner providers in York, with a £200 advance rent payment due when accepting a room offer. Postgraduate accommodation is limited, so early application is advised. Support is available for students who need a UK-based guarantor, through services such as Housing Hand.

Scholarships and funding

The university offers a £1,000 scholarship for international fee-paying undergraduates enrolling at the York campus, applied to the first year of study. Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarship applicants are also welcomed, and alumni can receive a discount on postgraduate fees. Details and eligibility change each year, so check the university's international funding and scholarships page for the latest information before applying.

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