Lancaster University

Areas of study:

American studies, biology, business, chemistry, computing, creative writing, criminology, economics, engineering (electrical, energy, mechanical), English, environmental biology, environmental science, European studies, film studies, fine arts, gender/women's studies, geography, history, law, linguistics, math, neurobiology, music, philosophy, physics, politics & international relations, psychology, religious studies, sociology, social work, statistics and theatre studies.

Languages: Chinese, French, German, Italian, Spanish.

Haskayne students, please see Haskayne program page.

Course Information:

Courses at Lancaster are called "modules". One UCalgary half course equivalent = 12 UK credits (or 6 ECTS credits). Modules open to exchange students are found here. The credit load for full year students will be 60-64 ECTS. In Michaelmas term the standard course load is 22.5 ECTS (3 UCalgary courses), however permission can be requested to take 30 ETCS (5 UCalgary courses). In the Lent & Summer term the standard course load will be 32-40 ECTS (5 - 6 UCalgary courses). 

There is a summer program at Lancaster and the last module (Culture, Literature & Society in England) can be taken as a pre-semester course for students going to Lancaster in the fall. Adding this module to a fall term would allow students to bring back credit for 5 courses for that term if the student takes the standard Michaelmas term course load. 

The academic year is divided into three terms.

• Michaelmas term runs from early October to mid-December (exams in mid-January),
• Lent term runs from early January to late March,
• Summer term runs from mid April to late June.

Students can study at Lancaster for the academic year (October - June), just the Michaelmas term, or for both the Lent and Summer terms. Students cannot choose only the Lent term or only the Summer term, the two must be combined (January - June). 

The Lent and Summer term exams take place in May - June. 

Please note: Students taking modules in Biological Sciences, Engineering, Chemistry, Geology, Informatics and/or Math during the Michaelmas term are required to remain on campus and take exams in January. No exceptions can be make for classes in these subjects. 

Lancaster has won the 'Best University Halls' award for the last six year. Exchange students can choose to live in one of 8 halls of residence (called "colleges"). The majority of on-campus rooms are ensuite and all accommodation is self-catering (no meal plan). Incoming exchange students are guaranteed a room on campus as long as they apply by the deadline. For more information on accommodation options click here.

Although the page shows the accommodation as 40 week contracts, students attending for Michaelmas term will only be charged for 11 weeks and students attending for Lent & Summer term will be charged for 25 weeks. Full year students will be charged for the full 40 week contract. 

This exchange is open to regular, full-time students in any faculty at the University of Calgary, who have completed at least one full year (10 courses) at the post-secondary level, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B).

Students apply to UCalgary first, then we nominate accepted students who have met the minimum requirements to our partners. Once you have been nominated to Lancaster, you will then apply directly to their exchange program.

Students traveling on passports from countries that don't have English as a first language must prove their English proficiency. For more information about Lancaster's requirements click here.

What's special about Lancaster and the university?

With the university's focus on sustainability, Lancaster makes the perfect base for students passionate about nature and environmental stewardship. The city is entirely surrounded by lush verdant hills and to the North, the postcard-perfect UNESCO Lake District National Park, the UK's most popular park. The Lake District, made famous by the Romantics and literary icons like Wordsworth, Coleridge, and Beatrix Potter, also makes an excellent day trip for those interested in climbing or hiking - with incredible views of Wales from Scafell Pike, the highest point in England. Join the hiking club, Harry Potter club, or any of the unique clubs and teams available at Lancaster. 

First recorded in 1086, Lancaster is an ancient city where Romans, Saxons, and Normans fought for territory - and in later years the House of Lancaster, symbolized by the Red Rose, also played a key role in the civil "War of the Roses", against the white-rosed House of York. As a result of its history, the city possesses great examples of nearly a dozen historical architectural styles still in use today, from 1710's Colonial, to Georgian, to Queen Anne, to the more modern Art Deco buildings from 1925-45. It also retains some of its Roman charm with the remains of ancient bathhouses, and other sites around the city. Medieval Lancaster is best reflected in the architecture of its castle, founded in the 11th century on top of a former Roman fort.  

However the most recognizable aspect of Lancaster is its nationally-recognized Arts scene. From arts-focused businesses and festivals, to its Concert series, Lancaster provides one of the most arts-focused environments in the UK, from music to theatre, to arts festivals. The Lancaster Library also hosts regular music events under the "Get It Loud in Libraries" banner, which has provided a space for artists like Adele, the Wombats, Kate Nash, and others to perform live in the library.   

What resources are available for new students?

Lancaster Arts is a program and venues that bring innovative new artists in theatre, music and art to campus. 

Lancaster also has a newly refurbished library that is open 24/7.

What supports or services are available at Lancaster?

Students with disabilities can access the disability office on campus.