Lancaster Summer School
Enjoy a summer at Lancaster University, connecting with international students while exploring the region’s stunning landscapes and heritage.
Experience a charming corner of the UK in the summer on the beautiful campus of Lancaster University! Get ready to spend time connecting with students from around the world, developing global competencies and experiencing a varied programme of lectures, seminars, field trips, and social activities.
You will explore the mountains, lakes, countryside and coasts in this beautiful region of the UK.
Lancaster offers fascinating heritage and stunning architecture - whilst Lancaster Castle and the Ashton Memorial dominate the city's skyline, traditional cobbled streets and secret lanes offer old world character to explore.
Key information
Application information
Student experience
Lancaster University Global Summer Schools
Program details
You can choose to study one of the following modules:
Environment and Sustainability
International Cultural Experience (This module does not provide enough credits to transfer back to UCalgary)
One UCalgary Half Course Equivalent = 6 ECTS credits
Students should choose modules with enough ECTS to transfer credits back to UCalgary.
Note: Transcripts are produced and shared in October/November
The 2025 Program is expected to run in July 2025. Exact dates to be announced.
The Lancaster Summer Schools runs for 3 weeks.
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Costs
Exchange students pay their tuition and academic fees to the University of Calgary. Other expenses are paid directly to the service provider.
The Accommodation fees at Lancaster are: £1,600
The accommodation fees include a catered ensuite single room with most meals provided during the summer school, 2-night trip to London, and evening activites. Meals are not provided when away from campus during scheduled overnight trips, e.g. London. If you are staying away from Lancaster University as part of the scheduled programme, then the accommodation facilities will vary.
There are some extra weekend trips that may have an additional cost.
Also, remember to include things like visas, insurance, vaccinations etc in your budget planning.
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Funding
Did you know that you can take your UCalgary funding with you on exchange?
Since you remain a degree seeking student at UCalgary while on exchange you remain eligible for any awards and scholarships you are eligible to receive from the university as well as student loans.
Our office administers several awards, including the Global Access Fund (based on a funding-first model where students apply prior to committing to a global learning program) and the Global Learning Award (students apply after being accepted to a global learning program; the amount varies year-to-year as the money is split among chosen recipients). Students may only receive these awards once. Please see the funding page, linked below, for more information.
The Accommodation fee at Lancaster is £1,600.
This includes an ensuite single room with most meals provided during the summer schools. Meals are not provided when away from campus during scheduled overnight trips, e.g. London. If you are staying away from Lancaster University as part of the scheduled programme, then the accommodation facilities will vary.
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 2.7 (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 one of their summer programs.
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.
Have questions?
The advisor for the program is: Sydney Guthrie
How to Apply
Download the application guide
This PDF contains information on how to complete your application and what to do after you have applied.
Identify three programs of interest
We recommend applying for your top three programs for the priority application deadline, as placement may be competitive. We will assess your applications in ranked order.
Check requirements and deadlines
These may vary by program, so check the individual program pages and make sure that you are aware of any different application deadlines or eligibility requirements.
Start your application
Once you have gathered everything you need, you can begin your application!
Please note: Applications will not be considered complete until all required documents are submitted in full.
International travel presents challenges that may not be found when attending classes on campus. There may be a lack of resources, emergency services, hospitals, accessibility issues and/or demands on the physical and the mental self, all of which can challenge individuals when away from their usual support systems and structures. Adequate preparation is essential.
For this reason, it is imperative that you evaluate all aspects of your own physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual condition against the rigors of the particular global learning program you are selecting. If you are unsure of whether or not this program is a good fit for you and/or if you have any circumstances that could impede your enjoyment of the program, please contact us. Our Global Learning Advisors will be happy to assist in finding the best options for you and arrange any supports or accommodations necessary to ensure your success.
If you have or are seeking a certificate from Student Accessibility Services, you should provide this early to your Global Learning Advisor to ensure that the option that you are seeking can support your needs.
Please note: All participants must adhere to COVID-19 and other vaccination-related requirements for the destinations visited on this program. Failure to do so may have consequences such as being denied access to accommodation/housing, program activities, or to the host country itself.