How to Find a Course and Apply to the University of Cumbria

The University of Cumbria's website (cumbria.ac.uk) is the starting point for everything: course search, open day bookings, prospectus downloads and application guidance. The homepage surfaces four main entry points — FIND YOUR COURSE, Open Days, How to apply and Download our prospectus — and the site currently promotes 2027 entry for both January and September starts. Use this guide if you are researching undergraduate, postgraduate, apprenticeship or international study options and want to move from browsing to applying.

Step 1: Search for your course

The homepage has a FIND YOUR COURSE section with a search box and a "Courses Everything Search" option. This is the fastest route to course pages.

• Enter a subject, course name or keyword and review the results.
• Check the level (undergraduate, postgraduate, apprenticeship) and the campus listed for each course.
• Note the entry point: the site advertises 2027 Entry with January 2027 and September 2027 intakes, so confirm which start date applies to your chosen course.

If you are still deciding, browse by subject area rather than searching a specific title — the site is organised around course discovery as well as direct search.

Step 2: Book an open day or online event

Open days let you see campuses, talk to students and lecturers, and test whether Cumbria fits. The site lists both in-person and virtual events, for example:

To book, go to the Open Days section and select "Book an Open Day". Online events suit applicants who cannot travel to the North West or London campuses; in-person days are better if campus location and facilities matter to your decision.

Step 3: Download the prospectus and check how to apply

Two homepage links cover the practical side:

• Download our prospectus — gives you the full course listing, entry requirements and campus details in one document.
• How to apply — outlines the application route for your level of study. Use this rather than guessing, because undergraduate, postgraduate, apprenticeship and international applications follow different processes.

For international students, the site has a dedicated section covering programmes, student support and the application process.

Step 4: Consider your campus before you commit

Cumbria has five campuses, and the one you choose shapes your experience:

• Ambleside — in the Lake District, the only UK university campus in a UNESCO World Heritage site; home to science and environment courses.
• Carlisle (Brampton Road) — described as the home of creativity.
• Carlisle (Fusehill Street) — the other Carlisle site.
• Lancaster
• London
• Barrow-in-Furness — a new campus serving the Cumbria region.

The site also highlights the Pears Cumbria School of Medicine for Graduate Entry Medicine, and Apprenticeships for those looking to earn while they learn or for employers wanting to recruit an apprentice.

Common sticking points

• Wrong intake year. The site is currently promoting 2027 entry. If you need a 2026 start, check the specific course page rather than relying on the homepage banner.
• Assuming all courses run at all campuses. They do not — always confirm the campus on the individual course page.
• Skipping the open day. Course pages tell you what a programme contains; open days tell you what it feels like. For courses with placements or specialist facilities, the visit is worth the trip.
• Applying before checking requirements. Download the prospectus or open the course page first so you know the entry criteria and any additional steps.

What to do next

1. Go to cumbria.ac.uk and use FIND YOUR COURSE to shortlist two or three programmes.
2. Book an Open Day — in person at Ambleside, Carlisle, Lancaster, London or Barrow, or online if travel is difficult.
3. Download the prospectus and read the How to apply page for your level of study.
4. If you are an international applicant, work through the dedicated international section before starting your application.