Why York?
No matter where you are from, or what you would like to do when you graduate, the York experience will challenge, inspire, develop and support you. Through a combination of excellent teaching, a rich and varied campus life and a cultured city, you'll have the experience of a lifetime.
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Teaching excellence
We are a leading UK university for academic excellence. We are ranked 147th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings in 2024 and we have seven world top 100 subjects in the QS World University Rankings by subject 2024.
Our teaching, learning and student experience is outstanding, recognised by a Gold rating from the Office for Students in the 2023 national assessment (Teaching Excellence Framework).
Join us and you’ll work with academics who are experts in their field, who’ll challenge you to think independently and excel in all that you do.
- Teaching and learning at York
- Awards and achievements
- QS World University Rankings 2025 (topuniversities.com)
- QS World University Rankings by subject 2024 (topuniversities.com)
I feel like I have really personal relationships with a lot of the lecturers and the teaching is just such high quality. The Department’s really big and so it’s impressive to me that I feel connected and supported by the lecturers individually.
Mikalah, USA. Watch Mikalah’s vlog.
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Dr Nicky Milner carrying out fieldwork at the Star Carr Early Mesolithic site in North Yorkshire.
Inspirational research
York is one of the world’s premier institutions for inspirational and life-changing research. We attract renowned academics, whose research brings vibrancy and cutting-edge ideas to the teaching you will receive at York.
As a member of the prestigious Russell Group of 24 leading UK universities, we are committed to maintaining the very best research and teaching standards.
We were ranked 10th in the Times Higher Education (THE) ranking of the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021. The REF is a UK-wide assessment of the quality of research in universities undertaken by expert review panels.
I chose to study at York for many reasons. The most significant factors for me were the dedicated School of Philosophy, Politics and Economics Department, the beautiful campus-based university, the high course ranking and the geographical location within the UK to name a few. The dedicated Department aspect was a very important one for me as I was quite impressed by the quality and diversity of research being undertaken. Moreover, I was also very moved by the campus which is a treat to see in itself. The course I took also gave me the liberty to choose the particular module path I wanted to take.
Muhammed, Pakistan
Beautiful city in a great location
York is a city full of culture and is regularly named one of the best places to live and visit in the UK. York is a student friendly city, and was ranked the second safest city in England and Wales according to industry body, Get Licensed's Safe City Index (2023).
It's easy to get to from anywhere in the world, with great public transport links and international airports nearby. Our central location is perfect for exploring other UK and European cities, and the beautiful Yorkshire countryside and coastline.
Fantastic student experience
You'll meet people from all over the world among our community of over 22,000 students, representing over 150 countries.
Try something new and meet interesting people through getting involved in our friendly and supportive campus life. There are over 200 social, cultural and religious student-led societies and 60+ sports clubs to choose from.
The University of York Students’ Union has a huge range of student-run sports clubs and societies for you to join, like squash and trampolining, Baking Society, African Caribbean Society, and so much more. You can even start your own society!
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Our University Radio York (URY) members hosting a talk show for their audience
Global connections
York is a truly global university. Over 20 per cent of both the University’s staff and our students come from outside the UK. We also collaborate with top institutions across the globe on a variety of research projects and initiatives.
Our teaching and exchange partnerships provide international opportunities for our students to study or work abroad.
Safe and supportive environment
We recognise that studying in a different country can be daunting so we have an excellent structure in place to give you all the help you need. From English language support to careers advice, we will ensure that you are well supported during your time with us.
You can also relax in the knowledge that you'll be living and studying in a safe and green campus environment and student-friendly city.