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Lancaster University

Lancaster University

Lancashire, UKRank #14

Lancaster University (legally The University of Lancaster)[3] is a collegiate public research university in Lancaster, Lancashire, England. The university was established by royal charter in 1964,[4] one of several new universities created in the 1960s. The university was initially based in St Leonard's Gate in the city centre, before starting a move in 1967 to a purpose-built 300 acres (120 ha) campus at Bailrigg, 4 km (2.5 mi) to the south.[4] The campus buildings are arranged around a central walkway known as the Spine, which is connected to a central plaza, named Alexandra Square in honour of its first chancellor, Princess Alexandra. Lancaster is a residential collegiate university; the colleges are weakly autonomous. The eight undergraduate colleges are named after places in the historic county of Lancashire, and each have their own campus residence blocks, common rooms, administration staff, and bars. Lancaster is ranked in the top thirteen in all three national league tables, and received a Gold rating in the Government's inaugural (2017) Teaching Excellence Framework.[5] The annual income of the institution for 2018/19 was £317.9 million of which £42.0 million was from research grants and contracts, with an expenditure of £352.7 million.[1] Along with the universities of Durham, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Sheffield and York, Lancaster is a member of the N8 Group of research universities. Elizabeth II, Duke of Lancaster, is the visitor of the university. The current chancellor is Alan Milburn, since 2015.[6]

Top Recruiting Companies

Leading companies that recruit from Lancaster University

Placement Information at Lancaster University

Lancaster University, renowned for its academic excellence and strong industry connections, offers robust placement opportunities to enhance students' employability. The university's Careers Service plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between education and the professional world, providing tailored support for internships, work placements, and graduate jobs. With a focus on practical experience, Lancaster ensures that students gain real-world skills, making them highly competitive in the job market. Over 90% of Lancaster graduates are employed or in further study within six months of graduation, according to the latest Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) data.

Key Placement Programs and Opportunities

Lancaster University integrates placements into many degree programs, particularly in business, engineering, and sciences. These opportunities range from short-term internships to year-long industrial placements, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in professional settings.

  • Sandwich Degrees: Many undergraduate courses include a mandatory or optional placement year, such as in Management, Computer Science, and Engineering. This typically occurs after the second year, providing 9-12 months of paid work experience.
  • Internship Schemes: The university partners with organizations for summer internships, often funded through schemes like the UK government's Year in Industry program. These are available across disciplines, from marketing placements at global firms to research internships in labs.
  • International Placements: Through partnerships with universities and companies worldwide, students can undertake placements abroad, enhancing global employability. Popular destinations include Europe, Asia, and North America.
  • Volunteering and Work Experience: The Careers Service facilitates short-term roles in NGOs, startups, and public sector organizations to build resumes.

Postgraduate students also benefit from placement options, including dissertation projects with industry sponsors and dedicated employability modules that include consultancy simulations.

Graduate Employability Statistics

Lancaster boasts impressive employability outcomes, with rankings consistently placing it in the top 10 UK universities for graduate prospects (Complete University Guide 2023). The university's emphasis on skills development, such as through the Lancaster Award scheme, contributes to these high rates.

Department/Faculty Employment Rate (6 months post-graduation) Average Starting Salary (£) Top Placement Sectors
Management School 95% 32,000 Finance, Consulting, Marketing
Engineering 92% 28,500 Aerospace, Manufacturing, Renewable Energy
Social Sciences 89% 26,000 Public Policy, Education, NGOs
Natural Sciences 91% 27,000 Pharma, Research, Environment
Arts & Humanities 87% 24,500 Media, Publishing, Creative Industries

Note: Data sourced from Lancaster University employability reports and HESA (2022-2023). Salaries are median figures for UK-based roles.

Top Employers and Industry Partners

Lancaster University has forged strong ties with leading employers, facilitating direct recruitment and placement pipelines. These partnerships often lead to sponsored placements and graduate schemes.

  • Corporate Giants: Companies like Deloitte, PwC, KPMG, and Barclays recruit heavily from Lancaster, offering placements in audit, finance, and tech consulting.
  • Tech and Innovation: Firms such as BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, and IBM provide engineering and IT placements, with a focus on innovation hubs near the university.
  • Public Sector and Healthcare: The NHS, Civil Service, and local councils offer roles in policy, research, and clinical support.
  • Global Brands: Unilever, Nestlé, and Amazon host marketing and supply chain placements, valuing Lancaster's problem-solving graduates.

The annual Careers Fair, attended by over 150 employers, is a highlight, allowing students to network and secure placements on-site.

Career Support Services

The dedicated Careers and Employability Service at Lancaster provides comprehensive support throughout your studies and beyond. Services include:

  1. One-on-One Advising: Personalized CV reviews, mock interviews, and career coaching sessions.
  2. Workshops and Training: Sessions on LinkedIn optimization, negotiation skills, and sector-specific applications.
  3. Online Resources: Access to a job portal with exclusive placement listings, alumni networks, and virtual employer events.
  4. Entrepreneurship Support: Through the Lancaster University Management School's Enterprise Centre, students can pursue startup placements or incubate their own ventures.

For international students, additional visa guidance and global job market insights are available, ensuring equitable access to placements.

Success Stories and Tips for Securing Placements

Many Lancaster alumni credit their placements for career breakthroughs. For instance, a Management student placed at Deloitte advanced to a graduate analyst role, while an Engineering graduate at BAE Systems now leads R&D projects.

To maximize placement chances:

  • Start early: Engage with the Careers Service from year one.
  • Build a strong profile: Participate in extracurriculars like societies and the Lancaster Award.
  • Network actively: Attend fairs, webinars, and alumni events.
  • Tailor applications: Highlight transferable skills from modules and projects.

In summary, Lancaster University's placement ecosystem equips students with the tools for professional success, fostering a seamless transition to rewarding careers. Whether through structured programs or individualized support, the university's commitment to employability shines through, preparing graduates for a dynamic global workforce.

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