University of Lincoln

Overview

The University of Lincoln is home to a growing community of students from around the world. Since Queen Elizabeth II opened the first University of Lincoln building on the Brayford Pool Campus, it has welcomed more than 90,000 students from across 135 countries. Today, the University is in the world's top 150 universities in the Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2024.

The University of Lincoln places students at the heart of everything they do and has a reputation for innovative teaching, having been awarded a five-star score overall in the QS Stars rating and Gold, the highest standard possible, in the national Teaching Excellence Framework.

Based in the East Midlands of England, Lincoln is a fascinating place for students to live and is home to a number of historical buildings and landmarks. The University’s graduation ceremonies take place at Lincoln Cathedral, which was built in 1072 and was once the tallest building in the world. The city is also home to Lincoln Castle which has been an iconic part of the skyline for almost 1,000 years.

Whatever your chosen subject, the University of Lincoln aims to ensure that students have access to the latest equipment and resources to support their studies. Located on the picturesque Brayford Pool waterfront, the University’s campus provides a modern student-centred community with almost everything students need either on campus or a short walk away.

The University’s buildings blend modern and innovative learning spaces with social spaces for group work and collaboration. This ethos was reflected in the latest national Teaching Excellence Framework, where the University was commended for its “outstanding physical and digital resources which pervade all aspects of the student experience, including state-of-the-art teaching spaces”.

Lincoln International College

The International College provides a range of degree preparation programmes to help students from outside of the UK to prepare for, and qualify for entry to, the University of Lincoln. Degree preparation programmes are designed to help students develop the English language, academic study skills, and subject-specific knowledge required for degree-level study.

After successfully completing a degree preparation programme and obtaining the required pass mark, students will be able to progress onto a wide range of University of Lincoln undergraduate or postgraduate degree programmes.

Services for International Students

The University of Lincoln prides itself on helping students achieve excellent career prospects, offering a number of different career services to help them prepare for their future. More than 100 programmes offer students the opportunity to take part in a work placement, or professional practice year. A wide variety of undergraduate programmes also include the opportunity to spend a period of time studying abroad at a partner institution.

The University has a number of mechanisms and support tools to further enhance graduates’ employability. With bespoke and in-depth expertise and knowledge of the graduate labour market, the Careers and Employability Team offers one-to-one support and careers guidance to help students find the right path, as well as CV and interview preparation advice. The team works closely with local, national, and international employers, and advertises a range of graduate positions, helping students on their journey into the world of work.

In 2021, the University of Lincoln was named among the top 10 best universities in the UK for Graduate Start-Up Businesses. Students who are interested in setting up their own businesses can take advantage of the University’s business incubation centre, Sparkhouse. The centre acts as a professional link between the University and the local business community. The dedicated Business Incubation Team also provides a mentoring service, and advice on business planning, funding, finance, and market research to help you plan, launch, and grow your new business.

After completing their studies, Lincoln graduates become a members of the University’s alumni network – a 95,000-strong community of graduates from more than 130 countries. This provides access to a range of networking opportunities and events. Lincoln graduates can continue to take advantage of dedicated career support via the University for up to two years after finishing their studies, helping them establish their chosen career path.

A Great Student Experience 

Working together with the University of Lincoln’s Students’ Union – an independent organisation run by elected officers on behalf of students at Lincoln – the University aims to offer an array of events, activities, and amenities designed to help students to settle in and make the most of their time at Lincoln.

Students are able to get involved with sports and societies and develop their skills with volunteering and other employability opportunities, whilst also accessing many other services such as the Students’ Union Advice Centre.

Ranking

• 56th in the Times University Guide 2025
• 50th in the Guardian University Guide 2025
• 134th in the Times Higher Education’s World Young University Rankings 2024

Accommodation

One of the many reasons students love Lincoln is because they feel so at home. The city is a fantastic place to live and there are a variety of accommodation options to choose from.

Based in the heart of Lincoln’s city centre, most student accommodation at the University of Lincoln is on the Brayford Pool Campus or just a short distance away. With more than 3,700 rooms across six residences, there is a variety of University-managed accommodation options for students to choose from.

Location

University of Lincoln students have the opportunity to live and study in one of the world’s great historic cities renowned for its fusion of old and new. Lincoln’s Roman and medieval heritage blends together seamlessly with modern city living and the University’s main campus is situated in the heart of the thriving city centre on the Brayford Pool waterfront.

Lincoln is a compact and friendly place to live and study. Almost everything students need, from bespoke accommodation to shops, bars and restaurants, is just a short walk from campus. The city is home to a wide range of sports and leisure facilities, alongside a number of award-winning parks and open spaces. There are also museums, theatres and art galleries to explore.

Situated in the East Midlands region of England, Lincoln’s central location provides a great starting point to explore the UK. Lincoln Central Railway Station is in the city centre, just a few minutes walk from the University of Lincoln's Brayford Pool Campus. Direct trains to/from London King's Cross take approximately two hours.