England Study Abroad Program at Lancaster University
About Lancaster University in Lancaster, England
- Required GPA: 2.8 (4.0 scale)
- Application deadlines:October 15 for spring two terms (Jan-June)
April 15 for fall (Sept-Dec)
April 15 for full year (Sept-June)
- Program advisor: Laura Wallman
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Program Snapshot
We're so excited that you're considering IFSA-Butler's program at Lancaster University for your semester or year abroad. Located in the heart of the Lake District in England, Lancaster is a great place to explore the English countryside. We're sure you're going to love studying there!
There are a few specific forms for this program that you will need to complete along with your IFSA-Butler application. You can find the forms under the Forms tab.
What Lancaster has to offer
- A self-contained campus three miles south of the city
- On-campus shops, restaurants, banks, post office and student travel office
- Each student and staff member is a member of one of nine residential colleges that vary in size and style
- Each residential college has a pub, cafe and recreation area and organizes social and athletic events
- Excellent support network, both academic and personal
- Active student and athletic unions with more than 80 clubs and societies
- One of few universities in England to offer an independent research option with no restrictions on choice of topic
Housing
- Housing is with British and other international students in residential colleges
- Students prepare their own meals or purchase them at on-campus coffee shops, snack bars and restaurants
Academics
- Flexibility in allowing students to register in multiple departments
- An Early Start option allows fall and full-year students to take a short course on British Culture and Society prior to the fall term
- AACSB International accredited business school
- Most science courses are open to study abroad students
- Students take three to five courses, depending on course weight
We look forward to working with you!
Academics
CoursesWhere can I find a list of courses that the university offers?Visit Lancaster University's online course catalog. What courses am I eligible to take?As an IFSA-Butler student, you are entitled to enroll in undergraduate courses for which you are qualified and in which space is available. Course descriptions in the online course catalog (see above) include prerequisites you must fulfill in order to enroll in each course. For each course that you list on your preference form (found under the Forms tab), be sure to check the following:
- When determining which courses to take, please bear in mind that the academic system is an intensive, three-year program.
- First-year (100 level) courses are appropriate for departments in which you have little or no prior experience.
- Second-year (200 level) courses will be equivalent to advanced sophomore or junior-level U.S. courses.
- Third-year (300 level) courses will be equivalent to senior-level U.S. courses.
- Fourth-year (400 level) courses and higher are part of a postgraduate degree (Masters or Ph.D.). You are not eligible to take these courses as an undergraduate study abroad student.
What if I need to take a required course?
Please be aware that IFSA-Butler cannot guarantee that your host university will offer a particular course, or that you will be allowed to take that particular course. However, if you need to take a required course, you may indicate that it is required on your course preference form. Your IFSA-Butler program advisor will communicate your needs to your host university.
Course RestrictionsAre there any course or departmental restrictions?You are not eligible to take fourth-year (400 level) courses and higher as they are part of a postgraduate degree (Masters of Ph.D.). You are not eligible to take these courses as an undergraduate student.
Credits
How many courses am I able to take, and how do I determine U.S. semester credit hours?
IFSA-Butler requires students to enroll in a full course load at the host institution. The number of courses you take depends on the credit value of the courses you select. Lancaster's course catalog lists the U.S. semester credit hours for each course.
Fall term (Michaelmas) is designated with an ‘M'; Spring two-term (Lent and Summer) is designated with an ‘L' and/or ‘S' . For information on the credit weight, please see below.
- Michaelmas (fall) term
3 Lancaster courses = 12 U.S. semester credit hours
- Presessional and Michaelmas (fall) term
4 Lancaster courses = 16 U.S. semester credit hours
- Full year
7-8 Lancaster courses = 30-32 U.S. semester credit hours
- Presessional and full year
8-9 Lancaster courses = 34-36 U.S. semester credit hours
- Lent and Summer (spring two terms)
4-6 Lancaster courses = 16-20 U.S. semester credit hours
Registration
What are the registration conditions?
You must take a full Lancaster University course load as determined by IFSA-Butler. Credit will be awarded on a Butler University transcript based on a typical U.S. full course load. All courses are graded on an A-F scale, and there is no provision for pass/fail or auditing courses unless pass/fail is the only method of assessment for the course. You are not allowed to register for online, distance education or hybrid courses.
You should also be aware that you may be charged additional fees by your home institution or host university to take or process additional credits. Taking less than a full course load may jeopardize your student status and result in personal academic repercussions and/or loss of financial aid.
The course preference form is not a registration form; it is a guideline to let your host university know which courses you are interested in taking abroad. You should discuss your course selections with your academic advisor at your home institution and have several backup choices in mind. Neither you nor the university is bound by your selections, and you will not officially register for courses until you arrive on campus.
ExamsWhat do I need to know about exams?Because of the differences in the academic systems, you will not know your exam schedule until after you arrive at your host university. Please refer to your program calendar to review the exam period for your host university. Your host university's policies do not permit you to reschedule any exams, request alternate assessments or arrange to have your exams proctored in the United States. If this occurs, IFSA-Butler cannot assist you in conducting an academic record query for the course in which you made this arrangement. You will need to complete and submit all academic work prior to departing the program.
Transcripts
How will my home university know what my classes were and what grades I received?
After you have returned to the U.S., your home university will receive a Butler University transcriptwith the credit you earned at Lancaster University. The Butler University transcript will report the equivalent U.S. semester credit hours and letter grades. We also will send an official transcript to your permanent address.
Housing
Housing OptionsThere are nine colleges on the Lancaster Univeristy campus where students live: Bowland, Cartmel, County, Furness, Fylde, Graduate, Grizedale, Lonsdale and Pendle. The vast majority of rooms in these colleges are singles with sinks in the room. A few colleges offer en-suite accommodation, meaning each bedroom has a full bathroom. The university randomly assigns all students, including study abroad students, to the various halls.
Meals
All university accommodation at Lancaster University is self-catering, which means you will share a communal kitchen with other residents on your floor. The campus also offers several small restaurants and cafes where you can purchase inexpensive meals.
Housing FAQs
Is my housing included in the program fee?
Yes. Your program fee includes accommodation at the university while classes are in session. You will be responsible for the cost of your meals (whether a meal plan or self-catered) and any commuting costs you may incur. Some university housing requires students to move out during winter and spring breaks. If you wish to remain in residence during the vacation period(s), you must notify the university housing office upon arrival to make necessary arrangements. Staying in residence during university breaks may incur additional costs not covered by the IFSA-Butler program fee.
When will I receive my housing assignment?
You will most likely receive your housing assignment one to two weeks before your departure. However, in some cases you may not receive your housing assignment until you arrive in England for orientation. Your program advisor will notify you of your housing assignment via e-mail when it is released by the university.
Please keep in mind that while IFSA-Butler guarantees housing, we cannot guarantee your preferences.
Do I have to pay a housing deposit?
Yes. IFSA-Butler requires a refundable housing deposit of $300 before going abroad. We will return this deposit to you after March 1 for fall programs or September 1 for spring and year programs, less any fines, damages or outstanding debts in your name.
Do I have to pay the Lancaster housing deposit?
Yes, Lancaster requires that students pay a residence deposit directly to the university. This Lancaster deposit is in addition to your IFSA-Butler housing deposit. You will be asked to pay the deposit directly to the university when you accept your housing assignment via the online system later in the process. The deposit will be returned at the end of the tenancy, after your keys are returned and following a satisfactory inspection of your vacated room. Students are responsible for picking up the refund of the deposit before you leave campus. The deposit is estimated at £190, but is subject to change
Are bed linens provided?
A bedding pack will be available for purchase through Lancaster University. The pack will include a duvet (quilt), duvet cover, sheet, pillow and pillow case and costs £25. You can reserve this pack when the online housing application is completed later in the application process. You will need to provide towels and cooking utensils ( pans, plates, cutlery, etc.) During orientation, time will be allotted for you to purchase those items you did not bring with you overseas.
Can I arrange my own housing?
Yes. IFSA-Butler recognizes that some students require independent housing for their time abroad. If you choose not to take advantage of our guaranteed housing, you may sign up for independent housing on the housing preference form. Once you've made this choice, we will not provide housing for you or bill you for the accommodation fee.
Please be advised that housing costs can be high abroad, and many times students living independently end up spending more money than students living in IFSA-Butler arranged housing. If you are hoping to save money by arranging housing on your own, please research your options early so you can compare costs. You must notify us of your intention to live in independent housing by December 1 for spring and semester 1 programs or by May 1 for fall and semester 2 programs. We are not able to accommodate independent housing requests after these dates.
Location Info
Location Info ALiving and Studying Abroad in Lancaster
About Lancaster
Population:
Location:
50,000
Near England's Lake District, two hours northwest of London
City features • A friendly atmosphere • A striking blend of old and new: a modern look and feel, but with roots to the Romans in the first century • Plenty of entertainment, including more than 50 pubs, restaurants, nightclubs, concert venues, museums, art galleries and an annual literature festival • The famous Duke's Playhouse includes a repertory theatre and a classic and current film cinema • A great home base for traveling the country Do more!
• Visit the sea, six miles from campus • Head into the gorgeous Lake District for hiking, climbing and spelunking • Take a train to Edinburgh, two hours away • Visit London, three hours away by inexpensive student charter bus
Links
Lancaster Tourism
Lancaster Guide and Virtual Tour
Lake District National Park Authority
This is Lancashire
Dates & Fees
Lancaster Dates
Lancaster University dates for spring 2012 coming soon!
Click here to view our full England program calendars.
Personal Cost Estimates
Personal cost estimates for spring 2012 coming soon!
Click here to view a full list of England personal cost estimates.
Expense calculator
Forms
To apply to the Lancaster University program, use our easy online application.
Applicants to the Lancaster University program must complete additional forms as part of the application process:
We must receive these forms before we can send your application to Lancaster University for an admissions decision. They can be sent to IFSA-Butler via email, fax or regular mail. Please submit these forms with the remainder of your program application.
If you have already started an application to the Lancaster University program, you can track which forms IFSA-Butler has received by logging into the student portal.
Meet Your IFSA-Butler Team
IFSA-Butler has a dedicated team of staff who are here to help students prepare for their program at Lancaster University:
 Senior Program Advisor Laura Wallman assists with the application process and is here to answer program, cultural, and academic questions before departure. Laura can be reached at the email link above or at 800-858-0229, ext. 4224. Laura studied abroad in both high school and college and has been with the Institute for Study Abroad for the past five years. She currently acts as a senior program advisor for English-speaking programs and focuses on advising students studying in the United Kingdom and Australia.
 Student Accounts Coordinator Angelita Shaffer assists with the financial side of study abroad and processes payments and invoices. Angelita can be reached at the email link above or at 317-940-4221.
 Student & Parent Services Manager Donnetta Spears is available to both students and parents for travel questions and information. Donnetta has worked with IFSA-Butler for 11 years, and she has traveled through parts of Europe, Latin America, Australia and New Zealand. As the mother of 4 college students (including one who studied abroad on an IFSA-Butler program), she has a deep understanding of the ins-and-outs of study abroad from a parent perspective. Donnetta can be reached at the email link above or at 317-940-4252.
Once abroad, our students are in the capable hands of our on-site office, including our resident directors. Click here to read more about Resident Directors Lynne Alvarez and Andrew Williams.
 Upon return from your study abroad program, Assistant Director for Academic Affairs Rhonda Hinkle processes your Butler University transcript and assists with any academic record queries. Rhonda completed her undergraduate coursework at the University of Evansville and received her master's degree from Bowling Green State University. Currently she is working on her Doctorate in Adult, Community and Higher Education at Ball State University. For Rhonda, study abroad not only increased her awareness of the world around her but also ignited her passion for travel and education. Rhonda can be reached at the email link above or at 800-858-0229 ext. 4259.
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Early Start
What is the Lancaster presessional program?
Fall and full-year students can take a course before the fall term begins, earning an additional 4 U.S. semester credit hours for a total of 16 U.S. semester credits for the fall. The presessional program begins in mid-August and runs for four and a half weeks. One course on British culture is available. There will also be weekly field trips.
The presessional program is a great opportunity for fall and year students to get their feet wet before the start of the regular academic year. The presessional program includes housing on campus. For more information about the course, as well as what to expect from the program, please click here.
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Lancaster University
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