York St John (YSJ) opened with one student, 16-year-old Edward Preston Cordukes from York, who arrived on May 17, 1841, to begin his teacher training. Admissions look a little different these days at the city of York’s oldest higher education institution, which became a university in 2006. It welcomed more than 2,500 new undergraduates in 2023, following a record 11,620 applications to its growing range of courses, according to the latest Ucas figures.

The growing footfall is in step with increasing success at widening participation at YSJ: the university has shot up 31 places year-on-year to rank 16th overall in our social inclusion index for England and Wales and takes our University of the Year for Social Inclusion 2025 title.

YSJ’s 11-acre city campus has a delightful setting, with manicured lawns and a blend of historic and modern buildings. Despite its growth it remains a small university where a personal touch distinguishes the undergraduate experience. The university has been expanding its provision of healthcare courses and welcomed the first cohort of paramedic science students in September 2024. 

What is York St John University’s reputation? 

Underpinning a silver rating overall in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF 2023), YSJ earned gold for the student experience, and another silver for student outcomes. The assessing panel commended “a supportive learning environment, where students have access to outstanding quality academic support tailored to their needs” and praised “teaching, feedback and assessment practices that are highly effective in supporting students' learning, progression and attainment”. 

The university’s superb record on student satisfaction has cooled. In our latest National Student Survey (NSS) analysis YSJ ranks 22nd for students’ evaluation of teaching quality (down nine places) and 42nd for their feedback on the wider undergraduate experience (down 17 places). Lectures, seminars and workshops are all face-to-face — which the university believes drives a sense of community and belonging.

Fifty-eight per cent of YSJ’s submission to the latest Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021) was judged as world-leading or internationally excellent (115th). Overall, the university has fallen 16 places in our main academic rankings year-on-year, mostly because of a weaker performance on graduate prospects (107th, down 23 places), as well as its reduced NSS scores. A new research centre, the Institute for Health and Care Improvement, opened in 2023 to tackle issues such as health inequalities, an ageing population and pressure on the health service. 

YSJ is among the many UK universities forced to find cost-saving measures in the past year. Job cuts were announced in May 2024 as YSJ aims to shave £4.8 million off its budget.  

What degree courses have been discontinued and what new courses are available?

Paramedic science is the only new course beginning in 2024. In 2025, students will be able to embark on degrees in midwifery, and radiography. No courses are being withdrawn in 2024 or 2025.

What are York St John University’s entry requirements – and my chances of getting in?

The latest data shows YSJ undergraduates arriving with an average of 112 Ucas tariff points (112th). A contextual offers scheme applies to all courses except professional programmes, usually undercutting advertised tariffs by two A-level grades.  

What are the graduate prospects?

The latest Graduate Outcomes survey showed that 69.1 per cent of leavers were in high-skilled jobs or further study 15 months on from finishing their degree, down from three-quarters the year before —  prompting a 23-place slump in our graduate prospects index (107th). To help get students career-ready, YSJ’s graduate and work placement fair attracts employers that can offer graduate schemes and year-in-industry opportunities.

What is York St John University campus like?

With views of York Minster and the city walls, the campus is based on Lord Mayor’s Walk near York city centre. The university has spent £100 million in recent years to improve facilities. In 2021 the Creative Centre opened as a base for drama, music, media production and computer science degrees. The Foss building has two nursing teaching wards, community consultation rooms and skills laboratories. York Business School is based in the De Grey building on campus. The original quad buildings function as teaching spaces for subjects including law and dance.

In east London, YSJ opened a campus for postgraduate courses in 2018 at East India Dock near Canary Wharf. 

Everything you need to know about York St John University’s student life and wellbeing support

The students’ union hosts more than 50 clubs and societies. Quiz nights, karaoke, live sport and live music are hosted at the campus venue. Historic York has plenty of pubs and bars too. The Lord Mayor’s Walk campus has a sports hall, climbing wall, basketball, netball, indoor football and cricket nets, while a 15-minute walk brings students to the sports park’s extensive facilities.

Trained counsellors and advisers on mental health and welfare tailor their services to the needs of students. Some students may need one or two sessions with an adviser talking about solutions; others benefit from six sessions with a counsellor. Students can also book an appointment to spend time with the YSJ therapy dog, Blue.

What do the students say?

“From the outset, you feel that you have a voice, a name, that you can contribute to the life here and you’re not just a number on a sheet. York St John and the city have so much to offer with many opportunities to socialise through our students’ union, pubs and restaurants. You can develop skills and knowledge through our careers hub and volunteering experiences.”
Matthew Blackstock, president of the students’ union, physiotherapy graduate

What about student accommodation at York St John University? 

First-years who apply by the deadline are guaranteed a place in halls, which cost between £125 and £190 a week. None of the accommodation is catered.

How diverse and inclusive is York St John University?

YSJ’s sharp improvement in our new social inclusion index follows a rise of 37 places in our previous edition. YSJ succeeds in recruiting a relatively high proportion of students from one of the most underrepresented groups — white working-class boys — (8.2 per cent, 11=) and almost one in ten of the intake has a registered disability (26=). 

Everything you need to know about scholarships and bursaries at York St John University

YSJ’s package of support includes £800 per year scholarships for students from ethnic minorities with a household income below £42,000. Another low-income scholarship is worth £250 a year.