Edge Hill University

Established in 1885, Edge Hill University is one of the United Kingdom’s most respected modern universities, recognised for its outstanding student experience, high-quality teaching, and strong graduate outcomes. Originally founded in Liverpool as the first non-denominational teacher training college for women, the institution has grown from just 41 trainee teachers into a thriving university community of more than 15,000 students.

Today, Edge Hill University is known for combining a rich heritage with a forward-thinking approach to higher education. Located on a stunning 160-acre campus in Ormskirk, Lancashire, the university provides students with an inspiring environment to learn, live, and develop professionally. Its location offers easy access to major cities such as Liverpool and Manchester, creating valuable opportunities for study, employment, networking, and cultural experiences.



Edge Hill offers more than 250 undergraduate and postgraduate courses across three main academic faculties: the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, the Faculty of Health, Social Care and Medicine, and the Faculty of Education. The university’s excellence in teacher training is particularly noteworthy, with its Initial Teacher Education provision receiving an Outstanding rating from Ofsted across all three age phases.

The university has earned national recognition for delivering an exceptional student experience. It was named University of the Year for Student Experience in the Daily Mail University Guide 2026 and was also awarded Modern University of the Year 2022 by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide. In addition, Edge Hill is among the select group of institutions to have been named UK University of the Year by Times Higher Education.

Academic excellence is supported by a strong research culture. In the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, more than half of the university’s research was classified as either world-leading or internationally excellent, reflecting the institution’s growing impact across multiple disciplines.

Edge Hill’s commitment to quality teaching is demonstrated through its Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), highlighting excellence in teaching, student support, and positive student outcomes. The university’s mission to create opportunity from knowledge is reflected in its dedication to innovation, career-focused education, and student success. Beyond academics, Edge Hill is renowned for its beautiful campus environment. Recognised as one of the UK’s Best Green Spaces, the campus has achieved the prestigious Green Flag Award for 14 consecutive years. As a proud multi-campus university with additional facilities in Manchester city centre and partnerships across the North West, Edge Hill continues to provide students with outstanding educational opportunities and industry-connected learning experiences.

Edge Hill University is committed to providing comprehensive student support services that help students succeed academically, professionally, and personally. From arrival in the UK to graduation, the university offers a wide range of services designed to create a supportive, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all students, particularly international learners.

Student wellbeing is a key priority at Edge Hill University. The dedicated Mental Health and Wellbeing Team provides guidance, advice, and support to students studying full-time, part-time, on-campus, or remotely. Whether students are facing personal challenges, academic pressures, or adjusting to university life, professional support is readily available throughout their studies.

The university also offers a free and confidential Counselling Service delivered by trained professionals. Available to both full-time and part-time students, counselling sessions take place on the Ormskirk campus and are designed to help students manage a wide range of personal and emotional concerns in a safe and supportive environment.

Additional support is available through the Student Support Team, based within Catalyst, the university’s student hub. The team works closely with all students and apprentices, providing practical guidance, advice, and intervention when needed. Special attention is given to students from underrepresented backgrounds, including Care Experienced and Estranged Students (CEES). Students who may be struggling academically or considering leaving university can access personalised support to explore their options and receive appropriate guidance.

International students benefit from dedicated assistance through the International Education Centre. The centre provides expert support on visa matters, accommodation arrangements, and employment-related guidance, helping students navigate important aspects of studying and living in the UK. These services are designed to ensure a smooth and successful transition into university life.

To make arrival in the UK as stress-free as possible, Edge Hill offers an airport meet-and-greet service for new students arriving at Manchester and Liverpool airports. This welcoming service is complemented by a comprehensive orientation programme that introduces students to the campus, university facilities, and essential support resources.

New international students can also participate in the Global Friends programme, which connects them with current international students. This peer-support initiative helps students settle more quickly, build friendships, and gain valuable advice from those who have already experienced university life at Edge Hill.

For students who wish to strengthen their English language skills before beginning their degree, the university provides pre-sessional English courses and international foundation programmes. These pathways help students develop the academic and language skills needed for success in higher education.

Edge Hill University places strong emphasis on preparing students for successful careers after graduation. Throughout their degree, students receive access to professional guidance, practical learning opportunities, and employability-focused support designed to help them achieve their career ambitions.

Every student is assigned a Personal Tutor, who serves as a dedicated source of academic and personal guidance throughout their studies. This personalised support helps students stay on track academically while planning for their future career goals. To bridge the gap between theory and practice, the university has invested in immersive learning environments that allow students to apply their knowledge in realistic professional settings. These facilities help build confidence and practical skills before entering the workplace.

Students also benefit from a wide range of experiential learning opportunities, including fieldwork, educational trips, guest lectures, and industry engagement activities. Depending on their programme of study, many students may also undertake a work placement, gaining valuable real-world experience and developing industry-relevant skills.

The dedicated Careers Team supports students at every stage of their career journey. From enhancing employability skills and improving CVs to preparing for interviews and job applications, the team provides expert advice to help students compete successfully in the graduate job market.

In addition, students have access to a range of specialist support services, including money advice, wellbeing support, and personal development resources, ensuring they receive assistance whenever needed. Through its comprehensive network of student and career services, Edge Hill University helps students build confidence, gain practical experience, and graduate ready for the next step in their professional journey.

Catalyst’s specialist support resources remain accessible throughout the year, providing students with a central source of information, guidance, and assistance whenever they need it.

Edge Hill University has established a strong reputation across the UK higher education sector for its outstanding student experience, teaching quality, campus facilities, graduate outcomes, and research excellence. Consistently recognised in major national and international rankings, the university continues to strengthen its position as one of the UK's leading modern institutions.

In national league tables, Edge Hill performs particularly well for student satisfaction and overall student experience. According to Uni Compare 2026, the university is ranked 5th overall in the UK and 5th overall in England, reflecting consistently positive feedback from students. Edge Hill also secured 1st place in the UK for accommodation for the third consecutive year, highlighting the quality of its award-winning student residences. In addition, the university ranked 5th for course quality and 9th for employability, demonstrating its commitment to delivering a high-quality educational experience and preparing graduates for successful careers.

The university's strength in student support and campus life is further recognised by its inclusion among the Top 20 universities in the UK for Student Experience in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026. The same guide ranks Edge Hill 63rd nationally, while The Guardian University Guide 2026 places the university 46th in the UK. In the Complete University Guide 2026, Edge Hill is ranked 56th nationally and remains among the top five universities in the North West region. Edge Hill's success extends beyond student experience into graduate achievement and career outcomes. The Complete University Guide 2026 highlights significant improvements in graduate outcomes, with the university rising to 20th in the UK for students progressing into graduate-level employment or further study. Overall, 96.2% of graduates are employed or undertaking further study within 15 months of graduation, according to Graduate Outcomes data released in 2025. This reflects the university's strong focus on employability and career-focused education.

Teaching excellence remains a key strength of the institution. Edge Hill achieved a Gold rating for Student Experience and Silver overall in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023, recognising the quality of teaching, student support, and learning outcomes. The university was also named University of the Year for Student Experience in the Daily Mail University Guide 2026, further reinforcing its reputation for delivering an exceptional student journey. Academic quality is reflected in subject-level performance as well. In the Complete University Guide 2026, Paramedic Science, Health Studies, and Social Work were all ranked among the Top 10 subjects in the UK, while the BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance programme was recognised as the best in the country for student satisfaction.

Research excellence continues to strengthen the university's reputation. In the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, more than half of Edge Hill's research was classified as world-leading or internationally excellent, highlighting the institution's growing contribution to fields such as education, healthcare, and the arts.

Internationally, Edge Hill is recognised in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026, where it is placed within the 1001–1200 band globally. The university also appears in the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability, reflecting its commitment to responsible growth and long-term impact.

These achievements demonstrate Edge Hill University's continued success in teaching, student satisfaction, graduate employability, and research excellence, making it an increasingly attractive choice for students seeking a high-quality university experience in the United Kingdom.

Student life at Edge Hill University offers the perfect balance of academic achievement, personal development, social engagement, and career preparation. Home to a welcoming community of more than 15,000 students, the university provides an environment where students are recognised as individuals, supported by dedicated staff, and encouraged to achieve their ambitions.

One of the defining features of the Edge Hill experience is its close-knit and supportive atmosphere. Students benefit from personalised learning and meaningful connections with tutors who know them by name. This student-focused approach helps create a strong sense of belonging from the very beginning of university life.

Career success is an important part of the student experience. All courses are designed to meet the needs of employers across the North West and beyond, helping students develop relevant skills for the modern workplace. This focus on employability is reflected in the university's impressive graduate outcomes, with 96.2% of graduates in employment or further study within 15 months of graduation, according to Graduate Outcomes data released in 2025.

Outside the classroom, students can enjoy a vibrant social scene supported by the dedicated Student Life Team and Students' Union. Throughout the year, a wide variety of events help students settle in, make friends, and create lasting memories. Popular activities include Bingo Lingo, Karaoke Fridays, themed Wednesday night socials, club nights featuring guest DJs, and creative events such as Sip and Paint. Students also have opportunities to participate in volunteering initiatives, campaigns, and student-led projects through the Students' Union.

Getting involved is easy with more than 100 clubs and societies available on campus. From Anime Society and Run Club to academic, cultural, and special-interest groups, there is something for every passion and hobby. Students who cannot find a society that matches their interests also have the opportunity to create their own.

Sport and wellbeing play a major role in student life at Edge Hill. The university offers extensive sports and leisure facilities, including an 80-station fitness suite, exercise classes, a 20-metre swimming pool, running track, and 3G outdoor pitches. Students can join university sports clubs, participate in social leagues, or simply stay active while balancing their studies. Discounted gym memberships provide affordable access to a wide range of fitness facilities.

The university's award-winning campus creates an exceptional environment for studying and relaxation. Students can enjoy peaceful lakeside views, landscaped green spaces, and abundant wildlife, including ducks, rabbits, squirrels, and even the university's well-known campus cat. These natural surroundings contribute positively to student wellbeing and provide ideal spaces for outdoor study and recreation.

The on-campus Arts Centre further enriches student life with a diverse programme of theatre performances, live music, dance, films, and cultural events. Free Film Fridays offer additional entertainment exclusively for Edge Hill students.

Food options across campus cater to a wide range of dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan, and allergy-conscious choices. Students can enjoy cafés such as Crosby Coffee, Costa, Roots, and Garden 41, as well as the EH Market, which serves everything from breakfasts and pancakes to freshly prepared lunches and snacks.

Located in the friendly market town of Ormskirk, students benefit from a welcoming local community, independent shops, cafés, bars, and traditional market days. The university's location also provides excellent access to some of the UK's most exciting destinations. Liverpool is just a 30-minute direct train journey away, while Manchester is also within easy reach, offering world-class opportunities for culture, entertainment, shopping, sport, and career networking.

For students who enjoy the outdoors, the North West offers endless possibilities. Beaches such as Formby and Crosby, along with the stunning Lake District, provide opportunities to explore some of England's most beautiful natural landscapes. Combined with outstanding facilities, strong student support, exciting social opportunities, and excellent career prospects, Edge Hill University delivers a rewarding and memorable student experience both on and beyond campus.

Edge Hill University offers award-winning student accommodation designed to provide a safe, comfortable, and supportive environment where students can feel at home from day one. Located on the university’s beautiful Ormskirk campus, the accommodation combines convenience, community, and quality, helping students make the most of their university experience both academically and socially.

Recognised nationally for its outstanding residential experience, Edge Hill was ranked 1st in the UK for accommodation by Uni Compare in both 2025 and 2026. The university has also received the ASRA Award for Creating the Best Student Home in 2024 and 2025, earned the Best Value for Money award at the Global Student Living Awards 2024, and was placed among the Top 3 universities in the North West for university halls in the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2025. These achievements reflect the university’s commitment to providing high-quality student living spaces and excellent support services.

International students benefit from the reassurance of guaranteed university accommodation, making the transition to life in the UK smoother and more convenient. The university's accommodation communities are located close to academic buildings, sports facilities, social spaces, study areas, and campus services, allowing students to fully immerse themselves in university life. Edge Hill accommodates around 1,700 students on campus, with more than two-thirds of rooms featuring private en-suite facilities. The university also offers approximately 300 catered rooms for students who prefer a more convenient dining option. Living on campus provides opportunities to develop independence, build confidence, and create lifelong friendships within a welcoming student community.

Students can choose from a variety of accommodation areas across the campus. These include Central Halls, the university's newest modern accommodation complex located at the heart of campus; Chancellors Court and Chancellors South; Palatine Court; Forest Court; Woodland Court townhouses; Main Halls within the historic Main Building; Graduates Court; and Founders East and Founders West. Each residence is positioned close to key university facilities, ensuring easy access to lectures, sports centres, social venues, and study spaces.

To help students settle in, the university's dedicated Campus Connectors play an important role in creating a welcoming atmosphere. Easily recognised by their purple hoodies, they provide information, practical advice, and organise social activities that help new residents get to know their flatmates and become part of the wider university community.

For students who prefer private accommodation, the university's Accommodation Team offers guidance and support in finding suitable housing in nearby Ormskirk. The town provides a range of shared housing options and benefits from excellent transport connections, including a free bus service and direct rail links to Liverpool in around 30 minutes.

With its award-winning residences, strong community atmosphere, comprehensive support services, and convenient campus location, Edge Hill University provides an exceptional accommodation experience that helps students thrive throughout their studies.