Coventry University
About
At Coventry University, we are constantly striving to deliver quality teaching and learning and the best experience for our students. Our teaching, staff, facilities and student experience have all been recognised as some of the best in the sector and we continue to build our reputation as a modern university with an excellent global standing.
Introduction
At Coventry University, we are constantly striving to deliver quality teaching and learning and the best experience for our students.
Our teaching, staff, facilities and student experience have all been recognised as some of the best in the sector and we continue to build our reputation as a modern university with an excellent global standing.
We are proud of the outstanding achievements that have been made across these areas and are delighted to have been recognised for all of these by the various Higher Education awarding bodies and well-known university guides.
About us
Established in 1843, Coventry University has a long history of unlocking potential, breaking down barriers and making a real difference in lives around the world.
Our History
It was in 1970 that Coventry College of Art amalgamated with Lanchester College of Technology and Rugby College of Engineering Technology. The resulting institution was called Lanchester Polytechnic: 'Lanchester' after the Midlands automotive industry pioneer, Dr Frederick Lanchester, and 'Polytechnic' meaning 'skilled in many sciences and arts'.
In 1987 the name changed to Coventry Polytechnic and in 1992 the University was set up under UK Government legislation, as laid out in the University’s Instrument and Articles of Government. The Lanchester name has been preserved in the title of our art gallery, the Lanchester Gallery, as well as in the Lanchester Library.
Living in Coventry
Your student experience takes place in the vibrant city of Coventry, home to more than 50,000 students. The Students’ Union and the many societies on campus help to build the close-knit, diverse community we’re known for. The union holds a series of welcome events so students can discover Coventry together or through one of the 150 student societies available. It’s easy to see why Coventry is one of the top 5 student cities in England (QS Best Student Cities Index 2025).
Campus Features
Student Centre
Students are welcome to visit the Student Centre where our professional staff can offer advice, guidance and assistance throughout your time at the university.
The refurbished Jaguar Centre
Our recently refurbished Jaguar Centre has been specifically designed to provide facilities and services to support our postgraduate students:
- A dedicated reception area with friendly support staff to give you help and advice on a wider range of student issues, open from 8.30 am to 7 pm (Monday to Friday)
- Separate areas for small group study and preparation of group work
- Social space where you can meet with staff and fellow students
- Computer suites
- Wi-Fi throughout
- A café serving a range of hot and cold drinks, sandwiches and snacks.
The Hub
The Hub really is the centre of student campus life - the place to gather, meet friends, have a coffee at Costa Coffee, or a meal in the fantastic food court where you can get world cuisine, pizza and pasta, deli, and food-to-go.
The convenience store is good for essential shopping, and the Students’ Union and Square One provide excellent entertainment from quiz nights to live music. It is all in one place - The Hub.
Lanchester Library
The Lanchester Library is a great place to study. There are five floors offering lots of different study areas. Choose from quiet, silent, or collaborative spaces – whatever your learning style, there is a space to suit you.
Square One
Square One, Bar, Cinema and Entertainment Venue is the number one place on campus for bespoke events. Situated inside the main student hub, Square One caters for staff, external clients and students hosting a variety of events.
Square One Cinema showcases blockbuster films, cult movies, and our special event children’s cinema- CineKids! The Square One Bar is the perfect location to socialise with friends and colleagues or to enjoy our live acoustic evenings. We serve well-priced quality drinks and offer personal bar service to all of our internal and external customers.
Television studio
The Tank is the latest addition to Coventry University, with state-of-the-art specialist TV Studio equipment, including large cameras, mixing facilities and fibre optic wiring throughout. Triple glazing provides professional-grade soundproofing, with the option of privacy and darkness provided by unique light blocking curtains set up around the room.
Admissions
What we need when you apply
We'll need the following information in order to make a decision on your application:
- All academic transcripts
- One academic reference
- Your personal statement
- Copies of degree/diploma certificates or work reference if employed
- An English language test score
- Copy of your current passport
Visa Requirements
Student Visa
If you are coming to the UK to study for more than six months, it is likely you will need to apply for a Student visa. A Student visa will also allow you to undertake work as part of your studies, look for a part-time job or bring your family to the UK as dependents.
Points-based assessment
The UK operates a points-based immigration system. In order to be granted a Student visa, you must pass a points-based assessment and score 70 points. The points are broken down like this:
| You must have a valid Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) and meet the following:
| 50 points |
| English language requirement | 10 points |
| You must have enough money to cover course fees and monthly living costs (also known as maintenance or funds) | 10 points |
Applying for your Student visa from outside the UK
You can apply for a Student visa to study in the UK once you have received your CAS letter and you have prepared your supporting documents*.
Fees
Read the latest government information on the fees you can expect to pay.
How long will it take?
The earliest you can apply for a visa is 6 months before you start your course. You’ll usually get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
You may need to pay a fee towards the cost of healthcare in the UK as part of your immigration application. Once you have paid this, you will be able to use the National Health Service (NHS), which provides medical care in the UK.
Read the latest government information on the IHS fee you can expect to pay.
Create your UKVI Account
Before you travel to the UK you need to ensure you have created a UKVI account to prove your immigration status when arriving in the UK.
Scholarships and Funding
Rankings
- Rated Gold for Student Experience
- 5 QS Stars for Employability
- Top 10 Student City in England for Affordability
- No.1 for Student: Staff Ratio in Midlands
- Rated Silver for Student Outcomes
- 1st Class University
- No.1 in the UK for International Student Diversity, QS Europe University Rankings 2024
- Ranked 19th Modern University in the UK
- Top 50% of UK Universities for Research Power, Times Higher Education analysis of REF 20215 QS Stars for Online Learning, QS Stars University Ratings
- Top 50, five years running, Guardian University Guide (2019-2024)
- Queen’s Award: Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023
- Gold overall rating: Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023
Campus Life & Facilities
Student Life in Coventry
Coventry is a young and vibrant city, and we cannot wait to welcome you onto our campus in the heart of Coventry, just a 10-minute walk away from the train station. Coventry is a modern, cosmopolitan city welcoming over 13,000 international students from 150+ countries. As one of the UK’s biggest multicultural cities there’s lots to see and do.
A wide range of restaurants and food outlets cater for global tastes. In the city centre alone, you could sample Middle Eastern, Caribbean, Indian, British, Asian, Italian, French, Japanese, Latin American and American food, not to mention our dessert parlours! There’s something for every taste and budget with Coventry’s vast selection of high-street favourites, markets, independent retailers and luxury brands.
Students' Union
A big part of the university experience is provided by Your Students’ Union, a student-led organisation with students at the heart of their decision-making.
75+ student societies to choose from
Clubs and societies are a great way to make new friends, and with nearly 75 clubs and societies to join, there’s bound to be something to get your interest. Societies cover everything from academic support to performance, campaigning to networking, culture, language, hobbies, gaming, charity, and much, much more. And if you can't find one you're interested in you can start your own!
45+ sports clubs to get your heart pumping
Your Students’ Union have 45+ sports clubs, from eSports to equestrian, hockey to basketball. The university’s Sports Centre is just across from TheHub, and there’s also the Westwood Heath Sports facilities with floodlit AstroTurf and grass pitches for football, hockey, rugby and cricket.
