York St John University

Welcome to York St John University. We are a welcoming institution dedicated to providing quality academic experiences and creating an inclusive environment where you can grow and thrive. Our beautiful campus is located in the heart of the historic city of York.

Campus and facilities

Our 11-acre campus on Lord Mayor's Walk offers stunning views of York Minster and the city walls.  Our campus features modern buildings, including De Grey Court and the Fountains Learning Centre, which houses our library, IT facilities, and lecture spaces.

Our specialist facilities include:

- York St John University Sports Park. This 57 acre site features 8 grass pitches, 3G pitches, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, as well as strength and conditioning suites.

- Nursing simulated hospital wards. These spaces contain professional-standard medical monitoring equipment and high-specification manikins.

- Dedicated spaces for physiotherapy, occupational therapy, computer science, music production and media production. 

- The Creative Centre, housing a 157-seat theatre, computer science learning rooms, and music and performance spaces.

Nightlife

York offers a variety of evening activities. From traditional and unique pubs to cinemas, theatres, and contemporary bars, there is something for everyone. The Students' Union is a great place to start your evening, providing affordable entertainment and events throughout the week.

Various clubs in York cater to different musical tastes and preferences. You can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of clubs like Kuda, Manhatta and Popworld. Alternatively, you can enjoy live music at venues like The Crescent Community Club and The Fulford Arms.

Shopping

York is a great place for shopping, with a mix of well-known high street brands and local boutiques. The outdoor Shambles Market offers a more traditional shopping experience with a variety of stalls at student-friendly prices. You can also explore many local markets throughout the year, including the annual Food Festival in September, Chocolate Festival in April and the St Nicholas Fayre over the Christmas period.

Culture and history

York has a rich history and culture. York Minster sits at the heart of the city and is popular with both locals and tourists. Attractions like York's Chocolate Story, Jorvik Viking Centre and The York Dungeon offer immersive experiences where visitors can learn about the rich past of our city. You can also explore fascinating exhibits at the York Castle Museum and the National Railway Museum.

For live entertainment lovers, York has a variety of options. York Theatre Royal and Grand Opera House host original and touring shows throughout the year. York Barbican is a centre for concerts, live entertainment and sports, such as darts and snooker. The arts play a significant role in York’s community life. Film fans can enjoy new releases and special screenings at City Screen, Everyman Cinema, Vue and Cineworld.

Explore Yorkshire

York has brilliant transport links. York Railway Station serves as an excellent base for exploring the natural beauty of Yorkshire, including the beautiful landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors. Coastal towns such as Scarborough and Whitby provide great options for day trips. All of these places, and many more, are accessible by public transport.

Our mission and values

At York St John University we strive to promote a friendly community known for its academic quality. Our students and staff play an active role in University life, and we work to make an environment where everyone can make a positive impact.

We're proud to be have been awarded University of the Year for Social Inclusion by The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025.