In 1992, Liverpool Polytechnic became Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), a public research university in Liverpool, England. The institution traces its roots to 1823 and the Liverpool Mechanics' School of Arts. It is named after Sir John Moores, one of the great philanthropists and entrepreneurs of Liverpool. The university offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in fields including Architecture, Chemistry, Computing, Astronomy, Art and Design, History, Law, Engineering and Psychology, with full-time, part-time and distance-learning options.
Sir John Moores (1896-1993) was a successful businessman and a true visionary. He founded Littlewoods in 1923, then the UK's largest and most profitable privately owned firm, spanning football pools, mail order and retailing. He headed the firm until 1982. Sir John Moores Jr, his eldest son, served as the University's second Chancellor from 1994 to 1999, succeeding Henry Cotton. In 2015, Lady Grantchester, his eldest daughter, was made an Honorary Fellow of the University.
The vision of the university is to be recognised as a modern civic university that delivers solutions to the problems and challenges of the 21st century. Its mission is to improve the lives of those it works with, to act as an anchor institution in Liverpool, and to serve communities locally and globally. It believes in the concept of One University, a community that works together to achieve common student goals within a clear strategy.
Liverpool is a popular destination for international students. Key reasons to study here include:
- Liverpool is a hub for international students, making room for cultural exposure.
- Liverpool is ranked among the friendliest cities in the UK, where locals are warm and welcoming to international students and professionals.
- Liverpool is known for its football teams, and watching a live match here can be a memorable experience.
- The cost of living is relatively low, with affordable rent and inexpensive food and drink, and many stores run student offers.
- Liverpool has a fascinating history, and students can explore around 800 years of its past.
- Liverpool has a rich culture, with many museums and galleries to visit.
- LJMU's 2026/27 home undergraduate tuition fee is capped at £9,790 per year, while international undergraduate fees generally range from about £16,000 to £19,000 per year depending on the course
- LJMU sits in the 851-900 band of the QS World University Rankings 2026 and 501-600 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026
- The university hosts more than 20,000 students from over 100 countries.
What Undergraduate Programmes Does LJMU Offer?
LJMU offers over 200 undergraduate degrees across Architecture, Chemistry, Computing, Astronomy, Art and Design, History, Law, Engineering and Psychology. Most bachelor's programmes run for three years full-time, with four-year sandwich options that include a placement year. Students can also choose part-time and distance-learning routes across the university's faculties.
The undergraduate programmes offered include:
- BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance
- BSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour
- BSc (Hons) Architectural Engineering
- BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology
- BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science
- MEng (Hons) Building Services Engineering
- BA (Hons) Business and Public Relations
- BA (Hons) Business with Marketing
- MEng (Hons) Civil and Environmental Engineering
- BSc (Hons) Climate Change
- BA (Hons) Creative Writing and Film Studies, among many others.
What Postgraduate Programmes Are Available?
LJMU provides more than 100 taught postgraduate programmes, including MSc, MA and LLM degrees in fields such as Cyber Security, Astrophysics, Criminology, Human Resource Management and International Corporate Law. Students can study full-time or part-time, and the university also offers research degrees. Most taught masters take one year full-time to complete.
The postgraduate programmes offered include:
- MSc Audio Forensics and Restoration
- MSc Astrophysics
- MSc Brain and Behaviour
- MSc Clinical Pharmacy for Secondary and Tertiary Care
- MA Criminology and Social Policy
- MSc Cyber Security
- MA English Literature
- MA Fashion Innovation and Realisation
- MSc Forensic Bioscience
- MA Human Resource Management
- LLM / MSc International Corporate Law and Management, among many others.
What Are the Tuition Fees at LJMU in 2026?
Tuition fees at LJMU depend on the course and your fee status. For 2026/27, home undergraduate fees are capped at £9,790 per year, while international undergraduate fees typically range from about £16,000 to £19,000 per year. Postgraduate fees vary by programme, and several funding options and scholarships are available.
| Programme (2026/27) | Home Fee per Year | International Fee per Year |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree | £9,790 | £16,000-£19,000 |
| Postgraduate taught masters | Varies by course | £16,000-£18,000 |
Key fee and funding points:
- Home (UK) undergraduate tuition is capped at £9,790 per year for 2026/27, with government tuition-fee and maintenance loans available to eligible students.
- International undergraduate tuition generally ranges from about £16,000 to £19,000 per year, depending on the course.
- Postgraduate taught fees vary by programme; international masters typically cost around £16,000 to £18,000 per year.
- Funding options include scholarships, bursaries, employer sponsorship, government postgraduate loans, and additional support for healthcare and disabled students.
Which Scholarships Can International Students Apply For?
LJMU offers a range of scholarships and bursaries for international and home students. International undergraduates may be eligible for a tuition-fee discount of around £3,000 per year, alongside Vice-Chancellor's and subject-specific awards. Postgraduate students can access employer sponsorship, government postgraduate loans, bursaries and the university's own funding schemes.
The main scholarships and awards for international students include:
- Vice-Chancellor's International Scholarship for high-achieving overseas applicants.
- An international tuition-fee discount of around £3,000 per year for eligible self-funded students.
- Sir Bert Massie Scholarship and other named awards for specific groups.
- Community Excellence and Academic Excellence awards for outstanding UK and international students.
How Do You Apply to LJMU?
Applying to LJMU is straightforward and mostly online. Full-time undergraduate applications are submitted through UCAS, while part-time undergraduate, postgraduate and research applications are made directly on the LJMU website. Applicants provide their academic qualifications, English-language test scores, work experience where relevant, a personal statement and valid passport details.
Key points to remember:
- Applications for full-time undergraduate programmes are made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
- Once the student submits their UCAS application, it is sent to their chosen universities.
- For part-time undergraduate study, applicants complete an online application form on the university's website.
- Postgraduate applicants complete and submit an application form available on the university's website.
- Applicants must provide details of their qualifications and any relevant work experience.
- Applicants must provide their passport details.
What Are the Entry and Eligibility Requirements?
Entry requirements vary by course and level. Most undergraduate programmes ask for relevant qualifications equivalent to UK A-levels, while postgraduate courses require a recognised bachelor's degree. International applicants must show English proficiency, usually an overall IELTS 6.0 with 5.5 in each section, or TOEFL iBT 78, with higher scores for some professional courses.
The main eligibility criteria include:
- Accepted English proficiency tests include IELTS, TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE and Cambridge CAE, among others.
- English proficiency tests should be taken no more than 2 years before the start date of the chosen programme.
- The overall IELTS score should be 6.0, with at least 5.5 in each section.
- The overall TOEFL iBT score should be 78.
- Accepted international school qualifications include Botswana (BGCSE), Cameroon O Level, Hong Kong (HKDSE) and India Standard XII English (CBSE and CISCE), among others.
- Indian applicants generally need around 70% in Standard XII English (CBSE and CISCE).
How Competitive Is Admission at LJMU?
LJMU is a mid-tariff UK university that admits students against course-specific entry requirements rather than a single published acceptance rate. Typical offers range from around 96 to 128 UCAS points depending on the programme. The university is known for being accessible and inclusive, welcoming a large international and widening-participation student community each year.
LJMU does not publish a single official acceptance rate. Instead, admissions decisions are based on how well each application meets the entry requirements for a specific course, including academic grades and English-language ability. As a mid-tariff university, LJMU is regarded as relatively accessible, with strong support for international and first-generation students.
Where Does LJMU Rank in 2026?
LJMU performs solidly in global and UK league tables. In 2026 it sits in the 851-900 band of the QS World University Rankings and 501-600 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. The Complete University Guide 2026 places it 76th in the UK, with several subjects ranked higher nationally.
With roots going back to 1823 and university status since 1992, LJMU combines heritage with a modern, applied approach. It performs consistently in world and UK league tables and earns particularly strong results in several subject areas, including engineering, sport science and forensic science. Selected 2026 rankings are shown below.
| Ranking (2026) | LJMU Position |
|---|---|
| QS World University Rankings | 851-900 |
| THE World University Rankings | 501-600 |
| Complete University Guide (UK) | 76th |
Where Is LJMU Located?
LJMU is based in the heart of Liverpool, a vibrant, affordable and welcoming city in North West England. Its campuses and buildings are spread across the city centre, close to museums, galleries, sports venues and student accommodation. Liverpool is well connected by rail, road and air, with a large international student community.
The main university contact address is:
Liverpool John Moores University, Egerton Court, 2 Rodney Street, Liverpool L3 5UX, United Kingdom.
What Do Students Say About LJMU?
Students describe LJMU as supportive, practical and well connected to industry. They highlight helpful lecturers, strong employability support, engaging small-group seminars and an active students' union. The university's use of the Canvas online platform, career counselling and networking events are frequently praised, and many graduates say the experience prepared them well for professional careers.
The university is home to over 20,000 students and, since gaining university status in 1992, has built a strong reputation for applied, career-focused teaching. With its world and subject rankings, it remains a popular choice among international students. A selection of student experiences is summarised below.
- Lucy found her lecturers super helpful. Teaching was delivered online through the Canvas system, and the campus provided good facilities to work and socialise. She loved life at the university and was sad to leave.
- Michelle studied the Law LLB (Hons) programme. The university organises networking events that help enhance employability, and the lectures and seminars were very good. Seminars let students focus on applying what they learnt in lectures.
- Tegen studied the Zoology BSc (Hons) programme. He had a good time at the university and made many new friends. The professors are very interactive, and it is easy to contact lecturers through Canvas or email.
- Caoimhe studied Business with Marketing BSc (Hons). The employability support was great, and seminars in smaller groups were very engaging. The students' union works hard to build a strong community.
- Touraj studied the MSc Investment and Finance programme. The course reflected current market needs and trends, the students' union was cooperative, and the careers service helped students become better professionals.