History
Edge Hill University, founded in 1885 as the first non-denominational teacher training college for women, moved to Ormskirk in 1933. After gaining university status in 2006, it quickly became a success story, earning the prestigious 'University of the Year' award just a few years later. With significant investments in research, teaching, and campus facilities, Edge Hill supports 23,000 students.
Education
Edge Hill University offers over 250 undergraduate and postgraduate courses across three faculties: Arts and Sciences, Health, Social Care and Medicine, and an Ofsted-rated “Outstanding” Faculty of Education. Industry-relevant programmes span disciplines in Biology, Business, Computer Science, Education, Engineering, English and Creative Arts, Psychology, Law, History, Geography, Social Sciences, and Sports Science.
Taught by research-active experts, courses blend lectures, seminars, and hands-on learning to develop critical thinking and practical skills. Personal tutors and peer mentoring provide strong support, fostering both academic and personal growth.
Research
Edge Hill University is committed to addressing society's most pressing challenges through impactful, world-leading research. The university's work spans promoting inclusivity, wellbeing, and tackling global issues for a sustainable future. With more than half of its research rated ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ in the REF 2021, Edge Hill offers PhD and Masters by Research opportunities across a wide range of subjects in its faculties and departments, advancing knowledge with a meaningful impact.
Career
At Edge Hill University, real-world knowledge and research are applied to help students understand what employers seek in competitive job markets. The dedicated Careers team supports students throughout their studies, offering opportunities to develop transferable skills and gain work experience – that’s why 96.9% of students are employed or in further study within 15 months of graduating (Graduate Outcomes data, 2024). A tailored Career Development Programme guides students through career decision-making and readiness, ensuring they are well-prepared to compete in the job market.
Student services
At Edge Hill University, students are empowered to thrive with access to a comprehensive network of support services designed to enhance academic and personal success. From Money Advice, Wellbeing and Mental Health Support to Academic Support, the Language Centre and Careers, expert guidance is always on-hand. The Students’ Union ensures every voice is heard while the International Office offers dedicated support for international students, including visa support and specialised financial guidance.
Housing services
All our accommodation is located on campus, offering the best living options in the UK as rated by students (Uni Compare 2025). The modern facilities are at the heart of a vibrant campus community, designed to meet student needs. Affordable fees are a priority, with rents below the national average. As all accommodation is owned and managed on-site by the University, fee increases are kept minimal—just 1.1% in 2023 compared to the sector average of 14.6%. Accommodation is guaranteed for first-year undergraduate students, and support is available for all students applying. The Students’ Union also assists in finding off-campus housing if needed.
Library services
The Catalyst at Edge Hill University is a modern, state-of-the-art learning hub, ranked 2nd in the North West for learning resources (NSS 2023). It offers a wide range of facilities, including study spaces, laptops, computers, and dedicated areas for group work, quiet study zones and creative projects.
ICT services
Edge Hill University provides campus-wide Wi-Fi, including in accommodation. Students have access to IT equipment, including computers in study areas and the library. Free laptop borrowing is available, alongside digital resources such as various softwares and an online library. Comprehensive IT support is also offered to assist students with their technological needs.
Medical services
Healthcare at Edge Hill University is easily accessible for students. The general practice where students need to register is located in Ormskirk city centre, just a 15-minute walk from campus or a 5-minute bus ride. Additionally, the Ormskirk & District General Hospital is only a 5-minute walk from the university, offering quick access to medical services.
Campus life
Edge Hill University is a single-site campus in Ormskirk, North West England, just 30 minutes from Liverpool and 1 hour from Manchester. A small numbers of healthcare courses are delivered at the St. James’ campus in Manchester.
The University’s main campus is conveniently close to Ormskirk town centre, providing easy access to shops, cafes, and other local amenities. On-campus, students enjoy a range of facilities, including two restaurants, a food market, coffee outlets, Subway, a Student Union building, a bar and cinema, two lakes, a post office, cash machines, parking, and laundry services. There are also social zones with pool tables and darts, a giant indoor TV screen, a free campus shuttle bus.
Sports facilities
Edge Hill University boasts exceptional sports facilities, including a 25m swimming pool with six lanes, a gymnasium with a sprung floor, and three sports halls with spectator galleries. The athletics track is an eight-lane floodlit competition standard track, alongside five grass pitches for football and rugby. The 3G football/rugby pitch is ideal for high-level matches and training, while smaller 3G courts are available for football. A full-sized hockey pitch and a 2.5km fitness trail add to the outdoor offerings. The 80-station fitness suite, fully equipped gym, sauna, and outdoor workout space further enhance the fitness experience for students.
Student clubs
Edge Hill University offers a wide variety of student societies, spanning music, arts, cultural, and interest-based activities. From the Vocal Edge and Music Societies to the Drama, Dance, and Art and Design Societies, there's something for everyone. Beyond these, students can explore a wide range of hobbies and cultural groups, including societies dedicated to gaming, debating, fitness, and more. If a society doesn’t already exist, students are encouraged to create their own. All societies are easily accessible through the Students’ Union, where students can join, get involved, or start new groups to share their passions.
Accreditation
Academy of Medical Educators • Advance HE • Association for Nutrition (AfN) • Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) • Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) • The Association of International Accountants (AIA) • BALEAP • British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) Undergraduate Endorsement • British Dyslexia Association (AMBDA Dyscalculia) • British Psychological Society (BPS) • Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA) • Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM)