School of Arts

Shaping the world through the arts

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Welcome

Lancaster University's School of Arts is a creative and inclusive community, led by world-renowned researchers and practitioners whose work shapes both local and global communities. Our commitment to academic excellence, innovative teaching and impactful research empowers students to explore ideas, challenge perspectives and influence culture.

Lancaster Castle from above

2nd

In the UK for Drama, Dance & Cinematics

The Complete University Guide 2026

3rd

In the UK for student satisfaction in Architecture

The Complete University Guide 2026

Top 10

In the UK for Art & Design

The Complete University Guide 2026

Top 10

In the UK for Architecture

The Complete University Guide 2026

Top 15

In the UK for graduate prospects in Art & Design

The Complete University Guide 2026

Research spotlight: Coastal Nature Lab

The Coastal Nature Lab explores how locally sourced natural materials can support community-led, sustainable coastal protection.

Coastal Nature Lab

Syrian refugees in a camp

Disciplines

Theatre

A diverse community

We are committed to social justice and tackling inequalities, expanding fair and inclusive access to education, and promoting environmental and cultural sustainability. Our work is focused on fostering innovation through emerging technologies, such as cyber and AI, and human creativity and agency. Therefore, we value a diverse range of perspectives and lived experiences, in line with Lancaster's Athena Swan policy.

Colourful diverse people crowd abstract art

Engagement and facilities

Our engagement philosophy

We collaborate with partners and local communities in order to deliver impactful, real-world projects.
Specialist facilities

We offer a range of cutting edge facilities including studios, workshops, editing suites and performance spaces.
Lancaster Arts

We present contemporary performances, visual art, and music, and are nationally recognised as an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation.

Contact us

Please get in touch if you have any questions

News

A photograph of Distinguished Professor Rachel Cooper OBE.

Distinguished Professor Rachel Cooper

We deeply regret to report the death of Rachel Cooper, Professor of Design Management and Policy, from the Lancaster Institute for the Contemporary Arts on Thursday 17 July. Our thoughts are with her family, friends and colleagues at this sad time.

The Premiere promotional poster with Nicola Harrison (credit Jennie Scott) on the left and Roger Ashton-Griffiths

University alumnus and Game of Thrones Star ‘chuffed’ to return to Lancaster for new film

A Game of Thrones star and Lancaster University alumnus has returned to the city this week to take part in a new short film.

Ruby is pictured sitting in front of a leafy green backdrop in her cap and gown

Prize-winning opportunity paints picture for future art career

A Fine Art graduate of Painting, chosen for a prestigious national painting prize, will begin her art career with a ‘superb kickstart’ as a result.

Róisin McMullan siiting in a theatre setting surrounded by blue chairs

Graduate’s reviews topped the bill at Edinburgh Fringe

A Lancaster University student who came top in a writing award at the Edinburgh Fringe, the world's largest arts festival, is now looking toward a career in Arts journalism.

Image shows four children - three sitting and one standing - all heavily engossed in a litcraft activity on a tablet

Grant opens new chapter on library project for University spin-out company

Lancaster University spin-out enterprise Litcraft Community Interest Company (CIC) has been awarded an Arts Council National Lottery Project Grant to bring its innovative approach to encourage reluctant readers into libraries across Cumbria this summer.

More News

Events

8th Oct

Stefan Collini (Cambridge) -- The University and the Humanities

Wednesday 8 October 2025, 6:30pm to 8:30pm

14th Oct

The Priory Conversation: Writing and/as Radical Hospitality

Tuesday 14 October 2025, 7:30pm to 8:30pm

18th Oct

The Priory Seminar – Literature, God and Place

Saturday 18 October 2025, 2:00pm to 4:00pm