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.

About us
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

7th

in UK for English

The Guardian University Guide (2025)  

6th

in UK for Creative Writing

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

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.

Athena Swan
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

Get in Touch

News

Large group of people with backs to camera standing on a beach looking out over Morecambe Bay

‘Walkshops’ will provide 'Perceptions of Place' in Barrow-in-Furness

Communities in Barrow and Walney are invited to join Perceptions of Place, a series of creative ‘walkshops’ exploring how we connect with our local landscapes and how art can help shape the future of Morecambe Bay.
Two fishing boats lying on the sand on the Morecambe beach seafront with the tide out - an image from yesteryear as new apartments not in the picture

A Future Archive: Re-imagining Morecambe through film and audio heritage

An appeal to the local community to step into the spotlight for a glimpse of a future Morecambe through an historical deep dive into the resort’s cinemas and entertainment is part of a new Lancaster University research project.
Image shows the Renold Building with trees in the foreground

Listed building case built on Lancaster professor’s firm historical foundations

Research by a Lancaster University Professor in Architecture has led to an ‘innovative’ 1960s former Manchester University campus building being Grade II listed by Historic England.
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.

More News

Events

7th Oct

Castle Seminar -- Stefan Collini in Conversation

Tuesday 7 October 2025, 2:30pm to 4:00pm
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

More Events