York vs Liverpool?

I got MA in Social Research from Uni of York and Uni of Liverpool and couldn't decide which one. Anyone mind sharing about the living costs, rankings/reputation of both uni? Is it possible to get a part time job there? Anything I should be aware of?

Reply 1

LJMUStudentReps

Official Rep

Hi there,

I did my undergraduate degree in York and I’m currently a student in Liverpool, so while I can’t speak for the course itself, I can offer some insight into both cities from a student perspective:

Liverpool

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The University of Liverpool is a city centre location which makes finding part-time work easy.

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The city centre has pretty much everything you’d need: big-name shops, a wide variety of restaurants, and a vibrant nightlife.

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There’s a great mix when it comes to nights out: alongside the clubs, there are also arcade bars, bowling spots, live music venues, and other alternatives if clubbing isn’t really your thing.

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For green space, Sefton Park is the go-to, although it’s a bit further out. Lark Lane nearby has a quirky, touristy vibe with indie cafés and shops.

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In terms of things to do, Liverpool has loads: the Albert Dock, a huge range of museums and galleries, street art, cathedrals, concerts and festivals, stadium tours, river cruises, and even beaches like Crosby not far away.

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Transport links are great, and having an airport in the city is a bonus if you plan to travel. It's also around 40 minutes to Manchester by train for more events and nights out.

York

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York is much smaller and more compact, with a historic and picturesque feel. The University of York is on a campus slightly outside the city, so you’ll usually take a bus or walk about 40 minutes into town—which is worth considering for part-time work or social life.

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While it doesn’t have as many big high-street names, York is full of independent shops and quirky finds. For larger stores, places like Monks Cross or Clifton Moor are a bus ride away.

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The nightlife leans more towards pubs and bars, although there are a couple of clubs.

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York is a very touristy city, so there’s still plenty to see and do like York Minster, the Shambles, the City Walls, York Dungeons, Chocolate Story, river cruises, tour buses and has a lot of craft markets throughout the year.

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One of York’s plus points is that green spaces are easier to access within the city centre itself: Museum Gardens, Dean’s Park, and Rowntree Park are all nice.

Public transport is decent in both cities (for context, I’m originally from Leeds). If you’re looking for a livelier, more built-up city feel, Leeds is about 25 minutes from York via train, whereas Liverpool already has that.

As for costs, I’ve personally found Liverpool to be a bit cheaper overall, though it really depends on which parts of each city you’re living in. That said, the higher cost of living in York is absolutely worth it in my opinion because it’s stunning.

Hope that helps and best of luck with the decision 🙂

Megan (LJMU Postgraduate Student Rep)

Reply 2

isaac123444566

Original post

by tyg28

York has a better reputation and higher ranking
Liverpool is probably slightly more affordable
Probably easier to get a part-time job at Liverpool

Not too much in it (York is def better for grad prospects though)

Reply 3

normaw

Original post

by tyg28

Which course do you find the most interesting? That should be your key consideration. They are both good academic unis (rankings are very subjective and don't count for much in the real world). Employers are more interested in your experience and the skills you will bring to the job and not which uni you went to.

Reply 4

University of York

Official Rep

Hi tyg28,

It's great you're considering both universities for your studies! In terms of living costs, rankings/reputation, a part time job as a student at the University of York:

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We have some great opportunities to earn while you learn including joining the Student Ambassador scheme, being a YuCall Student Fundraiser, being a College Life Advisor and being a student content creator. All great options to fit around your studies.

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Also, Handshake is our careers platform for current University of York students, and graduates of the University of York.

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We make sure our students know there is a support network for them for financial, health, career, and more, advice.

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We offer fantastic employer and recruitment networks, so our students can graduate with the best possible career prospects, and this support is with you for life.

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Rankings-wise if you're interested, MA Social Work at York: 3rd in the UK for Social Work (Complete University Guide 2025) and 11th for the quality of our social policy and social work research (Times Higher Education’s ranking of the Research Excellence Framework 2021). More info available here.

If you have any questions you'd like to answer, why not join our PG online open day on June 10 2025. We'd love to meet you there!

In the meantime, let us know if you have any other queries.

J :smile: