Laboratories are offered in separate modules. The philosophy and approach to education in British universities is different in some ways from the U.S. system. British students specialize in a specific subject, rather than study a wide range of subjects, as in the U.S. university system. In the British system, a greater emphasis is placed on independent study. Very often there is no detailed schedule and syllabus, as one would expect in the U.S. system, but rather a reading list from which it is the student's responsibility to chose what to read.
Assessment differs according to the course.
It may range from one essay with a final exam at the end of the course to 3 essays and 2 exams. UR exchange students may enroll in any course at Lancaster, as long as they meet prerequisites. Qualified full-year students may have the opportunity to pursue research with a faculty member. UR exchange students have access to all university facilities. Students may earn between 30-32 credits for the full year.