If you’ve explored education in the UK, you may have come across the “Russell Group”. It consists of 24 reputable research-intensive institutions of higher learning which, together, produce over two-thirds of world-leading research from UK universities.
If you’re curious about these universities, we share brief descriptions of eight of them and other good-to-know information here. We will share about the other sixteen progressively, so stay posted!
Do note that all information serves as a guide and should not be taken as definitive: do conduct your own research to make sure a university is suitable for you! For example, each university’s “Strongest Disciplines” section is not exhaustive.
1) Durham University
Durham University was founded in 1832 and is widely regarded to be the UK’s third-oldest university. It is a ‘collegiate’ university surrounded by history: Durham Castle has been home to University College, the university’s oldest college, since 1837. Harry Potter enthusiasts would also know that the nearby Durham Cathedral was a filming location for the movies.
The university has many interesting CCAs, such as the Durham University Society of Change Ringers, and degree options such as the Combined Honours in Social Sciences. Compared to larger cities, Durham is smaller and quieter — most walk around to get to places instead of taking public transport — but it still has plenty to do and has tons of beautiful views!
Quick Facts
Student Population: 20,268 (2020–2021 figures)
International Fees: £23,500 to £30,000 for undergraduate studies per annum (2023)
Faculties/Schools: Business School, Faculty of Arts and Humanities, Faculty of Science, Faculty of Social Sciences and Health
Strongest Disciplines include: Geography, Archaeology, Theology & Religion
QS Ranking 2023: 92nd worldwide, 15th in the UK
THE Ranking 2023: =198th worldwide, 26th in the UK
2) University of Cambridge
The University of Cambridge is well-known for being one of the best universities in the world. It is a ‘collegiate’ university located in a beautiful university town, and those who enjoy picturesque views and old-world vibes will love their time here. Cambridge University offers a plus-point in their small-group sessions, which usually comprise only one to three students and provide the opportunity for more discussions and intellectual exploration.
Cambridge guarantees most students College-owned accommodation for at least three years. It’s admission process is slightly different from most UK universities in that there are assessments and admissions interviews, so you may want to prepare for them early on!
Note*: Candidates cannot apply to both Cambridge and Oxford during the same admission year
Quick Facts
Student Population: 24,270 (2020–2021 figures)
International Fees: £24,507 to £63,990 for undergraduate studies per annum (2023)
Faculties/Schools: Arts and Humanities, Biological Sciences, Clinical Medicine, Humanities and Social Sciences, Physical Sciences, and Technology
Strongest Disciplines include: Sciences and Mathematics
QS Ranking 2023: 2nd worldwide, 1st in the UK
THE Ranking 2023: =3rd worldwide, 2nd in the UK
3) University of Oxford
The other half of the famous ‘Oxbridge’ duo, the University of Oxford counts JRR Tolkien, Albert Einstein, Margaret Thatcher and more amongst its alumni. It is also a collegiate university, and does not have a main campus. This means that, if accepted, you will take the bulk of your classes through one of the 44 colleges or permanent private halls (such as tutorials), and much of your university life (accommodation, social events) will revolve around the college you enter.
The University of Oxford is home to the UK’s oldest museum in the UK, the world’s largest University Press, the UK’s oldest Botanic garden,
Note*: Candidates cannot apply to both Cambridge and Oxford during the same admission year
Quick Facts
Student Population: Approx. 26,455
International Fees: Between £28,950 and £44,240 for undergraduate studies per annum (2023)
Faculties/Schools: Humanities, Mathematical, Physical & Life Sciences, Medical Sciences, and Social Sciences
Strongest Disciplines include: Humanities
QS Ranking 2023: 4th worldwide, 2nd in the UK
THE Ranking 2023: 1st worldwide, 1st in the UK
4) University of Bristol
Did you know that Ribena, the beloved drink, was created by a scientist at the University of Bristol in 1933? The University is housed in a vibrant city with a flourishing media scene and many independent media outlets, and people of many nationalities. While smaller than London and other major cities, the UNESCO city of film does not lose out with its many green spaces and harbourside.
According to the ‘Graduate Market in 2022’ report[i], which surveyed 100 of the UK’s most successful organisations, graduates from the University of Bristol were the third most sought after.
Quick Facts
Student Population: 20,311 undergraduates, 7,202 postgraduates (AY 19/20). Approximately 20% are international students.
International Fees: £22,200 to £29,000 for undergraduate studies per annum (2023)
Faculties/Schools: Arts, Engineering, Health Sciences, Life Sciences, Sciences, Social Sciences & Law
Strongest Disciplines include: Clinical Health, Education, Physical Sciences, Law, Psychology
QS Ranking 2023: =61st worldwide, 9th in the UK
THE Ranking 2023: 76th worldwide, 9th in the UK
5) University of Birmingham
The University of Birmingham was founded in 1900 as England’s first civic university, and has a history of many firsts: it was the first UK university to establish a Faculty of Commerce and accept women into medical degrees.
The University of Birmingam also has one of the UK’s largest international student populations. The University’s alumni and staff have achieved Nobel Prizes in Physics, Chemistry, and Physiology or Medicine; its research expertise lies in low carbon energy, health and medical technology, advanced materials and nanotechnology, environment and the social sciences.
Quick Facts
Student Population: Approx. 28,000 with 9,000 international students
International Fees: £21,000 to £46,320 for undergraduate studies per annum (AY2023/24)
Faculties/Schools: College of Arts and Law, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, and College of Social Sciences
Strongest Disciplines include: Engineering, Sciences
QS Ranking 2023: 91st worldwide, 14th in the UK
THE Ranking 2023: =108th worldwide, 12th in the UK
6) University of Exeter
The University of Exeter is located in the student-friendly city of Exeter, Devon. It is close to the coastline and green spaces, and beaches; this proximity to the outdoors is something students greatly appreciate. The university was awarded Gold in 2017 under the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) awards. Sports enthusiasts will also be interested in its vibrant sports culture: the university has 50 sports clubs!
Exeter is a small city and everything is generally within walkable distance (around twenty minutes or so), which is a draw.
Quick Facts
Student Population: 30,012 (AY 21/22)
International Fees: £21,500 to £41,500 for undergraduate studies per annum (2023)
Faculties/Schools: 1) Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy, 2) Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, 3) Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences
Strongest Disciplines include: Sport and Health Sciences, Drama
QS Ranking 2023: 163rd worldwide, 23rd in the UK
THE Ranking 2023: =137th worldwide, 19th in the UK
7) University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh is steeped in history: it is the sixth oldest university in the UK and the oldest civic foundation in the English-speaking world. It has three colleges teaching the Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences, Medicine & Veterinary Medicine, as well as Science & Engineering.
Many illustrious figures have passed through the university’s halls: these include Charles Darwin, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (who found inspiration for the beloved Sherlock Holmes series here), Alexander Graham Bell, and David Hume. Widely regarded as Scotland’s best university, it has a high concentration of international students.
Quick Facts
Student Population: 20,268 (2020–2021 figures)
International Fees: Approx £23,100 to £32,100 for undergraduate studies per annum (AY 2022-2023)
Faculties/Schools: College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences, College of Medicine & Veterinary Medicine, and College of Science & Engineering
Strongest Disciplines include: Veterinary Medicine, Education, Sports related subjects
QS Ranking 2023: 15th worldwide, 5th in the UK
THE Ranking 2023: 29th worldwide, 5th in the UK
8) University of Glasgow
The University of Glasgow was established in 1451 and is Scotland’s second-oldest university. Named the Scottish University of the Year in the The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022, it is an extremely photogenic campus with over 90 undergraduate degrees on offer. It’s alma mater include Nicola Sturgeon (First Minister of Scotland), actor Gerard Butler, and James Watt (a notable figure in steam engine technology, who worked in the university and was later awarded an Doctorate).
Quick Facts
Student Population: 34,811 (2020–2021 figures)
International Fees: Approx £23,520 to £53,460 for undergraduate studies per annum (AY 2023)
Faculties/Schools: College of Arts, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, College of Social Sciences, and College of Science & Engineering
Strongest Disciplines include: Nursing, Food Science, Sports Science
QS Ranking 2023: 81st worldwide, 12th in the UK
THE Ranking 2023: =82nd worldwide, 10th in the UK
After finding out more about the various universities, which one(s) are you interested in? Let us know in the comments, and we hope you get to study in the institution of your choice!
[i] https://www.highfliers.co.uk/download/2022/graduate_market/GM22-report.pdf
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