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 16 of them and other good-to-know information here. We will share about the other eight 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 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. Its 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 Birmingham 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: Sports 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 Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022, it is an extremely photogenic campus with over 90 undergraduate degrees on offer. Its 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 a 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
9) Cardiff University
Cardiff University was established in 1883, the only Welsh university in the Russell Group. Wales’ biggest and third-oldest university is located within the city centre and has a beautiful campus that regularly makes Top 10 lists. You’ll be able to travel out to beaches and seaside towns in a jiffy via train if you need a quick break.
Here’s something interesting: Cardiff University offers all degree students a chance to learn another language via their Languages for All programme! It’s free of charge, with languages such as Arabic, French, and German on offer.
Quick Facts
Student Population: 33,510 (AY 20/21). Approximately 23% are international students.
International Fees: £20,450 to £25,450 for undergraduate studies per annum (2023)
Faculties/Schools: College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, College of Physical Sciences and Engineering
Strongest Disciplines include: Architecture/Built Environment, Communication and Media Studies, Psychology
QS Ranking 2022: 166th worldwide, 24th in the UK
THE Ranking 2023: =187th worldwide, 24th in the UK
10) University of Leeds
One of Leeds’ six universities, the University of Leeds was established in 1904. It is a short distance away from Leeds City Centre, and the campus is a blend of historic buildings and new architecture. The university has an active student union and a union building with everything from cafes to theatres.
Cool fact for you: J.R.R Tolkien taught English Language here in 1924!
Quick Facts
Student Population: Over 39,000 students. Approximately 34% are international students.
International Fees: £22,250 to £39,750 for undergraduate studies per annum (2023)
Faculties/Schools: Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Business, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Faculty of Environment, Faculty of Medicine and Health, and Faculty of Social Sciences
Strongest Disciplines include: Business, Engineering
QS Ranking 2022: 86th worldwide, 13th in the UK
THE Ranking 2023: =128th worldwide, 17th in the UK
11) University of Manchester
The University of Manchester is one of the UK’s largest universities, which counts actor Benedict Cumberbatch and Senior Minister of Singapore Teo Chee Hean as alumni. What’s unique is that it is a single-campus university, so you will be able to mix with all your university cohort and the diverse student population.
The university’s achievements include being the birthplace of nuclear physics and the principles of modern economics.
Quick Facts
Student Population: 40,485 (AY 20/21)
International Fees: £20,000 to £47,000 for undergraduate studies per annum (2022)
Faculties/Schools: Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering
Strongest Disciplines include: Engineering, Sciences
QS Ranking 2022: 28th worldwide, 6th in the UK
THE Ranking 2023: =54th worldwide, 8th in the UK
12) King’s College London
Founded in 1829, King’s College London is a constituent college of the University of London. Often regarded as London’s most central university, 4 of 5 campuses are close to the river Thames. It has a very diverse international student populace as well as a big postgraduate pool.
The institution is the largest healthcare learning centre in Europe, owing to its partnership with three leading teaching hospitals. Famous alumni of King’s College London include John Keats (poet), Florence Nightingale and the physicist Professor Peter Higgs.
Quick Facts
Student Population: 29,637
International Fees: £23,160 to £45,420 for undergraduate studies per annum (2023)
Faculties/Schools: Faculty of Arts & Humanities, King’s Business School, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, The Dickson Poon School of Law, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, Faculty of Natural, Mathematical & Engineering Sciences, Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, and the Faculty of Social Science & Public Policy
Strongest Disciplines include: Medicine, Law
QS Ranking 2022: 37th worldwide, 7th in the UK
THE Ranking 2023: 35th worldwide, 6th in the UK
13) Newcastle University
Founded in 1834, Newcastle University was once called King’s College. One of 13 UK universities to achieve 5 QS Stars for Graduate Employability (2023), Newcastle University has overseas campuses here and in Malaysia. Newcastle is a smaller town known for friendly people and vibrant student night life.
Quick Facts
Student Population: 26,597 on campus (AY 21/22)
International Fees: £21,000 to £40,500 for undergraduate studies per annum (2023)
Faculties/Schools: Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences and Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering
Strongest Disciplines include: Medicine, Dentistry
QS Ranking 2022: 122nd worldwide, 19th in the UK
THE Ranking 2023: =139th worldwide, 20th in the UK
14) London School of Economics and Political Science
The London School of Economics and Political Science was founded in 1895 and is a specialist social science university. Home to one of the largest social science libraries in Europe, the institution is located in Central London.
In 2021 LSE became the first Carbon Neutral verified university in the UK.
Quick Facts
Student Population: 11,689 (AY 20/21). Approximately 51% were international students.
International Fees: £24,720 to £26,592 for undergraduate studies per annum (2023)
Faculties/Schools: Department of Methodology, Department of Philosophy, Logic and Scientific Method, Department of Psychological and Behavioural Science, School of Public Policy, Department of Social Policy, Department of Sociology, Department of Statistics, Department of International History, International Inequalities Institute, Department of International Relations, Language Centre, LSE Law School, Department of Management, Marshall Institute, Department of Mathematics, Department of Media and Communications, Department of Finance, Firoz Lalji Institute for Africa, Department of Gender Studies, Department of Geography and Environment, Department of Government, Department of Health Policy, Department of International Development, Department of Accounting, Department of Anthropology, Data Science Institute, Department of Economics, Department of Economic History, European Institute
Strongest Disciplines include: Geography, Media & Communications, Social Policy
QS Ranking 2022: 56th worldwide, 8th in the UK
THE Ranking 2023: 37th worldwide, 7th in the UK
15) Imperial College London
Formerly part of the University of London, Imperial College London is unique in that it is the only university in the UK to focus on science, engineering, medicine and business. Regarded as the UK’s MIT, it is highly international: 60% of its students are from outside the UK, and it has many international research collaborations.
Imperial College has an Undergraduate Research Opportunities Programme (UROP) open to all undergraduates that may be of interest.
Quick Facts
Student Population: 22,445 (AY 20/21)
International Fees: £35,100 to £46,650 for undergraduate studies per annum (2023)
Faculties/Schools: Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Natural Sciences
Strongest Disciplines include: Medicine, Engineering
QS Ranking 2022: =6th worldwide, 3rd in the UK
THE Ranking 2023: 10th worldwide, 3rd in the UK
16) University of Liverpool
The University of Liverpool was founded in 1881 as University College Liverpool, and today is known for being one of the original red brick universities. It was the UK’s first university to establish departments in oceanography, civic design, architecture, and biochemistry.
If you become a student of this university, you’ll be pleased to know that their student accommodation came up tops in the UK for university halls during the National Student Housing Awards (2021).
Quick Facts
Student Population: Over 22,000 students on campus. Approximately 35% are international students.
International Fees: £20,900 to £40,950 for undergraduate studies per annum (2023)
Faculties/Schools: School of the Arts, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, School of Environmental Sciences, School of Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Computer Science, Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences, University of Liverpool Management School, School of Physical Sciences, School of Medicine, School of Veterinary Science
Strongest Disciplines include: Medicine, Dentistry, Business, Law, Architecture and Engineering
QS Ranking 2022: =190th worldwide, 26th in the UK
THE Ranking 2023: =176th worldwide, 23rd 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 at the institution of your choice!
[i] https://www.highfliers.co.uk/download/2022/graduate_market/GM22-report.pdf
