The Best Universities in the UK

When we think of the best and most prestigious universities in the world, locations such as the US and the UK frequently top the charts in a variety of courses - from business to medicine.

With more than 458,000 international students studying in the UK in 2018, UK is home to some of the top Universities in the world with a good mix of modern institutions and those rich a historic past and long-standing heritage.

With Universities in both the peaceful suburbs as well as in the cosmopolitan city of London (a business and commercial hub), students looking to study abroad will be spoilt for choice without compromising on quality!

In this article, we will go through the top universities in London that every prospective student will need to know about!

But before we start, there are two groups of universities you have to know - the Russell Group of Universities & Ancient Universities.

Russell Group Universities

The Russell Group of Universities consist of 24 member institutions that have a shared focus on research and a reputation for academic achievement. They include the 6 red brick universities such as the University of Liverpool and the University of Manchester.

These group of Universities produce more than ⅔ of the world-leading research across the entire of UK’s universities.

Ancient Universities

Ancient University is a group of 7 extant Universities - 6 are in the UK and 1 is in Ireland. These are institutions that were founded between the 12th and 16th centuries.

Due to their heritage, these are amongst some of the most prestigious universities that include the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge and the University of Aberdeen - all household names that we know!

The Top 5 Universities In The UK

University of Oxford

2019 QS World Ranking: #5 - Times Higher Education Ranking: #1

Oxford is the oldest university in the UK and has helped nurtured the world’s intellectual history as well as fielded some of the most distinguised business icons, thinkers and politicians in the world.

Their alumni include famous physicist Stephen Hawking, British Prime Minister Theresa May & Hollywood Star Kate Beckinsale.

University of Cambridge

2019 QS World Ranking: #6 - Times Higher Education Ranking: #2

Next in line is Cambridge University - where itself is split into 31 autonomous colleges itself!

Known for its excellence in Mathematics and home to more than 100 libraries, this Universities has fielded excellent graduates in the sciences that have gone to won the Fields medal (the Noble prize equivalent for mathematics).

Imperial College

2019 QS World Ranking: #8 - Times Higher Education Ranking: #9

Home to the greatest concentration of high-impact research of any UK university, Imperial College focuses on the four main disciplines of science, engineering, medicine and business.

Imperial is a distinguished university that has produced 14 Nobel laureates and has an international school body of undergraduates from more than 125 countries.

University College London (UCL)

2019 QS World Ranking: #10 - Times Higher Education Ranking: #14

Founded in 1826, UCL was originally founded to open up university education to those who had been excluded from it and was the first to admit women students on equal terms with men.

UCL is one of the most diverse colleges around with more than ⅓ of the student body being international students from 150 countries!

University of Edinburgh

2019 QS World Ranking: #18 - Times Higher Education Ranking: #29

Excelling in the fields of Arts, Humanities, Medicine and Engineering, the University of Edinburgh is one of the most research-intensive universities in the UK and is one of the Russell Group of universities.

The university is unique as there is an emphasis on breadth of study during the first year and students do not decide on a degree subject until their second year.

Study In The UK Today With IDP

Studying in the UK can be one of the most rewarding (and challenging) experiences you have, especially if you are bent on entering the top Universities there.

At IDP, we can help you with the entire application process - from the University application to obtaining the student visa and handling your accommodations.

Our friendly education counsellors are looking forward to helping you! Get in touch with us here today!