Best Universities outside London

A person’s decision to pursue higher education is a big turning point in their life, and the university you choose has the power to shape your future. While there are many prestigious academic institutions in London, there are also great academic options outside of the city. We provide the best universities outside of London in this comprehensive guide, each providing a unique blend of academic distinction, vibrant campus life, and career opportunities. With their state-of-the-art research facilities, innovative teaching methods, and welcoming communities, these universities distinguish themselves as leaders in higher education. Join us as we explore the educational gems located just beyond the bustling city limits, giving you the opportunity to have a fulfilling and illuminating time in the classroom.

Best Universities outside London

Northeast England

• Durham University– Durham University stands as a beacon of academic distinction, offering a globally outstanding center of teaching and research excellence. As the 78th-ranked institution in the QS World University Rankings 2024 and holding the 27th position in Europe, Durham combines a rich history with a commitment to cutting-edge education. With over 330 undergraduate and postgraduate courses, this university provides a diverse range of academic opportunities. What sets Durham apart is its unique collegiate system, comprising 17 colleges that foster a tight-knit community of extraordinary individuals. Nestled in a historic setting, Durham’s picturesque landscapes and the iconic Bill Bryson Library create an inspiring environment for academic pursuits. Emphasizing sustainability, Durham is dedicated to contributing solutions to the net-zero transition, evident through initiatives like the Greenspace Movement and the Energy and Sustainability Team. By believing in inspiring the extraordinary, Durham University propels its students to achieve outstanding feats, not just within its historic walls but also in making a positive impact on the world.
• Newcastle University– Newcastle University, a founding member of the esteemed Russell Group and a Global Top 110 university according to the QS World University Rankings 2024, is an institution dedicated to excellence, creativity, and innovation. Renowned for pioneering solutions that can shape our world, the university excels in world-class research and teaching, addressing major global challenges in areas such as ageing and health, data, energy, cities, culture and creative arts, and one planet. With a commitment to educating for life, Newcastle University nurtures the next generation of creative practitioners, clinicians, scientists, engineers, and educationalists. Boasting a global reach, this university hosts a vibrant international community of 29,000 students from 140 countries across three campuses in Newcastle, Singapore, and Malaysia. As a University of Sanctuary, Newcastle promotes a culture of welcome, engagement, and safety for those fleeing persecution and violence, proudly supporting inclusivity. Additionally, the university is at the forefront of sustainability efforts, being one of the first to sign the UK Government’s Emissions Reduction Pledge and striving to achieve net-zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2030, showcasing its commitment to a greener, more sustainable future.
• Northumbria University– Northumbria University, rooted in a legacy dating back to 1877 with the establishment of Rutherford College, has evolved into a leading public university since gaining university status in 1992. Located in the vibrant city of Newcastle upon Tyne, Northumbria boasts a City Campus in the city center and a Coach Lane campus on the outskirts, with additional presence in London and Amsterdam. Organized into four faculties, including Arts, Design and Social Sciences; Business and Law; Engineering and Environment; and Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria caters to approximately 37,000 students. Recognized for its research prowess, the university was rated 23rd in the UK for research power in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework. With an annual income of £338.3 million, Northumbria places a strong emphasis on research, evident in its £16.4 million research grants and contracts. A member of esteemed associations like the Association of Commonwealth Universities and Universities UK, Northumbria University has continually demonstrated its commitment to excellence and innovation, earning the prestigious title of the UK University of the Year 2022 by Times Higher Education, underscoring its transformative impact on education and its region. Despite a setback in 2017, the university remains dedicated to providing a dynamic and research-intensive modern institution for its diverse student body.

South East England

• University of Oxford– Oxford University, a beacon of academic excellence, operates as an independent and self-governing institution comprising the university itself, its divisions, departments, faculties, and the illustrious colleges. The 36 colleges and three societies play a pivotal role within the university, forming a federated system. Each college, governed by a charter approved by the Privy Council, is independent and self-governing, led by a Head of House and a governing body of Fellows, many of whom also hold University posts. Additionally, there are four permanent private halls, each retaining its religious character. Notably, undergraduates are admitted to 32 colleges and permanent private halls, while certain colleges like Harris Manchester cater exclusively to mature students. Some colleges, such as Green Templeton and Reuben, are dedicated solely to postgraduate students. The oldest colleges, University, Balliol, and Merton, trace their roots to the 13th century, while Green Templeton, formed in 2008, stands as the newest. Oxford’s unique collegiate system, spanning centuries of history, contributes to its unparalleled reputation as one of the world’s foremost institutions of higher learning.
• University of Southampton– The University of Southampton, a leading public research institution in Southampton, England, stands as a founding member of the prestigious Russell Group and is globally recognized, consistently ranking among the top 100 universities worldwide. With seven campuses, including the main campus in Highfield and others like Avenue, National Oceanography Centre, Southampton General Hospital, and Boldrewood, the university offers a diverse range of courses in humanities, ocean and earth sciences, medicine, health sciences, and engineering. Boasting an annual income of £722.4 million, with £122.1 million from research grants and contracts, Southampton is a hub of intellectual activity. With a student body of 14,705 undergraduates and 7,960 postgraduates, it holds the distinction of being the largest university in the South East region. The University of Southampton Students’ Union facilitates student engagement through media outlets, affiliated societies, and sports activities. Rooted in history, the university originated from the Hartley Institution in 1862, founded by the benefaction of Henry Robinson Hartley, evolving into the Hartley College in 1883 and eventually becoming the esteemed University of Southampton, a testament to its rich legacy of academic excellence.
• University of Sussex– The University of Sussex, situated in Falmer, East Sussex, England, has been a trailblazer in education, research, and cultural innovation for over six decades. As a founding member of the prestigious Russell Group and ranked among the top 100 universities globally, Sussex has continually aimed to stimulate, excite, and challenge its students and faculty alike. The university’s large campus, surrounded by the South Downs National Park, offers an inspiring setting, with convenient access to the vibrant city of Brighton. With an annual income of £380.1 million, Sussex hosts a diverse community of nearly 20,000 students, boasting a rich international profile with over one-third of students hailing from foreign countries. The university’s faculty includes five Nobel Prize winners, 15 Fellows of the Royal Society, and 10 Fellows of the British Academy. Sussex’s history dates back to the early 20th century, with a significant revival in the 1950s leading to its establishment as a pioneering “plate glass university” in 1961. Sussex has consistently pushed the boundaries of traditional academia, embodying a spirit of interdisciplinary learning and cross-disciplinary activity that sets it apart in the realm of higher education.

Northwest England

• The University of Manchester– The University of Manchester, a distinguished public research institution in the heart of Manchester, England, stands as a product of the civic university movement of the late 19th century. Positioned south of Manchester City Centre on Oxford Road, the university’s main campus houses major cultural assets, including the Manchester Museum, The Whitworth art gallery, the John Rylands Library, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Jodrell Bank Observatory. Formed in 2004 through the merger of the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST) and the Victoria University of Manchester, the university boasts a rich history dating back to the Mechanics’ Institute in 1824. It is considered a “red brick university,” representing the heritage of civic institutions established to provide accessible, practical education. With a stellar academic reputation, Manchester is the third-largest university in the UK by total enrollment and receives over 92,000 undergraduate applications annually, making it the most popular university in the country by volume of applications. A member of the Russell Group and the N8 Group, the University of Manchester has had 25 Nobel laureates among its past and present students and staff, emphasizing its commitment to research excellence. The institution’s vibrant post-merger era, marked by notable achievements and accolades, aligns with its ambitious vision of becoming one of the top 25 universities globally.
• The University of Liverpool– The University of Liverpool, established in 1881 and granted a Royal Charter in 1903, is a leading public research institution located in Liverpool, England. As one of the six original ‘red brick’ civic universities, it holds a distinguished position in higher education. The university, a founding member of the Russell Group and the N8 Group, boasts a rich history marked by notable achievements and contributions. Ten Nobel Prize winners, including renowned figures in science, medicine, economics, and peace, have emerged from its academic community. The institution offers over 230 first-degree courses across 103 subjects, emphasizing a diverse and comprehensive academic approach. The University of Liverpool has been a trailblazer, establishing the UK’s first departments in oceanography, civic design, architecture, and biochemistry. Notably, it pioneered the creation of Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University in China in 2006, the world’s first Sino-British university. With a turnover of £673.2 million for 2022–23 and a commitment to research excellence, the University of Liverpool continues to shape the future of education and contribute to global advancements.
• Lancaster University– Lancaster University, established by the royal charter in 1964, stands as a prominent public research institution in Lancaster, Lancashire, England. Initially located in St Leonard’s Gate in the city center, the university later transitioned to its purpose-built campus on 300 acres at Bailrigg, showcasing distinctive architecture with a central walkway known as the Spine and Alexandra Square, named after its first chancellor, Princess Alexandra. Lancaster operates on a collegiate system with eight colleges, each bearing the name of a place in historic Lancashire. Renowned for its academic excellence, the university consistently ranks in the top fifteen of UK national league tables and earned a Gold rating in the Government’s Teaching Excellence Framework in 2017 and 2023. As a member of the N8 Group of research universities, Lancaster maintains a strong commitment to research and received an annual income of £381.0 million for 2022/23, including £46.4 million from research grants and contracts. The university’s rich history, marked by the visionary leadership of Princess Alexandra, who served as chancellor from 1964 to 2004, was commemorated during its 50th-anniversary celebrations in 2014.

East England

• University of Cambridge– The University of Cambridge, founded in 1209, is a historic public collegiate research institution in Cambridge, England, standing as the world’s third-oldest continuously operational university. Originating from scholars who left the University of Oxford in 1209 following a dispute with locals, Cambridge gained royal recognition in 1231 with a charter from King Henry III. Comprising 31 semi-autonomous constituent colleges and over 150 academic departments, this university is organised into six schools, with a unique collegiate system. Undergraduate education involves small-group supervisions in colleges, complemented by central university faculties. Boasting eight museums and 116 libraries, including the Fitzwilliam Museum and Cambridge University Botanic Garden, the institution holds around 16 million books. Cambridge has produced numerous Nobel Prize winners and notable alumni like Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, Stephen Hawking, and Alan Turing, contributing significantly to the intellectual and scientific heritage of the world.
• University of East Anglia– The University of East Anglia (UEA), established in 1963 in Norwich, England, stands out as a leading public research university with a sprawling 320-acre campus. It comprises four faculties and twenty-six schools of study, making it a significant member of Norwich Research Park, a hub for agriculture, genomics, health, and environmental research in Europe. With an annual research spend of £130 million, UEA hosts over thirty businesses and four independent research institutes, contributing to technological advancements. Recognized for exceptional research quality, it ranks in the Top 20 nationwide, with global prominence as a research-intensive institution. UEA’s Master of Arts in creative writing, founded in 1970, is highly esteemed, producing distinguished authors. The university’s distinguished alumni and faculty include Nobel Prize winners, contributors to significant scientific discoveries, and influential figures in politics, literature, and business, reflecting its impactful legacy and contributions to various fields.
• University of Essex– The University of Essex, founded in 1965 by a royal charter, stands as a public research university in Essex, England, belonging to the original plate glass universities. Its shield bears the ancient arms of the Kingdom of Essex, and the motto “Thought the harder, heart the keener” is derived from the Anglo-Saxon poem The Battle of Maldon. With campuses in Southend-on-Sea, Loughton, and its primary campus in Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, Essex holds a Silver rating for Teaching Excellence and was named University of the Year at the Times Higher Education Awards in 2018. Internationally recognized as a research-intensive university, Essex boasts accolades such as the Regius Professorship for its Department of Government and two Queen’s Anniversary Prizes for advancing Human Rights and Social and Economic Research. The institution’s distinguished alumni span various fields, including Nobel Prize laureates, heads of state, politicians, scientists, artists, and more, showcasing its global impact and influence.

West Midlands

• University of Warwick– The University of Warwick, established in 1965 as part of a government initiative to expand higher education, is a distinguished public research university situated on the outskirts of Coventry between the West Midlands and Warwickshire, England. With key establishments like the Warwick Business School, Warwick Law School, Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG), and Warwick Medical School, the university has evolved into a comprehensive institution. Warwick, encompassing three faculties and thirty-two departments, is based on a 290-hectare campus with additional locations in Wellesbourne and central London. It boasts approximately 29,534 full-time students and 2,691 academic and research staff, with notable venues like Warwick Arts Centre. As of 2022–23, the university’s annual income was £828.2 million, featuring affiliations with prestigious groups such as the Russell Group, Association of MBAs, and the European University Association. Warwick’s impactful alumni and staff have achieved recognition with Nobel Prizes, Turing Awards, Fields Medals, and contributions to diverse fields like penicillin development, music therapy, and the International Political Economy.
• University of Birmingham– The University of Birmingham, established in 1900, holds a prominent place in the landscape of higher education as the first English civic or ‘red brick’ university. It emerged from the fusion of Queen’s College, Birmingham, and Mason Science College, gaining a royal charter and becoming the pioneer English unitary university. With affiliations to the Russell Group and Universitas 21, this university has grown to be a major research institution, ranking 13th in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework. Boasting a diverse student population and an annual income of £909.1 million, the University of Birmingham has made significant contributions to various fields, with notable alumni including former British Prime Ministers Neville Chamberlain and Stanley Baldwin, British composer Sir Edward Elgar, and eleven Nobel laureates. The campus houses iconic landmarks like the Barber Institute of Fine Arts and the Joseph Chamberlain Memorial Clock Tower, further enriching the university’s vibrant academic environment.
• Aston University– Aston University, located in the heart of Birmingham, England, has a rich history tracing back to its origins as the Birmingham Municipal Technical School in 1895. Evolving into the UK’s first college of advanced technology in 1956 and receiving its royal charter in 1966, Aston has been a trailblazer in higher education. The university stands out for its innovative integrated placement year concept, with over 73% of students participating, the highest percentage in the UK. Aston’s commitment to providing a practical and industry-focused education is reflected in its strong links with businesses. In 2020, the university earned the title “University of the Year” from The Guardian and was recognized for its entrepreneurial spirit by The Times Higher Education Awards. Aston’s dedication to excellence is further underscored by its diverse programs, including the prestigious MBA offered by the Aston Business School. The university continues to evolve, with recent initiatives like the establishment of Aston Medical School and a significant campus upgrade, demonstrating its commitment to staying at the forefront of education and research.

Southwest England

• The University of Bristol– The University of Bristol, situated in Bristol, England, is a distinguished red brick Russell Group research university with roots tracing back to a Merchant Venturers’ school founded in 1595 and University College, Bristol, established in 1876. Receiving its royal charter in 1909, this university is organized into six academic faculties, offering over 200 undergraduate courses. Bristol is renowned for its research excellence, with a total income of £902.2 million in 2022–23, including £203.3 million from research grants and contracts. The university boasts a diverse and accomplished academic community, including 23 fellows of the Academy of Medical Sciences, 13 fellows of the British Academy, and 48 fellows of the Royal Society. It has produced 13 Nobel laureates among its alumni and faculty. Bristol is a member of prestigious international networks such as the Russell Group and the Coimbra Group. With a commitment to community engagement and rich history of development, including the establishment of cutting-edge research facilities like the Centre for Nanoscience and Quantum Information, Bristol continues to be a leading institution in higher education and research.
• University of Exeter– The University of Exeter, situated in the West Country of England with its main campus in Exeter, Devon, traces its origins to several educational institutions in the 19th century, including Exeter School of Art (1855), Exeter School of Science (1863), and St Luke’s College for schoolmasters’ education (1840). These institutions, along with others, collectively formed the University of Exeter upon receiving its royal charter in 1955. The university has four campuses, including Streatham and St Luke’s in Exeter and Truro and Penryn in Cornwall. Exeter is a research-intensive institution and a member of the Russell Group, having joined in 2012. With an annual income of £633.5 million in 2022–23, it is a prominent higher education institution that continues to expand and invest in research, student accommodation, and state-of-the-art facilities, such as the Forum at the Streatham Campus and the Xfi Centre for Finance and Investment. The university’s commitment to education and research is further exemplified by partnerships with Gulf States, resulting in the creation of the Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies. Additionally, the University of Exeter Medical School, housed at the St Luke’s campus, has contributed significantly to medical education and research, with the Peninsula Medical School and the School of Dentistry forming the Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry in collaboration with the University of Plymouth and the National Health Service.
• University of Bath– The University of Bath, a public research university in Bath, England, obtained its royal charter in 1966, evolving from the roots of the Merchant Venturers’ Technical College established in Bristol in 1595. The university’s main campus on Claverton Down, purpose-built in the modernist style from 1964, overlooks the UNESCO World Heritage city of Bath. Known for its strong research profile, the University of Bath achieved notable success in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework, with 40% of its submitted research activity classified as world-leading. The institution is a member of various prestigious associations, including the Association of Commonwealth Universities, the Association of MBAs, and Universities UK. Its annual income for 2022–23 reached £362.9 million, with a significant portion coming from research grants and contracts. The university’s history is intertwined with the evolution of technical colleges in Bristol and the strategic decision to relocate to Bath, leading to its establishment as Bath University of Technology and subsequent growth into a prominent research-focused institution.

Yorkshire and the Humber

• University of Sheffield– The University of Sheffield, a distinguished public research university in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England, has a rich history dating back to the establishment of Sheffield Medical School in 1828, Firth College in 1879, and Sheffield Technical School in 1884. Formed by the amalgamation of these institutions in 1897, the university received its royal charter as the University of Sheffield in 1905. With an annual income of £880.2 million in 2022–23, including £198.6 million from research grants and contracts, Sheffield is renowned for its world-leading engineering research and collaborations with prestigious institutions such as Harvard and MIT. The university has strong ties with over 125 companies, including BAE Systems, Siemens, Boeing, Rolls-Royce, and Airbus, at the 150-acre Advanced Manufacturing Park. A member of the Russell Group, the University of Sheffield ranks among the top 10 UK universities for research grant funding and has consistently achieved high global rankings. With eight Nobel laureates affiliated with the university, Sheffield boasts notable contributions to penicillin development, the discovery of the citric acid cycle, and advancements in molecular machines, among others. Alumni include heads of state, judges, literary figures, astronauts, and Olympic gold medallists.
• University of Leeds– The University of Leeds, a prominent public research university in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England, has a heritage dating back to 1874 when it was established as the Yorkshire College of Science. Merging with the Leeds School of Medicine in 1884 and joining the federal Victoria University in 1887, the university received a royal charter in 1904. With an annual income of £979.5 million in 2022–23, including £184.9 million from research grants and contracts, Leeds is the fifth-most popular university in the UK by volume of applications, receiving over 67,000 undergraduate applications annually. Notable alumni include Keir Starmer, current Leader of the Labour Party, former Home Secretary Jack Straw, astronaut Piers Sellers, and six Nobel laureates. The university’s history is intertwined with Leeds’ development as an international center for the textile industry, with roots in the establishment of schools of medicine to serve the public during the Victorian era. The Yorkshire College of Science, known for engineering and textile technology, absorbed the Leeds School of Medicine in 1884 and joined the Victoria University in 1887.
• University of York– The University of York, a collegiate research university in York, England, was established in 1963 and has since grown to include more than thirty departments and centres. The university’s campus, covering around 500 acres, is divided into Campus West, which houses the York Science Park and the National Science Learning Centre, and Campus East, which opened in 2009 and includes five colleges, three departments, conference spaces, a sports village, and a business start-up incubator. With a total income of £496.6 million in 2022–23, the university is recognized for its distinctive collegiate system with 11 colleges and its membership in regional and national research groups, including the N8 Group and the Russell Group. York’s history dates back to discussions in the 19th and early 20th centuries about establishing a university in the city, with the university officially founded in 1963 under the leadership of John Bowes Morrell. The university has been noted for its inventive teaching approach, early adoption of joint honours degrees, and commitment to student involvement in governance. Expanding rapidly over the years, the university has successfully implemented plans for campus extension and program diversification.

East Midlands

• University of Nottingham– The University of Nottingham, a public research university in Nottingham, England, originated in 1881 as University College Nottingham and was granted a royal charter in 1948, subsequently becoming a member of the prestigious Russell Group. Nottingham’s main campus, University Park, along with Jubilee Campus and the Queen’s Medical Centre teaching hospital, are located in the city of Nottingham. This university has a global presence with campuses in Semenyih, Malaysia, and Ningbo, China. With over 46,000 students and 7,000 staff across its locations, Nottingham is organized into five faculties with more than 50 schools, departments, institutes, and research centers. Notable for its diverse alumni, the university had an income of £811.2 million in 2022–23, including £129.5 million from research grants and contracts. The institution’s history involves a significant expansion in the 1920s, with the move to the University Park campus and the attainment of university status in 1948. Over the years, Nottingham has attracted renowned lecturers such as Albert Einstein, H. G. Wells, and Mahatma Gandhi, contributing to its academic prestige and global reputation. The university continues to evolve, expanding its campuses and making notable contributions to various fields of research and academia.
• University of Leicester– The University of Leicester, a public research university in Leicester, England, emerged from its predecessor, University College Leicester, which attained university status in 1957. Situated south of the city centre, adjacent to Victoria Park, the university has a main campus and boasts an income of £368 million in 2022/23, with £70.3 million from research grants. Recognized for groundbreaking contributions such as the invention of genetic fingerprinting and the involvement in funding the discovery and DNA identification of King Richard III’s remains, Leicester holds a distinctive place in scientific history. The university’s journey traces back to the early 20th century, with discussions about a university college in Leicester gaining momentum. The vision materialized in 1919 with philanthropic support and the acquisition of land. The institution officially opened its doors in 1921, with a focus on technical training and broader education, evolving over the years to attain university status in 1957. Leicester’s rich history, coupled with its significant scientific achievements, has solidified its reputation in academia and research.
• Loughborough University– Loughborough University, located in the market town of Loughborough, Leicestershire, England, has been a public research university since 1966, with its roots tracing back to 1909 when Loughborough Technical Institute focused on practical skills. The university’s 2022-23 annual income was £369.1 million, with £48.3 million from research grants. Loughborough’s history involves a period of rapid expansion under the guidance of principals Herbert Schofield and Herbert Haslegrave. Initially serving as an “instructional factory” during World War I, the institution evolved into separate colleges and eventually became the first British technical university in 1966. Further amalgamations occurred, broadening the university’s studies, and it dropped “of technology” from its title in 1996. Loughborough University’s main campus, covering 523 acres, includes academic departments, halls of residence, the Students’ Union, gyms, and distinctive landmarks like The Walled Garden and the Bastard Gates. The Pilkington Library, opened in 1980, is a notable research center with a focus on library and information work.