The United Kingdom or the UK boasts a world-class education system that attracts a large number of international students. This nation has everything a student looks for, from high ranking universities, financial help to globally recognized degrees.

There are over 130 universities in the United Kingdom, representing an interesting mix of millennia-old to modern institutions.

Here we will go through the different types of universities in the UK.

Ancient Universities in the UK:

The United Kingdom is home to some of the oldest universities in the world such as the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge. These universities house lecture rooms and corridors that have been built 100 years ago.

Known for their holistic approach, these universities offer tutorials alongside lectures so that students can integrate with faculty in smaller, separate groups.

UNIVERSITY	ESTABLISHED
University of Oxford	1096
University of Cambridge	1209
University of St Andrews	1413
University of Glasgow	1451
University of Aberdeen	1495
University of Edinburgh	1582
University of Dublin	1592

Red Brick or Civic Universities:

These universities were founded in the 19th century against the backdrop of World War I. They are said to be established by major industrial cities to meet their ever-increasing demand for university-level education in the fields of design, science, technology and engineering.

These institutions aim to teach “real-world” skills to the students. Though they are officially called civic universities, they are colloquially termed as a red brick because of their appearance.

They are built in the middle of the cities even having public roads running through them. Nearly all red brick universities are a part of the Russell Group that also includes Oxford, Cambridge, Glasgow and Imperial.

UNIVERSITY	ESTABLISHED
University of Birmingham	1900
University of Bristol	1909
University of Leeds	1904
University of Liverpool	1903
University of Manchester	2004
University of Sheffield	1905

Plate Glass Universities:

Plate Glass universities in the UK were established under the proposals made by the Robbins Report on Higher Education between 1963 and 1992. These institutions were formed to increase the number of universities.

Plate Glass universities are accredited to introduce an innovative approach towards teaching, syllabus, examination, discipline and administration. Besides, they are known for their architectural style and are located on green-field sites.

UNIVERSITY	ESTABLISHED
Aston University	1966
University of East Anglia	1963
University of Essex	1964-65
University of Kent	1965
Lancaster University	1964
University of Sussex	1961
University of Warwick	1965
University of York	1963

New Universities/Polytechnic and Metropolitan Universities:

These universities were founded in the 1970s and 1980s to boost labour skills associated with science, engineering and technology. These institutions teach students to top skills for career development. They were awarded university status in 1992.

UNIVERSITY	ESTABLISHED
Arden universities	1990
Cardiff Metropolitan University	1996
University of Chichester	1997
Plymouth Marjon University	1838
University College Birmingham	1957

Russell Group Universities:

The Russell Group is an association of 24 public research universities in the UK. Headquartered in Cambridge and was created in 1994, fifteen of its member universities have been featured in the Times Higher Education’s top 100.

Some of the universities the group represents are the University of Birmingham, Cardiff University, University of Leeds, University of Manchester, University of Oxford and University of Cambridge.

Which is the Right University for You?

It is likely too overwhelming for you to choose the universities of the types mentioned above. But it shouldn’t be that intimidation. Choosing the right university in the UK requires you to ponder over some factors.

First of all, check if the university offers the program you are looking to pursue. Russell Group Universities may be the right choice if you are looking to pursue the study programs associated with research and social well-being. Make sure the university provides a great learning experience that ensures you a degree that will help you start a rewarding career.

But it cannot be denied that researching on your own can be a stressful task, especially if you are doing it for the very first time. Don’t worry! Our experienced study abroad consultants are here to help you choose the right university in the UK.

We stay updated with the requirements of UK universities and go above and beyond to help you secure a place in your choice of university in the UK. Get in touch now!