What are the different types of universities in the UK?

Exploring the Diverse Landscape of Universities in the UK

When it comes to higher education, the United Kingdom stands out as a global leader with its rich and diverse array of universities. From ancient institutions steeped in tradition to modern, cutting-edge campuses, the UK offers something for every type of student. Let’s take a closer look at the different types of universities you’ll find across before you choose the right one for you to study in UK:

1. Ancient Universities:

The first category is that of Ancient universities. These universities are located in the UK and Ireland and were established during or before the medieval period, contributing to their esteemed “old” status.

Renowned globally for their excellence, the ancient universities in England, Scotland, and Ireland exhibit distinctive characteristics that set them apart.

Setting them apart from other universities is the practice of awarding undergraduates a Magister Artium/Master of Arts (MA) degree. These undergraduate qualifications are recognized as the Oxbridge MA, Trinity MA (Dublin), or the Scottish MA. Here is the list of all the Ancient Universities in the UK –

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

2. Red Brick Universities:

The Red Brick Universities comprised nine British institutions established in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The term refers to civic universities founded by local industrialists and business figures, aiming to foster social mobility and reduce class distinctions.

In the 1960s, the UK witnessed a rise in the number of universities, marked by the reclassification of polytechnics as universities. Here is the list of the nine Redbrick/civic universities:

1900       University of Birmingham
1903        University of Liverpool
1903        University of Manchester
1904        University of Leeds
1905        University of Sheffield
1909        University of Bristol
1926        University of Reading
1948        University of Nottingham
1963        Newcastle University

3. Russell Group Universities:

The Russell Group, comprising 24 prominent UK research universities, advocates for the interests of its members. Originating with 17 universities, the group has expanded to its current numbers, emphasizing research and excellence.

Referred to as the UK’s Ivy League, Russell Group universities are renowned for producing top-notch graduate research. With access to some of the nation’s foremost academics, they stand as highly sought-after choices for higher education in the UK. Here is the list of Russell Group universities –

University of Bristol
University of Birmingham
Cardiff University
University of Cambridge
Durham University
University of Edinburgh
University of Exeter
University of Glasgow
King’s College London
Imperial College London
University of Liverpool
London School of Economics and Political Science
University of Leeds
University of Manchester
Newcastle University
University of Nottingham
University of Oxford
University of York
Queen’s University Belfast
Queen Mary University of London
University College London
University of Sheffield
University of Warwick
University of Southampton

4. Plate Glass Universities:

The term “plate glass universities” in the UK refers to a group of universities established during the 1960s. These institutions were characterized by their modern architecture, often featuring large expanses of glass, which led to the nickname “plate glass.” The term is used to distinguish these universities from the older, more traditional institutions such as the ancient universities and red brick universities.

Plate glass universities emerged during a period of significant expansion in higher education in the UK. They were typically built to accommodate the growing demand for university education and to provide access to a broader segment of the population.

While the term was originally coined to highlight the modern architectural style of these institutions, it is important to note that the classification based on architecture is not strictly adhered to, and it more broadly refers to universities established during this particular era of expansion.

List of the original Plate Glass universities:

1963     University of East Anglia
1964     University of Essex
1965     University of Kent
1964     University of Lancaster (now known as Lancaster University)
1961      University of Sussex
1965     University of Warwick
1963     University of York

5. New Universities:

Emerging from a transformation that unfolded during the education reforms of the 1980s and 1990s, these universities have undergone a metamorphosis from Polytechnics, Further Education Colleges, Teacher Training Colleges, University Colleges, and various other higher education institutions. Despite their recent attainment of university status, their educational origins trace back to an earlier era. These institutions are experiencing rapid growth, competing vigorously with more established counterparts by investing in new facilities and embracing a contemporary outlook. Here is the list of New Universities –

Anglia Ruskin University
Arden University
Bath Spa University
Birmingham City University
Bishop Grosseteste University
Bournemouth University
BPP University
Buckinghamshire New University
Canterbury Christ Church University
Cardiff Metropolitan University
Coventry University
De Montfort University
Edge Hill University
Edinburgh Napier University
Falmouth University
Glasgow Caledonian University
Glyndŵr University
Harper Adams University
Kingston University
Leeds Beckett University
Leeds Trinity University
Liverpool Hope University
Liverpool John Moores University
London Metropolitan University
London South Bank University
Manchester Metropolitan University
Middlesex University
Newman University
Northumbria University
Norwich University of the Arts
Nottingham Trent University
Oxford Brookes University
Queen Margaret University
Regent’s University London
Royal Agricultural University
Sheffield Hallam University
Solent University
St Mary’s University, Twickenham
Staffordshire University
Teesside University
The Arts University Bournemouth
The Robert Gordon University
University College Birmingham
University for the Creative Arts
University of Abertay Dundee
University of Bedfordshire
University of Bolton
University of Brighton
University of Central Lancashire
University of Chester
University of Chichester
University of Cumbria
University of Derby
University of East London
University of Gloucestershire
University of Greenwich
University of Hertfordshire
University of Huddersfield
University of Law
University of Lincoln
University of Northampton
University of Plymouth
University of Portsmouth
University of Roehampton
University of South Wales
The University of St Mark & St John
University of Suffolk
University of Sunderland
University of the Arts London
University of the Highlands and Islands
University of the West of England
University of the West of Scotland
University of West London
University of Westminster
University of Winchester
University of Wolverhampton
University of Worcester
York St John University

6. Specialist and Conservatoire Universities:

Royal College of Art, Royal Academy of Music, etc.: Specialist universities and conservatoires are dedicated to excellence in specific fields such as art, music, drama, and dance. These institutions provide highly specialized training and resources for aspiring artists, musicians, performers, and creative professionals.

7. Open Universities:

The Open University: Unlike traditional brick-and-mortar universities, the Open University offers flexible, distance learning programs that cater to students of all ages and backgrounds. Through innovative online platforms and resources, students can pursue higher education at their own pace, regardless of location or schedule.

8. Campus vs. City Universities:

Some universities are located in bustling urban centres, offering students access to a vibrant cultural scene, diverse amenities, and networking opportunities. Others are situated in more rural settings, providing a tranquil environment conducive to focused study and research.

In conclusion, the UK’s diverse landscape of universities reflects its commitment to excellence, innovation, and inclusivity in higher education. Whether you’re drawn to the historic halls of Oxford, the modern campuses of Manchester, or the specialized programs of conservatories, there’s a university in the UK to suit every academic interest and career aspiration.