When you are looking for colleges and universities in the UK to study, it’s a sure-short sign you may get confused. It is because many international students often have difficulty deciding which types of universities they should look for.
Therefore, at Mindmine Global, we help you find the best university and help you with immigration and student visas.
What are the types of UK universities?
As of 2019, there are over 164 universities in the UK, with several thousand higher education institutions. For example, the department of higher education in the UK is a devolved matter, with each country of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales having separate systems. In England and Wales, higher education includes university-level and further education, leading to qualifications such as Higher National Diplomas and Foundation degrees.
Universities in England are either publicly funded or private. Public universities tend to be research-oriented, while private universities put more emphasis on teaching. Both types of universities offer a variety of courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
Ancient Government universities in the UK
These UK universities in England are the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge, founded in the 12th century. Oxford and Cambridge are commonly referred to as the “Oxbridge” universities. Other notable early English universities include the University of London (founded in 1836), Durham University (1832), and King’s College London (1829).
The six prestigious ancient universities in the UK:
- University of Edinburgh
- University of Oxford
- University of Cambridge
- University of Glasgow
- University of Aberdeen
- University of St Andrews
Red Brick Types of Universities in the UK (civic universities)
We have found that Red Brick universities or civic universities are established explicitly for development. Contrary to their older counterparts, these universities especially focus on science and engineering streams. As you may know, during the wake of the industrial revolution, many top-notch universities came about in industrial cities like England and Manchester. To date, international students can gain an exceptional education from these universities.
These universities were formally known as civic universities. The term ‘red brick universities‘ took off among people because of the way these universities look.
Here are some of the Red Brick universities in the UK:
- University of Bristol
- University of Birmingham
- University of Liverpool
- University of Leeds
- University of Sheffield
- University of Manchester
- Newcastle University
- University of Reading
- University of Nottingham
UK list of Universities: Plate Glass Universities (1960s universities)
As there was this economic and social boom in the 1960s, the UK government commissioned the Robbins report. In this report, there were too few types of universities in the UK, leading to several new universities. The universities that came after this are known as plate glass universities.
These universities shot to fame as plate glass universities because of the stunning glass buildings and modern architecture.
Here are some of the plate glass universities:
- Aston university
- University of East Anglia
- University of Essex
- University of Kent
- Lancaster university
- University of Sussex
- University of Warwick
- University of York
New Name of Universities in the UK: types of universities in the UK
Many polytechnic universities emerged in the 70s and 80s to boost skilled labor in science, engineering, and technology. These national institutions got the privilege to call themselves universities in 1992. Since then, these universities have equipped students with skills for career development.
Some new universities in the UK:
- Nottingham Trent University
- Oxford Brookes University
- Manchester Metropolitan University
- Middlesex University
- University of Northumbria
- University of Plymouth
- University of Portsmouth
- Sheffield Hallam University
- London South Bank University
- Staffordshire University
- University of Sunderland
- Teesside University
- The University of the West of England Bristol
- University of Westminster
Modern Types of Universities in the UK
Simply put, any university that came into being or was granted university status after 1992 is a modern university. Though these universities are relatively younger, they are no less in educational quality. They have been providing top-quality education with new and innovative teaching techniques.
Some of the top modern universities in the UK:
- Leeds Beckett University
- Anglia Ruskin University
- Birmingham City University
- University of Brighton
- Coventry University
- De Montfort University
- Liverpool John Moores University
- University of Greenwich
- University of Huddersfield
- London Metropolitan University
- University of South Wales
Other types of universities in the UK
You can come across some colleges of higher education that cannot award degrees themselves. You get the degree as per the partner universities they are affiliated with.
Examples of types of UK universities for international students:
- Bell College, Hamilton & Dumfries
- Burton College, Staffordshire
- Rose Bruford College, Sidcup
- Hull York Medical school
- Ravensbourne College of Design and Communication, London
- City College, Birmingham
- Edinburgh College of Art, Edinburgh
- Glasgow College of Nautical Studies, Glasgow
- Glasgow School of Art, Glasgow
- College of St Mark & St John, Plymouth
- Scottish Agricultural College, Edinburgh
- Wirral Metropolitan College
- Writtle College, Chelmsford
University colleges: List of all the UK Universities
Like the previous one, these educational institutions can award degrees in their name but cannot grant you research degrees. Many types of universities and colleges have affiliated themselves with other universities to offer research degrees.
Some university colleges in the UK:
The Arts University College at Bournemouth
Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College
AECC University College, Bournemouth
University College Birmingham
Bishop Grosseteste University College, Lincoln
University College for the Creative Arts
Norwich University College of the Arts
St Mary’s University College, Twickenham, London
Russell Group total Universities in the UK
The Russell Group consists of 20 prestigious research types universities in the UK to maintain innovative teaching methods, high-quality education, excellent student experience, and world-class research output.
This group acts as an informal regulatory body and ensures students get the best education.
Russell Group types of universities in the UK:
- Cardiff University
- University of Edinburgh
- University of Glasgow
- Imperial College London
- University of Birmingham
- University of Bristol
- University of Cambridge
- King’s College London (University of London)
- University College London (University of London)
- University of Leeds
- University of Liverpool
- London School of Economics and Political Science (University of London)
- University of Manchester
- Newcastle University
- University of Nottingham
- University of Oxford
- Queen’s University Belfast
- University of Sheffield
- University of Southampton
- University of Warwick
Steps before applying to UK colleges and universities after the study gap
Many international students take a study gap year before looking for types of universities to enroll in. They may do it for personal reasons or to prepare for English language tests. If you are in a study gap year, we have a few things for you to consider. Know this after coming out of your study gap year and applying for a UK student visa.
1. You’ll need to apply for a student visa for private or government Universities in the UK
If you’re planning to take a study gap year, you’ll need to apply for a student visa. You can do this by completing an online application form.
2. You’ll need to meet the English language requirements
To be eligible for a study gap year, you’ll need to meet the English language requirements for your chosen course. You’ll need to take an English language test, such as the IELTS or TOEFL.
3. Enough money for tuition fees and to support yourself
As an international student, you’ll need enough money to help during your study gap year. It includes your tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs. Therefore, ensuring you’re insured during your study gap year is as important as looking for different types of universities.
4. Make sure your documents are in order
Before traveling to the UK, you must ensure your documents are in order. It includes your passport, visa, and any other required documents. Also, you’ll need to plan your journey to the UK, including travel arrangements and accommodation.
5. Find accommodation in the list of universities in Kent UK
Remember that you’ll need to find somewhere to live during your study gap year. Many options are available, including student residence halls, private rented accommodation, and homestays. Maybe you’ll need a part-time job if you want to work during your study gap year and many options are available. For example, you can work in a bar, restaurant, or shop.
Moreover, you have to renew your visa if you want to stay in the UK for longer than your visa allows. You can do this by completing an online application form.
Benefits of studying in different tier 1 universities in the UK
1. The high quality of the department of higher education in Ivy League Universities in the Uk:
UK colleges and different types of universities are world-renowned for their high-quality teaching. They are constantly ranked among the best in the world in various international rankings. You can find a wide range of courses in UK universities. So, you’re sure to find one that’s right for you.
Studying in colleges in England or UK is a great opportunity to experience a new culture and way of life.
2. An opportunity to improve your English:
If you’re not a native English speaker, studying in the UK is a great opportunity to improve your language skills. Also, the UK is a great place to travel, with its many historical and cultural attractions. And you’ll have the opportunity to travel to other parts of the world on your breaks.
3. A great way to make friends in community colleges:
Studying in the UK is a great way to make new friends from the UK and worldwide. You’ll also meet people from different backgrounds and cultures, which can be a great way to broaden your horizons. It can also help you learn more about yourself.
Conclusion
We hope this blog has helped you clearly understand the different types of universities in the UK. You should apply based on your academic score or interest, as many options exist. Of course, getting admission to a prestigious UK university is not a cakewalk.
Mindmine Global can help you with immigration and student visas. We can also help you crack the IELTS exam with a high score.
Contact us for more details.
FAQs About UK List of Universities
You will notice there are two IELTS tests: Academic and General Training. If you are applying to a UK university, you must opt for the Academic test.
This Academic test measures your ability to communicate in English in an academic setting. It assesses your ability to read, write, listen, and speak English.
The General Training test is designed for people who are going to English-speaking countries to work or study. It assesses your ability to communicate in English in a general, everyday setting. If you are unsure which type of IELTS test you need to take, you should check with the university where you are applying.
You can find more information about the IELTS test on the British Council website.
In recent years, many new universities have been established, often from existing colleges of further education. Besides, these “new universities” tend to have a more teaching-focused mission than the older, research-oriented universities.
The following is a list of some of the major and new types of universities and colleges in England:
– Oxford
– Cambridge
– University of London
– Durham University
– King’s College London
– Leeds Beckett University
– Newcastle University
– Sheffield Hallam University
– Liverpool John Moores University
– Nottingham Trent University
The United Kingdom is renowned for its world-leading types of universities. Employers and academics around the globe highly respect you if you have a degree from a UK university.
There are many reasons to study in the UK, including the excellent quality of education, the opportunity to experience a different culture, and the chance to meet people from all over the world.
Different types of universities in the UK offer a wide range of courses, from the traditional to the cutting-edge. No matter your interests, you’re sure to find a course that’s right for you.
The UK is an international student attractor for its world’s most iconic cities, including London, Edinburgh, and Manchester. So, you can also explore these amazing places and more while studying here.
As per this data, there were 164 universities and higher education institutions in the UK in the 2018/19 academic year. You can see a rise in several universities compared to the previous academic years.
Different types of universities offer thousands of excellent courses. If you are a student from a UK university, you will get respect and a salary that would stand out from others. It’s not easy to get an entry to British universities. Every UK department of higher education course has its entry requirements.