A bustling metropolis with cultural pursuits, an economic hub and a place of diversity, London is amongst the choicest student cities in the UK as well as the world. As a centre of global academia and home to many prominent academic institutions, it offers international students with immense global opportunities to steer towards their dream career. Renowned as the hub of the top universities in the UK, choosing a university to pursue one’s educational endeavours in a dreamy city like London can be disconcerting. Through this blog, we will explore the best universities in London and their exemplary academic excellence and accomplishments. Get more information regarding Best Colleges In London, best sixth form colleges in London, best mba colleges in London, best medical colleges in London, best a level colleges in London, best law colleges in London & best fashion colleges in london.
Why Study in London?
There are many reasons why you should choose to study in London and apply to the best universities in London. The most important ones are mentioned below.
- A large international community: Since students from all over the world come to study in London, there is an extremely diverse culture over there.
- Academic Hotspot: Out of all the cities in the UK, London has the most number of universities. A total of four universities in London make it to the top 50 globally.
- Greenery Everywhere: Almost 47% of the entire city of London comprises lush green parks. There is no dearth of a good shade of trees. So studying here means being in touch with nature.
- Home to International Brands: Studying in London would also mean that you will be amidst the best international brands in the world where you can intern in some of the best companies like CNN, Amazon, KPGM & BDO where students can train and avail of the top career breakthroughs!
Cost of Studying in London
Studying abroad means calculating the expenses which will be incurred. London is a little on the expensive side but the quality of education is outstanding, so it is worth spending the money. The cost of studying in London must be kept in mind while making the decision to study here. The average tuition fee for international students is US$ 21,200 (INR 15,39,994). If we are to look at the living expenses which will be incurred inclusive of eating, travelling and accommodation, the amount comes close to US$ 1,470 – 1,740 (INR 1,06,800 – INR 1,26,416).
Top 10 Universities in London
Students looking for top universities in London will encounter a range of options as vibrant and varied as the city itself.
Whether you’re looking for specialist or multidisciplinary institution, or the option to combine a flexible study programme with your career, you’ll be able to find your perfect match in the UK capital.
Best Colleges In London
Colleges in London famous among the international students who aim to study in UK. London is the best student cities in UK. All the colleges in London are not similar. Best colleges in London maintain their own standards and reputation. Subsequently, students are trying to know about the top colleges in London and how to get into those Best colleges in London. There are lots of colleges in London that offers best job opportunities.
Colleges in London gathered the attention of students all over the world. London colleges and universities understand the student’s educational needs and offer multi-disciplinary courses. Also, famous colleges in London provide the students to pick their college hours, which is amazingly helpful for working professionals. Top colleges in London offers the best training system to the students, to consolidate courses and subjects from various areas of studies, so that the students can tailor their degree to their own needs and interest.
University College London (UCL)
University College London holds the prime situation of being the first established college in London. It has ten constituent staffs with more than 100 divisions, institutions and research centres. It is one of the famous colleges in London as well as all over the world. The UCL ‘s fundamental multidisciplinary research regions are neuroscience, medicine, populations, and the environment.
UCL is basically known for its advanced research in medicine and science. For instance, UCL specialists worked with the Event Horizon Telescope cooperation and delivered the world’s first picture of black hole. Nearly 25,000 students are studying in UCL and academic staffs are around 4000 in number. It is a well-trained and reputed college in London and the students work towards maintaining environmental transparency.
Imperial College London
Imperial College London is one of the outstanding colleges in London for science, development, building, medicine, and business. It is the consolidation of three colleges in London and now has 15,200 students and 8,000 staff. Imperial College London comprises of more than 125 nationalities.
Most of the students from this famous college in London are Nobel Prize winners, top scientists, Fields medallists, and convincing government instructors and policymakers. Various alumni are appointed in highly reputed industries or else they have the capability to start their own business and are searched by blue-chip associations and new organizations. 3,300 academic and research staff are working in Imperial and nearly 13,500 students are doing their degrees.
Kings College London
Kings college London is the 3rd oldest college in London. It is the public research university and is probably the biggest community for graduate and post-graduate studies in biomedical and medical research in Europe and it has six centres of Medical Research Councils. Also, King’s College does not charge any educational fees from students of exchange programs. So, it comes under one of the best colleges in London.
Kings College has acquired its reputation by giving quality education among other colleges in London. Our enthusiastic mentors are seen inside their master fields and we instruct our students in small sizes, with a lot of social collaboration among students and instructors. Kings college in London holds around 25,500 students and 6,100 academic staffs.
London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
London School of Economics and Political Science is a public research college that was established in 1895 by three Fabian Society Members. When compared to other colleges in London, it is the only college that provides practical experience in social science education. LSE is one of the top colleges in London which offers training and research opportunities even in reasoning, history, statistics, and arithmetic.
Compared to other famous colleges in London, the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) has the most imperative degree for international students, at 70 for every penny. The school has explicit characteristics in law, economics, history, hypothesis and legislative issues. Extensively, budgetary researchers at the LSE have a long-time prior debate with researchers at Cambridge.
Queen Mary, University of London
Well known as QMUL, Queen Mary is a public research college that was set up in 1882. QMUL offers concentrates in three resources – science and designing, sociologies, and humanities. It likewise gives 21 departmental in medicine and dentistry at the London School of Medicine and Dentistry in Barts. Queen Mary’s college in London does not charge an educational fee from students on Erasmus and non-EU programs.
Queen Mary’s college in London offers student a high-quality learning condition. There are different courses available in Hospitality Management, Business Accounting, Business Marketing and full-time degree programs. There are 4,000 academic staff and around 15,000 students are studying in QMCL.
Is it true that you are still confused to locate the famous colleges in London? London offers incredibly famous education system with capabilities that can have a genuine effect to your future. We trust that this article has had the option to give you a rundown of the best colleges in London and famous colleges in London for your higher education course and degree course.
Guide To The Top Universities In London
Here’s our full guide on the top universities in London. We have curated a list of high-ranking universities in London which offer quality education.
Best Universities in London for Business and MBA
University College London
(UCL) has 20 Business-related courses and is ranked number two in London for the subject. The prestigious university was established in 1826 and has earned its reputation for being one of the world’s leading research institutes. UCL ranks among the top ten global universities, which is why it is among our picks for the best Business schools in London.
City, University of London
CUL) has a diverse range of Business courses to choose from, including 16 undergraduate programmes and a number of MBA courses. Located in the heart of London, CUL offers programmes with a professional placement year, giving students exposure to the business world and good graduate prospects.
Best Universities in London for Computer Science
Imperial College London offers 12 courses in Computer Science which includes cutting edge subjects such as Artificial Intelligence and Information Engineering. One of the most prestigious universities in the country, Imperial is a great choice for prospective computer science students.
Royal Holloway, University of London has 27 Computer Science courses that allow students the option to undertake a placement year to gain first-hand experience working in the industry. Royal Holloway is known for its research and good graduate prospects. Flexible degree options allow students to find the best course that suits their passions and interests.
Best Universities in London for Engineering
Imperial College London has over ten Engineering courses in civil engineering, aeronautical engineering, chemical engineering, and more. Imperial is well-known for its research output in a number of engineering disciplines.
London South Bank University has over 20 courses in engineering and technology. Located in south London, the university’s courses are focused on the application of knowledge in the industry and has good links to the industry. Professional accreditation and industry placement opportunities are part of their solid programme that creates highly employable graduates.
Best Universities in London for Law
King’s College London has six courses in law, including an LLB programme and comparative law programmes that examine legal systems around the world. King’s has five campuses located across London, providing students with easy access to the city for a culturally immersed experience while studying here.
SOAS University of London offers 12 courses in law, providing students with the opportunity to study cultures and to learn a foreign language alongside their legal studies. SOAS is located within walking distance of the famous West End and is surrounded by a number of museums and art galleries making this a great place for students who love the city.
Best Universities in London for Psychology
Queen Mary University of London is a top research university that has three programmes in psychology. Students can maximise their experience at Queen Mary with the option of programmes with professional experience or a year abroad.
The University of West London is a great option for those interested in psychology and its application in criminology. It has eight programmes in psychology that allows graduates to pursue a career in counselling, forensic psychology, or in criminology. The University of West London ranks among the top universities for student satisfaction which is an indicator of good teaching and course quality.
How to Apply to Study at a University in London?
Step 1: Choose A University
The first step is to look for popular and high-ranking Universities in the UK that offer courses you are interested in. Refer to the table above to start your search. Here are some things to consider when applying:
- Location
- Employability/Graduate prospects
- Fees
- Entry requirements
- University Ranking
Step 2: Preparations
Once you have narrowed down the search to your top five universities, the first step is to prepare necessary documents and forms. This includes school leaving certificates, exam results, the UCAS application form and a written Personal Statement, among other documents that may be required.
Step 3: Submit UCAS Application
The application process for UK universities differs from local universities as applications go through an organisation known as UCAS, the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. UCAS handles all admission applications to UK universities, including those submitted by international candidates like you.
To ensure a better chance of getting accepted, it is important that you prepare all the necessary documents and fill out all forms correctly. We also recommend that you apply for multiple universities simultaneously to ensure that you get your preferred offers.
UK University Entry Requirements
Here are some of the common entry requirements and tests a student has to pass before being accepted at a UK university to study.
English Language Test requirement – such as IELTS or TOEFL.
Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland for Scottish Universities)
Health checks.
Entrance interviews.
Personal statement. This is a supporting document and part of your application to a UK university. Usually, you will write about what you hope to achieve studying at the course, what you plan to do after graduating and why you are applying for this specific university.
Having been ranked at the foremost top of the QS Student Cities 2019, London is one of the great capital cities and the UK’s centre of academic excellence along with the hub of various industries from finance and business, to arts and culture, music and much more! Here are the best universities in London as the QS World University Rankings 2022 and University League Tables 2021:
University | QS World University Rankings 2022 Global Rank | QS World University Rankings 2021 London Rank | University League Tables 2021 |
Imperial College London | 8 | 1 | 5 |
University College London | 7 | 2 | 10 |
London School of Economics and Political Science | 49 | 3 | 4 |
King’s College London | 35 | 4 | 20 |
Queen Mary University of London | 114 | 5 | 35 |
Royal Holloway University of London | =334 | 6 | 24 |
Birkbeck, University of London | =332 | 7 | – |
SOAS University of London | =391 | 8 | 37 |
City University of London | 9 | 57 | |
Brunel University London | =351 | 10 | 84 |
10 more universities in London for international students
- University of Greenwich
- University of East London
- Middlesex University
- London South Bank University
- University of West London
- Royal College of Art
- Regent’s University London
- London Metropolitan University
- London South Bank University
- Ravensbourne University London
- University of Westminster
Let’s explore some of these prominent universities in London in further detail:
Did you know? London is truly a land of scholars and academicians with more than 800 bookshops and over 325 public libraries!
University College London
As the first university in the country which welcomed women to university admissions as well as students of all religion or social backgrounds, the University College London is home to around 18,000 international students from more than 150 countries. Its global vision lies in transforming the ways and perceptions through which the world is comprehended as well as the creation of knowledge and problem-solving. The university has a total of 11 faculties and offers more than 440 undergraduate and 670 postgraduate programs. Amongst the best universities in London, UCL focuses on world-impacting research, is home to an internationally acclaimed faculty and has 29 Nobel Laureates. The most popular programs at UCL include:
MBA in UK Without Work Experience
King’s College London
Established in the year 1829, King’s College London is one of the oldest academic institutions in the country and is renowned for academic excellence and cutting-edge research opportunities. Ranked top 50 universities in the world in both QS and THE University Rankings 2020, King’s College London is also a member of the prestigious Russell Group Universities and has five campuses in the city. Featuring at the top of our list of best universities in London, KCL is an all-inclusive university and is home to students from across 150 countries in the world. Here are the major sought-after courses offered by King’s College London:
- BSc Business Management
- MSc International Management
- MPharm Hons.
Did you know? London is the world’s third busiest film production centre with over 14,000 ‘shooting days and has been in iconic movies like Harry Potter, A Clockwork Orange, James Bond, Sherlock Holmes and K3G!
Imperial College London
A public research university, Imperial College London has consistently ranked in the top universities of the world. A fusion of education, culture and opportunities, it is an unrivalled place to pursue educational degrees. With its exclusive focus on Business, Medicine, Engineering and Science, ICL has some of the most diverse student communities in the country and is home to international students from more than 130 countries. Considered as one of the best research universities in London, Imperial College London has also been honoured with the Gold Teaching Excellence Framework and some of the choicest programs are:
- Full-time MBA
- BSc Biotechnology
- MSc Computing (Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning)
- MSc Business Analytics
- MSc Physics
London School of Economics and Political Science
As a specialist university offering academic programs in Social Sciences, London School of Economics and Political Sciences is considered a pioneer for imparting university education in Economics, Anthropology and International Relations. It offers a new revolutionary approach to study social sciences in a very real setting making it an engrossing and stimulating experience. With a student community from 140 countries, the school also provides specialised programs in statistics, environment, mathematics, philosophy, law, geography and more. Some of the prominent courses offered by LSE are:
- MSc Economics
- MSc Data Science
- BSc Management
- MSc Political Sociology
Did you know? There are over 192 museums like the British Museum, Museum of London and Natural History Museum in London!
School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) London
A public research university established in 1916, School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) is amongst the top global universities in the UK and welcomes the brightest minds passionate about modern world issues. Another specialist university in our list of best universities in London, SOAS offers numerous courses specialising in the study of languages, cultures and societies of the Near and Middle East, Africa as well as Asia. Widening the horizon of its scholars, SOAS provides a world-centric curriculum which helps in creating ideas about places in Asia, Africa and other less explored places which often do not form a part of the global education. Its engrossing courses attract students from all over the world making it an ideal place to explore the nuances of the globe. Here are the popular courses at SOAS London:
- MSc Finance and Financial Law
- BA Hons in African Studies and Development Studies
- BA Hons in Arabic and Islamic Studies
Understanding the UK Grading System
Birbeck, University of London
One of the most diverse universities in the UK, Birbeck, University of London is a research-based university and has also awarded Silver in the Teaching Excellence Framework. It is one of the few universities in London which offers full-length degrees with evening courses along with visa and loan flexibility for daytime study. Take a look at the major courses offered by Birbeck, University of London:
- Bachelor of Information Systems and Management
- MSc in Management with International Business
- Master of Science in Data Analytics
Brunell University
Established in 1966, Brunel University is located in Uxbridge. It is a non-profit higher education institution. It offers various degrees in bachelors, masters and doctorate programs. The admission rate here in 60-70%. It can be said that it is a selective institution. Brunel university provides hostel facility to international students. The university has a host of subjects inclusive of Aerospace Engineering, Digital Media, Anthropology, Journalism, Law, etc. Some of the most popular courses taught here are:
- MBA
- MEM
- BTech
- BSc
Did you know? London is one of the most diverse cities in the world, people from across the world live and speak over 300 languages!
Queen Mary University of London
A Russel Group university located in the heart of London, Queen Mary University of London is amongst the top-ranked universities in the world. Established back in 1887, the university offers students a unique experience of UK campus life in the heart of London city. QMUL is a leading research institute with 200-degree programmes, foundational courses as well as online courses like Data Science, Accounting and Management, Data Analytics, LLM specialisations, Law, Big Data and more. Some popular courses are
- MBA
- MSc
- LLM